3 1833 01585 6484
Gc 929. 102 R252G
Gl_A5GDW7 W. MEL-ANCTHON 1856"
1909.
History of the Reformed
Presbyterian church . . .
H ISTORY
Reformed Presbyterian ^tiurcti
A. ]VI E R I C A :
WITH SKETCHES OF ALL HER MINISTRY, CONGREGATIONS.
MISSIONS, INSTITUTIONS. PUBLICATIONS. Etc.,
AND EMBELLISHED WITH OVER
FIFTY PORTRAITS AND
ENGRAVINGS.
BY
W. MELANCTHON GLASGOW,
BALTIMORE. MD.
BALTIMORE :
HILL & HARVEY, Publishers.
iSSS.
iyi«n CouRJy Pub'ir i:!;r:r/
ft. Woyne, Indiana
Undertaken with the approval of the Synod of the Reformed
Presbyterian Church in America, and by a resolution passed in its
session at Newburgh, New York. June S. iSSy.
COPYRIGHTED B'
W. M. Glasgc
PRESS OF
FiDDis. Beattv & C(
Balti.more. Md.
PREFACE
If UMAN history will not be complete until man has
J I arrived at his destination to give in the final testi-
mony. Among the man\- millions of human beings,
however, who have come. li\-ed, and gone from earth.
there have always been some to fight the battles of right
and to maintain the truth of God against error. Before
passing hence, each generation of Christians built its stone
of remembrance into the rising structure of the Church
of God, and will continue to do so until the gilded dome
of this divine institution shall penetrate the hea\-ens.
Recognizing this fact, no apology is made by the author
for presenting to the members and friends of the Re-
formed Presbyterian Church this contribution to her
history, and offering this stone of remembrance upon her
two hundredth anniversary. No histor)- of this Church
has been written, although detached sketches have been
printed in the magazines of the Church by the venerable
historiographers, the Revs. Drs. James R. Willson and
Thomas SprouU. This work is an attempt to place upon
record an impartial, authentic, and continuous history of
the Reformed Presbyterian Church in America. It in-
cludes, also, a biographical sketch and notice of every
ordained minister and licentiate who has in any way been
iv PREFACE.
I
I connected with the Church in America. In this depart-
ment, free use was made of memoirs of the older min-
i isters, and the author did not study to avoid using the
e.xact language of the biographers where the event re-
I lated was important, or where the sentiment expressed
suited his purpose. Most of the sketches, however, were
obtained directly from the families and descendants of
the subjects, the dates being carefully compared v.-ith the
ecclesiastical records, and are given as practically correct.
The living ministry have answered for themselves, and
delicacy forbade them speaking at length. Wherever a
life was out of tune, the chords have been touched as
softly as could be done in order to retain the truth and
yet cause the whole strain to be heard with profit. The
Church has chosen her own Moderators of Synods, and
these have been selected as the fairest representatives of
the Church and subjects for portraits, so far as the like-
nesses could be obtained. All the Moderators appear
but five, and these never had any pictures taken, viz. :
James Blackwood, John Cannon, William Gibson, John
Kell and Robert Lusk. Some of the original pictures
were in a very bad condition, and these portraits are
pronounced excellent considering the old faded cards,
oil paintings, and daguerreotypes, from which they were
made. They were photographed several times before they
were made into copper plates of a uniform size. The
"Ives Process," by Crosscup and West, Philadelphia, a
new invention, was the only one that could give a true
likeness at a reasonable price. These fifty illustrations
have greatly added to the expense, but correspondingly
enhanced the value of the book, which every reader
PREFACE. V
will appreciate. The best ei^ect will be received by
holding the portrait at a little distance from the eyes.
Distance generally lends enchantment. This work con-
tains, furthermore, a sketch of every living and e.xtinct
congregation ; its location, date of organization, successive
pastors, and the names of some of the prominent mem-
bers. It also contains a history of every Alission con-
ducted by the Church, as well as the Theological and
Literary Institutions, Catalogue of Students not com-
pleting the course in the Seminary of the Church, a
Chronological List of Synods, and the INIagazines and
Papers conducted in the interests of the Church and
by her members.
The facts comprising much of the local history were
obtained from magazine sketches, and often the mem-
ones of old members furnished interesting data. Much
information of dates was obtained from the original and
printed records of the Church. Many of the latter were
found in ancient musty pamphlets which the tidy house-
wife had consigned to oblivion in the old trunk in the
garret. These were perseveringly brought to light from
all parts of the Church, and used in furnishing material
for this volume. The principal authorities consulted in
the historical introduction were : '■ Hetherington's History
of the Church of Scotland;" "Wodrow's History of the
Sufferings of the Church of Scotland;" "Reid's History
of the Presbyterian Church of Ireland;" "Testimonies
of the Reformed Presbyterian Church in Scotland, Ireland
and America;" "Sprague's Annals of the American Pul-
pit;" "Lathan's History of the Associate Reformed Synod
of the South;" '-Scouller's Manual of the United Presby-
terian Church-" "Dr. Sproull's Historical Sketches," and
minor works and pamphlets found in the Congressional
Library at Washington.
To the many kind friends in Europe and America who
have aided in the preparation of this volume, the author
returns his sincere thanks, and asks their pardon for the
liberty he was compelled to take in condensing and cor-
recting some of the sketches. He was under special
obligation to the late Mrs. Rebecca Junkin, of St-uben-
ville, Ohio, for the loan of a copy of the original diary
kept by the Rev. John Cuthbertson ; to the late Rev.
Dr. John Forsj-the for references ; to the Rev. Dr. J. B.
Scouller for rare documents and references ; and to Drs.
i Thomas Sproull, T. W. J. Wylie, Josias A. Chancellor,
I Revs. J. W. Sproull, D. B. Willson, C. D. Trumbull,
! J. C. K. Milligan, R. M. Sommerville, D. S. Paris, Henry
! Easson, A. M. Stavely, Robert Dunlop, and Messrs.
i S. R. Burns, J. C. McMillan, W. N. Elder, Dr. S. B. W.
I McLeod, and others, for numerous favors. It is a grat-
' ification to know that among the many hundreds of
j letters received, no less touching and kind were those
I from ministers who have gone out from the Reformed
' Presbyterian Church, thus showing that the\' have not
I forgotten the home of their birth and training, and to
I which they are much indebted. The manuscript prepared
! for the composition of this book was sufficient to make
I two volumes each of the present size, and the copy had
: to be cut down about one-half in order that the whole
j scope of the contemplated work might be included in one
i volume of reasonable size and price,
i This work is far from being perfect, and the writer is
just as cognizant of that fact as any of his critics.
Indeed the result of his work gives little evidence of
the time and labor expended upon it, and he only regrets
that abler hands had not at an earlier period gathered
and published what is attempted in this volume. If
there is any eloquence in this book, it is that of facts
and not scntiinent. While it has been a labor of years,
it has also been a labor of love. While it has been a
real task, it has also been a great pleasure to gather up
these leaves of history which had been blown in all direc-
tions ; to remove them from their otherwise unnoticeable
destiny; to place them in a bundle by arranging the
stems of events one upon the other; to unfold the incom-
plete parts by explanation ; to tie them together with
the cord of publication ; and now hang them upon the
wall of memory for preservation in the homes of the
friends of the Covenants. And, finally, the author feels
that he will be doubly compensated for the pains he has
taken, should his imperfect work prove acceptable and
interesting to those for whom it has been gathered, and
to whom it is now affectionately dedicated.
W. AI. GLASGOW^
Baltimore. Md., June. iSSS.
Table of Contents.
HISTORICAL INTRODUCTION.
Rise of Covenanter Church — Claims — Ancient Covenanting Socie-
ties— Position of early Christian Church — Presbyterian
form of Government — Matter of worship — Persecuted by
Jewish bigotry — Constantine establishes Christianity — De-
fection— Prelacy — Papacy — Faithful witnesses — Columba —
Culdees — Waldenses — Albigenses — Persecution — Banish-
ment— First Reformation — Covenants — German reformers
— Protestants — Pope at London— Church of England —
Puritans — Dissenters — Reformation in Scotland — Covenan-
ters— Scottish reformers — Knox — Covenants — Popery ban-
ished— Presbyterianism established — National Covenant —
Duty of Nations — Reformation overthrown — Episcopacy
established — Liturgy — Use of Covenants — Covenants re-
newed — Presbyterianism restored — High attainments —
Purest days — Westminster Assembly— Church Standards —
Solemn League and Covenant — Its importance — Its ne-
cessity—Its unjust criticism — James swears the Covenant
— Second Reformation attainments — Object of the Cov-
enanter Church— Defection — Covenants broken — Invasion
of Hamilton— Treachery of Charles 11— His exile— Crom-
well— Charles II recalled — Killing times — Prelacy restored
— Terrible persecution of Covenanters— Testimony of Cov-
enanters— Ejected Ministers — Defence of Martyrs — Bold
Declarations — Ministers executed^Destitute condition —
Ministerial help — Revolution settlement — Unsatisfactory to
Covenanters — Their protests — Defection of Ministers —
'Without a Ministry — John McMillan joins the Cov-
enanters— Others espouse the cause— Associate Presbytery
— Constitution of the Reformed Presbytery — Testimonies
emitted in Scotland and Ireland — Covenanters in America.
Pages T
TABLE OF COXTEXTS.
POSITION OF CHURCH.
Terms of Communion in the Reformed Presbyterian Church of
America — Position of this Church in America — Dissent
from the Constitution of the United States — Reasons for
it — Moral support — Reformers — Church and State — Na-
tional Reform Association — Covenanter Church a necessity
— Social Covenanting — Secret Societies — Psalmody — Music
— Forms of Church — Unpopular position — Fidelity to Truth.
Pages
ORGANIC HISTORY.
Persecution of Covenanters — First Settlement in America — Rev
.Alexander Craighead — His acceptance of Covenanter
principles — He leads them in Covenanting — Rev. John
Cuthbertson— Condition of Societies — Rev. Ale.\ander
McDowell— Rev. Daniel McClelland— Rev, William Martin
— Revs. Matthew Linn and Alexander Dobbin — Consti-
tution of the First Reformed Presbytery in .\merica —
Revolutionary War — Covenanters were Whigs — Mecklenberg
Declaration of Independence — Declaration of Octorara —
Writer of National Declaration — Covenanters favor Re-
public— Loyal to the Colonies — William Martin and the
British — His imprisonment — Cause in the South — Consti-
tution defective— Infidelity — Enthusiasm of Covenanters —
Church Union — Seceders — Position of .Associate Church —
Inconsistent with their beliefs — Agitating a Union — For-
mation of Associate Reformed Church — Defection of
Covenanter Ministers — Sentiments of Rev. Matthew Linn
— Basis of Union — Members of new body — William
Martin — Defection in Associate Reformed Church — Cove-
nanters formed into Societies — Rev. James Reid sent
from Scotland — Rev James McGarragh — Rev. William
King — Rev. James McKinney — Scottish Committee — In-
surrection in Ireland — Emigrants to America — Covenan-
ters, not "United Irishmen" — Rev. William Gibson — Con-
stitution of Reformed Presbytery — Position of dissent
from United States Constitution — Slaveholders e.xcluded —
Slavery in the South — Commissioner to Europe — Emis-
sion of Testimony — Dissenting Presbytery desire Union —
Deliverance on the Jury question— Draught of Covenant —
Terms of Communion — Book of Discipline — Directory for
• Worship — Theological Seminary — Synod Constituted —
War of 1S12— Oath— Defenders of Country— Dr. McLeod's
War Sermons — .Argumentative part of the Testimony —
X TABLE OF CO.VTE.VTS
Proposal for Covenanting — Sitting on Juries — Old Law
sustained — Formation of General Synod — Action on Slavery
and Secrecy — Correspondence with Presbyterian Church —
Criticism of Associate Church — Civil relations — Free Dis-
cussion— New Light on important subjects — Division of the
Church — The real issue — Historical position maintained
by the majority — Testimony on the subject — Sessional
Records— Constitutional Law — Pastoral Letter — Publication
of dangerous Documents — Some abandon principles — Check
put to defection — Pru re nain meeting of Eastern Sub-
ordinate Synod — Ministers suspended and libeled — In-
subordination to Church Courts — Disorderly Congregational
proceedings in New York — Regular meeting of Eastern
Subordinate Synod — Parties withdraw — They are cited
and suspended — General Synod of 1S33 — A disturbance
by suspended Ministers — Synod constituted in another
Church — New School body organized — Comparison of
Terms of Communion — New School body abandon dis-
tinctive principles — Omit important paragraphs in Tes-
timony— Fail to bring up Testimony to meet present
evils — Their name a misnomer — Declension of Ne'v
School body — Position of the Reformed Presbyterian
Church— Retains the old position — Faithful applica
principles — Names erased from the roll — Ed
young men — Flourishing condition of the Church — Atti
tude towards the Colonization Society — Publication o
important Documents^Organization of Theological Sera
I ^ inary — Seminaries at Coldenham and Allegheny — Slavery
I . question — Decline to attend a Convention of Churches —
i Allegheny Seminary — Missions— Defection of two Ministers —
j Voluntary Associations — The liquor traffic — The Deacon
question— Educational interests — Correspondence with
sister Synods in Europe — Draft of Covenant — New Min-
isters and organizations — Mission operations — The Deacon
controversy — Board of Domestic Missions — Change of
I Seminary — Foreign Mission — Election of Missionaries — Es-
j tablishment of Geneva Hall and Westminster College —
I Defection of Foreign Missionary — Hayti Mission abandoned
— The Church and Slavery— Change of Theological Sem-
I inary — Suspension of Seminary — Fugitive Slave Law —
I Rev. William Wilson — Temperance — Conference with New
I School body — Missionaries— Organization of Seminary at
Allegheny — Slavery — Elective affinity — Basis of union with
New School body — Union never effected — Basis of union
i • with United Presbyterian Church— Addition to Testimony
— Abolitionists — Memorials to Congress — War of the Rebel-
lion— Attitude of the Church — Missions in the South — State
TABLE OF COXTEXTS.
of the Country — Army Oath — Covenanters for the Union —
National Reform Association — Visit the President — Duty of
the Nation — Close of the War — Voting for Amendments —
Paper established — Holding Office in Canada — Education of
Colored race — Jury question — Geneva Hall — Sabbath
Schools — Secret Societies — Signing of Covenant — The Cove-
nant— Memorial Building — Homestead Oath — Allegheny
Seminary — Grangers — National Reform — Exchange of Pul-
pits— Conference with New School body — Various deliver-
ances— Church Fellowship — Removal of Geneva College —
— Covenanting — Temperance — Secrecy — Voting on Amend-
ments— National Reform — Baptism — Tokens — Deliverance
on voting on Amendments — Conference with Psalm-singing
Churches— Offerings — Hymns — Secret Societies — Tobacco
— Knights of Labor — Conducting public worship— Elec-
tion of Theological Seminary Professor — Students preach-
ing— Pastoral Letter — Jury Act — Condition of Church — Bi-
centenary. Pages
COXGREGATIONS AXD SOCIETIES.
MARITIxME PROVINCES.
St. John — Bamesville — Mill Stream — Moncton — Other Preaching
Stations— Amherst — Horton — Cornwallis — Wilmot. Pages. 165-173
NEW ENGLAND.
Houlton — New Hampshire — Ryegate — Barnet — Craftsbury — Top-
sham — Saint Johnsbury — Lowell — Boston — Connecticut.
Pages 175-186
CAN.ADA WEST.
Ramsey — Perth — Carlston Place — Lochiel — Oneida — Hamilton —
Gait — Guelph — Toronto — Morpeth. Pages 137-193
NEW YORK.
New York City — Brooklyn — Newburgh—Coldenham—Argyle —
Troy — Lansingburgh — .Albany — Schenectady— Duanesburgh
— Princetown — Galway — Milton — Broad .Albin — Johnstown
— Utica — New Hartford — Milford — Kortright — Bovina —
Walton — Colchester — White Lake — Syracuse — Rochester —
Buffalo— York— Caledonia— Galen— Clyde— Sterling — Lis-
bon. Pages 193-228
NEW JERSEY'.
Perth .\mboy — Persecution of Covenanters — Names of first Cove-
nanters in .America — Their Covenant and Testimony — Their
treatment — Dangerous voyage — Settlement in New Jersey —
228-235
Paterson — Newark. Page
xii TABLE OF CONTEN-TS.
DELAWARE.
Wilmington. P.\ge 235
PENNSYLVANIA.
Philadelphia — Cumberland Valley — Milton — Octorara— Muddy
Run — Pequea — Donegal — Colerain — Paxtang — Derry —
Lower Chanceford — Rock Creek — Junkin Tent — Carlisle —
Rocky Spring — Scotland — Green Castle — Conococheague —
Congregational Meetings — Rules — Certificates — Vari-
ous meetings — Petition to Ireland — Rev. James Mc-
Kinney — Societies — Dicipline — Cause in Cumberland Valley
— Ballibay — Clarksburgh — Bear Run and Mahoning —
Salem — Rehoboth — New Alexandria — Greensburgh — Brook-
land — Parnassus — Middletown —Pine Creek— Union— Oil
City — Oil Creek — Adamsville— Springfield— Centreville—
Shenango — Slippery Rock — New Castle — Little Beaver —
Beaver Falls— Pittsburgh — East End — Allegheny — Wilkins-
burgh — McKeesport — Monongahela — Miller's Run. Pages. 235-312
WEST VIRGINIA.
Middle Wheeling. Pages 312-313
OHIO
Youngstown — Greenfield — Londonderry — North Salem — Browns-
ville— New Concord — Muskingum — Tomica — Jonathan's
Creek — Utica — Mansfield — Sandusky — Miami — Rushsyl-
vania — Bellefontaine — Belle Centre — Macedon — Cedar-
ville — Xenia — Brush Creek — Beech Woods — Cincinnati.
Pages 313-333
MICHIGAN,
f Cedar Lake— Detroit— Novi—Southfield—Fairgrove. Pages 333-335
INDIANA.
Garrison — Indianapolis — Walnut Ridge — Princeton — Bloomington
—Lake Eliza. Pages 335-34=
I ILLINOIS.
I Old Bethel — Bethel — Church Hill — Elkhorn — Staunton. Pages... 342-346
I WISCONSIN.
I Vernon — Waupaca. Pages 346-348
! MINNESOTA.
EUiota— St. Paul — Lake Reno — Alexandria — Round Prairie. Pages 348-350
IOWA,
i Sharon — Kossuth — Linn Grove — Morning Sun — Rehoboth — Wash-
- ington — Burlington — Davenport — Hopkinton — Grove Hill —
Hickory Grove — Walnut City — Clarinda — Long Branch,
i Pages 350-358
TABLE OF COXTEXTS. xiii
MISSOURI.
St. Louis— Sylvania — Cameron — Kansas City. P.\ges 358-360
KANSAS.
Olathe — Pleasant Ridge — Winchester— North Cedar— Eskridge—
Hebron— Tabor— Jewell— Holmwood— Sterling— Rochester
— Quinter— Burdett. P.ages 360-364
NEBRASKA.
Wahoo— Superior— Beulah—Eckley. P.^ges 364-365
COLORADO.
Evans— La Junta— Denver. P.«>ges 365-366
WASHINGTON TERRITORY.
Sunnydale — Kent. P.^ge
CALIFORNIA.
Oakland— Santa Anna. Page
366
366-367
COVENAxNTERISM IN THE SOUTH.
MARYLAND.
Baltimore. Pages 368-375
VIRGINIA.
Suffolk. Page 3^5
TENNESSEE.
Hephzibah- Duck River— Rodgersville. Pages 375-377
ALABAMA.
Selma — Camden. Pages ,,., ,_q
377-373
GEORGIA.
Louisville. Page
Charlotte— Statesville. Pages 3-3
37S
NORTH CAROLINA
378-379
SOUTH CAROLINA.
Chester District— Mrs. Ellefs Sketch— War of Revolution-
Martin's Preaching— Preaching places— Names of old
families— Sepulchres— Slavery— Cause of emigration— Cov-
enanterism extinct in the South. P.^ges 379-398
THE CONGREGATIONS.
Alphabetically arranged. Pages.
399-429
TABLE OF CONTEXTS-
THE MINISTRY
OF Portraits,
Beattie. Joseph
Black, John
Bowden, Samuel
Carlisle, Samuel
Christie, James
Crawford, S, \V
Crozier, John
Dodds, R. J
Donnelly, Thomas...,
Faris, D. S
Galbraith, John
George, H. H
Gibson, John
Gibson, Robert
Gregg, David
Johnston, J. B
Kennedy, James
Mc.-Mlister, David....
McClurkin, H. P
McCracken, Joseph..
McKee, C. B
McKee, David
McLeod, Alexander.
McMaster, Gilbert...
4S4
487
49S
509
513
517
519
531
547
559
575
5S1
5S5
597
599
6og
617
Metheny, David 624
Milligan, A. M 62S
Milligan, James 631
Milligan, J. C. K 633
Milroy, William 635
Roberts. W. L 655
Roney, Moses 659
Scott, David 663
Sloane, J. R. W 673
SprouU, Thomas 6S2
Sterrett, Samuel 6go
Stevenson, Andrew 691
Stevenson, T. P 695
Stott. John 699
Thompson, J. R "o*^
Trumbull, CD 709
Wallace, James 711
WiUson, D. B 720
WiUson, J. M 7^1
WiUson, J. R 7:2
Willson. S. M 728
Wylie, P. H 736
Wylie, Samuel 73S
Wylie, S. B 74'
Wylie, S. 0 74-
SKETCHES OF MINISTERS.
.•\cheson, T. H 430
Acheson, W. A 43°
Allen, J. S 431
Allen, Nathaniel 432
Allen, R. C 433
Allen, T. J 433
Allen, W. C 434
Armour, J. M 434
Bayles, JO 435
Beattie, Joseph 436
Beattie, J. M 437
Black, A. W 43S
Black, John 440
Black, John, Jr 442
Black, J. A 442
Blackwood, James 443
Boggs, J. H 445
Bovard, J. A. F 445
Bowden, Samuel 446
Boyd, J, C 447
Boyd, P. P 443
Brown, James 449
Buck, J, S 449
Cannon, John 451
Cannon, R. B
ther
452
W, W 453
>le. J. Y 454
sle, Samuel 454
TABLE OF COXTEXTS
Carson, J. F 456
Christie. James 456
Clarke. Ale.xander 459
Clyde. Robert 460
Coleman. E. M 461
Coleman. W. J 461
Conner. 3. G 462
Cooper. Ebenezer 463
Coulter. D. H 464
Craighead, Alexander 464
Crawford. John 46S
Crawford, S. W 470
Crowe. A. D 471
Crowe. S.J 473
Crozier. John 473
Crozier. John F 475
Crozier. John M 475
Cuthbertson. John 476
Dauerty. W. M 479
Dickson. J. M 479
Dill. J. W 4S1
Dobbin, Alexander 4S1
Dodds. Josiah 483
Dodds, R. J 4S4
Donnelly. Thomas 4S7
Douglas, James 489
Easson. Henry 49:
Elder. T. M 492
Elliot. G. M 493
Elsey. E. G 494
Engles, W. M 494
Ewing. G. T 496
Faris. D C 49S
Faris. D. S 498
Faris. Isaiah 499
Faris. James 500
Faris. J. C. K 501
Faris. J. M 502
Finley. J. M 503
Fisher. John 503
Foster. F. M 505
Foster. J. M 505
French. John 506
French. J. C. B 507
Fulton. W. S 507
Gailey. Francis 508
Galbraith. John 509
Galbraith. S. R 510
Gault. MA 511
Gayley. S. M 512
George. Henry 513
George. R. J 514
George. S- A 515
George. W. F 516
Gibson. John 517
Gibson. Robert 51S
Gibson. William 521
Gill. Jonathan 524
Gillespie. W. J 525
Glasgow. WM 52S
Graham. David 527
Graham. John 529
Graham. William...'. 53°
Gregg. David 53°
Guthrie. T. C 53'
Hamilton. Joseph 533
Hanna. Thomas ■ 334
Hargrave. Ruther 535
Hawthorne. Hugh 535
Hawthorne. John 536
Henderson. Joseph 537
Hill. J. R 53S
Holmes. John 539
Hood. John 540
Hunter. Joseph 541
Huston. J. J 54-
Hutcheson. Robert 542
Jerridinia. Jacoub 544
Johnston. Archibald 544
Johnston. A. W 546
Johnston. J. B 547
Johnston. J. M 549
Johnston. J. R 550
Johnston. Lewis 551
Johnston. N. M 55^
Johnston. X. R 553
Johnson. Robert 554
Johnston. S. D 556
Johnston. W. P 556
Kell. John 557
Kennedy. George 55S
Kennedy, James 559
Kennedy. Joshua 560
Kilpatrick. Alexander 560
TABLE OF CO.VTEXTS.
King. William 561
Laird, W.R 562
Latimer. J. R 563
Lawson. J. R 563
Linn. Matthew 564
Little, John 566
Love, James 567
Lusk, Robert 56S
Lynd, John 570
Madden, Campbell 570
Martin, D, C
Martin, William 572
McAllister, David 574
McAuley, John
McBurney, G. R
McCartney, John
McClelland, Daniel 57S
McClurkin, A. W 579
McClurkin, H. P 5S0
McClurkin, J.J 580
McClurkin, J. K 5S2
McClurkin, S. R 582
McClurkin, T. Z 583
"McConnell, Thomas 5S3
McCracken, Joseph 584
McCready, R. H
McCuUough. Boyd
McDonald. J. M
McDowell, Alexander
McElhinney. J. M
McFall, David
McFall, Thomas 390
McFarland, Armour 591
McFarland, A. J
McFarland, Joseph
McFarland, William
McFeeters, James
McGarragh, James
McKee, C. B ,
McKee, David
McKee, J. A ,
McKee, Robert ,
McKinney, James 600
McKinney, Robert 604
McKinney, Samuel 605
McKinney, William 606
McLachlane, James 5o6
592
96
McLeod, Alexander 608
McLeod, J. N 611
McMaster, A. S 612
McMaster, ED 614
McMaster, Gilbert 616
McMaster, John 619
McMillan, Gavin 620
McMillan, Hugh 621
McMillan, W. W 623
McNaugher, J. W. 624
Metheny, David 625
Middleton, John 626
Milligan, A. M., Sr 627
Milligan, A. M., Jr 629
Milligan, E. M 630
Milligan, James 630
Milligan, J. C. K 632
Milligan, J. R.J 633
Milligan, J. S. T 634
Milligan, O. B 635
Milroy, William 635
Milroy, William 636
Milroy, W. M ....'. 637
Montgomery, Andrew 638
Montgomery, R. C 639
Morton, J. W 639
Neill, James 641
Neill, William 642
Newell. J. R 643
Xewell. John 644
Orr, R. G 645
Patton, James 646
Patton. Thomas 646
Pinkertcn, J. L 647
Pinkerton. W. A 647
Pollock. J. T 648
Reed. H. W 648
Reed. Robert 649
Reed. R. C 650
Reid. Daniel 650
Reid. James 651
Reilly. John 653
Rice. John 654
Robb. T. P 655
Roberts. W, L 655
Robinson. Samuel 657
Roney. Moses 658
TABLE OF COXTK.VTS.
Rusk. T. A
Samson, \V L. C
Scott, David
Scott, George
Shanks, W. M
Sharp, BM
Sharpe, R ]
Shaw, D J
Shaw, J. \V
Shaw,.S, G
Shields, Robert
Slater, William
Sloane, J. R. \V
Sloane, William
Smith, E. M
Smith, J. C
Sommerville. R M
Sommerville, William.,
Speer, J. A
SprouU, J. W
SprouU, R. D
Sproull, Thomas
SprouU, T. A
Sproull, T. C
Sproull, William
Stavely, A. M
Steele, David '..
Sterrett. Samuel
Stevenson. Andrew
Stevenson, Hugh
Stevenson, S. M
Stevenson, T. P
Stewart, J^ S
Stewart. J. W ...
Stewart. Robert
Stott. John
Stuart. A, C
676
1^77
67S
6;S
679
6S1
68 2
6S6
6S-
6SS
690
691
692
693
694
695
695
H.
Taylor. J C 701
Teaz, John 702
Telfair, David 702
Temple. H. W 704
Thompson, D. G 704
Thompson, J. .\ 704
Thompson, J. R 705
Thompson, J, S 706
Thompson. R M 706
Todd, A. C 707
Trumbull, C- D 70S
Walkinshaw. Hugh 70S
Wallace, James 710
Wallace, John 711
Wallace, Robert 712
Wallace, S R 7M
Wilkin, Matthew 714
Williams, J. B 715
Williams. Matthew 716
Williams, M. B 717
WiUson, D. B 720
Willson, J. M 720
WiUson, J. R 723
WiUson. R. Z 727
WiUson. S, M 729
Wilson, WiUiam 730
Wright, Ale.xander 732
Wylie, J, H 733
Wylie, J. Milligan 734
Wylie, John M 734
Wylie, J. Ralston ,
Wylie, J. Renwick
Wylie, Oliver
Wylie, P, H
Wylie. R. C
Wylie, Samuel 739
Wylie, S. B 74°
Wylie, S. O 743
W'
STUDENTS
Abraham, R. H
Acheson, J. J
Barber, \\\ H
Beattie, F. S
s'OT COMPLETING THE COURSE.
747 Black. J. K 747
747 Boxley. D. W 74S
747 Conger. Joseph 74S
747 Camming. William 74S
TABLE OF COXTENTS.
Echols, J. H T\i
Elder, J. M 74S
Esker, Abood 74S
Frazier, M, R 748
George, R A 748
Gibson. R. C 749
Gibson, W.J 749
Gray, James 749
Hamilton, John 749
Hamilton, \V. R 749
Huggart, T. 3 749
Hutcheson, Martin 749
Johnston, J. H 750
McClelland, J. B .' 750
McKelvy, J. A 750
McKinley, Thomas 750
McKinney, .\rchibald 750
Willson, Z. G
Mogee, Alexander 750
Montgomery, S. D 750
Murphy, J. G 751
N'eeley, Lorenzo 751
Nightingale, J. C 75
Purvis, L. B 75
Quarles, J. F 75
Robinson, John 75
Sloane, T. S 75
Smith, S. F 75
Sproull, Theophilus 75
Sproull, \V. 0 75
Stewart, G E 75:
Taggart, S. B 75
Thompson, William 75
Trumbull, Robert 75
Williams, C. L 75
THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY.
Constitution — Established i
ham — .Allegheny — Ci
Professors — Students.
Philadelphia — Suspension — Colden-
cinnati — Northwood — .\llegheny —
Pages 753-75
LITERARY INSTITUTIONS.
Geneva Hall — Westminster College — .-Vllegheny City College —
Knox .\cademy. Pages 755-759
View of Geneva College. P.^ge
Photographs of Literary and Mission
ildings. Page.
THE MISSIONS.
Foreign Missions.
-Syrian — Latakia — .Aleppo — Tarsus — Cyprus. Pages 760-7C4
Balph, J. M 764
Balph, E J 7G5
Beattie, ME 765
Dodds, A J 765
Dodds, E M 766
SKETCHES OF MISSIONARIES,
764 Galbraith, A. M
Dodds. L, .M
Dodds. W A. S.,
Easson, M J....
Edgar. M. B ....
idinia, H. C.
Joseph, LB 769
Martin, R. C . ...
Metheny, E. G .
Metheny. M, E.,
Sproull. E C. ...
Sterrett, E M..
Wylie. M. R
TABLE OF CONTEXTS.
DOMESTIC MISSIONS.
Royal— Fernandina— St. Augustine— Little Rock— Duval
Bluff-Natchez-Washington-Selma-Camden-New Yo
City — Chinese — Indian. P.^ges
SYNODS AND PRESBYTERIES,
ral Meeting— Reformed Presbytery— List of Meetings— Dis-
organization-Reorganization of Reformed Presbytery—
List of Meetings— Constitution of Synod— List of Meet-
ings— Presbvteries : Illinois — loua — Kansas — Lakes-
Middle Committee and Presbytery— New "Brunswick and
Nova Scotia— New York— Northern Committee and Presby-
tery—Ohio—Philadelphia-Pittsburgh-Rochester - South-
ern Committee and Presbytery— Vermont— \Vesti;rn
77S-7S5
PUBLICATIONS.
Evangelical Witness " — "American Christian Expositor" —
"Albany Quarterly '■— " Reformed Presbyterian "— " Cove-
nanter "—" Reformed Presbyterian and Covenanter" —
"Christian Statesman "—" Our Banner "—" College Cabi-
" Monthly Advocate "— " Christian Nation "— " Guid-
I ing Star "— " Herald of Mission News." Pages
"The kingdom is the Lord's; and He is the Governor among the
nations. * * King of kings and Lord of lords. * * The wicked
shall be turned into hell and the nations that forget God. * * Be
wise now. therefore, O ye kings. * * Kiss the Son. * * For the
nation and kiugdom that will not serve Thee shall perish. * * The
Lord reigneth. * * By Me kings reign. * * The powers that be
are ordained of God." — The BihU.
"We, the people of the United States, do ordain and establish
this Constitution. " — UnitiJ States Conslilution.
"The Government of the United States of America, is not in any
sense, founded on the Christian religion." — U. S. Tren/y -.-ilh Trip.ui.
"In vain does the nation attempt to purchase liberty with the best
blood of her citizens, while delivering it into the keeping of men un-
acquainted with, or regardless of, the supreme legislative authority
of God. " — i?.-'. James ^hk'imie^'.
" No consideration will justify the framers of the Federal Consti-
tution and the administration of the Government, in withholding a
recognition of the Lord and His .Anointed from the grand charter
of the nation. " — A'^'. Alexander .^tcLeod. D. D.
" In the United States the refusal to acknowledge God in the Con-
stitution has probably been more explicit than it ever was in any
other nation. " — /?<-^. Ja„ies />. Il'i//sa>t. D. £>.
" The Federal Constitution of the United States does not recognize
the existence of God, the King of nations; * - and shall a nation
act as if independent of the God of the Universe, and expect to be
guiltless' * * The principles of reformation are not fashionable.
They were once, however, considered as the glory of Presbyterians.
For civil and ecclesiastical reformation, for a glorious covenanted cause,
thousands bled and died. * * I have endeavored to advocate ikat
tiit:te because I thought it the doctrine of the Bible, and the cause
of Christ. "—A'^' Samuel ft. liyiie. /). D.
HISTORY OF THE
REFORiMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
IX AMERICA.
Historical Introduction.
THE Reformed Presbyterian Church in America is the
lineal descendant and true representative of the
Church of Scotland in her purest days, and embraces
in her Testimon\- the principles of the Second Reform-
ation as exhibited between the \'ears 1638 and 1 649.
The Presb_\-terian Church of Scotland was a Co\-enant-
ing Church, and the Reformed Presbyterian Church of
this age is not a branch of any Presbyterian body but
the remnant of the original stock. W'liile the Synod
of this Churcli is among the small ecclesiastical assem-
blies, yet for that reason she should not be regarded
with reproach. Her principles are both scriptural and
unpopular, and neither the paucity of her members nor
the unpopularity of her principles prove that the position
of the church is unsound or impracticable. She claims
to be a Reformed Church, a Presb\-terian Church, and
22 lilSTORV (5K THE RKKORMED
a Covenanting,' Church ; and to full)- substantiate this
claim a cursory rcx'icw of the histor\- of the Christian
church will be necessary.
From the earliest period in the worhl's histor\- the
church of God has been a CovenantiuL;- Church, and
a dissenter from immoral constitutions of Church and State.
The antediluvians bore faithful testimony to the character
and moral government of God, and by the call of Abraham
this covenanting society received a more perfect organization.
The patriarchs were constant witnesses to the truth of God
against idolatr\- and immoralit)- either national or indi\idLial.
Under the Mosaic dispensation also the nation of Israel
was brought into a solemn league and covenant with
God, and the Church erected ni the wilderness was a
witnessing society for the rights of God. When the
"fullness of time" had come, and the predicted Messiah,
came into the world as the " Me.s.senger of the Cove-
nant," He was a witness for the truth, and not only
bore constant testimony to His Sonship before Jewish
priests, but also chumed His right to the Headship over
the nations before the Roman government. These two
articles have formed the chief points of Christ's witnesses
in all ages, and are the cartlinal principle-- ot the Reformed
Presbyterian Church in this age. When Christ com-
missioned His apostles to go forth and preach the gospel,
He gave them to be witnesses for Him and to His
rights upon earth, even to the end of the world. The
commission then implies that every minister of Christ
is to bear like testimon\-. .-\t the organization of the
Apostolic church ,md in accordance with the directions
of the Dixine Head, members were to be received into
1'KE.sBVT1-:RIA.V church in AMERICA. 23
it by an expression of their belief in the Sa\iour. and
a confession of the scheme of grace as re\'ealed in God's
Word, with a life and conversation as becomes the same
profession. In this the requirements of the Christian
church should be uniform. The ;^o\ernment and order
of the priniiti\-e cluirch were evidentl)- I'l-Lshytcriau. It
was distingui^ihed for the purity of its doctrines and
the simplicit}- of its worship. Nothing of hiunan in\en-
tion was tolerated and it was scriptural in all its appoint-
ments. In this system of government, moreover, the
Headship of Christ and the subjection of all things to Him
were clearh' displa\-ed. At an earl\- period of the life
■of this scriptural church and covenanting society were
the fires of persecution kindled, and they raged with
increased fur\- because many had not grown weary of
purity and witness-bearing. For three hundred years
were they persecuted under Jewish bigotr}-, until
Constantine the Great wrapped the imperial robe aroimd
liim, and signally o\'erthrew the policy of the Roman
power, and establi>hed pm'c Christianity as the religion
of the empire. Under his eventful reign Christianity
spread rapidl\-, but co-incidently the spirit of Anti-Christ
was at work. The condition of the church was such
that men were not willing to return to the pure state
of the primitive church, nor to become witnesses for
the rights of King Jesus. Preachers of the gospel were
lead to defection by vain philosophies and worldly
ambition. Discipline was relaxed and the lives of members
graduall)- became more corrupt. The\- had broken cove-
nant with God and iniquit\- was being visited upon them.
The union of Church and State doubtless promoted
24 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
defection and corruption, and the spiritualit}- of the
church became very low. The favors of the State soon
developed a hierarchical system of Prelac\-, which system
was directly antagonistic to the teaching of the Apos-
tolic church. The same causes also ga\e rise to Papac)-,
and the bishop of Rome assumed the title of the
Universal Bishop. Seemingly the whole world "wondered
after the beast," and the unmutilated Word of God
was not on!)- prohibited to be read, but the worship'
was conducted in an unknown tongue. During all these
periods of the prevalence of Papacy, there were faith-
ful witnesses for Jesus to be found. Before the papal
power had reached the Western church, God had raised
up the faithful Athanasius to contend against the Arian
heresy ; Vigilantius to expose the strongholds of super-
stitution, and the learned Augustine to overthrow the
Pelagian and Semi-Pelagian heresies.
Away to the north and west faithful witnesses for revealed
truth and scriptural church-life had been preser\-cd, who
uncompromising!}.- refused to hold communion with the
church of Rome. In England, Scotland and Ireland the
pure gospel was preached and the church conducted after
the Apostolic model. Patrick and Columba, with their con-
temporaries and successors, multiplied witnesses for Jesus
and established a church in opposition to Rome. Many
of these witnesses were denominated Ccilidf, or servants
of God, and have been known in histor}- as Cnldifs.
They were CovcnantL-rs in theor)-, Presbyterians in
government, and Reformed Presbyterians in sentiment.
They held firmlj- to the Word of God and supremacy
of Christ, and maintained a separate existence until the
PKESBVrKRIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 2$
time of the Reformation. In parts of Europe, Roman
persecutors found faithful witnesses for the rights of
Christ, who opposed the Anti-christian system. The
Waldenses in tlie valle\'s of Piedmont, and the Albigenses
in the south of France, had continued their existence since
Apostolic times. They were a covenanting society separated
from, or rather never had been in connection with, the
church of Rome, and propogated a trul>- evangelical creed
and a Presbjterian form of government since the Apos-
tolic age. This fact is admitted by nearly every histo-
rian. But these witnesses for Christ were soon discovered
in vast congregations and caused to suffer most violent
and terrible persecution. Man\- of them were banished,
and, as so many sparks from the burning stake, they
kindled anew their principles in other parts of Europe.
They were afterward found in Germany, Bohemia, France
and England. In the fourteenth centur\' eighty thou-
sand of these Covenanting Presbyterians were found in
Austria and maintained their principles to the death.
In the fifteenth century the Reformation from Popery
began, although its work is generally attributed to the
sixteenth century. Wyckliffe, John Huss. the Lollards,
and Jerome of Prague espoused the principles of the
covenanting Waldenses, and in their maintenance of
truth prepared the way for the Reformation. All those
in sympath)- with the cause of pure religion formulated
a covenant, which was entered into by the whole Wal-
densian Church. Some of the reformers of this period
had been reared within the pale of the Romish Church
and experimentally knew the errors against which tliey hero-
ically contended. God brought out such eminent witnesses as
26
Luther, Z\vinc,rlius, Mclancthon, Calvin and Fare!, who in
German}-, S^\■itzerland and France were the cffecti\'e instru-
ments in God's hand for propoLjatinc^r the cause of the
First Reformation, ami ^liool< Papal Furope to her \er)-
foundations. As miglit be expected the Reformation met
with a great deal of opposition. The hands of the
reformers were held up by the Lutheran Church, which,
in 1534, solemn!}- swore the famous League of Sinall<alde.
In 1537, a similar co\-enant was s-^vorn by the followers
at Geneva. Unhappily the Lutherans and Reformed differed
in some points, and especiall}- in regard to sacraments,
but witli reference to the pLu-e Word of God and the
errors of the Romish church tl-ie}- were agreed. The
Reformed churches of France and Hungar}- also swore
similar covenants and a!! w-ere known as Protestants
against tlie corruptions of the church of Rome. Tlie
cause of the Reformation did not iind sucli rich soil
in England, Tlie despotic Henr}- the Eighth was King.
He was a most irrehgious man, and, in order to gratif}-
his own lusts, establislied the Church of England, and
arrogated to himself tlie power of a Pope at London.
Although this church was separated from that of Rome,
yet it retained n-iuch of the doctrine and order of the Papac}-.
The Reformation made some progress under the brief
reign of P^dward the Si.xth, but its friends were caused
to pass through fier}- persecution under the reign of
blood}- Mar}-. Upon tlie accession of Queen Elizabeth
the protectant faith was again restored, but tlirough the Fra^-
tian measures of tlie Queen tlie cause did not flourish. The
chief hindrance was froni the fact that the anti-christian hier-
arcliv of the Romish church was retained almost unaltei-ed
PRESl;\THKIAX (-IlL'KCIl IX AMKUICA. 2/
in the Established Church of England. Eor all intents
and purposes it :cns Romish, and the bitter enemy of
the Reformation. There were some again in England
\vh(^ contendetl for purity in doctrine and government,
who were called Puritans, and because they -would not
take the conmuinion of the corrupt English cluirch, entered
the role of Dissenters. The Reformation began to spread
rapidl\- in Scotland in the earl\- part of the sixteenth
century, and owed little oi' nothing to the favor of
the state. God raised up se\'eral eminent witnesses for
the truth who suffered mart_\'rdi;im, and, notwithstanding
the fact that the\- sealed their testimon\- with their own
blood, the truth continued to progress. Among these
faithful witnesses were Patrick Hamilton, George Wishart
and John Knox. The latter returned from the Continent
in 1555, when the cause of the Reformation was languishing,
and he was the means of awakening the multitude by
his powerful preaching, and caused the Queen to fear
his prayers more than an arm\- pf soldiers. Through his
indomitable courage and consecrated de\'otion to the
cause of the Reformation the people entered into se\-eral
solemn co\'enants for the purpose of uniting the friends
of the cause. Various covenants adapted to the times
were sworn at Edinburgh in 1557; at Perth in 1559:
at Stirling in 1560; and at Leith in 1562, in which
they pledged their lives and their substance to maintain
the cause of Christ.
In 1 560, the Parliament abolished Popery, and the first
General Assembh" emittetl the First Rook of Discipline,
fixing and defining the government and order of the
church after a scriptural and Presb\-terian plan. In 157S.
2b HISTORY OK THE REFOKMEU
a Second Book of Discipline was prepared and adopted and
the Presbyterian Reformation was fully established. The
most memorable step in the progress of the Reforma-
tion was the adoption of the NATIONAL Co\'EXAXT OK
SCOTLAXD. It was drawn up by Rev. John Craig of
Edinburgh, and was the nation's solemn protest against
Popery and the bond for the maintenance of the Reformed
faith. It was sworn and subscribed by the King and
most of the nobility with their households, in 1 58 1.
In all these covenants it is expressly agreed that the
"Bible should be the supreme law, and that nations
should frame their laws according to the Divine standard ;
that there is a conscience toward God paramount to
human control, and the Word of God is the rule for
the government of the conscience ; that there is no
lord of conscience but the Lord Jesus Christ who alone
is the Head of the Church and the lawful Governor
among the Nations ; that it is the duty of every nation,
as well as the individual, to incorporate these principles
in its constitution and live a life in conformity to this
profession."
In 1590, the National Covenant was again subscribed.
In 1592, the Presbvterian form of church government
was ratified by the King and parliament, and this has
been denominated the GREAT CHARTER. In 1596, the
General Assembly renewed the National Covenant again,
at which time over four hundred ministers and elders
with uplifted hands to God solemnly engaged in His
name to purge the church of all corruption. This was
a reviving time from the presence of the Lord, and
the Reformation was in the meridian of its life.
I'RESHVrEKIAX CHUKCH IN AMERICA. 29
Partly by craft and partly b)- arbitrary interference with
ecclesiastical courts. James attempted to overthrow the
Scottish Reformation and establish Episcopacy. This
perfidious ruler favored Popery, interfered with the election
of members to the highest judicator)- of the church, and
introduced prelac_\- in 16 10. In 1618, the "Five Articles
of Perth" were forcibly carried and ratified, and because
some ministers refused to subscribe to these Popish
requirements, the\- were ejected from their charges and
visited with heavy penalties. At the accession of Charles
the First to the throne, in March, 1625, the Presb\-terian
Church of Scotland witnessed a deadly foe, and his deter-
mination was to destroy ever\- vestage of Presb\-terianism
and compel them to conform to the English Episcopal Liturgy.
In 1536, a Liturgy and Book of Ecclesiastical Canons were
introduced, and had the effect of abolishing the ecclesiastical
polit}- of the Church of Scotland. Lamentably too many com-
plied with these prelatic innovations and arbitrary measures.
These tyrannical proceedings aroused the independent
spirit of man_\- of the Scotch, and, after earnest deliberation
and fervent pra>-er, the\- resolved to flee to the strength
received by their ancestors, and took steps to renew the
National Co\'enants. The Coitiuiuts were the source of
Scotland's strength and the crown of her glor}- ! The
National Covenant had served a good purpose in con-
summating the First Reformation, and it was brought into
service in the Second.
To now adapt it to the circumstances of the church
and nation, Archibald Johnston specified se\eral acts of
former Parliaments to prove that the course taken by the
Covenanters was constitutional ; and Alexander Henderson
j applied the sacred bond to the condemnation and rejection
! of all prelatical inno\-ations. Thc_\- say in this bond :
"We promise and swear by the great name of the Lord our God.
to continue in the prol'ession and obedience of the true religion , that
we shall defend the same, and resist all those contrar)- errors and cor-
ruptions according to our vocation, and to the utmost of that power
which God hath put in our hands, all the davs of our life "
And the\- also declare :
•'We shall, to the utmost of our power, stand to the defence of our
Sovereign, the King, in the defence and preservation of the aforesaid
true religion, liberties, and laws of the kingdom."
And with rcLjard to the oriijinal co\enant that was now
renewed, the_\' said :
"The present and succeeding generations in this land are bound to
keep the aforesaid national oath and subscription inviolate"
The Covenant was now sworn and subscribed at Grev-
friar's Church in Edinburgh, March I. 1638, by sixty
thousand persons, amid scenes of io\- and sorrow. The\-
laii.1 the precious document upon the mossy tombs, and
many wrote their names with blood from their own veins,
while others were but permitted to subscribe initials, because
the document was full, and there was no more room.
The renewing of the Covenant was followed by the happiest
effects and manifest tokens of the Di\iiTe blessing. It was
the means of a\vakening the people to their vows and the
signal o\-erthrow of Episcopacy. The Covenanters acted
with prihdence and decision in demanding the General
Assembly to redress their grievances, and a meeting of
Parliament to rectify- rlisorders. This assembly met in the
cit\- of Glasgow, Xo\-cmber 20, 163S, and was presideil
over by the great Alexander Henderson. This assembU'
condemned the "Fixe Articles of Perth," the Litur-x-
l'KE>l!Vri-;KIAX (_HLki.ll IN AMKKIl A. ^I
and Canons, the Book of Ordination, the High Commission
Court, and the ci\il places and powers of churchmen.
Prelac>- was rejected, bishops and prelatical leaders were
deposeel and cxcommunicateLl. The renox'ation of the
Covenant \\as approved: the Pre.-byterian form i>f ;;o\ern-
ment was full)- restored ; the power of the church to
con\-ene in her annual assemble was t^^ranted, and the
rig-ht of the church to preserve order, discipline, educa-
tion and religious worship was acknowledged. These were
among the purest da\-s of the Covenanting I'resbxterian
Church of Scotland, and the faithful witnesses for Jesus
were triumphant in their rights and liberties. Although
armies were brought down to crush the success of the
Covenanters and to restore prelacy. the\- were ineffectual
in destroying the witnesses, and the work of the Scottish
Reformation was fully confirmed by Parliament in 1640.
The e.xiled ministers were recalled, the order of the
church restored, and the ordinances of religion were again
dispensed to the people to the utter dismay of the
prelates, and Spottiswood, Archbishop of St. Andrew's,
mournfully exclaimed, "Xow, all that we have been doing
these thirt\- _\-ears b_\- past is at once thrown down."
\\'hile the cause was flourishing in Scotland, the Cove-
nanters in IrelantI were inhumanly massacred. Charles
the First closed hi.s ears against the cry for help, and
lie was iustl_\- suspicioned for his complicit}- with the
Romish power.
By an application of the English Parliament, June 12,
1643, an assembl>- of learned and godl\- men was called,
composed of one hundred and twenty ministers and thirt\-
elders, the majority of which were strict Presbyterians.
32 HISTORY OF TIIK RKFOK.MEU
This was called the West.mixstkr Assembly, and met
in the Jerusalem Chamber, Westminster, London, July
I, 1643, and continued its sessions for a period of five
years, six months and twenty-two da\-s. They drew
up from the Word of God the Confession of Faith,
the Larger and Shorter Catechisms, a Form of Church
Government and a Directory for Worship. These all
received the sanction of the Fnglish Parliament and
were adopted by the General Assembly of the Church
of Scotland. A joint application by the Parliament
and Westminster Assembly was made to the Conven-
tion of testates in Scotland and the General Assembly,
August 17, 1643, to enter into a Soi.KMN Le.VGUE
AND CovE\.\.\T, embracing the civil and religious in-
terests of the three kingdoms. A draft was made by
Alexander Henderson and cheerfully subscribed by the
Assembly of Divines at Westminster, by both Houses
of Parliament, and by persons of all ranks in Flngland.
It was then carried over into Ireland and signed gen-
erally by the congregations in the pro\incc of L'lster.
This famous document bound the L'nited Kingdoms to
the preservation of the Reformed religion, to its doc-
trines, discipline and go\ernment according lo the Word
of God. It simply brought the Church back to its
Scriptural basis and its allegiance to King Jesus and
His Law in all transactions, ci\-il and ecclesiastical. Had
it not been for the Solemn League and Covenant, the
three Kingdoms would have been cast into absolute
despotism, and the libert\- and civilization of the world
Avould have received an irrecoverable shock. The great
principles of this sacred bond are tjiose of God's Word,
PRESHVTERIAX CHURCH IX AMERICA. 33
and nothiiiL^r more nor less. While Kngland was not
quite ready, but should have been, to fully adopt them
as her principles of national government, yet they are
none the less Scriptural, and there will a time come
when all the Kingdoms of the earth will be united under
a similar and one grand Solemn League and Covenant ;
when God's Anointed shall be practically acknowleded
King of nations ; and when these Scriptural principles
of the heavenly-minded Covenanters of Scotland shall
gloriously triumph. It cannot be otherwise, for the
nations that neglect or refuse to enter into such a cove-
nant with the King of Kings shall perish. Xo inter-
national document has ever been so much misrepresented
and maligned as the Solemn League and Covenant.
Statesmen should pause and read it carefulh-, compare
it to the demands of God's Law, and fully digest what
is in it, before the\- vent their eloquence in undue criti-
cism. A sacred principle was then, and b>- this docu-
ment infused, into the heart of that nation, which has
never perished : and, hax'ing taken root in the new em-
pire of America, may be regarded as the dawn of a
better day for the cause of King Jesus. The Co\enanters
never attempted to force Presb\terianism upon England
or any other nation, for they entered into the Covenant
without an\- such stipulations, and it has always been
contrary to their principles to force Christians to the
acceptance of any position. But the\- do feel it their
duty to teach men and nations their allegiance to Christ
and to use e\-ery legitimate means to bring them to an
acceptance and acknowledgment of the same.
James the First had signed the first National Cove-
nant, and Charles the Second, on being crowned at
34
Scone, January i, 1651. .solemnly swore to keep both
the National and Solemn League and Covenant. And
uheii the oath to tiefend the Church of Scotland was
.atlministered to him. kneeling; and holding- up his right
hand, he uttered the following solemn vow : " By the
l-;ternal and Almight\- God, who li\eth and reigneth
forever, I shall obscrxe and keep all that is contained
in this oath."
A blessing followed the course of the Church at this
time, and manv of the breaches in Church and State
were healeti. The Solemn League and Covenant was
a necessity, and not until all nations are bound to-
gether and to God by a hol\- Covenant, and true liberty
flowing from Bible principles recognized, will universal
peace pix-vail. The attainments of the Second Reforma-
tion are wortln- of record. The supreme Headship of
Christ over the Church was e.vhibited ; the Church was
priviledged to call her own assemblies : the poIic\- of
the go\ernment was brought into conformitv to God's
Word: the nation owned its allegiance to King Jesus :
and rulers were t<i be set uj) \\'ho should be God's
ministci-s for g(5od and a terror to e\-il doers. This
was the church's purest period and the nation's happiest
hour. The object of the existence of the Covenanter
Church in America as true witnesses for the royal
perogatixes of King Jesus, is to bring thi^ nation to
the enio>-ment of the blessings and dut_\- of this period
in the life of the Ikiti'^h nation. It is the re(.|uired
attitude of every cluirch and nation to its Divine Head.
The period in which the nation continued to avow
and practicall}- apply the principles of the Ref(Trmati(5n,
l'Ki:>I;\-|-KRIAN iIlL'Ri II IN AMKKIi.A. 35
\v;i> tou brief to fu!l\- tot the blcs.-,in_L;> of the nation
whose God is the Lord. The beaut\- oi the Covenanted
Reformation was soon marred by the duplicity of an
unprincipled kin-- and hi- followers. l-'.nujland was the
first to make defection, because the daiv^er which threat-
ened her cixil libert\- was past, and she iinai^nned that
she no lonyer needed the help of the Kin;.^^ of Hea\en.
Scotland soon also broke her -olemn coxenant enyaye-
ments and departed from her attainments. The inva-
sion of En-land, m 1648, by the Duke of Hamilton'.s
army, was a wilful breach of the Solemn I.ea^^ue and
Covenant, and was after\\ards condemned by both the
I'arliament and General Assemblx". Charles the Second
was totally unworthy ot the homa-e of a loy;d people,
and happy would the_\- ha\e been had the\- ne\er placed
the crown upon him. The people had committed their
trusts into the hands of a treacherous man. There
was undue attachment to the house of Stuart, \\hich
ultimate!)- lead to untold calamities. The KIhl; was
forced to exile, and Oliver Cromwell inxaded Scotland
with an l-",ii;,dish arm_\-, and ;,,rained a \ ictory at Dunbar.
Under Cromwell's usurped authorit)'. and b_\- intriL;ue.
plans were formed to o\erthrow the Constitution. The
faithful I'resbxterians considereil that they were bound
to adhere to the Constitution : and, becau.-e they i^pposed
the malii^mants and their poiic\-, were called pi-otL-sturs.
Cromwell died in September, |63,S. and his son Richard
succeeded him. He was wantin;^ in capacit}- and ambi-
ticin, and Charles the Second was I'estored to the throne
in M.a_\-, 1660. From this date to that of the Revolution
Settlement in 16.SS. the period is denominated the ••killing
26 HISTORY OF rat: rk formed
times." Now begin the sufferings of the Church of Scotland ;:
and the histor\- of this period may well be written in
characters of blood. In 1661, the Tarliament required
an oath of unlimited allegiance from all members instead
of a subscription to the Covenants. The order and
go\ernment of the Church were reversed ; bishops were
restored ; all proceedings of the Church and State on
behalf of Reformation from 1638 to 1649 were pro-
nounced treasonable ; the Covenants, National and Sol-
emn League, were pronounced unlawful oaths ; and all
civil and ecclesiastical acts were regarded null and \-oid.
The covenants were ordered to be burned in public at
Edinburgh, as they had been done at London ; and all
those who owned the covenants were subjected to the
penalties of treason. Nearly four hundred ministers of
the Presbyterian Church were dri\en from their congre-
gations by an act of the Pri\-\- Council. The whole work
of the Reformation was overturned, and the Act of
Supremacy, making the King judge in all matters ci\il
and ecclesiastical, paved the wa\- for the terrible- perse-
cution which immediatel}- followed. Amid these blood)-
persecutions the Covenanter Church came into promi-
nence as the faithful witnesses of the great principles
of the Reformation. The\- bore constant testimon\- for
the di\ine authorit)- of the Presb\-terian Church as con-
trasted with Prelacy ; for the exclusive Headship of the
Lord Jesus Christ o\'er the Church ; for the supreme
authorit}- of the Mediator and His Law o\er the rulers
of the nation ; for the perpetual obligation of the
Covenants ; together with the rights and duties of sub-
jects owning the authorit_\- of Christ to resist those
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 3"
wicked rulers who had usurped their authority and
trampled under their feet the rights and liberties of
a religious and co\'enanting people. Such was the testi-
mony which the Covenanters bore, and sealed it with
their blood. Among the first victims of this irresponsi-
ble power were the Marquis of Argyle and Rev. James
Guthrie, staunch Presb\-terians and resolute defenders of
the cause of the Redeemer. No less than twent\- thou-
sand Presb\-terian and Covenanting \vitnesses suffered
martyrdom in various ways, and many were banished
to America and Jamaica ; and upwards of two thousand
godly ministers were banished from their congregations
in one da\-. Some renounced the Covenanted cause, but
those who continued faithful were driven and chased like
partridges on the mountains. The persecutions were
horrible in their character, and one cannot read the his-
tory of this period without feeling his blood boil at the
atrocious slaughter of the Covenanters by the thousands.
They refused to wait upon the ministrations of curates
who had been thrust upon them by the bayonet, and if
the\- were found waiting upon any of the ejected Presby-
terian ministers either in private houses or conventicles,
they were heavih- fined and cruelh- punished. Among
the principal non-conforming ministers were Richard
Cameron, John Welsh, Thomas Douglas and John Kid,
and a reward was offered for the heads of these faithful
divines, dead or ali\-e. Even to the death the martyrs
of Jesus bore testimony against their persecutors, and
when given an opportunitj- to speak in their courts, re-
plied to the perjured prelates in the following manner :
" Every immoral constitution is disapproved of God. Xo
38 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
man ought to swear allegiance to a power which God
does not recognize. All kings are commanded to promote
the welfare of the Church, and those who own allegiance
to Christ cannot consistently pray for the prosperity of
the Church's enemies, or for the establishment of thrones
founded upon iniquity. It is certainly the duty of
Christians to be meek and peaceable members of civil
society. If they are permitted to enjoy their lives, their
property, and especially their religion, without being
required to make any sinful compliances, it is right that
they should behave peaceably and not involve society in
confusion, even though the power of the empire in which
they reside be in evil hands. Every burden which God
in His Providence brings upon them, they must cheer-
fully bear. But never are Christians called upon by
their God to own as His ordinance anything which is
contrary to His Law, The civil powers of which He
approves are a terror to them who do evil. Tyrants
and persecutors, usurpers and despisers of religion may
be set up in His holy and just Providence to answer
valuable purposes in His hand, but He himself declares
in His Word that such Kings are set up not by Him.
The Pagan Roman government is described in Revela-
tion as the empire of the dragon, and all the kings
that support anti-Christ are said in the same infallible
Word to have received from Satan their authority. God
has declared their overthrow and destruction, and no
Protestant should recognize them as the ordinance of God
to which they must yield conscientious support. The
present King, Charles the Second, has violated the
Constitution of Scotland ; he has broken the covenant
PKEbBVTERIAN CHURCH IN AMLRICA. jy
u-hich he made with God and man ; he has claimed as
an essential part of royal perogative, a blasphemous
supremacy in the Church ; he has overturned our ecclesi-
astical order ; banished the faithful ministry, and perse-
cuted the most virtuous inhabitants of the land. Such a
perjured usurper and profligate tyrant cannot be con-
sidered as a lawful magistrate by the Reformed Presby-
terian Covenanters."
These were the sentiments of the martyrs of Jesus, and
for these principles they freely gave their lives. Their
position was exceedingly unpopular, but in it were the
'germs of future glory and greatness. Like John
the Baptist, they were the forerunners of greater
things, and like John the Baptist, many of them
were beheaded. For over twenty years this cruel
persecution lasted, and the Covenanting Church was re-
duced to a few ministers and members. As the faithful
remnant of the Church of Scotland in her purest days,
they continued to assemble for worship in such places
as they could, and their courts of judicature were pre-
vented from meeting. They made several bold declara-
tions of their principles, and aroused the indignation of
the King. At the first anniversar>- of the return of the
King, Charles the Second, May 27, 1679, bonfires had
been kindled in Rutherglen in commemoration of the
restoration. The Covenanters repaired to the scene, ex-
tinguished the fires, and burned the Acts of Parliament
and the Council as the Covenants had been burned.
They formulated the notable " Rutherglen Declaration
and Testimony," and after fixing it to the market cross,
peacefully retired. This was regarded as open rebellion
40 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
against the power, and produced the fiercest indignation
among the prelatic part)'. It was among the first fearless
declarations of the principles of the Covenanters, and
lead to the battle of Drumclog, where Graham of Claver-
house was defeated. The Covenanters also issued the
" Queensferry Paper" in June, i6So, in which they de-
clared : " We do declare that we will set up over our-
selves, and over what God shall give us power of, govern-
ment and governors according to the Word of God ; that
we shall no more commit the government of ourselves
and the making of laws for us to an\- one single person,
this kind of government being most liable to inconven-
iences and aptest to degenerate into tyranny." This
is strong language, and a bold sentiment of Republican-
ism. This was burning the bridge behind them, and they
neither asked nor received any favors from the prelatic
power or ministr\'. The Covenanters hereafter kept
themselves aloof from prelatic assemblies and worshipped
among themselves. Holding fast to the Covenants and
the rights of the Church which had been established by
the King and all subjects, the}- passed just sentence upon
all backsliders and defectionists from the King to the
humblest member of the once established Church. Rev.
Donald Cargill excommunicated Charles the Second and
six other noted profligates, September 17, 1680. in the
presence of a vast congregation. They were guilty of
the most atrocious crimes, and justly dealt with, but
they were regarded as fit members of the Episcopac\-.
This again excited the blood-thirst}- persecutors to frenzied
madness. Richard Cameron, who was the leader of the
Covenanters and a most fearless and pious man, fell at
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH I\ AMERICA. 4I
Airsmoss, July 22, 1680. as a victim of the diabolical
power. The blood-stained standard was not allowed to
trail, and was borne aloft by Donald Cargill, until he
also was apprehended and executed at Edinburgh, July
27, 16S1. This left the Covenanters without a minister,
but the followers were just as faithful to their King and
the attainments of the Covenanting Church. The\- im-
mediatel)- organized a system of societies among them-
selves and met as often as they could. Correspondents
from all the societies met in a general meeting, usually
every three months, and determined the course of the
whole body, but never assumed to dispense any official
work. The minutes of these General Meetings were
kept by Michael Shields and are published in the " Faith-
ful Contendings." While they were deprived of public
ministrations and sealing ordinances, the Covenanters could
not conscientiously be administered unto by any minister
' who had taken "the indulgence." Mr. James Renwick,
' one of their worthy \-oung men and a }-outh of good
education, was sent to the University of Groningen,
j . Holland, where he studied theology, and was licensed
and ordained by the Classis of Groningen, May 10, 1683.
The same fall he returned to Scotland, and, as the sole
minister of the Covenanters, labored faithfully for the
j rights of Jesus and the liberties of his people. He suffered
! many annoyances and wa?^ frequently outlawed and per-
i secuted. Every person was forbidden by the edict of the
I tyrannical King " to harbor him and his followers, or
I supply them with meat or drink ; but to hunt and per-
; sue them out of all their dens, caves and most retired
deserts, and to raise the hue and cry after them." Not-
42 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
withstanding these dangers and cruelties, the Covenanters
kept March 4, 1685, as "a day of thanksgiving unto the-
Lord for the wonderful proofs of His love and good will,
manifested to a scattered and distressed remnant in this
land, by His delivering them in several places from the
power and rage of enemies when they were read)- to
swallow them up." By the death of Charles the Second,
they enjoyed a brief breathing spell, and improved the
precious time by preparing the famous "Sanquhar Dec-
laration," and nailing it to the market cross.* In 16S2,
Rev. Alexander Peden was called from Ireland, and
assisted Mr. Renwick until his death, January 26, 1686.
In December, 1686, Alexander Shields, who had been
licensed by some Presbyterian ministers in London,
espoused the despised cause of the Cameronians. Mr.
William Boyd, educated in the Netherlands by the Cove-
nanters, was licensed by the Classis of Groningen in
September, 1687, and all these held forth the rights of
" Christ's Crown and Covenant " with fearlessness and
power. Rev. James Renwick, the last martyr to the
sacred cause of Scotland, was executed February 17,
1688, for his devotion to the Crown rights of King
Jesus. His charge was : " You, James Renwick, ha\-e
shaken off all fear of God and respect and regard ta
his majesty's authority and laws ; and having entered
yourself into the society of some rebels of most damn-
able and pernicious principles and disloyal practices ;
you took upon you to be a preacher to those traitors-
and became so desperate a villain that you did openly
♦ For many of these notable documents, and the details of incidents,
the reader is referred to any reliable history of the Church of Scotland.
PRESBYTERIAN- CHURCH IX AMERICA. 43
and frequenti}- preach in the fields, declaiming against
the authorit}- and government of our sovereign lord, the
King ; den\-ing that our most gracious sovereign. King
James the Seventh, is lawful King of these realms ; as-
serting that he was a usurper, and that it was not
lawful to pay cess or taxes to his majesty ; but that
it was lawful and the duty of subjects to rise in arms
and make war against his majesty and those commis-
sioned by him." What is asserted was true ; for
the Covenanters held the principle that "the abuse of
power abrogates the right to use it." With few ex-
ceptions, all Protestants accept this principle. Thomas
Lining, also educated by the Covenanters, was ordained
by the Classis of Embden, in August, 1688, after an
examination of twenty-one days. Revs. Shields, Bo\-d
and Lining maintained the faithful Covenanted testimon)'
until the Revolution. Those Covenanters residing in
Ireland were ministered unto by the revered David
Houston. The Revolution Settlement of 16S8, which
dethroned James the Second and placed the crown upon
William, Prince of Orange, is a memorable period, and
one worthy of careful consideration in the history of
the Reformed Presbyterian Church. The two hundredth
anniversary of this event was celebrated by the Cove-
nanter Church in America, as in other lands.
All true hearted Presb\-terians looked with favor upon
the Prince of Orange, and regarded the circumstances
which placed the crown upon his head as a good omen
and the dawn of a better da\- for Scotland. It was
regarded as a Divine interposition in behalf of a loj-al'
people, and the course pursued full\- vindicated some
44 HISTORY OF THE KEFOK.MED
'of the principles held by the Covenanting witncs.ses.
The Scottish convention passed the following : ■' That
King James, by his abuse of power, had forfeited all
title to the crown, and that it be conferred upon the
Prince of Orange." The English Parliament also de-
clared •■ that King James the Second, having endeavored
to subvert the Constitution bv' breaking the original con-
tract between the King and the people, did abdicate
the throne." Now it is plain that both these acts estab-
lish these two principles, " that the abuse of power
destro>-s the right to exercise it ; and that a people
ma\- depose their rulers." These same principles dissol\-ed
the union between the Colonies and Great Britain, and
gave the United States their independence. The same
principles now lead thousands of Covenanters to sacri-
fice their lives, and the principles will be admitted as
sound by every intelligent reader. But the hopes of
! the faithful Covenanting witnesses were doomed to speedy
disappointment. While the Presbyterian system was es-
^ tablished in Scotland, the Church was left under Eras-
I tian control. The Revolution Settlement was unsatis-
I factory in man%- respects. It was characterized by
I several flagrant errors. The Covenants were blasphe-
( mously cast aside as worthless ; the civil institutions no
1 longer pretended to possess scriptural qualifications ;
and prelacy was retained in the National Church. If
the Revolution of 1688, which overturned the house of
j Stuart, justified the course of those who rejected the
authority upon the principle now accepted by all, then
I certainly the Covenanters were justified in rejecting the
! "settlement" of King William when he openly vio-
PRESBYTERIAN CHCKCH IX AMERICA. 45
lated the very principles which brought him to the
throne. He wilfully betrayed the very cause he sol-
emnly swore to defend. Because the Covenanters re-
garded an oath of vast importance and binding until
the ends for which it was made were accomplished ;
because the\-, and others, solemnly- swore to adhere to
the doctrine and order of the Church of Scotland as
constituted between the years 1638 and 1649: because
they were sworn to oppose Poper\-, Prelacy and Eras-
tianism as all the Kings and subjects were bound ;
because the crown was offered to the new sovereign
without the proper and required scriptural qualifica-
tions; because the evil institution, against which the
whole Church of Scotland had borne constant testi-
mony, was interwoven into the policy of King William ;
and because he became the acknowledged head of the
Church, and exercised authority over it contrary to
the Word of God and the previously avowed position
of the Church of Scotland, the Rcfonned Covenanting
Churcli publicly protested against the -settlement:' and
remained separate from it, both in its civil and ec-
clesiastical relations. Their grounds of dissent are those
of reason and justice. The Reformed Presbyterian
Church, or because of its attachment to the Cove-
nants, the Covenanter Church, of this day, occupies
the same position as the Church of Scotland did
between the years 1638 and 1649, and which was the
purest and most blessed period in its histor\-. The
Covenanters hold that the Covenants were binding upon
those who solemnly swore them, and who are repre-
sented in them, and they are not willing to speedily
4.6 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
relinquish the testimony for which the life-blood of
thousands of their brethern was sacrificed. While they
stood aloof from the government because of principle
and the reasons heretofore mentioned, as peaceful and
law-abiding citizens they claimed the right of the protec-
tion of their lives and property, and paid all just dues in
taxes, and bearing arms in defence of their country.
Those in Scotland who held these principles of Bible civil
government as they had always been maintained by a
true scriptural policy, hoped for a reformation and a
return to former attainments. As an expression of
their hopes, at the first General Assembly after the
Revolution "settlement" held in 1690, the Covenanter
ministers, Revs. Shields, Boyd and Lining, presenting a
paper asking the Assembly to carefully examine their
position, to acknowledge and confess their sin of Cov-
enant breaking, and the nation's sin of defection from
the previous attainments. This they not only refused
to do, but fully embraced the policy of the govern-
ment, and subsequently deposed the Rev. John McMillan,
a Presbyterian minister and a member of their own
court, for no other cause than pleading for the obli-
gations of the Covenants which they had solemnly
sworn, and now violated with impunity.
In 1691, Revs. Thomas Lining and William Boyd
made defection, and after being admonished for their
faithfulness to the Covenanters, were received into the
Established Church. After having preached the Gospel
and held the principles of the Covenanting Church for
several years at the risk of their lives, they could not
withstand the unpopularity of their cause. They even
PRESBVTERIAX CHURCH IX AMERICA. 47
persuaded Rev. Alexander Shields, the author of "The
Hind let Loose," to leave the glorious principles
he had so ably defended, and he also joined the
Established Church. Rev. David Houston, in Ireland, was
now the sole minister of the Reformed Presbyterian'
Church, and he held her principles intact until his death.-
Alexander Shields continued in his course of defection
and became a chaplain in an army which fought under
the Pope, and he died abandoned and distressed in
Jamaica. The Covenanters were without a minister for
sixteen )-ears, and continued to hold that it was in-
consistent with their position to wait upon the minis-
trations of a minister who had been unfaithful to-
Jesus and his solemn vows. They scrupulously con-
tended for the whole truth once delivered to the saints,,
organized themselves into praying societies, and sup-
plicated earnestly and importunately the Good ShepherJ
to send them a pastor for the scattered f^ock. Thev-
watched with interest the contendings of the Rev..
John McMillan, who, until 1703, sought a recognition-
of the obligations of the Covenants, and had failed.-
Believing that he had received his commission to
preach from Christ and not from men, and that he
had been unjustly deposed by the Established Church,
he resumed his ministrations among his former con-
gregation, who cordially recei\-ed him and embraced his
views of the Covenants. After frequent conferences and
serious deliberation. Mr. McMillan acceded to the Re-
formed Presbyterian Church in October, 1706, and
began his labors among them in December, 1707. His
labors were greatly blessed among scattered societies.
.48 IIISTORV OF THE REFORMED
and many were built up in their most holy faith.
About this time, Mr. John McNeil, a licentiate of the
Established Church, and who had been deprived of the
priviledge of preaching in that body because of his
fidelity to Reformation principles, also joined hims>"'f
to the Covenanting Church, and assisted Mr. McMilJan
in displaying a banner because of truth. They drew
up a Protestation and Declinature, in which they clearly-
set forth the principles of the Co\'enanting Church,
and their reasons of dissent. The following is the title
of this notable document : Protestation and Testimony
of the United Societies of tlie Witnessing- Remnant of the
Anti-popish, Anti-pre/atie, Anti-erastian, Anti-sectarian.
True Presbyterian Church of Christ in Scotland, against
the sinful Incorporating Union zuith England and their
British Parliament, Concluded and Established, May, ijoj.
This famous document and many other copies of the
original manuscripts of a similar nature, are in the
possession of the author. In 1708, another paper en-
titled "Protestation, Declinature and Appeal," was pre-
pared and signed by these ministers, in which they
clearly exhibit their reasons for dissent from the Re-
volution Church and declare their unfaltering attach-
ment to the standards of the once pure Church of
Scotland. In 1707, the union of Scotland and England
was effected, and in 171 i, patronage was restored.
These steps gave additional evidence of apostacy in
the Church and Nation, and the Covenanters felt it
their duty to take another stand against the incoming
tide of Prelacy and Papacy. To this end, and to
strengthen their hearts, thev renewed the Covenants at
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IX AMERICA. 49'
Auchinsaugh, Lanarkshire, July 23, 1 712. All the
societies assembled for this important transaction, and
with their right hands lifted up to Heaven, solemnly-
pledged themseKes to be for God, and not for another.
This act of Covenanting was followed by a blessing.
As Mr. McNeil was never ordained, Mr. McMillan was
the only minister of the Covenanters for over thirty
years. He was faithful in visiting the different locali-
ties where the societies assembled and preached to
them with great power. While there was defection all
around him and reproach cast upon him for his fidelity
to a persecuted remnant of Christ's witnesses, he was
unmoved in his course, and is an example of moral
heroism unparalled in the history of the Christian
Church. He was constantly treated with disrespect by-
Church and State, yet held fast the true position and
the attainments to which every Church and Nation
must reach, viz : allegiance to the Lord Jesus Christ
as the Divine Head and King. In November, 1733.
Rev. Ebenezer Erskine, who was subsequently joined
by Re\-s. James Fisher, Alexander Moncrieff and William
Wilson, seceded from the Established Church on ac-
count of the evils flowing from patronage, and other
tyrannical measures, and constituted the AssociaU- Pres-
bytc-ry. In 1747, they dL\ided on the "Burgess Oath"
into two Synods, and grew rapidly. It was hoped
some of them might join the Covenanters so that a
Presbytery could be erected, but in this there was
disappointment. In the testimony emitted by these men
who constituted the first Associate Presbytery, it is
admitted that grievous defects existed in the Revolu-
so HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
tion "settlement," and that rulers did not possess scrip-
tural qualifications; yet these brethren continued to
acknowledge that the government as constituted was
.an ordinance of God, and freely rendered it their sup-
port. They limited the Mediatorial Headship of Christ
to the Church, and that as Mediator Christ does not
govern the nations; that nations are not bound to
acknowledge Christ or His religion ; that magistrates
are God's ordinance, no matter how immoral their
characters may be ; and that while scriptural quali-
fications may be desirable in rulers, yet they are not
at all necessary. This view is simply placing the whole
of the Reformation attainments into the grave and
■erecting a tombstone.
It is not at all strange that they and the Covenanters
■did not embrace each other. In the spring of 1743,
however, one of the Associate ministers, the Rev. Thomas
Nairn, did embrace the principles and joined himself to
the Covenanters. He and' the Rev. John McMillan now
■constituted the REFORNrED Presbytery, at Braehead,
Parish of Carnwath, Scotland, August i, 1743. Accession
of ministers and increase of members soon followed, and
the persecuted and despised Covenanter Church of Scot-
land began to exert an influence. In a popular sense,
the Covenanter Church in Scotland was never very
strong, because her principles were e.xceedingly unpopular,
and not in harmony with the minds of the public. And,
as Dr. Lathan, of South Carolina, truly says, " Her doc-
trinal standards were too high and her practical require-
ments too rigid to be at all palatable to the mass of the
human family. Notwithstanding all this," he says, " the
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IX AMERICA. 5 I
Reformed Presbyterian Church has been, since its organi-
zation, a mighty power in the world. It stands among
all other Christian denominations like a gnarled oak in a
forest of dwarfed undergrowth." They again renewed
the Covenants at Crawford-John, in 1745. The Act,
Declaration and Te.stimonv was adopted at Plough-
landhead in 1761, and soon afterwards published. The
societies in Ireland, which, after the death of the Rev.
David Houston, in 1696, were left without a minister,
and only occasionall)- visited by the Rev. John McMillan.
The societies in Ireland were placed under the care of
the Reformed Presb\-ter}- of Scotland until the Reformed
Presbytery of Ireland was erected in August, 1763.
The Synod of the Reformed Presbyterian Church in
Ireland was constituted at Cullybackey, May i, 181 1.
The Church now regularly constituted in both Scot-
land and Ireland continues almost uninterruptedly
to exist as a distinct denomination until the present
time. The history of the Reformed Presbyterian Church
is now transferred to America, and, after a brief statement
of her beliefs and position, the organic history of the
■Church in this country will be recorded.
HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
POSITION' OF THE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN:
CHURCH IN AMERICA.
IN her testimony the Reformed Presbyterian Church
embraces the plain and cardinal truths of the Bible
and brings them to bear practically upon the li\-es of
her members." From the following "Terms of Com-
munion " and a brief statement of the distinctive prin-
ciples of the Church, her true position may be learned :
TERMS OF COMMUXIOX.
1. .\n acknowledgment of the Scriptures of the Old and New Testa-
ments to be the Word of God, and the only rule of faith and manners.
2. An acknowledgment that the whole doctrine of the Westminster
Confession of Faith, and the Catechisms, Larger and Shorter, are agree-
able unto, and founded upon, the Scriptures.
3. An acknowledgment of the divine right of one unalterable form
of Church Government and manner of worship — and that these are, for
substance, justly exhibited in that form of Church Government and
the Directory for Worship agreed upon by the assembly of divines at
Westminster, as they were received by the Church qf Scotland.
4. An acknowledgment of public covenanting as an ordinance of
God to be observed by churches and nations ; and of the perpetual ob-
ligation of public covenants ; and of the obligation upon this Church
of the Covenant entered into in 1871, in which are embodied the en-
gagements of the National Covenant of Scotland, and of the Solemn
League and Covenant, so far as applicable in this land.
5. An approbation of the faithful contendings of the martyrs of
♦See Testimony of the Reformed Presbyterian Church.
PRESBVTERIAX CHURCH IX AMERICA. 53
Jesus, and of the present Reformed Covenanted Churches in Britain and
Ireland, against Paganism, Popery, and Prelacy, and against immoral con-
stitutions of civil government, together with all Erastian tolerations and
persecutions which tlow therefrom, as containing a noble example for us
and our posterity to follow in contending for all divine truth, and in
testifying against all contrary evils, which may exist in the corrupt con-
stitutions of either Church or State.
6. An approbation of the doctrines contained in the Declaration
and Testimony of the Reformed Presbyterian Church in North .\merica,
in defence of truth, and in opposition to error.
These, together with due subordination in the Lord to the authority
of the Synod of the Reformed Presbyterian Church in North America,
and a regular life and conversation, form the bonds of our ecclesi-
astical union
From this clear and concise declaration and testi-
mony it is learned that the position of the Reformed
Presbyterian Church in America is, and always has been,
one of practical dissent from the Constitution of the
United States. In this the practice of the Church has
been uniform. The Constitution is radically and wil-
fully defective in that it does not recognize the exis-
tence of . God, the supremacy of Christ the King of
Nations, and the Word of God as the supreme law.
On account of these radical defects, and the many im-
moralities which naturally flow from them. Reformed
Presbyterians cannot recognize it as a scripturally con-
stituted civil government, nor swear allegiance to it,
however much the\' may admire its many excellencies.
The relation of Christ to the nation is that of a
Sovereign to a moral subject — a morAl person, upon
whom the law of His Kingdom is binding.* While
* Lecture of Dr. J. R, W. Sloane.
I
I
I 54 HISTORV OF THE REFORMED
i
1
j civil society is founded in nature, it is one of the
I "all things" that are put under Christ as Mediator, and
I the nation flourishes or decays as it is obedient or
disobedient to His law. Now as our highest allegiance
is due not to the state, but to Christ, it is the duty
of every Christian to stand aloof from such a govern-
ment and refuse to incorporate with the political society
which refuses or neglects to acknowledge the authority
of Christ and His word in its fundamental law. The
document -reads: "We, the people of the United States
^ ^ * do ordain and establish this Constitution
for the United States of America." This declaration
is historically, philosophically and scripturally untrue.
The Constitution in all its essential elements was
in existence before the document thus called was
penned ; constitutions are not ordained of men, but
grow ; and the Scripture affirms that the powers that
are legitimate powers at all, are ordained of God. These
glaring defects, with the denial of any religious quali-
fication, the absence of the name of God from the
oath, and the license of immorality and crime upon
which it sets its official seal, give the document,
called the Constitution, such a character of infi-
delity and irreligion that no true Christian ought
to give it his full sanction. For these reasons. Re-
formed Presbyterians have never voted at any of
the elections, nor held office under the govern-
ment. They have never refused, however, to recognize
the authority of the government in things lawful, and
its right to legislate for the well being of men. They
pay their taxes cheerfully as a lawful obligation ; bear
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 55
arms heroically in its defence and for the protection of
their rights ; and give it their moral support in every
way that does not involve them in its evil. They
heartih' aid the government in all that is right and
true. They enter the role of defenders and not traitors ;
reformers and not revolutionists. Theirs is the highest
kind of patriotism. Theirs is a love of country which
would lead them to make any sacrifice to bring it
into the enjoyment of the blessedness of that nation
whose God is the Lord.
Reformed Presbyterians hold that the Church and
State are two divine institutions, supreme in their own
spheres, yet touching at so many points that they
cannot be entirely separated. The one should not arrro-
gate to itself the powers of the other, for under
Christ the one is His spiritual kingdom, and the other
His moral dominion. They should, however, assist each
other in dangerous emergencies, and in the universal
spread of the gospel.
The National Reform Association, organized with the
hearty support and indorsement of the Reformed Pres-
byterian Church, in 1S63, has for its object "the main-
tenance of the e.xisting Christian features in the Ameri-
can government ; the promotion of needed reforms in
the action of the government touching the Sabbath,
the institution of the family, the religious element in
education, the oath, and public morality as affected by
the liquor traf^c, and other kindred evils ; and to
secure such an amendment to the Constitution of the
United States as will declare the nation's allegiance
to Jesus Christ, and its acceptance of the moral laws
56 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
of the Christian religion ; and so indicate that this is
a Christian nation and place all the Christian laws,
institutions, and usages of our government upon an
undeniable legal basis in the fundamental law of the
land." This Association has drawn to its support
many of the most learned theologians and able jurists
in the country, and all true Christian patriots are fall-
ing into line with this theory of civil go\-ernment as
the only safe and true course for the preservation of
America. It is often asked. Is the Reformed Presby-
terian Church a necessity.' This question is answered
in the affirmative. It is the only distinct religious
body in America that is bringing its principles to bear
on the government for its reformation, and has the
grandest object for which to live and labor. A practi-
cal protest against evil is the only testimonj' that is
weighty. The intelligent reader can understand the
necessity and attitude of this Church, and that it is
not for a trifling reason that Reformed Presbyterians
forego priviledges dear to ever>- freeman, and subject
themselves to the reproach of men.
As it is not the province of the historian to discuss
theological differences between Christians, an elaborate
argumentation of the distinctive principles of the Church
will neither be expected by the readers, nor required
by the author to carry out the design of this book.
The distinctive principles will be briefly stated. Re-
formed Presbyterians hold that social religious Covenant-
ing is an ordinance of God to be entered into by the
individual, the church, and the nation. They acknow-
ledge the perpetual obligation of the National and
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 57
Solemn League and Covenant entered into by their
fathers in Scotland, so far as they are applicable in
this land, and until all the objects therein specified are
accomplished. While they acknowledge that many of
the objects for which those precious documents were
sworn have been accomplished, yet they are binding
upon the present Covenanting Church in America until
Papacy is removed from our land, and this Man of
Sin recognizes the perogatives of Christ. In 1S71, they
entered anew into Covenant with God, the bond of
which will be found on another page. There is no
doctrine of the Bible more clearly revealed than the
descending obligation of Covenants. We recognize the
principle every day in our commercial and national
life, and it is alike applicable in our spiritual life.
Because Reformed Presbyterians hold tenaciously to
former Covenants of the Church and conscientiously
display the principle, they are rightly called Covenanters.
Reformed Presbyterians exclude from their communion
all members of secret oath-bound societies. They re-
gard all such associations as the creatures of the
Prince of darkness. The example and the spirit of the
religion of Christ condemn such societies, for He said
nothing in secret, and His acts of charity were done
towards those very characters which are excluded from
secret societies. Did Christ not minister to icoman in
all her needs.' Did He not minister to the maimed,
the halt and the blind ! And yet these special objects
of Christ's love and charity are the very ones secrecy
excludes from any benefit. Charity towards the rich,
the famed, and the healthy, is not eharity, but rather
58 HISTORY OF THE REFOR^[ED
selfishness and malevolence. Secrecy is held up in a
very unfa\-orable manner in the Eighth Chapter of
Ezekiel. Neither the Church nor the State has ever
delegated to any association of men the power to ad-
minister the horrible oaths that are administered to the
unfortunate candidates of secrecy, and who are in the
dark as to what they are swearing to perform. On
account of their blasphemous oaths, irreverent use of
God's titles and attributes, banding together for selfish
and wicked purposes, Christless Scriptures which are
used to accommodate all classes of persons and beliefs,
and the tyrannical measures and dreadful penalties for
revealing their benevolent (?) work. Reformed Presby-
terians forbid their members to join or to belong to-
associations of this character.
Reformed Presbyterians do not use h\-mns of human
composition in the service of divine worship. The}- be-
lieve that God has given to His Church the matter of
praise in the Book of Psalms, and has never delegated
to any uninspired man the authority to substitute human
for divine matter of praise. The Psalms of the Bible
were used in the temple and s\-nagogue worship and it
would ha\-e been considered a corruption of the worship
to substitute any thing else. Christ and the Apostles
used the Psalms in divine worship under the present
dispensation, and on the night of the institution of the
eucharistic feast they sang a part of the Great Hallcl,
I. £'., a portion of the six Psalms from the one hun-
dred and thirteenth to the one hundred and eighteenth,
inclusive. H)-mns, or human compositions, were un-
known in the Christian Church until se\-eral centuries
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IX AMERICA. 59
after Christ. It is a remarkable fact that the periods
in which HsTnns were introduced were generall\- those
characterized by defection and spiritual ignorance. The
Presbyterian Church never introduced human composi-
tions into worship until she made defection from the
attainments of the Second Reformation, and in some
parts of the world this Church still clings to the Songs
of Zion. For the reasons that God has not delegated
to an uninspired person the right to introduced into
His worship that which is already provided ; that Christ
and the \'ew Testament Church sanction the use of
the songs of the Bible ; that many of the hymns are
untrue, frivolous and sectarian, the Reformed Presby-
terian Church use exclusively the one hundred and fifty
Psalms of the Bible in divine worship, and they have
always found them beautifully adapted and truly com-
forting in all the circumstances of the Church, and pre-
eminently so because they are the words of God to
all His people.
Another peculiarity of the Reformed Presbyterian
Church is that no instruments of music are used
in divine worship. They believe that instruments were
used in the tabernacle and temple worship by the
Levites, and at the time of the offering up of sacri-
fices by the priests. As these services were wholly
typical and were done away with at the coming of
Christ, so also all the accompaniments and material
supports of that service. At the advent of Christ the
building, was completed and the scaffolding was taken
down. Christ and the Apostles ne\-er used an instru-
ment of music in the synagogue worship, although thev
5o HIbTORV OF THE REFORMED
used the Psalms. If ir' .uments had been necessary to
acceptable worship, the example or direction of Christ
in this matter would have been given. Christ requires
a spiritual service — the melody of the heart with the
fruit of the lips. The leading writers and fathers of
the Church give instruments no place in the worship.
They were introduced by Pope Vitalian, in A. D., 660,
to "augment the eclat of religious ceremonies." Being
of Romish origin, all true Protestants should look upon
the innovation with suspicion. The true principle of
Christian worship is " What has the Lord required,"
and not what He has not forbidden. All Presbyterians
recognize the Westminister standards, and the Confes-
sion of Faith says we are to "sing Psalms with grace
in the heart," and " the acceptable way of worshipping
the true God is instituted by Himself, and is so limited
by His own revealed will that He may not be wor-
shipped according to the imaginations and devices of
men." It is an admitted fact that instruments and
operatic choirs destroy congregational singing, and sub-
stitute a meaningless service for that which every heart
should render unto God. Instruments are used for the
e.xpress purpose of making the service attractive, and
the praise offering is often rendered for the worship-
pers by those whose lips and hearts have never been
touched by the love of God. When the worship is
thus rendered by machinery, God is robbed of that
heart service and spiritual communion which each wor-
shipper should have with Him in the ordinances of grace.
Among the forms still retained in the Church are
the distribution of tokens at the communion season.
PRESBVTEKiAX CHURCH IN AMERICA. 6 1
the '• fencing of the tables " with table addresses, and
an explanation of a portion of a Psalm each Sab-
bath morning. They are opposed to any change
with reference to the doctrines and practice of the
house of God. Their services are plain and simple,
and aim at the purity rather than the attractiveness of
divine worship. While many of their doctrines and
practices are unpopular. Reformed Presbyterians choose
to bear the criticism, and even the reproach, of men,
if they can only please God and bring glory upon
His name. They desire to be approved of God in the
maintenance of a purely scriptural Church, and to bring
prominently before the world the sacrificial and medi-
atorial work of the Lord Jesus Christ. While often
despised of men for their exclusiveness, they do not
expect their reward for their accommodations to the
likes of sinful men, but for their fidelity to Christ and
and His truth, and whose angel speaks to them as to
the Church of Smyrna, , •• Be thou faithful unto death
and I will give thee a crown of life." The\- plead
the promise to the Apostles, "Fear not, little flock,
for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you
the kingdom." The%- maintain these doctrines and prin-
ciples in the spirit of love and charity for all men
and Christians, and with the sanguine belief that their
principles will ultimateK- prevail and fill the whole
earth with liberty and happiness.
HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
ORGANIC HISTORY OF THE REFORMED PRES-
BYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA.
r\URING the persecution in Scotland, members of the
Reformed Presbyterian Church were banished, ur vol-
untarily found an asylum, in America. They mostly
settled in Eastern Pennsylvania, New York and South
Carolina ; and where two or three families were located
in the same community, they organized themselves into
a society upon the basis of the Reformation, and kept
themselves distinct from other denominations. The
majority of the Covenanters previous to 1750, were
settled in Eastern Pennsylvania. Those residing in the
vicinity of Octorara were joined by the Rev. Alexander
Craighead of the Presbyterian Church, who espoused
their principles in 1743, lead them in Covenanting, and
dispensed the ordinances to them for several years.
A session was constituted, and among the first elders
were Robert Laughhead and Josiah Kerr. The con-
gregation was often called the "Craighead Society."
In maintaining the principles of the Covenanters, Mr.
Craighead aroused the displeasure of his former breth-
ren and the civil societ\-. He published a pamphlet
of a political nature, in which he set forth his pecu-
liar views on 'cixil government which were offensive to
the Presb\-terian Church because it was loyal to the
Crown. After co-operating with the Covenanters for
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IX AMERICA. 6-,
several years, and failing to obtain help for them from
the mother country, he abandoned the society, returned
to the Presbyterian Church, and removed to North
Carolina.
The societies were again left destitute of a minister,
and made urgent applications to the Reformed Presb}--
tery of Scotland for help. The first Covenanter minis-
ter who came to America was the Rev. John Cuth-
bertson, from Scotland, who arri\-ed in August, 1751.
He continued to visit the scattered societies of Co\-e-
nanters throughout Pennsylvania, New \'ork, and other
States, for a period of twenty-two }-ears. He made
his home at Little Octorara, Lancaster Count)-. Penn-
sylvania, where the chief society was located. A few
rude log houses of worship were erected, but the preach-
ing services were held either in the open air in some
pleasant grove, or in private houses and barns, and his
travelling was wholly done on horseback. The amount
of travel, and the hardships endured by this pioneer
missionary are perfectly man-elous, and almost incred-
ible to those enjoying the accommodations and lu.xuries
of this age.
In 1759, the Rev. Ale.xander McDowell left the
Presbyterian Church, and espoused the cause of the
Covenanters. He ministered principally to the societies
in Connecticut and Massachusetts, but assisted Mr.
Cuthbertson in Eastern Pennsylvania. He was called to
the congregation of Rock Creek fGettysburgh , but de-
clined, and in a few years returned to "New England,
and was lost to the Church. In 1766, the Reformed
Presbyter}- of Ireland sent out tlie Rev. Daniel
64 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
McClelland, who ministered to the societies in Con-
necticut and Eastern Pennsylvania for a few years, but
neither of these ministers was of any material assist-
ance to the cause. Mr. Cuthbertson had a great deal
to contend with in several ways. He suffered many an-
no}-ances from the British government, which was doing
all in its power to subject the struggling colonist to
carry the doubl)- grievous yoke of tyranny and Episco-
pacy. He encouraged the societies to assert their rights
as freemen and to fight for the defence of their
country. He inspired them to perseverance and the
hope that God would vindicate the cause of the op-
pressed and gi\'e them civil and religious liberty. In
1772, the Rev. William Martin came out from Ireland
with a colony of his people and settled along Rocky
Creek, in South Carolina.
In the Spring of 1773, a Commissioner was sent to
Ireland from Paxtang society, Pennsylvania, to secure
one or two ministers to come to the assistance of Mr.
Cuthbertson. He was successful in his mission, and the
Reformed Presbv'tery of Ireland sent out the Revs.
Matthew Linn and Ale.xander Dobbin, who landed in
Philadelphia, December 13. 1773, where they were met
by Mr. Cuthbertson and conducted to his home. Revs.
John Cuthbertson, Matthew Linn and Ale.x-ander Dobbin
constituted the first Refor.MED PRESBYTERY IX AMERICA,
at Paxtang, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, March 10,
1774. At this time each of these ministers was as-
signed to his respective field of labor in Eastern Penn-
sylvania, and with Mr. Martin in South Carolina, these
four ministers held forth the cause of the Reformation
in the new world.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 6$
The country was now thrown into the excitement
and turmoil of the RevoIutionar\- war, and every colo-
nist who loved civil and religious Hberty was called
upon to defend his country and his rights. To a man
the Covenanters were Whigs. An unsound Whig made
a poor Covenanter, and a good Covenanter made a loyal
Whig. The colonists declared themselves independent
of Great Britain, July 4, 1776, at Philadelphia, and a
five years' war ensued. North and South the Covenan-
ters went hand and heart into the struggle for inde-
pendence. When the Rev. Alexander Craighead re-
moved to North Carolina he was thoroughly imbued
with the principles of the Covenanter Church, and dis-
seminated them among the Scotch-Irish Presbyterians of
that community. The consequence was the First De-
claration of Independence was emitted by his followers
in May, 1775, a year or more previous to the Na-
tional Declaration. From reliable histories a few in-
teresting facts are gleaned. Mr. Bancroft says : " The
first public voice in America for dissolving all con-
nection with Great Britain came not from the Puritans
of New England, the Dutch of New York, nor the
Planters of Virginia, but from the Scotch-Irish Pres-
byterians of the Carolinas." He evidently refers to the
influence of Rev. Alexander Craighead and the Meck-
lenberg Declaration ; and this influence was due to
the meeting of the Covenanters of Octorara, where in
1743, they denounced in a public manner the policy
of George the Second, renewed the Covenants, and
swore with uplifted swords that they would defend their
lives and their property against all attack and confis-
66 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
cation, and their consciences should be kept free from
the tyrannical burden of Episcopacy. Here was the
fountain of Southern patriotism, and the Octorara
meeting was tlie original germ of American independ-
ence which was transplanted in Charlotte and then in
Philadelphia. More than this. Thomas Jefferson saj-s in
his autobiography, that when he was engaged in pre-
paring the National Declaration that he and his
colleagues searched everywhere for formulas, and that
the printed proceedings of Octorara were before him,
and he used freely the ideas in the Mecklcnberg
Declaration.^ No doubt this accounts for the similarity
of expressions in the two documents. Sometimes it
does happen that the discover or the inventor does
not enjoy the right which should be bestowed upon
him.
A writer in the Nfzu York Revtez^', reviewing the
"Life of Thomas Jefferson," by Tucker, clearly shows
that the Preamble to the Bill of Rights, the Mecklcn-
berg Declaration, and the Virginia Bill of Rights con-
tain nearly everything of importance in the Declara-
tion of Independence of July 4, 1776, upon which rests
so much of Air. Jefferson's fame.t Of this latter in-
strument, and the Mecklenberg Declaration. Judge
Tucker, says: (Vol. II., p. 627.) "Every one must be
persuaded, at least all who have been minute observers
of style, that one of these papers had borrowed from
the other." (See also the observations in the writings
-of Thomas Jefferson, by H. Lee, Philadelphia, 1839).
* Wheeler's Reminiscences, p. 278, in Congressional Library,
f Wheeler's Reminiscences, p, 278.
PRESBVTERIAX CHURCH IN AMERICA. 6/
The spirit which moved Rev. Alexander Craighead to
the use of expressions frequent in documents prepared
and used on similar occasions in Scotish history, evi-
dently influenced the mind of Thomas Jefferson, when
he indited the National Declaration of Independence.
The printed proceedings of Octorara and Mecklenberg
were both in circulation in Philadelphia at that time,
and account for kindred expressions.
It is now difficult to tell whether Donald Cargill,
Hezekiah Balch or Thomas Jefferson wrote the National
Declaration of American Independence, for in sentiment
it is the same as the " Queensferry Paper " and the
Mecklenberg Declaration.
The -rash" declaration of Rev. Donald Cargill, the
Covenanter, was, •' We do declare that we shall set
up over ourselves and over what God shall give us
power of, government and governors according to the
Word of God : that we shall no more commit the
government of ourselves and the making of laws for
us to any one single person, this kind of government
"being most liable to inconveniences and aptest to
degenerate into tyranny." This sentiment of thorough
Republican independence was in circulation long before
Balch or Jefferson was born, and the proceedings of
Octorara preceeded those of Charlotte or Philadelphia
fully a third of a century. " Honor to whom honor is
due." To stigmatize Covenanters as "anti-government
people " is unjust aud untrue, and they are only objects
of derision because their accusers are totally ignorant
of their principles. They are heartily in favor of
govcriDticnt, and the republican forui of governutent.
68 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
and only object to the Constitution for its omission
to acknowledge t/w source from which all government
comes, and a practical application of that doctrine.
These humble and sincere followers of Jesus, who
would conscientious!)- desire to erect a church and
government after God's pattern, have been the truest
and best friends the American government has ever
possessed, and to a man they have been faithful to
their country and to their God in ever\- national
struggle. To them, more than to any other people,
the American government is indebted for liberty, and
they demonstrated to the world that "there can be a
church without a bishop and a government without a
king."
At the house of Captain Paxton, in Eastern Penn-
sylvania, July 2, 1/77, after a patriotic and powerful
sermon, the Rev. John Cuthbertson. and many of the
Covenanters, swore fidelity to the cause of the Colonists.
The}- took no immoral oath to an immoral constitution,
for there was none in existance ; they simply said
the\- were heartily in favor of the Revolution, and would
be faithful to its cause. It was a similar act to that
of Rev. Alexander Craighead and the Covenanters m^
1743. In South Carolina, the old Covenanter minister,
William ]\rartin, than whom no man in the South was
better known, was doing all in his power for the cause
of the Whigs. He preached rebellion against an unlaw-
ful and tyrannical King, and incited the people to rise
up in arms against British oppression. For the expres-
sion of his sentiments he was apprehended by the
Tories, and lay in the prison-hou.se at Rocky Mount
PRESBVTERIAX CHURCH IX AMERICA. 69
and Camden for over six months. When he was
brought before Lord Cornwallis at W'innsboro. he made
no retraction of his sentiments, and said he might
do with him as he pleased. The Covenanters went
heartily into the bloody conflict, and the battles of
Fridus Fort and Eutaw Springs were so fierce and
hotly contested, that their guns came to a blue heat
in the conflict.'^ Such bra\-er\- in battle as was dis-
played b)- William Anderson, John Smitli, John Faris,
Thomas McClurkin, Thomas Neil, and other Co\-enan-
ters, deserves record. Where\-er Covenanters and staunch
Presbyterians were settled, there were the strongholds
of the cause of American independence.
While the colonists had a right and just reason to
declare their independence of Great Britain in 1776,
they had not a right nor a just reason for declaring
their independence of the God of battles in 1789.
The Declaration of Independence «-as right, but the
Constitution of the United States was wrong. The
spirit of libert)- that animated the Revolutionar\- patriot
was the same spirit that beat in the true heart and
unyielding courage of the' Scotch Covenanters, although
many of the heroes and patriots of the struggle were
irreligious men. The trouble was, French infidelit}-
mingled with American patriotism at the helm of
State, and was the cause of the perversion of loyalt\-
to the Divine Being in the instrument of the newly
erected government.
During this excitement of war, and the disturbed
state of the country, there was a slight change going
*Rev, D. S Faris, in R. P. & C, 1S76, p 56.
70 HISTORY OK THE REFORMED
on in the minds of some of the Covenanters in Eastern
Pennsylvania. The religious element in this countr\- at
that time was in a chaotic state. It was a new
country being settled up by emigrants from the old.
There, they were trammelled with tyrannical measures
in church and state ; here, they were free to assert
their independence of thought and action, and they
were not as cautious as they should have been.
Covenanters enthusiasticalh- threw themselves into the
struggle without immorality, thinking for aught they
knew the Constitution when framed would be of the
nature and make the acknowledgments which they
desired. In this state of things Covenanters freely
mingled with other Christians without respecL to national
or denominational peculiarities. The Covenanters hailed
with joy the destruction in America of the govern-
ment that had oppressed and persecuted them to the
death in Scotland. Besides this, another branch of the
Scottish Church was taking root in the same com-
munity, which had originally been of the same stock
and race in Britain, and now cotemporaneously planted
in America. These circumstances all pointed to the
practicability of seeking a union of the Covenanters
and the Associate Church. Churches ought to unite
and cause the body of Christ to become one when
there is no immoraIit\- or departure from principles
demanded. So far as the practical application of this
movement at that special period was concerned it was
a good mo\'e, but theoretically it was a bad mo\-e-
ment. When the union was effected there was no
Constitution, moral or immoral, but the Seceders held
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. /I
the principle that we are bound to recognize as the
ordinance of God any government that may be set up
without respect to qualifications, and here the Seceders
showed their inconsistency. They bitterly opposed the
Covenanters in Scotland and America for disowning the
British government as an ordinance of God, and now
they turn around and do all they can to overthrow
that very government which they declared was an ordi-
nance of God. Under the same government they were
loyal in Scotland and disloyal in America, and seek
union with a body that was always opposed to an
unscriptural, tyrannical and oppressive government. The
Seceders declared at the Revolutionary war that the
doctrine of passive obedience, which they had cherished
with seeming sincerity, was simply absurd ; and that
the principles of the Covenanters, and those upon
which the colonists acted, were true, and that "we are
not bound to own as God's ordinance every one, with-
out e-xception, who may providentially have power in
his hands."
In the coalescence, the Covenanter ministers never
thought of giving up their principles, but they should
have known the dangers of a compromise of principle.
Xo sooner had the fair building of Covenanterism been
erected in America upon Reformation principles, than
the builders began to hew down the carved palace by
affiliating with men who were opposed to the design
of the structure. And this thing was not done hastily.
They had been deliberately agitating the question for
at least five years, and consummated it in the erection
of the Associate Reformed Church, November i, 1782.
72 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
They called the new organization by both names,
although it was practically an Associate Church still.
As soon as the Constitution was framed a few )-ears
later, they all came under it as the Associate Church
had done in Britain ; they swore allegiance to it as
the ordinance of God. although God, or Christ, or the
Bible, is not recognized in it. If not in 17S2, cer-
tainly in 17S9, it became an Associate Church, and
we are not surprised to learn that some of the Cove-
nanter ministers hung their heads in shame and re-
gretted the step they had taken.
The Reformed Presb\-tery lost its name and organiza-
tion in America. No doubt Matthew Linn was the
best Covenanter among them. In all the conferences,
the minutes of which are published in " Miller's
Sketches," hot debates were prevalent, and all the dif-
ferences between the two bodies were discussed with
marked ability. Upon one occasion the blood of the
old Covenanter Matthew Linn became stirred, and he
concluded an able and eloquent address upon a proposi-
tion in these words : " You may agree to what proposi-
tions you please, but we Covenanters will agree to
; none but with this interpretation, that all power and
i ability civil rulers have are from Christ the Prophet of
i the Covenant ; and all the food and raiment mankind
I enjoy are from Christ the Priest of the Covenant."
I And if he and his colleagues had added that no
i government is lawfully constituted without the acknowl-
i edgment that Christ is the King of nations, and clung
; to these sentiments, there would have been no dis-
PRESBYTERIAN' CHURCH IX AMERICA. 73
astrous union. The following is the basis of union
finally agreed upon and adopted :
1. That Jesus Christ died for the elect only.
2. That there is an appropriation in the nature of faith.
3- That the Gospel is indiscriminately addressed to sinners of
mankind.
4. That the righteousness of Christ is the alone proper condition
of the Covenant of grace,
5. That civil power originates from God the Creator, and not
from Christ the Mediator.
6. That the administration of the kingdom of Providence is com-
mitted to Jesus Christ the Mediator; and magistracy, the ordinance
appointed by the moral Governor of the world to be the pillar or
prop of civil order among men, as well as other things, is rendered
subservient by the Mediator to the welfare of His spiritual kingdom,
the Church, and beside the Church has the sanctified use of that and
every common benefit, through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.
7. That the law of nature and the moral law revealed in Scrip-
ture are substantially the same, although the latter expresses the will
of God more evidently and clearly than the former ; and therefora
magistrates among Christians ought to be regulated by the general
directory of the Word as to the execution of their offices in faithful-
ness and righteousness.
8 That the qualifications of justice, veracity, &c., required in the
law of nature for the being of a magistrate, are also more clearly
and explicitly revealed as necessary in Scripture. But a religious test
any farther than an oath of fidelity can never be essentially neces-
sarv to the being of a magistrate, except when the people make it a
condition of government ; then it may be among that people neces-
sary
their own voluntary deed.
9. That both parties, when united, shall adhere to the Westmins-
ter Confession of Faith, Catechisms Larger and Shorter, Directory for
Worship, and Propositions concerning Church Government.
10. That they shall claim the full exercise of church discipline
without dependence on foreign judicatories.
The union was consummated at the house of William
Richards, in the city of Philadelphia, November i,
74 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
1782, at which time and place the S\-nod of the
Associate Reformed Church was constituted, with the
Rev. John Mason, Moderator. The following members
composed the new bod}- as then organized :
Associates: Revs. James Proudfit, Matthew Hender-
son, John Mason, Robert Annan, John Smith, John
I Rodgers, Thomas Clark, William Logan, John Murra\-
1 and David Annan. Elders — Joseph Miller, Thomas
j Douglas and William McKinle\-.
j Covenanters : Revs. John Cuthbertson, Matthew Linn,
': Alexander Dobbin and David Telfair. Elders — James
I Bell, John Cochran and Dr. Robert Patterson. '
The great majority of the Covenanters in the North
i followed their misguided pastors into the union. Rev.
'; William Martin, in South Carolina, was the onl)-
I Covenanter minister left in America, and no doubt he
I would have gone in too if he had been in good stand-
1 ing and had had the opportunit}-. The Covenanters
i in the South were little effected by the union. While
i in the ten articles of agreement there are many con-
cessions to the principles of the Reformed Presb\-terian
\ Church, yet there are some radical departures. To the
j_ concessions all the Seccders did not agree, and to
1 the departures all the Covenanters did not agree. The
i consequence was. three bodies were formed instead of
1 one. While it is said " in union there is strength,"
it depends largely upon the basis of that union. The
I moral strength of the Church depends upon purity of
doctrine and not upon the mass of individuals. The
sparkling rill from .the mountain side is smaller and
purer than the large turbid river that flows through
PRESBVTERIAX CHURCH IN AMERICA. 7 5
the valle\-. Two ministers of the Associate Church
did not go into the union, and this Church was re-or-
ganized and grew rapidl\-.
In an edition of their Testimony, emitted about fiftr
years after the union, we read : " Xearl\- fifty years
have now elapsed since the organization of the Asso-
ciate Reformed Church ; and the correctness of the
[former] remarks on her Constitution, has been clearly
exhibited. For some time she continued to observe
the usages of the Associate Church from which she
separated. But becoming numerous and popular some
of her ministers began to manifest symptoms of dis-
satisfaction with many of these usages, acted contrary
to them, wrote against them, and attempted their
abolition." Among their devisive courses enumerated
were the doing away with da\-s of fasting and pre-
peration before communion, holding open communion,
singing h\-mns. freel\- e.xchanging pulpits with ail
denominations, and agitating a union with the Pres-
byterian Church. The histor}- of the Associate Re-
formed Church was marked with so much declension,
that the bod\- divided into three distinct Synods in
the North, South and West.
The Covenanters were worse off than the remnant
of the Associate Church, for the\- had no minister.
But God graciously preserved the germs of Covenan-
terism, and the few faithful ones rallied around the
old flag. With the heroism of their martyred ancestry,
they clung to their blood-bought principles and gathered
themselves again into the pra\-ing societies. The
Covenanter Church has a mission to fill and a grand
I 76 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
I object for which to live, or God would not have so
tenderly and niarvelously preserved her from total
extinction both in Scotland and America. Xearl\- every,
if not e\-ery, other denomination has either departed
from some of her principles or become thoroughly
Americanized : but the old Covenanter Church retains
her ancient principles intact, with her rugged Scottish
I . forms of worship, and has successfully weathered every
J . storm of innovation,
'■ The scattered societies of Covenanters now called
I loudly for help from Scotland and Ireland. They
I waited patiently seven years before their request could
! be granted. In the summer of 1789, the Reformed
Presb\-tery of Scotland sent out the Rev. James Reid
i to examine into the condition and needs of the
[ societies. He made an investigating tour among all
I the societies from New York to South Carolina ;
1 preached and held communions, organized new societies
i and congregations, and returned to Scotland in a little
1 less than a year. Doubtless in his elaborate report to
I the Scottish Presbytery, Mr. Reid. showed the need of
I immediate action and the pressing claims of the
• American Covenanters. His visit lead the Churches in
j Europe to take immediate steps for sending ministerial
; help to this country. The Rev. James McGarragh was
I . first sent out by the Reformed Presbytery of Ireland,
i and he arrived in South Carolina in the Spring of
I 1791- Rev. William King was also commissioned bv-
! the Reformed Presb\-tery of Scotland, and arrived in
i South Carolina in the Fall of 1792. Revs. McGarragh
and King were now directed to act as a Committee
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. -JJ
of the Scottish Presbytery and to judicially manage
the affairs of the Church ; the)- restored the Rev.
William Martin, and he was added to the Com-
mittee. In the Spring of 1793, the Rev. James
McKinney came out from Ireland as an exile for liberty,
and preached throughout the Northeastern States and
cities with great power and success. He also was
connected with the work of the Committee, which
now acted as a regularh- constituted Presb\-tery in
subordination to the Reformed Presb\-ter)' beyond the
ocean. In August, 1795, Mr. McGarragh was suspended
on account of intemperate habits, and Mr. Martin was
silenced for the same reason, thus leaving Mr. King
alone in the South to manage the affairs of the
Church. Mr. McKinney held that it was not satisfac-
tory to judicialh- manage the affairs of the Church in
America by a Committee from Scotland ; but to un-
derstand and judiciously apply the provisions for the
needs of the societies, the Church here should have
a separate and distinct Presbs'ter}-. This was necessar\-
on account of the vast number of emigrants which
were arriving, and efforts were made to carry this idea
into e.xecution.
The Reformed Presbyter\- of Ireland was placed in
a critical position with reference to the Irish insurrec-
tion, and their troubles proved advantageous to the
Church in America in the way of receiving ministers
and members. F"or many \-ears the Covenanters
in Ireland were the sole advocates of liberty from the
Crown. While they deeply s\-mpathized with the cause
of the oppressed, they could not join the society of
~S HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
United Irishmen, but disappro\-ed of their proceedings.
This societ\- was organized at Belfast by Theobald
Wolfe Tone. In a document published in 1796. entitled
" A Seasonable and Necessary Information," the Re-
formed Presb\-ter\- of Ireland vindicated its character
in reference to this society known as the United Irish-
men, b\- declaring its " highest abhorence of all such
tumultuous meetings and disorderly societies," and
signified its disapproval of " anything said ur done
prejudicial to the peace, safety and property of any
individual or society." This document was published
in the Northern Star, October 3, 1 796, and was done
in the name of the Covenanter Church in the counties
of Antrim and Down.* Being thoroughlx- in sympathy
with the cause that might overthrow monarchy and
prelacy, Covenanters were suspected by the government
of being in connection with this society, and were often
so regarded. They did sympathize with, but not adopt
the methods of, this society, and many of them fled
to America for safety and peace. Among those coming
in the Fall of 1797. were the Rev. William Gibson,
with John Black and Samuel B. Wyiie, students of
theolog}'. Revs. King, McKinney and Gibson now
made arrangements to constitute a Presbytery in
America, but INIr. King died before it was effected.
Revs. Gibson and McKinney, with ruling elders, con-
stituted the Reformed Pre.sbvterv of America, at
Philadelphia, in May, 179S, which had been dissolved since
the coalescence of 17S2. This court was fully recog-
nized by the Presbyteries in Ireland and Scotland, and
* Reid's History of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IX AMERICA. 79
a friendly correspondence was established with them.
They were not placed under the same circumstances
as the brethren in 1774, and the objectional features
of the Constitution of the United States were clearly
pointed out and testified against. Its wilful omission
of all reference to God the Author, Christ the King,
and the Word of God as the Supreme Law of nations
and civil government ; its sanction and protection of
human slavery, and other permissions of e\-il, excluded
all conscientious Covenanters from swearing allegiance
to it. The position of the Church was then, as it is
now, one of practical dissent from the Constitution
for these just and good reasons, and so it remains
without change either in the testimon\- or the practical
application of these principles.
Among the first judicial acts of the Reformed
Presbytery worthy of special notice, was the deli\-er-
ance of this body, in iSoo, on the subject of human
slavery. They had always held this system to be a
sin, and previous to 179S, the ministers in South
Carolina had warned members against it. The matter
was brought before them by Rev. Alexander McLeod
refusing to accept a call to Coldenham, New York,
because there were some members who owned sla\es.
The Presbytery enacted, without a dissenting \-oice,
that ■' no slaveholder should be allowed the communion
of the Church." They also appointed a Committee,
consisting of Revs. James McKinney and Samuel B.
Wylie, to repair to South Carolina with the message
of this court that the Covenanters there must either
emancipate their slaves or be refused the communion
So HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
of the Church. "The Committee were no less surprised
than delighted to find with what alacrity those con-
cerned came forward and complied with the decree of
Presbytery. In one day. in the small community of
Covenanters at Rocky Creek, not less than three
thousand guineas were sacrificed upon the altar of
principle," and the Church then and forever cleansed
her hands from the guilt of human slavery. Cove-
nanters were far in advance of other denominations in
this matter. The Associate Reformed Synods of the
North and West gave a very mild deliverance in
1S26, but the Synod of the South never made a
deliverance upon the subject. Previous to the Revolu-
tionary war there were few negroes in the South, but
the traffic in human souls began immediately afterwards
and the nefarious business became a great trade and
industry. With the annual growth of slavery the
annual emigration of Covenanters increased. They were
thorough-going abolishionists, and established " under-
ground railways " from the South into Canada.
In 1S02, the Rev. Samuel B. Wylie was sent as a
commissioner to the sister judicatories of Europe, with
the instructions of the Reformed Presb\-tery that
he shall "give them a just representation of our
present situation as a church in North America ; to
intimate our unfeigned wish for a friendly connection
and express our sorrow that the court had so long
neglected making intimation to this effect ; and to
endeavor to procure as many ministerial laborers as
may be conveniently obtained." Although the Presby-
tery had been constituted four years, the fact had not
rRESBVTERIAN CHURCH IX AMERICA. bl
been officially announced to the Presbyter\- under whose
care the\- had been. This state of affairs would seem
to indicate the necessit)' of a common judicatory or
supreme court under which Covenanters in all lands
could be united. Afr. W'ylie was received with cor-
dialit}- e\'er\-where, and all the objects of his mission
were obtained so far as practicable.
The next important item in the organic histor\- was
the provision made for the emission of the Testimony".
While they went upon the principle that truth is not
local, and they desired a testimony that would be
applicable in all lands, yet they felt the need of a
testimony to apply to the Church in America in con-
tending for all truth and testif)-ing against local e\-ils.
A committee was appointed in 1802, to draught such
a system and ask the co-operation and assistance of
all the ministers in America and the Presbyteries
in Scotland and Ireland. Rev. Alexander McLcod was
the chairman of the committee, and different depart-
ments were assigned to different ministers.
In 1S04, the Reformed Dissenting Presbytery proposed
a union with the Covenanters, but they could not be
admitted upon their basis, and the matter was dropped.
In May, 1806, the "Declaration and Testimony of the
Reformed Presbyterian Church in America" was unani-
mously adopted and ordered to be published with all
convenient speed. At this meeting it was also enacted
that "sitting on juries in the ci\-il courts of the
United States, or in any State, is inconsistent with
the Testimony;" and "an oath ma\- be made before
the constituted authorities provided such magistrates
52 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
understand that the person doing so does not recognize
j thereby his official right to administer it, but the
I individual makes the oath voluntarily to the Supreme
I Being." In 1807, a committee was appointed to make
a draught of a covenant, "embracing the spirit and
I design of the vows entered into b\- our fathers in the
Reformation." This work was never attended to, and
i not until sixty-five years thereafter was the original
purpose carried out. The "Terms of Communion"
now in use were prepared, and the fourth term was
! changed in 1878 to apply to the renovation of the
I Covenants in 1871. At the same time the "Directory
[ for Worship" was prepared by Rev. John Black, and
the "Book of Discipline" by Rev. Alexander McLeod.
|, They were both adopted in 18 19; but it seems the
1 "Book of Discipline" was rewritten, several years spent
I in making amendments, and it was not authoritati\-ely
1 ■ published as the law of the Church until 1863. The
I Presbytery also decided to establish a Theological
Seminary, and it was opened in Philadelphia, May,
j 1 8 10, with the Rev. Samuel B. Wylie as the professor.
j The Synod of the Reformed Presbyterian Church in
I America was constituted at Philadelphia, May 24, 1S09,
! which court ratified all the deeds of the Reformed
! Presbytery and changed the three Committees into
I Presb)-teries.
I The next national struggle was what is known as
I the "War of 18 12." On account of "the impressment
of American seamen, depredations on commerce and
I attacks upon armed vessels, the United States Con-
■ gress declared war against Great Britain." The major-
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 83
ity of the Covenanters thought it their duty to again
come to the defense of the country and their interests.
As there were many members who were aliens and
would not take the naturalization oath, and, for fear
they would be suspected as enemies of the States, the
Synod of 1S12, made a statement to Congress of her
position as a Church. As no immoral oath was re-
quired of them, the Covenanters were hearty supporters
of the nation's rights and cheerfully bore arms in
defense of the countr>-. The failure of many of the
Christian ministers of other denominations throughout
the country to support the nation in its rights, many
of whom were loyal to Great Britain and opposed to
the measures adopted by the United States, lead the
Rev. Alexander .McLeod to preach a series of "War
Sermons," which for truth and eloquence are unexcelled
in modern sermonizing. They were published and
received a large circulation.
At the meeting of Synod in 1S17, the following
resolution was passed : '■ \Vuerea>, A judicial testimony
for truth and against errors and immoral practices,
unaccompanied with an argumentative defence of the
one and refutation of the other, must be defective
and as a promise has been given by the highest
judicatory of this Church, that such a defence and
refutation, as a third part of our testimony, may be
expected ; therefore,
R^'soht-d, " That a Committee be appointed to inquire
into the subject, and report on the propriety of redeem-
ing their pledge at this time, and to suggest the fittest
mode for accomplishing that purpose.
04 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
Resolved, " That this Committee consist of three mem-
bers, viz : Revs. McLeod, Milligan and Lusk." The
Synod also made arrangements for a more hearty and
systematic support of the Seminar)-.
At the meeting of S\-nod in lSi8, the following
distribution of articles for the Testimony was made :
"The Directories" to Rev. John Black; the "Book of
Discipline" and "Form of Covenanting" to Rev. Alex.
McLeod; "Form of Church Government" to Rev. J, R.
Willson ; "Forms of Process" to Rev. Gilbert McMaster ;
and an "Address" to accompany the Covenant to Rev.
Thomas Donnelly. These were to be ready b\' the
next meeting. The most of the sessions of 1819 were
consumed in considering the " Book of Discipline " and
the " Directory for Worship." The tasks assigned at
the previous meeting were not completed and the
writers were continued. A Committee consisting of
Revs. S. B. Wylie, Alex. McLeod and J. R. Willson
was appointed to " address the sister Synods in Britain
and Ireland and propose to them the propriety of
entering into a Solemn League and Covenant, mutually
binding us to God and to each other in the support
I of the cause of the Reformation in which we are all
engaged ; and recognizing the obligation b\- which we
j are bound by the Covenants of our ancestors."
1 At the meeting of Sjmod in 1821, a paper was
received from Mr. James Willson, of Kaskaskia, Illinois,
I asking for information with respect to the law of the
i Church in civil affairs, and especially on the subject
I of sitting on juries. The Synod stated " that no con-
! nection with the laws, the offices, or the order of the
PRE>BVTERIAX CHURCH IX AMERICA. 85
State is prohibited by the Church, except what trul\-
involves immoralit}-." This action of Synod has
frequently been used as an e.xcuse and apolog}- b}'
those who subsequently became citizens. Xow it is
clear that there is no surrender of the position of the
Church in this act, for the Testimony of the Church
has declared over and over again that there was
"immorality interwoven with the general and state's
Constitutions," and members uniformly dissentjd from
them. Until the Church published her Testimony it
passed an act prohibiting members from sitting on juries,
for jurors are executive officers created by the Constitu-
tion and represent the Nation in giving a verdict
according to the law and testimony. The Synod ga\-e
no new deliverance on the question in 1821, and if Mr.
James Willson had read the authorized Testimony he
would have found that the law of the Church, as
made in the meeting of Presbytery in 1806, was that
•• sitting on juries in the civil courts of the United
States, or in an\- State. is inconsistent with the
Testimony." This law never was repealed and it was
not disannulled by the act of 1821. Although this
act unsettled the minds of some who were an.xious to
la\- down the Testimon}-, and lead to complaints from
others who thought the Church was laying down her
principles, the S\-nod in 1825, ga\-e this clear and
difinite deliverance which forever after should have
closed the mouths of latitudinarians : " Some misunder-
standing ha\-ing occurred relating to the meaning of
the act passed at our last session respecting serving
on juries, the Synod passed the following resolution :
86 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
" Risolvcd. That this Synod never understood an\- act of
theirs relative to their members sitting on juries as
contrary to the old common law of the Church on
these subjects." The " old common law " was prohibitory
and did hold sway, but there was a disposition on the
part of some leading members of Synod to change
the position of the Church as dissenting from the
government, which lead to the formation of the party
which abandoned this distinctive position in 1833.
In 1823, the constitution of the supreme judicatory
was changed into a General Synod by the following
action :
Resolved, That a General Synod of the Reformed Presbyterian
Church, to meet bi-ennially. be formed by delegates ftom the several
Presbyteries ; that each Presbytery shall have the right of sending two
ministers and as many ruling elders, and that the ratio of increase
of the number of delegates be, until further order be taken on the
subject, two ministers and as many ruling elders, for every three
ministers of which the Presbytery consists.
By many this change was regarded as uncalled for
and the means by which power was acquired to effect
a change in the relation of the Church to the govern-
ment. History confirms the fact that these suspicions
were well-grounded. At this meeting also they reiter-
ated the law of the Church that "no slaveholder can
be held in the communion of the Church," and the
Committee appointed to act on cases of discipline
recommended Synod "to insert under the Chapter of
Oaths, a new article to testify against the oaths taken
by free-masons."
In 1S25, the General Assembly Presbyterian Church
proposed a plan of correspondence, and delegates were
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 8/
appointed from the Reformed Presbyterian Church.
They framed a treaty which was ratified by the
General Assembly, but rejected by the Synod of our
-Church. This was not satisfactory to those who were
imbued with the spirit of the treaty and who
manifested a disposition to not heed the decisions of
Synod. Thus began a discord, and the peace and
harmony of the Church were again disturbed. Those
who began to maintain these principles of latitudina-
rianism. and consider the testimony and decisions of
the Church as of no force, are responsible for the
disruption that soon followed. In 1827, the Synod was
called upon to vindicate its course in criticizing the
position of the Associate Church, and, as this body
had begun a correspondence with Synod upon the
subject of union, after a free and full discussion of
the principles of each body, the Synod, in 182S,
declared that it would be useless to endeavor to effect
a union with them, and the matter was dropped.
In 1S30, the Committee previously appointed to
"report concerning the propriet\- of making application
to the several civil authorities of our common country
respecting the e.xisting relations of this communit>- to
the Commonwealth," reported in an able and earnest
paper that "there could be no change in the e.xisting
relations of the Church to the Nation in consistency
with her testimony as witnessing for the authorit\- of
Christ as King of nations." This faithful report was
galling to some who desired to modify the position of
the Church, and, after a good deal of discussion, it
was finally agreed to commit it to the examination of
88 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
a Committee of four, and if they saw fit, to publish
it as an o\-erture before the next meeting of S\-nod.
The Committee framing the paper, and that to examine
it, were made one, and it was hoped that the valuable
part of it would be preserved and the position of the
Church maintained. The following is the action of the
I Synod of 1831, with reference to it:
i The object of appointing a committee on the civil relations, is to
' inquire into the propriety of making application to the civil authorities
respecting the relations in which the members of this Church stand
to them. The said committee accordingly submit to Synod a resolu-
tion in these words
I That an application be made to the Congress of the United States,
when it shall have been ascertained from influential statesmen that
I ' such application shall probably prove successful, for a grant of the
I rights of citizenship to the members of this Church, not otherwise re-
' cognized as citizens, on other terms than swearing an oath of allegiance
to the existing civil institutions of the land.
Your committee are of opinion that influential statesmen have not,
as yet, opened the door for a successful application to Congress, and
therefore deem it most prudent to recommend to Synod a postpone-
i ment of the subject.
I While this report fails to accomplish the design for
i which the Committee was appointed, it certainly exalts
i the position and authority of the S>"nod in forbidding
I her members to swear allegiance to the government.
' A " rising part}- " was not yet satisfied because the
I iron laws of the Church held them down to a sub-
: mission to her Testimony. They wanted to breathe
I more freely, and so, at the same meeting of 1S31, it
, was " resolved that this Synod recommend that the
! points of difference on the application of our principles
' to the civil institutions of the United States be dis-
rKESKVTERIAX CHUKCH IN AMERICA. Jy
cussed through the medium of the Aincrican Christian
Expositor, under the head of " Free Discussions," and
that every member of Synod have full liberty to avail
himself of this vehicle."
Now the law of the Church and the acquiescence of
members to the report both plainly declared that
members of the Reformed Presbyterian Church could
not, consistent with their position of dissent, swear
allegiance to the government. As upon this vital
question there was no difference of opinion, how could
it be a matter of discussion .' It was simply an oc-
casion to repeal the action of Synod prohibiting
incorporation with the government. The consequence
was the pulpit and the press now became vehicles for
the dissemination of doctrines subversive to the position
of the Church. Some of the learned doctors, who had
grown weary of testimony-bearing, wrote articles to
show how easily Covenanters, in consistency with their
principles, could incorporate with the governmen*-. and
not be charged with complicity in the sins of the
nation. This was " new light " to those who had
thought and held that the Constitution was defective
and licensed immorality, and those who swore allegiance
to it were justly implicated in the evil. Some of the
leading men, who had spent their best days in upholding
the principles of the Church and emitting publications
in her defense, now " changed their minds " and
repudiated the sentiments held when they were " beard-
less boys."
We have now come to a period in the history of
the Reformed Presbyterian Church when those errors,
90 HIbTOKV OK THE REFORMED
which were given too much countenance at firsts
developed into open rebellion against the true and
historic position of the Church. It is now fifty-five
years since the unpleasant controversy and division of
the Church ; and, while we have no desire to revive
the trouble, we have an earnest desire to vindicate
the position of the Reformed Presb\-terian Church. It
is granted that mistakes and bad temper were dis-
played upon both sides ; that the war of words and
pamphlets aggravated the controversy and widened
the separation ; but back of all this debris there was
a righteous position to be held and a Bible principle
to be maintained. Neither the righteousness of the
cause nor the validity of the course consisted in which
side had the learned doctors, the most worldly ambi-
tion, held the most property, exerted the most influence
in society, or held or withdrew from material buildings.
All this is simply dust. The question is, Which side
held the true Bible theor\- of civil government, and
which departed from the recognized position of the
Reformed Presbyterian Church in America .'
Now the trend of Scottish history, and the Testi-
mony of the Reformed Presbyterian Church officially
adopted in 1806, testify to the fact that Covenanters
are dissenters from immoral Constitutions of Church
and State. No candid and intelligent reader can deny
this fact. No one thoroughly acquainted with the
godly instruction of Covenanters and the true character
of the American government could be mistaken as to
the attitude of Reformed Presbyterians. Hear the Testi-
mony of 1S06:
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IX AMERICA. 9 1
Since the adoption of the Constitution in 17S9, the members of the
Reformed Presbyterian Church have maintained a constant testimony
against these evils. They have refused to sen-e in any ofKce which im-
plies an approbation of the Constitution, or which is placed under the
direction of an immoral law. They have abstained from giving their
votes at elections for legislators or officers, who must be qualified to act
by an oath of allegiance to this immoral system. They could not
themselves consistently swear allegiance to that Government, in the
Constitution 01 which there is contained so much immorality In all
these instances their practice has been uniform.
And who wrote these sentiments ? A man who was
now repudiating them ! And not only in the " His-
torical Part " of the Testimony, but in the " Doctrinal
Part." which was adopted at the same time, the holding
up of the United States government as an ordinance
of God was an error to be condemned and testified
against. The sessional records all over the country
reveal the fact, that, previous to the " new light "
which dawned upon the Church in 1833. members who
sat on juries or voted at any elections were centured,
and they either confessed their sin or left the Church.
Without fear of contradiction it is affirmed, and
synodical reports corroborate the statement, that it was
the settled policy and position of the Reformed Presby-
terian Church in America to refuse allegiance to the
United States government on account of its defects and
immoralities. The constitutional law of the Church has
always been that members are absolutely prohibited from
affiliating with the go\'ernment in any way that would
involve them in its evil or give sanction to it as the
ordinance of God.* The act of Synod in 1831, by which
*This position of the Church is admitted in the Ruformed Pnsiiyttrian:
Advocate, the organ of the New School Church, January, 188S.
92 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
members were given the priviledge of free discussion, in
no way gave them the liberty to change the constitutional
laiu of the Church. The law on this subject was fixed,
and it never was repealed, and stands to-day to the con-
demnation of those who departed from it.
At the meeting of the Eastern Subordinate S\mod,
held in New York, April 25, 1S32, a paper, which was
designed to be a pastoral letter to the Churches, was
drawn up by the Chairman of a Committee appointed
for that purpose. This paper embodied high enconiums
and commendations of the United States go^-ernment,
which government was the same as it had been when
the same gentleman had previously condemned it for its
immoralities, and denounced those who were faithfully
maintaining the Church's Testimony. This paper was
adopted, after many malicious paragraphs were expunged
because they were directly subversive to the principles
of the Church and highly abusive of some of the
members of S\-nod. Contrary to the decision of Synod,
and in insubordination to the highest judicatory of the
Church, the Chairman of this Committee, and a
minorit}- of the members of the court, gathered to-
gether and made arrangements for publishing the whole
document with explanatory notes, and they spread the
dangerous publication all over the Church. As a point
of law, it is not whether the standards of the Church
are correct or whether the pastoral letter taught doctrines
contrary to them ; but, those who held these views,
must either clear themselves according to the constitu-
tional lai^ of the Church, or abandon her position. The
existing law of the Church, however, condemned the
PRESBYTERIAN"- CHURCH IX AMERICA. 93
expunt;ed paragraphs and the sentiments of those who
sympathized with them, and they were compelled to do
the other thing — liare the Church. If men do not
believe the principles of the Church they are at liberty
to step down and out. But many of these misguided
brethren, b\- their writings and speeches, would condemn
the standards and justify their opinions.
In this state of things it was necessar\- to stay the
progress of defection. The only and the proper thing
to do, was to call a meeting of the court to which
those who were departing from the principles were
amenable. This was done. The Moderator of the
Eastern Subordinate Synod, on the requisition of two
Presbyteries, called a pro re nata meeting which was
held in New York, November 25, 1832. The Synod
was regularly constituted by prayer and the object of
the meeting sustained. As might be expected, protests
came in from six ministers upon whose conduct the
meeting was to act. The Clerk refused to produce the
minutes of the court, and, after three regular citations
to do so, was suspended for insubordination. The
meeting then proceeded to examine the "original draft
of a pastoral letter " and the paragraphs which had
been expunged, and a libel was founded thereon against
those who signed it. The counts in the libel were
five in number, viz. : i. Following divisive courses.
2. Contempt of the authority of Svmod. 3. Error in
Doctrine. 4. Abandonment of the Testimon_\- of the
Church. 5. Slandering S\-nod and its members. Copies
of the libel were sent to all those to whom it applied,
94 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
and they were cited to appear before the regular
meeting of Synod, April 9, 1833. and answer to the
charges in the libel.
The pastor of the First congregation of Xew \'ork
paid no attention to the act of S\-nod. and introduced
the suspended Clerk of S\-nod into the ptilpit to the
discomfiture of the majority of the members. These
members who would be law-abiding and recognize the
validity of the court of God's house, were excluded
from church priviledges without charge, citation or
trial, because the\- would not hear a suspended minister.
In order to e\-ade centure by the Presbyter}- for this^
conduct, the pastor of the First congregation applied
to the Philadelphia Presb\-ter\- to be taken under its
care, with the congregation, for there were sympathizers-
with this divisive course in that city. Now everybody
knows that such conduct as that would not be tolerated
I by any orderly body ; and besides this matter of order,
the Synod had fixed the boundaries of the Presbyteries,.
I and neither congregations nor Presbyteries had the
j power to alter them. The Philadelphia Presb\'ter\', or
j . some members of it. now installed the suspended
minister over the congregation in Xew York. The
I congregation was placed under the Philadelphia Presby-
i tery, a call moderated, the pastor settled, and one
i hundred and forty members expelled in less than three-
i days. -Certainly the "King's business required haste."
1 Any one at all acquainted with the rules and usage
; of the Presb\-terian Church law at once will say that
' such transactions were unlawful and unpresb\-terial.
' At the meeting of the Rastern Subordinate Synod,.
PRESBVTERIAN CHURCH IX AMERICA. 95
April 9, 1833, the court was regular!}' opened with a
sermon and constituted b\- praj-er by the Moderator.
The suspended Clerk attempted to force himself upon
the court, but was checked by a motion to appoint a
Clerk pro tcni. \\'hen this point of order was settled,
the leader of the parties against whom the libel was
framed, called upon his colleagues and the\- withdrew
to another house without any officers. Here they set
up an independent S\-nod, which the\- st\'led the
"Eastern Subordinate Synod." They felt sure the
regular court would sustain the libels, and they sought
this mode of contending for the rights of the sus-
pended Clerk in order to escape the application of
discipline. Though these offenders had withdrawn, the-
Synod agreed that they were not free from their juris-
diction, and they proceeded with the citations to appear
and answer the libels. After citing them three times-
to appear, and notifying them if they did not, they
would be proceeded against as if the\- were present,,
the Synod, after patient waiting, proceeded to examine
the conduct of those libeled. The Synod resolved that
the parties were guilty of the five counts in the libel, -
and were thereupon suspended from the e.xercise of the
ministry and priviledges in the Reformed Presbyterian-
Church. The five suspended ministers were duly notified
of the action of the Eastern Subordinate Synod.
The General Synod of the Reformed Presbyterian
Church met in Philadelphia, August 7, 1S33. The
former Moderator of this Synod was among those sus-
pended, and for this reason was disqualified for taking
his position until his case was adjudicated and he
96 HISTORY OF THE REFOR>rED
restored. The Synod, and the people whom they repre
sented, were not willing to trust their interests to thosi
who had no regard for the high position of the Churcl
as a witness for Jesus, and who trampled all Presby-
terial law and order under their feet. They must make
amends or be self-e.xcluded from participation in the
transactions of the court. Supposing the proceedings
of the Eastern Subordinate Synod were held by some
to be invalid or unjust, the General Synod could neither
disannul nor act upon them, until it was constituted
and the matter came regularly before it. The Modera-
tor's alternate was then called upon to open the Synod
by a sermon. At this juncture a disturbance was
created ; and, as the church in which the Synod met
was in possession of the party against whom the
charges were made, and because they had invoked the
aid of the police in case of a disturbance, for the
1 sake of peace, the majority, who held the testimony
intact, withdrew from the house, and met in another
place where the sermon was preached and the S\-nod
regularly constituted. It is not customar\- for majori-
ties to secede, especiall)' when they are in the right,
i but because of the peculiar circumstances of this case,
j and for the sake of peace, the majorit\- manifested
■ the Christian spirit and withdrew from the brethren
! who were walking disorderly-. While those who
abandoned the principles of the Church were minis-
i terially in the minority, the membership throughout the
' "Church was about equall)- divided. The misguided
! brethren set up an independent Synod and styled it
I that of tlie " Reformed Presbyterian Church." Since
PRESUVTERIAX CHURCH I.X AMERICA. Q"
that da\- the two denominations ha\-e been known as
the " Old Light " and '• New Light," because the one
adheres strenuously to the distinctive principles of the
Church as they had always been held, and the other
abandoned them in 1S33.
Now in order to show which party adheres to the
true position of the Church, and is thereby entitled to-
the name, a comparison of the ■• Terms of Communion "
may be helpful.
TER.MS OF 1806.
1. An acknowledgment of the Scriptures of the Old and New Testa-
ments to be the Word of God.
2. An acknowledgment that the whole doctrine of the Westminster
Confession of Faith, and the Catechisms. Larger and Shorter, are agree-
able unto, and founded upon, the Scriptures.
3. .\n acknowledgment of the divine right of one unalterable form
of Church Government and manner of worship — and that these are.
for substance, justly e.xhibited in that form of Church Government
and Directory for Worship agreed upon by the assembly of divines at
Westminster, as they were received by the Church of Scotland.
4. An acknowledgment that Public Covenanting is an ordinance of
God, to be observed by Churches and Nations under the New Testa-
ment Dispensation — and that those Vows, namely, that which was
entered into by the Church and Kingdom of Scotland, called the
National Covena.nt, and that which was afterwards entered into by
the three Kingdoms. Scotland, England, and Ireland, and by the
Reformed Churches in those Kingdoms, usually called the Sole.mn
League and Covenant, were entered into in the true spirit of that
institution — and that the obligation of these Covenants extends to those
who were represented in the taking of them, although removed to
this or any other part of the world, in so far as they bind to duties
not peculiar to the Church in the British Isles, but applicable in all
lands.
5. .\n approbation of the faithful contendings of the martyrs of
Jesus, and of the present Reformed Covenanted Churches in Britain
and Ireland, against Paganism, Popery and Prelacy, and against immoral
-98
rORV OF THE REFORMED
Constitutions of civil government, together with all Erastian tolerations
and persecutions which flow therefrom, as containing a noble example
for us and our posterity to follow in contending for all divine truth,
and in testifying against all contrary evils which may exist in the
corrupt Constitutions of either Church or State
6 An approbation of the doctrines contained in the Declaration
and Testimony of the Reformed Presbyterian Church in North America,
in defence of truth and in opposition to error
These, together with due subordination in the Lord to the authority
■of the Reformed Presbytery in North America, and a regular life and
conversation, form the bonds of our ecclesiastical union.
Those were the Terms in use by the whole body
previous to 1833. \ow we will place side by side
the Terms of each body at the present time for com-
parison with those of 1 806 ;
Prae,.
of OU So
Body
1. An acknowledgment of the
Scriptures of the Old and New
Testaments to be the Word of
■God, and the only rule of faith
and manners,
2. An acknowledgment that the
whole doctrine of the Westmins-
ter Confession of Faith, and the
Catechisms, Larger and Shorter,
are agreeable unto, and founded
upon, the Scriptures,
. An acknowledgmeat of the
ine right of one unalterable
Present Terms of AVrt* School Body.
1. An acknowledgement of the
Scriptures of the Old and New
Testaments to be the Word of
God.
2. An acknowledgment of the
doctrines of the Westminster
Confession of Faith. Catechisms,
Larger and Shorter, and Re-
formation Principles Exhibited, the
Testimony of the Church — as em-
bodying, according to the Word
of God, the great principles of
the Covenanted Presbyterian Re-
formation, to the maintenance of
which this Church is obliged by
solemn Covenant engagements
3 .\n acknowledgement that
the Lord Jesus Christ, the only
>RESBVTERIA>
form of Church Government and
manner of worship — and that these
are. for substance, justly exhibited
in the form of Church Govern-
ment and Directory for Worship
agreed upon by the assembly of
divines at Westminster, as they
were received by the Church of
Scotland.
4. An acknowledgment of public
Covenanting as an ordinance of
God to be observed by Churches
and Nations ; and of the perpetual
obligation * of public Covenants ;
and of the obligation upon this
Church of the Covenant entered
into in 1871. in which are em-
bodied the engagements of the
National Covenant of Scotland and
of the Solemn League and Cove-
nant, so far as applicable in this
Redeemer and Head of His
Church, has appointed one per-
manent form of ecclesiastical
government . and that this form
is. by divine rif;ht. Presbyterian.
4. \n acknowledgment that pub-
lic, social covenanting, upon proper
occasions, is an ordinance of God,
and that such moral deeds as re-
spect the future, whether ecclesias-
tical or civil, are of continued obli-
gation, as well as upon those repre-
sented in the taking of them as
upon those who actually covenant,
uQti! the ends of them be effected.
5. An approbation of the faith-
ful contendings of the martyrs of
Jesus, and of the present Reformed
Covenanted Churches in Britain
and Ireland, against Paganism,
Popery, and Prelacy, and against
immoral Constitutions of cuil gov-
ernment, together with all Erastian
tolerations and persecutions which
flow therefrom, as containing a
noble example for us and our
posterity to follow in contending
for all divine truth, and in testi-
fying against all contrary evils
which may exist in the corrupt
Constitutions of either Church or
State.
5. An acknowledgment of the
faithful contendings of the martyrs
of Jesus, and a recognition of all as
brethren, in e\'ery land, who main-
tain a Scriptural Testimony in be-
half of the attainments and c»use
of the Reformation, against all that
is contrary to sound doctrine and
the power of godliness.
HISTORV OF THE REFORMED
6- A practical adorning of the
doctrine of God our Saviour, by a
life and conversation becoming the
gospel, together with due subor-
dination in the Lord, to the author-
ity of the Synod of the Reformed
Presbyterian Church in North
America.
6. \a approbation of the doc-
trines contained in the Declara-
tion and Testimony of the Re-
formed Presbyterian Church in
North America, in defence of
truth, and in opposition to error
These, together with due sub-
ordination in the Lord to the
authority of the Synod of the
Reformed Presbyterian Church in
North America, and a regular life
and conversation, form the bonds
of our ecclesiastical union.
According to the spirit of the doctrines and histor}-
of the Co\-enanter Church, the Old School bod\- re-
newed the Covenants in 1S71, after the example of
their ancestors, and their fourth term of communion
was changed in 187S, to embrace this step, and
embodies in it all that is implied in the term of 1806.
Previous to 1878, the term was precisely the same as
that of 1806. At a glance, and with a clear percep-
tion of truth, the candid reader can see that the New
School brethren ha\-e cast out of their terms the
peculiar and distinctive profession of the Reformed
Presbyterian Church. In the second term they slyl_\-
drop out the word " whole " from the Westminster
standards in order to make them more palatable to
the tastes of those bodies with which they hoped to
unite. In the third term they make no reference what-
ever to the document which is the standard of the
Church, and they have cut out all that refers to a
form of worship, in order to leave matters open for
the reception of innovations in the future. In tlie
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. lOI
fourth term, which is the distinguishing and important
one, they make no alhision whatever to Churches and
Nations Covenanting ; they have broken the link that
bound them to the past ; they do not acknowledge
any peculiar connection with the Covenants of our
fathers in Scotland ; they have never Covenanted in
America, and hence have repudiated the entire principles
of the Reformation, and )et claim and demand the
name Covenant,.-!' ! In the fifth term, which is a strange
conglomeration compared to the genuine one, they fail
to give the true import of that term ; they lea\'e out
all that relates to ■' contending against immoral Con-
stitutions of ci\'ii government," and yet claim and
demand the name Reformed Presbyterian! They make
no reference to the witnessing Church in Britain and
Ireland, and, on the whole, this term is so indefinite
that an\' Protestant could take it no matter what his
viev\'s were about the mart\TS of Scotland, or whether
he knew that for which the\- so heroicly contended.
In the •• Historical Part " of the Testimony it is a re-
markable fact that the\- have left out that part which
assigns a distinguished place to the Covenants. This
•omission is remarkable because the omitted paragraph
is the only one which gives the organization of the
first Reformed Presb_\-tery, and refers to two occasions
upon which the Church renewed the Covenants. That
all ma\- see the force of tliis important omission by
tlie New School brethren, this paragraph will here be
inserted :
■•For more than a third of a century, Mr. McMillan
sustained alone the banner of a Co\enante(.l Reforma-
102 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
ti'on, until, b)- the acce.ssion of Mr. Nairn, the way
was opened for the constitution of the Rekjrmed
Pre>BYTER\-. This important event took place, August
I, 1743- In the meantime, ho\ve\er. the scattered
remnant had met at Auchinsaugh. July 24, 1712, and
there renewed the Co\-enants, National and Solemn
League, with confession of sins, and an engagement to
duties ; as they also did. after the constitution of
Presbvter)-. at Crawford-John, in the year 1745."*
We regard that paragraph as of great importance,
both for the date of the constitution of our Church
and for the fact that they then Covenanted. In the " Doc-
trinal Part " they have failed to bring up their Testi-
mony to contend against evils of the present da\-, such
as intemperance, secrecy, and others. No paragraph
appears against slavery. Now we belie\-e that while
divine truth is unchangeable, the testimon)- of the
Church is progressive, and should be brought up to
apply to new aspects of e\'il as they arise. This is
what the Testimon\- requires of the Church when it
says :
" Every generation is to take care that the truth,
as stated and defended by their predecessors, shall be
maintained and faithfulh- transmitted together with the
result of their own contendings to the succeeding
generation."
We have no quarrel with our New School brethren
because they do not belie\e as we do. but we do insist
that the\- have no claim upon our name. It has been
clearly shown that thc\- neither dissent from immoral
* Omitted from Xew School Testimony, page 11
l-KKSIiVTERIAX CHURCH I.V AMERICA. lOJ,
Constitutions nor hold or renew the ancient Co\enant>,
and since these two positions constitute it a Reformed
Presb\-terian Covenantinij Church. the\- have no ju^t
claim to such a name. After the setting up of an in-
dependent body in 1S33, the\- flourished for awhile, but
affiliatint,^ too freely with other bodies they lost their
foreign mission ; and not only did ministers leave them,
but whole congregations and Presbyteries went into
other denominations, and the_\- have ceased to publish
any statistics by which to determine their strength."'
The obvious reason for their marvelous declension is
that they have no distinct ground upon which to stand.
The Synod of 1833, at Philadelphia, took the follow-
ing action in regard to those who had separated
from it :
That the members of our subordinate and inferior judicatories, and
all our people, be and hereby are warned not to recognize the authority,
or admit the interference of such ministers as have been suspended lor
the maintaining of principles opposed to the standards of our church on
the subject of civil government , as likewise of all such ministers and
others who may be confederated with them in corrupting the doctrine,
contemning the authority, and violating the order of the church; inasmuch
as these last, as well as the first, are, and hereby are declared to be,
trom the nature of the opinions they maintain, and the divisive course
they pursue, prohibited from holding a seat in our courts, or e.xercising
authority, or any way interfering in the judicatories or congregations of
the Reformed Presbyterian Church, while maintaining such principles and
pursuing such practices
At this same meeting, the Synod re-affirmed its
attachment to the historic and true position of the
Church in this country, b\- the follovvincr resolution :
♦The minutes of the General Synod of 1SS7, reveal the fact that
have twenty-four ministers, fourteen of whom are settled pastors ,
by the accession of a native, they have one missionary in India
I04 HISTORV OF l-HE REFORMED
That as it has always been in the proceedings and history of the
Reformed Presbyterian Church, both in the land of our forefathers and
in this land, a threat and leading object to bear an explicit and prac-
tical testimony to the truth respecting civil government as the ordinance
of God, and the subjection of the nations to Messiah , so it is utterly
inconsistent with our doctrinal standards and judicial acts for any mem-
ber of this church to sit on juries, to hold offices, or swear allegiance
to the Constitution of the United States.
From that day to this the Reformed Presbyterian
Church has had little or no trouble in applying the
principles of the Church, and the members feel that it
is their dut\- to separate themselves from tliat civil
institution which refuses to own Christ as its King, and
His Word as its supreme law. If any pastors or ses-
sions allow any members to violate the law of the
Church in this respect, they deserve the same con-
demnation as those brethren who separated from us
in 1833, If any such there be, the fact is unknown
to the Church, and when discovered will be dealt with
as an offence.
■ In the session of 1834, at .I'ittsburgh, the names of
some ministers, who had identified themselves with the
Xew School bod\-, were stricken from the roll. Papers
on important subjects were read and ordered published
in overture. Measures \vere adopted for devising a
plan b\- which >-oimg men could be prepared for the
service of the ministry until the Theological Seminary
was resuscitated. Arrangements were also made for
the publication of another edition of the Testimon\-.
At the meeting of Synod in 1836, at Pittsburgh, it
was apparent that the Church was in a flourishing
condition, antl manv ministers had been settled in
pri;>l;vteriax church ix ameiuca. 105
pastoral charges. At this meeting strong ground was-
taken against the sin of sla\-ery. The S\-nod disap--
pro\-ed of the phin of the Colonization Society con-
sidered as opposed to the manumission of sla\'es. It
was on the supposition that this Societ\- would be
favorable to the abolition of human slavery that the
Synod had previously given it countenance. The Synod
continued to maintain the duty of the immediate and
universal emancipation of the enslaved, and disap-
proved of their transportation to Africa. Parts were
assigned to different ministers to write pieces for the
argumentative part of the Testimony. Drafts of a
"Book of Discipline" and also of "Church Govern-
ment" were read and referred. The Theological Semi-
nary was revived, located at New Alexandria, Penn-
sylvania, and Rev. Dr. J. R. Willson was chosen pro-
fessor. It was also resolved, "That we recommend to
our people, totally to abstain from traffic in ardent
spirits." Ministers were instructed to preach on the sin
and danger of Sabbath profanation. The "Book of
Discipline and Church Go\'ernment," as also the "Argu-
ment on the Arminian Controvers\- " were published
in overture.
The Synod of 183S, met in Xe\\- York. Re\-. William
Sommerville, missionar\- to Nova Scotia, was present
and made an address on the cause of the Reformation
in that country. For disorderl\- conduct and abusive
language, a licentiate, and some persons associated with
him, were suspended from ecclesiastical priviledges. A.';,
there were some difficulties in the way of establishing-
one Theoloijical Seminar\-. according- to the resolution!
106 I1I>1-<)KV OK lUK KEFOKMElJ
of the previous meeting, the S\-nod now agreed to
abandon the idea of locating it at New Alexandria,
and rescinded their former action. It was then resolved
to establish two Seminaries — one at Coidenham, New
York, in which Re\-. Dr. J. R. WiUson was continued
professor ; and the other at Alleghen)-, Pennsyh-ania, in
which Rev. Thomas Sproull was chosen professor.
Boards of Superintendents were chosen, whose dut\-
sliould be to arrange the course of stud)'. The
Church's relation to the Anti-Slavery societ}- again
came up for settlement, and the Synod declared its
approbation and patronage of tlie <ra//St- of abolition,
but warned its members against "voluntary associations"
with men of erroneous principles and corrupt practices.
If it was to- become a political society, then Covenan-
ters must withdraw. The Synod then passed the
following resolution :
"That the Testimony of this Church is directed
against, not onl\- the practical evil of slaver\-, but also
against the immoral principles in the Constitution of
the United States, by which this wicked system is
supported ; we, therefore, declare to the Church and
to the world, that from all associations which propose,
b\- an act homologating the Constitution of the United
States, to remove the evil of slavery, it is our duty
and determination to stand aloof."
The Synod of 1840, met in the cit\- of Allegheny.
A letter from the Rev. Dr. John T. Pressly of the
Associate Reformed Church in behalf of a "Convention
of Reformed Churches " was received. The Committee
appointed t<i examine the letter reported, in substance.
PRE5BVTERIAX CHURCH IN AMERICA. lOJ
that " while this S>-nod laments schism in the Church,
\-et knowini^ that societies and individuals are more
solicitous about the removal of evils than to ascertain
their LaiiSiS and Jiatiu-fs : and because most of these
schisms exist from the departure of some from Re-
formation attainments ; and as there is no disposition on
the part of those who have departed to retrace their
steps, but desire to strike out of certain articles of
aL,n-eement the doctrine of the power of the ci\-il magistrate
from the Confession ; and. as this S}"nod will not do
any act that would be construed as implying an abandon-
ment of any part of her terms, of communion, resolved
that they could not comply with the invitation to attend
such a Convention." On motion Svmod decreed the
union of the Eastern and Western Theological Semi-
naries under the joint care of both the professors, and
the Seminary ^vas located in the cit\- of Allegheny.
The members of the Church were urged to a hearty
support of this important institution. A resolution \\as
again presented to prohibit the traffic in ardent spirits
or intoxicating liquors by members of the Church.
The Synod of 1S41, met at Utica, Ohio. A
memorial from the Missionar\- Society of the Phila-
■delphia congregation was received, urging the Synod
to take steps for the immediate establishment of a
Poreign Mission. Since the last meeting of Synod, two
ministers of the Ohio Presb\-ter>- had followed divisive
courses and left the communion of the Church for the
alleged reason that the Synod had postponed its
tleliverance on " voluntar\' associations," antl the\' re-
garded the Synod as unfaithful to its dut\-. These
I08 Hl^lOKV OK THE REFORMEM
misguided men erected the '• Reformed rresb}-tery," and
a few disciples i,'-athered around them. The conduct of
these schismatics brought the Synod to tlie fuller con-
sideration of the question, and now adopted the follow-
ing resolutions :
1. That our solemn covenant obligations demand our social as
well as individual adherence to the whole law of God, in dependence
on whose grace all our endeavors and engagements are to be made
for the performance of every duty and the attainment of every lawful
object,
2. That those confederated associations for declared moral purposes,
which pay no express regard to a belief in the Lord Jesus Christ
for salvation, nor to a dependence on His Spirit for guidance in all
duty, and in the special duties of such associations in particular, but
are based on principles of legalism, and admit promiscuously all
classes of their members to perform religious as well as other duties,
are not entered into in the true spirit of the solemn deeds of our cove-
nant forefathers.
3. That our ministers and people be admonished to refuse uniting
unnecessarily in associations with the erroneous and wicked, when a
bond of confederation is required to be signed implying identity with
such persons.
4. That in associations also of a merely civil nature, when in the
prosecution of their respective charters they are known to have been
guilty of immorality, such as turnpike companies, steamboats, &c., in
the desecration of the holy Sabbath, Reformed Presbyterians should
have no participation
If those men who went out were grieved onl\- be-
cause of Synod's negligence to do as it now did, the)-
would have returned to the Church of their fathers.
This they never did. The one died in obscurit}- in
1S45, and the other strenuously maintained his peculiar
views alone until his death in 1887,
The subject of the traffic in intoxicating liquors
had often been a matter of consideration b\- S\-nod,
rRESl!VTERI.\N CHURCH IN AMERICA. 1 09
and. aijainst this sinful and nefarious business the S\'nod
had taken onl}- too mild measures. As the subject
had been full\- in\-estigated. and the destructi\-e emplo\--
ment fully exhibited b>' Committees pre\-i<uisl\- appointed,
the Synod was now prepared to adopt the following;
preamble and resolutions :
'Where.\.->. The traffic in ardent spirits for tuMirwus piirp^in-s nini as
'I /uirr(jgc' has been a fruitful source of scnndal and crime ; therefore
resolved,
1. That members of this church be and hereb> are prohibited
from engaging in or continuing in this traiific ; and
2. That wherever there are individuals employed in this traffic,
sessions are hereby directed to deal with them immediately in such
a way that this evil may be removed from the church in the best
and speediest manner
As the Church had always held as a term of com-
munion that "the Scriptures of the Old and New
Testaments are the only ntit- of faith and manners,"
this latter clause was directed to be inserted in its
proper place in the first term of communion. A Com-
mittee was also appointed to continue the " Historical
Part" of the Testimony with emendations of the same.
A Committee was appointed to prepare a "draft of
the National Covenant and of the Solemn League and
Covenant, adapted to the present circumstances of
the Church and of the world." Mild complaints
occasionally came before Synod in the matter of read-
ing out the lines in pubic worship, but the court did
not consider these difficulties of sufficient magnitude
to justify the formation of a fixed law on the subject.
Efforts were made for the permanent support of the
Seminar}-.
IIO inM-OR\' Ol- THK REKOkMED
The S>-iK)d of 1S43. iTict in the city of Rochester,
New \'ork. The friendly correspondence with the Synod
of Ireland, which had been disturbed by the gross
•misrepresentations of the Church hy those who had
abandoned her testimon>- in 1833, was now resumed,
and a most affectionate letter from the brethren beyond
the sea was received. Friendh- relations and fraternal
greetings ha\-e since been annual!)- exchanged with
the Covenanted brethren in both Scotland and Ireland.
The reports from all the Presb_\-teries were of an
encouraging character, and revealed the fact that the
number of congregations and missionar)- stations, as
well as ministers and licentiates, had great!)- increased
since the last meeting. The Committee previously
appointed for the purpose, reported the draft of a
Covenant, whicli was published in overture, and sent
down to the inferior courts for them to report upon
at the next meeting. Copies were also sent to the
sister judicatories in Scotland and Ireland for the same
purpose. Several cases of discipline of a local interest
were adjudicated, but iiothing of vital importance was
transacted at this meeting.
The Synod of 1845, met in the city of Allegheny.
Pennsylvania. Many new ministers appeared in this
session. Reports revealed the fact that seve-ral new
congregations had been organized in the West, and
that missionary work was being done among the
colored people who had fled to the North. The
Church geiicrall)- was in a healthy condition. There
was manifest a general awakening on the subject of
missions at home and abroad. The Committee previously
i'KK>r.v iEkiAN i;iiri<i II in \.mi;ril'a. mi
appointed to designate a held for missionary operations,
and had selected the Island of St. Thomas, now were
prepared to report that on account of the peculiar hin-
drances in the \\a\- in that field the\- were undecided
as to the practicabilit)- of beginning operations in that
Island. A special Committee on Covenanting was ap-
pointed, and the matter referred for the present. The
subject of the "deacon " again came regularly before the
S\-nod, and, after some amendments and discussion, the
following preamble and resolutions were unanimously
adopted :
Whereas, The office of deacon is a divine institution, the functions of
which are declared in the Form of Church Government to be "To take
special care in distributing to the necessities of the poor," and of which
■it is said in Reformation Principles that he "has no power except about
,the temporalities of the Church," and —
Wheke.'^s, Said office has fallen very extensively into neglect for many
years ; and —
VVHEREA.S, It is the desire of this court that uniformity in practice be
maintained in all our congregations ; and —
Whereas, Some misunderstanding seems to e.vist in relation to the
ground of our Covenanted uniformity in practice in respect to the
subject of deacons as settled at the Second Reformation . and —
Whereas, Faithfulness to the Church's Head requires the re-assertion
of this ground of practical uniformity as it then obtained : therefore —
Kfsalve,/. ist. That our Covenanted uniformity does not recognize as
of divine right the congregational trustee, but the Scriptural deacon as
stated in the preamble.
A'fj.)/ri.(', 2d, That said Covenanted uniformity does not recognize as
of divine right a Consistory of ministers, elders and deacons, having
authority to enact, govern and control the Church, either in her spiritual
or temporal concerns, or as having any authority or power whatever,
except for consultation and advice for the well ordering of the temporal
affairs of the congregation,
A Hoard of Domestic Missions was appointed, consist-
ing of six members, their duties being to receive and
! 112 HIM-ORV OF THI-: REKOK-MED
i disburse monies to needy stations, and to open up new
! fields of labor at home. A plan for completing the
i "Argumentati\e Part " of the Testimony was considered,
and subjects and writers were assigned for the comple-
I tion of this work. Some changes took place with
reference to the Theological Seminary. Rev. Thomas
! Sproull resigned his professorate ; the location was
I changed from the cit\- of Alleghen\- to the cit)- of
j Cincinnati, Ohio ; the Board of Inspection resigned and
I a new one was appointed : and Rev. Dr. J. R. Willson
I continued to be the professor in the Seminary.
! The Synod of 1847, ''"et in the city of Allegheny.
j Pennsylvania. By an appointment of the Board of
Foreign Missions, the Rev. J. B. Johnston had made
an exploring tour through the Island of Hayti, and
the Board reported the selection of this Island as the
field of operations, and the city of Port au Prince as
the starting point and center of work. Several young
men were chosen as missionaries, but declined, and
finally the Rev. Joseph W. . Morton and Mr. Robert
J. Dodds accepted appointments. Mr. Morton entered
upon the work in Ha\'ti the same year, a history of
which Mission will be found in another part of this
volume. Several generous bequests were made to the
Theological Seminary, and efforts were made for the
establishing of a literary institution under the care of
the Synod.
The Synod of 1849, met in the city of Philadelphia,.
The Lakes Presbytery reported that they had founded
" Gene\-a Hall," at Northwood, Ohio, April, 1S4S, and
that the institution was under the superintendence of
PRESliVTERIAX CHURCH IX AMERICA. II3
the Rev. J. B. Johnston. The Pitt.sburg Presbytery also
reported the establishment of Westminster College and
Female Seminar}-, at Wilkinsburg, Pcnns\-|vania, and
that buildings were about to be erected. This enter-
prise was largel)' carried on by the generous donations
of Mr. James Kelly. The missionary to Ha\-ti having
changed his beliefs in reference to the Christian Sabbath,
appeared in court, and, having been libeled, was cited
to appear and answer the charges. The following is the
report of S\-nod on this case :
Order of the day, viz . the case of Mr Morton called for, the libel
was then read by the Clerk : when Mr, Morton having, in reply to the
Moderator, answered that he was prepared for trial, the substance of
the libel was again stated in his hearing Mr. Morton was then called
upon, according to the rule provided for such cases, either to confess
the charge or put himself upon his trial. Mr. Morton in return ac-
knowledged that he had denied that the day commonly called thg
Christian Sabbath is so by Divine appointment, and then proceeded
to plead the irrelevancy of the charge by endeavoring to prove the
perpetuity of the law for the observance of the seventh day. While
so doing he was arrested by the Moderator, who informed him that
the charge contained in the libel wa.s such that Mr Morton could
only prove its irrelevancy to censure by proving that the appropriation
of the first day of the week, known as the Christian Sabbath, to
secular employments, or teaching so to do, is not relevant to censure,
which attempt the Moderator would consider disorderly, and would
not allow.
From this decision a member appealed, when the Moderator's
decision was unanimously sustained Upon this, Mr Morton declined
the authority of the court
Ris.'lveJ. That Mr Morton's appointment as missionary to Hayti
be revoked.
Riso!i\-d. That inasmuch as Mr. Morton has now publicly declined
the authority of this court, he be suspended from the exercise of the
Christian ministry, and from the privileges of the Reformed Presby-
terian Church. The Moderator then publicly pronounced the sentence
■of suspension on Mr Morton, agreeably to the above resolution
By this defection the Ha\-ti Mission was abandoned,
and Mr. Dodds was not sent out as was expected. Two
ministers were admonished and \\arned that in the
future they were not to teach doctrines contrary to the
standards of the Church which are founded upon the
Word of God. The Committee to which were referred
certain memorials on the subject of slavery reported
the following :
The petitioners, lamenting the prevalent ignorance of our testimony
against this great evil, and the countenance given to it by most Christian
denominations in the United States, respectfully ask Synod, ist. To re-
assert their position in regard to the exclusion of slave-holders from her
fellowship, and her dissent from the United States Constitution, on
this, with other grounds. 2d. They ask that, if practicable, some more
efficient means may be employed for the diffusion of our doctrines and
testimony on this subject, particularly that a remonstrance may be
addressed to the principal slave-holding Churches.
In regard to the first of these petitions, we remark that the declara-
tions contained in the Historical part of our testimony, published, of
course, by the Presbytery itself, furnish ample testimony of the
position occupied on slavery by this Church. We refer to the follow-
1 ing statements. " The Presbytery resolved to purge the Church of this
dreadful evil they enacted that no slave-holders should be retained in
their Communion," "The Presbytery required of their connexions a
j general emancipation." No slave-holder is since admitted to their
1 Communion " See Hist. Test, pp 154. 155. Ed. 18^5, Now. while it is
I true, as stated in one of the memorials, that we have not in our
I hands the original acts, excluding all slave-holders, we have the
j Presbytery itself as evidence that this was the purport and design of
; their actions This, with the uniform practice of the Church — for in
} the language of the testimony. "No slave-holder is since u8oo) ad-
I mitted to their Communion" — in the judgment of your committee as
I completely defines the position of this Church in regard to ecclesiastical
j fellowship with slave-holders as it is possible to do. A sight of the
I original acts mif.;ht gratify curiosity, but could not shed any additional
I light upon that which is already as clear as the noon-day AV slave-
holder <„n have privileges in the Reformed PresOyterian Church We
say the same of our position as a Church in relation to the civil
institutions of the country. The Historical Testimony, pp 152, 153.
154. and the frequent incidental actings since are sufficiently explicit
on this point. Covenanters have not sworn, and do not swear oaths
to the institutions of the country, among other . reasons, because the
Constitution of the United States contains compromises with slave-
holding interests, and guarantees for the institution itself protection
so long as it e.xists in the slave-holding States. We have no further
action to recommend on either of these points.
2d. Id regard to a remonstrance to be addressed to slave-holding
Churches, we agree with the petitioners that it is important that this
Church take some measures to bring her testimony more directly
bsfore the Churches, and would recommend that a Committee of three
be appointed to prepare a remonstrance of the kind contemplated,
embodying the views and position of this Church on the whole
question, said Committee to publish the remonstrance on their own
responsibility, as to the arguments and expressions which they may
see tit to employ
The Theological Seminary was removed from Cincin-
nati to Xorthwood, Ohio, and it and the Literary Institu-
tion were taken under the care of Synod. Students now
frequently persued their literary and theological courses
at the same time. Rev. Dr. J. R. WiHson was continued
^ professor, and received the assistance of the professors of
Geneva Hall in some departments of study.
The Synod of 1S51, met in the cit\- of Allegheny,
Penn.^\•lvania. Quite a number of ministers had been
ordained and installed over pastoral charges, and took
their seats in the court. Several important cases of
discipline came up for adjudication, and were judiciouslj-
disposed of. Some of these related to the organization
of congregations without deacons. Events arising out
of conflicting interests and personal feelings, the Svnod
Il6 HI^rORV OF IHE REFOKMEU
deemed it proper to suspend the Theological Seminary
for the present, and the students were directed to prose-
cute their studies under the care of their respective
Presbyteries. Dr. Willson was honorably retired as
emeritus professor. The library and all monies were
given into the hands of Committees to hold in trust for
Synod. The Board of Domestic Missions reported that
much mone\- had been contributed and that man\- pro-
mising stations had been opened up. .\ svstematic
plan for the operations of home missions was inaugurated,
and much interest manifested in this part of the work
of the Church. The Committee appointed to express
the views of the Church in reference to the Fugitive
Slave Law, reported the following preamble and
resolutions :
As human enactments are to be tested by the Divine law ; and as
it is the duty of Uie church to testify against ail that is in opposition
to the law of God . and as her Head came ' to proclaim liberty to
the captive," so she should open her month for the dumb. Therefore,
I I, K^ionu;/. That this Synod reiterate its uncompromising opposi-
I tion to the institution of slavery as a system of complicated and
] unmitisjated wrong, and utterly repudiate all the arguments and excuses
I of slaveholders and their abettors for its continuance . and recommend
to all our people more vigorous and persevering efforts for its removal.
2. That the fugitive slave law is essentially tyrannical , not only
I securing the enslavement of those who are in fact free, but in for-
: bidding freemen to e.xercise the sympathies of Christian compassion,
I and commanding them to assist in returning men to cruel bondage.
I It brings deserved infamy upon our land, dishonors God, and is
I expressly contrary to the plainest precepts of this law — " Thou shalt
( not deliver unto his master the servant which is escaped from his
' master unto thee. " " Bewray not him that wandereth " " Relieve the
' oppressed " .\nd it is the duty of all not only to refuse compliance
1 with its provisions, but to show others its hideous enormity.
j 3. Th,Tt the main element of the fugitive slave law naturally
PKESBVTERIAX CHURCH IN AMERICA. 11/
flows from the provisions of the Constitution of the United States
upholding slavery. Art. 4, Sec. 2. ' Xo person held to ser\ice or
labor in one State, under the laws thereof, escaping into another,
shall, in consequence of any law or regulation therein, be discharged
from such service or labor; but shall be delivered up on claim of
the party to whom such service or labor may be due." .\rt. 4, Sec.
I. "Full faith and credit shall be given in each State to the public
acts, records and judicial proceedings of every other State." And we
•see in this another exemplification of the immorality of the United
States Government, and it shows clearly the evil of swearing oaths of
allegiance, and thus sustaining slavery.
4. That those ministers of the gospel who teach the binding obliga-
tion of this law to be obeyed for conscience's sake, and the conduct of
those Christians who sustain the law, hypocritically professing to love
God while they hate the negro, bring reproach upon religion, en-
courage infidelity, and rivet still more tightly the chains of the
oppressed.
5. That it is the duty of the ministers of Christ to teach clearly
that magistrates in Christian lands should yield to the authority of
God's law, and that any law that is in opposition to the precepts of
the Bible does not bind the conscience, and ought to be resisted by
every means consistent with religion ; for we must obey God rather
than men.
6. That we recognize with gratitude the hand of God in making this
infamous law the means of showing many the enormous evil of slavery,
and convincing them of their practical and constitutional connection
with slavery ; and that we rejoice in the efforts that are making to free
some of the Churches from the incubus of slavery. And we trust that
the '■ Free Churches " will, ere long, see the sin of upholding a govern-
ment that rejects the law of God ; and that they and we, upon the
broad ground of Christian principles, may labor to bring this nation
into submission to God's higher law.
The Rev. William Wilson of the New School body,
u-ho desired to return to the communion of the Re-
formed Presbyterian Church upon certain conditions con-
tained in papers laid before the court, learninjj that
lib UISTOk\ OK THE KEFOKMEn
he could not enter the body without a full rcceptioir
of ail her principles, withdrew his papers.
The S_\-nod of 1853. met in the cit>- of Xcw \'ork.
Synod re-affirmed its deliverance of 1847. that the con-
sistor\-. an assembl\- composed of the pastor, elders
and deacons to manage the temporalities of the Church,
is not an ecclesiastical court. The special Committee
to which was referred the subject of civil legislation
against the traffic in ardent spirits, reported the follow-
ing which was adopted b\- S\-nod :
The Church of Christ is a divinely instituted association, organized,
not only for the conversion of sinners and sanctification ot saints, but
for the reformation of society , and as a reformatory association, she-
should be in advance of the world in all reformatory movements. Ini
the temperance reform we would not only be active, but until the object
of that reform is accomplished, would use all the means in our power
to give a proper direction to the etforts put forth by others. We would
not close our eyes to the fact that the tide of intemperance, now flood-
ing this land, is truly alarming, calling not only for mourning and com-
miseration, but for greater activity on the part of the Church to stem
that torrent that the appalling amount of crime and misery, consequent
upon the use of intoxicating drinks, may be speedily diminished, and
the evil wholly removed.
The principles involved in the law of the Church, and particularly
set forth in the action of this Synod in 1841. should be carried out
in civil legislation so as to forbid, and wholly prevent, the traffic in
intoxicating drinks as beverages Civil government is intended, among
other objects, to protect the people against the wrongs inflicted by
venders of ardent spirits. This can be done effectually only by utterly
prohibiting the traffic. Therefore.
Risohc;/. t. That we hail with joy the efforts that have been made
recently in several of the States, to suppress entirely the tratTic in
intoxicating drinks, and we earnestly hope that the work may go on
until there be no place where license will be gi\en, or the protection
of law afforded to that traffic, so wicked and so ruinous in its
consequences
Risffb-ed, 2 That this Synod gives its hearty approbation to the
principles involved in the law commonly called the Maine Liquor
Law. viz the right and the duty of civil government to wholly prohibit
the sale of intoxicating drinks, except for medicinal, chemical, mechani-
cal, and sacramental purposes.
Resolved, 3. That in the temperance reform we depend wholl\ upon
the Spirit of God for success, and regard the gospel of Jesus Christ
as the only efficient means of permanently removing the e\il.
The Synod embodied the following reformatory senti-
ment in its proceedings at this session :
There are two great evils which must be removed from the world
before the state of society can be healthy Popery, which directly
enslaves the soul and indirectly the body ; Slavery, which directly
enslaves the body and indirectly the soul. We cannot, consisteatly,
claim the character of Reformers if we do not untiringly employ the
armour of light on the right and left against these great, and alas !
yet growing evils in our land We may incur some temporary odium,
and, perhaps, not only be reproached, but persecuted on this account ;
but. assuredly, the advocates of impartial liberty for the souls and
bodies of men will prevail, and their memories be savory if they die
in the field of contest ; and their persons will be honoured if they
survive the strife.
The Synod of 1S55, met in the city of Allegheny,
PennsyK'ania. The reports of Presbyteries revealed the
fact that there had been great emigration to the
Western States and Territories, and that mi.ssion
stations were springing up in \-arious places, demand-
ing the care of the Mission Board. A delegation from
the New School body invited the Synod to attend a
farewell missionar\- meeting in f Pittsburg, and also e.\-
pressed the Christian affection and respect of the bod}-
they represented. The Committee preparing a " Form
of Covenant." reported, and it was published in the
appendix tt> the minutes of S\'nod. Arrangements were
120 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
made to renew the Covenants, at the next meeting
of Synod, if the way should be open. The organiza-
tion of a Foreign Mission was recommended, as well
as the resuscitation of the Theological Seminary.
The Synod of 18.56, met in the city of Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania. The Board of Foreign Missions selected
Syria as the field of operations, and, after several
elections, the Rev. Robert J. Dodds and Mr. Joseph
Beattie, licentiate, accepted appointments to that field.
They left the same Fall for the scene of their labors.
The Theological Seminary was reorganized, and
located in the city of Allegheny, Pennsylvania, where
it has since remained. Revs. Drs. James Christie and
Thomas Sproull were chosen professors. A friendly cor-
respondence was carried on with the Associate Presby-
terian Church and New School body, but nothing
agreed upon as a basis of union.
The Synod of 1857, met in Northwood, Ohio. There
I was a large delegation and much interest manifested
j in all the proceedings. The vexed question of "the
I deacon " disturbed some parts of the Church for many
I years, and the following paper, after being amended,
1 was adopted, and is as follows ;
I Whereas, Much of our troubles in the Church, and at our meetings
I of Synod for some years past, has originated in the attempts, too often
I successful, to form congregations on the principle known as that of
1 "elective affinity," as also in the formation of congregations by com-
( missions of Synod, and not by Presbyteries to whom the business of
organizing congregations belongs , therefore,
I Rcsohi-d. I, That hereafter no congregation shall be organized by
any Presbytery on the principle of elective affinity, to evade discipline,
I or reconcile parties at variance, or to settle difficulties which properly
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. !2I
belong to the discipline of the Church, or upon a diflerence in prin-
ciple, or the meaning of the Standards of the Church
Ktsokni. 2. Synod shall hereafter leave the organization of con-
gregations to the Presbyteries to whom it belongs , and
Whereas, The Form of Church Government recognizes deacons
as ordained officers in the Church, and "requisite" among the officers
of a particular congregation, and this by the will and appointment of
the Lord Jesus Christ . and
Where.as, The Form of Church Government defines the duty
of the deacon to be "to take special care in distributing to the
necessities of the poor," and the Testimony declares that the "deacons
have no po%ver except about the temporalities of the Church , ' and
Whereas, This office has not yet been exemplified in all our
congregations , therefore
Ktsol-deii, I. That Presbyteries be directed to exercise due care and
diligence to have deacons chosen and ordained in congregations where
they are still wanting, with no other powers than those defined in
the Standards
Risok-ett, 1 That Presbyteries be enjoined in organizing new con-
gregations, to see to it that deacons be chosen and ordained in them.
Resolved, 3, That no action of last Synod was intended to rescind
or repeal the resolutions of 1845 and 1S47, on the subject of the
deacon's office, the trustee or consistory, nor were they so atfected.
An elaborate and convincing report on "Systematic
Beneficence and a Sustentation Fund" was submitted
and its claims enforced. The reports from all the
Presbyteries were full, satisfactor_\-, and represented the
Church to be in a generally good condition. Another
lengthy report was submitted on the subject of sla\-er\-,
and the Church resolved to plead with more earnest-
ness for the cause of the oppressed, and work more
diligently for the emancipation of the slave. Large
contributions and bequests were made to the support
of the Theological Seminar)-, and a plan of endow-
ment was submitted. The Foreign and Domestic
Mission Boards reported affairs to be in an encour-
ai,'!!!!,'- condition, and the Church was ;j-encrally support-
ing these departments of her work. The Synod was not
yet ready to enter into the work of Covenanting.
During the year 1858, a conference of two Com-
mittees from the Synod and the General S\-nod of the
Reformed Presbyterian Churches, met in the cit\- of
Alleghenv', Pennsylvania, to confer on the subject of
union. There were present of the Synod, Re\s.
Thomas Sproull, J. B. Johnston and J. .M. W'illson.
Of the General Synod, Revs. Hugh McMillan, A. W.
Black, William Wilson and J. N. McLeod. Dr. Sproull
was chosen Chairman, and Dr. McLeod, Secrctar\-.
After much discussion and the reading of letters which
had passed between the Committees and the Synods,
and after holding several sessions, the delegates finally
submitted the grounds upon which a union could be
effected. Rev. J. B. Johnston submitted the following,
in behalf of the S\-nod, as the only ground upon
which a reunion could be effected :
The Committee present the brethren, the Committee of the other
Svnod, the following theses, as embracing for substance the ground on
which we understand the Reformed Presbyterian Church stood in
regard to •I'il rciatuou anterior to 1833, and as the only ground on
which we can give any encouragement to our brethren to e.\pect that
a re-union of the two Synods can be effected.
I That we dissent from the Constitution of the United States,
because of its immoralities.
2. That this dissent from the Constitution requires to abstain from
the oath of allegiance, and from oaths of office binding to support
the Constitution.
3 That it prohibits voting for officers who must be ciualified by
an oath to support the Constitution
4. That it prohibits sitting on juries, as e.xplained by our Testi-
mony, understanding that such juries do not include various other
juries, where there is neither an iacorporation with the government.
an oath to an immoral law. nor any implied engagement to support
the Constitution.
Row Andrew W. lilack then read the following
statement on behalf of the General Synod, in repl\- to
the tiiese.s already presented :
I The ground occupied by the Reformed Presbyterian Church in
reference to the civil institutions of the United States, State and
Federal, prior to the disruption, is as expressed in her own language
in 1S21, "That no connection with the laws, officers, or the order of
the State, is forbidden by the Church, e.\cept what truly involves
2 That in the application of the above principles, we regard our-
selves as dissenters from immorally constituted civil establishments :
that is to say, whenever the recognition of an immoral law is made
essential to the action of the juror ; or to the exercise of the elective
franchise , or to holding civil office . or to the discharge of any other
civil duty Reformed Presbyterians must abstain from all such acts, as
involving immorality.
3. That the moral character of the Federal Constitution of the
United States, being a matter of opinion, and undecided by any com-
petent authority, the recognition or non-recognition of it should not be
made a term of ecclesiastical communion.
4. We therefore recommend, that as the two churches are united in
their views of the great principles of civil government, and in the belief
and declaration of the fact that no communion should be held with im-
morality, the ground of the re-union should be the exercise of forbear-
ance in regard to those special governmental questions by which they
are now divided. It is the belief of this Committee that the Reformed
Presbyterian Church was divided, not by difference of religious princi-
ples, but by other causes, as is shown in the letter, to which a reply is
.expected.
5. Should the brethren of the other Committee and the Synod not
af.;ree to these grounds of re-union, we recommend to the ministers and
members of these Churches to treat each other with Christian courtesy
and respect, and to co-operate as far as possible on the large common
ground they occupy as Reformed Presbyterians.
124 HIbTORV OF THE KEKORMED
A re-union of these bodies has ne\er been effected
for the reason that the one part}- is not willing
to come back to the high position from which it
departed in 1833, and the other is not prepared to
abandon the historic and true position of the Church.
The Synod of 1859, met in the cit)' of Allegheny,
Pennsylvania. A communication from the General
Assembly of the United Presbyterian Church was
received, with a basis of union. The following is the
reply :
De.\r Brethren — -Your letter containing a resolution of jour Reverend
Body, and inclosing a copy of the Basis of Union of the United Pres-
byterian Church, was received during the session of our Synod.
Your kind and fraternal greeting we most heartily reciprocate, and
unite with you in the prayer that " the great King and Head of the
Church will direct the way by which the friends of Zion and of the
truth shall be led to see eye to eye." We have His sure promise
that He will accomplish this in his own time.
The steps by which you have arrived at your present position we
have watched with attention and interest. It gives us joy to find in
your Basis of Union the statement and assertion of some of the
! principles for which we have long contended. The supreme dominion
of Messiah as Lord of all — Prince of the Kings of the earth — occupies
a place in your Testimony, and our hearts rejoice on this account.
j It is the application of this and kindred principles to the civil insti-
I tutions of the country that has placed us in the position of dis-
■ senters from a government that ignores the claims of our Prince In our
, view it] is only by maintaining this position that we can consistently
carry out our principles, and succeed in bringing our land into sub-
jection to its Lord and King. Our present standing has been delib-
erately taken, and in the strength of Divine grace we purpose to
i hold on till the great end — the enthronement of Messiah — shall be
effected.
' In order to bring up the Testimon>- of the Church
to prevaling evils, the following preambles and resolu-
' tion were adopted :
s
PKE>BVTERIAX CllL'KClI IN AMERICA. I25,
Whereas, Secret Associations and Slavery are present evils of
enormous magnitude, and are rapid!)' extending their power and perni-
cious influence in this land , and
Whereas. In our present Testimony, there is no direct and explicit
utterance against these sins proportionate to their prevalence and
heinous character : and
Where.^s. There is a demand for a new edition : therefore.
Risohcd. That Synod proceed to take, at once, the requisite steps for
adding a section on Secret Societies, and a chapter on the subject of
Slavery
The Reformed Presbyterian Church has always been
consistent with her position and held that human
slaver}- is a sin against God and men. In the fearless
advocacy of the cause of the oppressed, the ministers
of this Church have been mobbed, stoned, egged and
burned in effigy. All manner of reproachful epithets
have been pronounced upon them. Notwithstanding
the unpopularity of the cause, they proclaimed fear-
lessly the sin of the nation and the outrage committed
upon humanity until God heard the cry of the op-
pressed and sent them deli\-erance.
A vacancy being created in the corps of professors
in the Theological Seminary, the Rev. James M.
Willson was chosen a professor. Geneva Hall was
taken under the care of S\-nod and left under its
present management. The reports from the Foreign
and Domestic Missions pronounced both these depart-
ments in a flourishing condition. The following memorial
was prepared, generally signed throughout the Church.,
and transmitted :
To the Setuih- awr/ Mouse of R,-presnil,Ui-.ii of llu L'jiited StaUs :
The memorial of the Synod of the Reformed Presbyterian Church.
now in session in Allegheny, Pennsylvania, showeth — That, desirous to
I2fT HI.STORV OK THE REFORMED
promote the be^t imerests of the country, and knowing that the Most
High ruleth in the kingdom of men ;" that the Lord Jesus Christ is
"Prince of the kings of the earth" and "Governor among the nations,"
and that the law of God is the " law ," knowing, also, that nations and
rulers should acknowledge God and submit to our Lord Jesus Christ,
obeying God's commands, your memorialists are also convinced that this
nation does not thus submit itself to God in its Constitution, and exposes
itself to the denunciations of God's wrath — " the nations that forget
God shall be turned into hell " — We, therefore, pray you to take
measures for the amendment of the Constitution, so that it may contain.
I. An express acknowledgment of the being and authority of God
2 An acknowledgment of submission to the authority of Christ.
3. That it should recognize the paramount obligation of God's law.
contained in the Scriptures of the Old and Xew Testaments
4. That it may be rendered, in all its principles and provisions,
clearly and unmistakably adverse to the existence of any form of
slavery within the national limits
The Synod of 1861, met in the city of New York.
The dark poHtical horizon indicated a speedy clash of
arms, and the war of the rebellion broke out. The
position and duty of the Church in the present crisis
were presented in the following report ;
; That in view of the calamities brought upon this land by the
iniquitous war now raging, in tlu- inUrest of slavery, against the L'nited
States. Synod feels called upon to present, for the information of all
I whom it may concern, a brief outline of our position as a Church , and
I I. We heartily acknowledge the numerous excellencies of the civil
I institutions of this land ; we appreciate its code of laws, as. in
I general, wholesome and just ; we prize the privileges and protection
I -we here enjoy in our personal pursuits and rights, and take a
• deep interest in this land of our birth or adoption, endeared to us
[ as the early refuge of the friends of civil and religious liberty, as
' the scene of a noble conflict for national freedom and independence.
' as our home and that of our children
I 2. Notwithstanding all this, we are constrained, in conscience, to
! maintain, as we and our fathers have heretofore done, a state of
! dissent from the Constitution of the United States, inasmuch as there
'RE>1!\1ERIAN
is ID this instrument no acknowledgment of the name of God. Most
High and Eternal , no recognition of the supremacy of His law con-
tained in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments , no pro-
fession of subjection to the Mediatorial authority of the Son of
God. who is '■ King of kings and Lord of lords " while on the other
hand, this Constitution contains certain ■ compromises ' in the interest
of slavery and slaveholders On these grounds we are compelled to
withhold from said Constitution our oath in its support, and thus to
deny ourselves certain privileges which we would gladly enjoy could
we do so with good conscience toward God But
3, That our position may be fully and definitely understood, we
declare,
(i ) That we disclaim allegiance to the government of any foreign
nation
(2.) That we "consider ourselves under obligations to live peace-
ably with all men, to advance the good of society, and to conform
to its order in everything consistent with righteo
(3 ) That we disown all sympathy, even the least,
styling themselves "the Confederate States." now in arms against
these United States.
(4,) That we will, as true patriots, defend this, our common
country, against these and all like enemies. I
The Synod re-affirmed it.s position on the jury question,
and exhorted the members to firmness and confidence
in this respect.
The Synod of 1862, met in the city of Allegheny.
l'enns\-lvania. The Domestic Mission Board established
Mission Schools among the freedmen in several localities
in the South, and several missionaries were .sent out to
Port Royal. South Carolina, and other vicinities where
the way was open for mission work. The Theological
Seminary received the attention of Synod, and the
professors reported a good attendance of students and
an addition to the librar_\-.
The Synod of 1863, met in Sharon. Iowa. The
I2S Hl^TORV OF THE kEFOR.MEl-
Domestic Mission Board reported the establishment of
mission schools in South Carolina, Florida, Mississippi
and Arkansas, and missionaries and teachers had been
sent to these respective fields. The Foreign Mission
and Theological Seminary were in a flourishing con-
dition and received the generous contributions of the
Church. The Svnod appointed a Committee to go '
to Washington and confer with the President of the |
United States, and heads of departments, in reference ]
to the dut\' of the nation to submit to King Jesus. i
Presbyteries were directed to minister to the sick and ;
wounded soldiers in the military hospitals within their j
bounds. Some objection being brought against the
army oath, a Committee framed the following oath j
and sought the proper authorities for the sanction of
the same, when members of the Church entered the
army: " I do swear by the living God, that I will be
faithful to the United States, and will aid and defend
them against the armies of the Confederate States,,
yielding all due obedience to military orders." This
oath neither encouraged members unduly to enter the
conflict, nor pledged them to support an immoral Con-
stitution. Covenanters regarded the go\-ernment justi-
fiable in the war so far as it was waged to maintaini
the integrity of the country and to overthrow the ini-
quitous system of human sla\-ery. Taking this position
the members of the Church generously supported the
cause of the Union with their substance and their
lives. There was not a rebel within the pale of this
Church. The)- believed that the Southren Confederacy
was a conspiracy against God and humanity, and that
rREMiVTERIAN CHURCH 1\ AMERICA. 129
her members were doing God's service when they
enh'sted to break it up. While recognizing this fact
they still claimed that the secession from a human
government was not to be compared to rebellion
against the divine government, and the\- would em-
brace every opportunity to teach the nation this truth
and insist upon the recognition of the same. There
was no sin or inconsistency in aiding the government
in a lawful and righteous work, and while Covenanters
heroicly defended their homes and their country by
suppressing their enemies, they in no sense became
responsible for the immoralities of the government
-although some wicked men were the brave leaders in
the conflict.
In Februar\-, 1863, a number of ministers and
members of several Christian denominations met in
Xenia, Ohio, for the purpose of discussing the subject
of amending the National Constitution. At a subse-
quent meeting in the city of Allegheny, Pennsylvania*
circulars were addressed to the supreme judicatories of
se\eral Christian denominations to appoint delegates to
a convention in July, 1S63, but to these invitations no
bodies responded but the two Synods of the Reformed
Presbyterian Church. This was the origin of the present
National Reform Association, and the Reformed Presby-
terian Church has ever since been the chief supporter of
the movement. Mr. John Alexander of Philadelphia, is,
in many respects, the father of the Association, and has
been the chief" supporter of it in the way of personal
contributions. Not a single religious paper in the
•country had a word of cheer to of^er, and when the
13° HISTORY OF THE REFOR.MEI)
Christian Statesiuan was founded for the propogation of
the principles of the Association, some sneered at the
project and others passed it by in silence. What a
wonderful change in sentiment in twenty-fi\'e \-ears !
The most able ministers and jurists of the country are
now wheeled into line with its glorious principles, and
soon the cause which it advocates will finally triumph.
The good wliich this Association has done in the last
quarter of a century is incalculable, and at the present
time lecturers are in the field from different denomina-
tions.
The Synod of 1864, met in the city of Philadelphia.
Among the first resolutions was this :
KisohcJ, That this Synod recommend to the members of the Church
entire abstinence from the use of tobacco.
The Committee previously appointed to wait upon
the President of the United States, made the following
report :
The Committee appointed to confer with the President and heads of
Departments touching the duty of the nation to recognize God and the
claims of His Word, have attended to the duty imposed upon them
About the beginning of February we visited Washington, and had a
pleasant and satisfactory interview with the President. We proffered
and read in his hearing an address expressing the well-known views of
our Church in regard to the duty of nations, and of the duty of this
nation in particular, in the present exigency. .\ copy of the address is
herewith submitted. The Committee also prepared, and caused to be
laid before the National Congress, a memorial craving such changes in
and amendments to the Constitution of the United States as are set
forth in the address
The Committee tooi< no steps toward securing an acceptance by the
proper Department of the form of oath prepared by Synod. In \iew of
the circumstances of the case, it was deemed unnecessary to do so.
The Committee understand that the prescribed form of oath was
J
PRESnVTKRIAX CillKCH IX A.MKRICA. 131
specially intended to meet the case of those who might be drafted under
the new conscription law of the United States. It was ascertained that
under this law no oath of any kind was required of the soldier, and
also that in the case of those uho had felt it to be their duty to otier
their services to the nation in special emergencies, they had been ac-
cepted without any oath. Under these circumstances no end was to be
gained by pursuing the matter any further
The Synod of 1865, met in Utica. Ohio. Resolu-
tions on slaver}-, and Committees tc present the same
to the President, were passed. Geneva Hall was revived
for the education of colored persons as well as all
others. The Mission Boards reported great encourage-
ment and large results from the efforts put forth at
home and abroad. The Theological Seminar}- was not
as fully attended as usual owing to the disturbed state of
the country. As the rebellion was now put down the
Synod adopted the following resolutions :
Rtsot.ed, ist. That this Synod congratulate the country upon the
utter overthrow of the slaveholders' rebellion, which has for the past
four years filled the land with mourning and aimed at the destruction
of the nation.
Resohid, 2d. That we recognize in the death of President Lincoln
by the hand of an assassin, a severe chastisement from .almighty
God. and the legitimate fruits of that system of wrong and blood-
shed which inspired and animated the Southern conspiracy
Resolved, 3d. That inasmuch as it is a principle of the divine
government that "he that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth
the just, even they both are an abomination to the Lord , " it is
our calm and deliberate judgment, that it is the duty of the govern-
ment, to intlict the penalty of death upon the leaders of the late
rebellion
Resolved. 4th. That we recognize in the late war a signal mani-
festation of the divine wrath against the sins of the nation, especiall>
the rejection of the authority of Messiah and oppression of man
Resol-.ed. 5th That we heartily rejoice in every step which has
been taken for the destruction nf slavery, and urge the carrying for-
•132 HISTORV OF THE REFORMED
ward of the work, uniil every man in the nation, without regard to
color, stands upon a perfect equality before the laws.
Raohtil, 6th. That we again call upon the nation to abandon its
rebellion against God, acknowledge His name, submit to His authority.
and recognize the mediatorial claims of His Son
The Synod of 1866, met in the city of Rochester,
New York. Rev. R. J. Dodds, missionary from Syria,
was present and addressed the court and presided over
the deliberations. The question of \'otins,r for proper
-amendments to State Constitutions came up, and
received the following; answer :
That while there may be instances in which it would not be wrong
to do so, yet as there are other ways by which countenance and approba-
tion may be given to what is proper, as by petition, and by public and
private expression. Synod does not recommend such a course.
Strong resolutions were passed against the use or
sale of into.xicants, and Synod gave its promise to aid
the cause of temperance in every way. Cheering reports
were received from the Southern and Foreign Missions,
and the work of evangelization and reformation was
hopefully progressing in all the Church's departments.
The Synod of 1867, met in the city of Allegheny,
Pennsylvania. A plan for the endowment of the
Theological Seminary was set before the Church. A
weekly paper was established for the dissemination of
the principles of the National Reform Association.
Rev. Samuel O. Wylie was chosen professor of Theology
to fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of Rev.
Dr. James M. Willson. To an inquiry whether a mem-
ber of the Church living in Canada may hold office
in a case where no oath is required, the following
answer was given :
J
PRE.sBVTERIAX CHURCli IX AMERICA. I 33
The principle involved in this question is not local but general in its
application. The position of the Reformed Presbyterian Church in
regard to accepting office, the committee understand to be, not that it is
I sinful in itself and wrong in all cases, but that it may become sinful
either by the imposition of an immoral oath or by involving an obliga-
tion to perform a sinful service. When either of these conditions exists,
the law and practice of the church forbid the holding of office.
Rev. Joseph McCracken wa.s chosen President of
I Geneva Hall and Seminar)-, at Northwood, Ohio. The
' education of colored persons at this institution promised
to be a success, and the Church was deeply interested
in this work of elevating the condition of the sable
race.
The Synod of 1868, met at Northwood, Ohio. The
Theological .Seminary and Geneva Hall received special
attention. Rev. Samuel O. Wylie having declined the
professorate in the former institution, the Rev. J. R.
W. Sloane was chosen to the position. Arrangements
were made for Covenanting in the near future. Synod
re-afifirmed its position on the jury question and in-
temperance, viz : that members are prohibited from
sitting on juries, and that they are to cease touching
into.xicants in any way. The law of the Church was
declared to be positively prohibitory in these respects.
Rev. Joseph AlcCracken having resigned the Presidency
of Geneva Hall, Air. S. J. Crowe, student of theology,
had been appointed by the Board as Principal, and
conducted the school several years in a most efficient
manner.
The following deliverance of Synod upon the voting
, for amendments was given :
! The Reformed Presbyterian Church has deliberately taken the
I position of dissent from the civil institutions of the United States, not
i
134 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
on the ground that participation in all the functions and operations
of government is sinful in itself, but on account of the immoral char-
acter of the Constitutions and laws under which the citizen must act.
Hence the Church has applied this principle by prohibiting her
members from holding office and voting at civil elections.
The inquiry now demanding an answer is, Does voting for an
amendment of State Constitutions involve, as in the other cases already
determined by the Church, anything sinful or inconsistent with the
principle and practice of the Church ? Synod answers unequivocally,
that it does. Inasmuch as voting for this object or any other, in-
volves incorporation with the national society and imperils our dissent
from (t. Is. 8:i2, "Say ye not, A confederacy, to all them to whom
this people shall say, A confederacy." It exposes the members of the
Church to temptation, i Cor. 8:12, "But when ye sin so against the
brethren and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ." It
encourages other Christians to continue their sinful connection with
an ungodly nation, and renders nugatory the discipline of the Church.
On these, and other grounds. Synod is resolved to abide by the dis-
tinctive principles of the Church, and to apply the law of her exalted
Head. "Abstain from all appearance of evil." i Thess. 5:22. " Lo
the people shall dwell alone, and shall not be reckoned among the
nations." Numb. 23:9. And ere long "the kingdom and dominion and
the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be
given to the people of the saints of the Most High." Dan. 7:27.
To the two inquiries : ist. In a State where there is no objection
to the school law. except that it requires of all officers an oath of
allegiance to the Constitution of the United States, as well as an
oath to discharge the duties of their office, can members of the
Church hold the office of school director, if they are only required to
take an oath to discharge the duties of the office, provided they let
it be known that they will not take the oath of allegiance prescribed
by law ' 2d. Can members of the Church vote for an individual for
school director who will take the oath of office with the above limita-
tions and explanations ? In accordance with the principles stated in
the foregoing case. Synod answers. No
The Synod of 1869, met in the city of Newburgh.
New York. A most stirring and hopeful report was
given of the cause of National Reform. The educa-
,J
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IX AMERICA. 135
tional and Missionary Departments of the work of the
Church were in a most healthy condition, and se\-eral
new organizations of congregations and settlements of
ministers were reported. The following resolutions on
Secrecy were unanimously adopted :
Resolved. That this Synod views with deep concern the reviving
growth and influence of the Secret Orders in the United States.
Resolved, That we condemn these associations, because their effect
is to establish spurious and artificial social relations among men and
a new code of duties founded upon these relations ; because the
secrecy they practice and enjoin is inconsistent with the candor be-
coming the Christian character : and because they virtually assume to
establish a religion distinct from the religion of Jesus, and therefore
false. On these grounds we renew our traditional testimony that those
who enter these associations are unworthy of ecclesiastical fellowship.
Resolved. That we welcome with great satisfaction the rise of an
earnest and wide-spread opposition to the Secret Orders, and we trust
it shall increase and prevail till society be delivered from the dangers
and purified from the corruptions which they occasion.
The Ssmod of 1S70, met in the city of New York.
The Church was encouraged to organize Sabbath
Schools in all the congregations, but not in such a
manner as to supplant parental training or home in-
struction. The Reformed Presb)-tejian Church has
always e.xcluded members of oath-bound secret societies
from her Communion, the reasons for which action
are embodied in the following timely report on the
subject :
Where.^s, Secret Orders are institutions avowedly setting before
themselves ends of no mere temporary character, but permanent as
those of the Church and State : and
Where.^s, Their boasted efforts of friendship and beneficence are
designed not for the benefit of all men, nor for the aid of society and
the Church in their work, but for the advancement of the orders
themselves as rivals of the Church and State . and
136 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
Whereas. The social relations formed by membership in these
orders must therefore be artificial and false, and the performance of
the duties imposed by their obligations an injustice to all outside, in-
cluding the families of members ; and
Whereas, Secrecy, which is an essential feature of these orders,
however justifiable in exceptional circumstances, is in all ordinary cases
needless, opposed to candor, unworthy of a benevolent enterprise, and
lanscriptural ; and
Whereas, These orders become to many of the members a church
and their ritual and services virtually a religion, and thus not only tend,
as proved by fact, to keep men from uniting with the Church, but also
induce professing Christians to abandon her ; and
Whereas, In many of these orders the members are bound together
by oaths, horrible in themselves, and administered by no civil or eccle-
siastical authority, and may thus become ready instruments in the hands
of designing leaders for the overthrow of our civil and religious liberties;
therefore,
Resolved, i. That we emphatically condemn all these orders as wrong
in principle and necessarily injurious in their operation.
2. That it is as much the duty of the Church to prohibit the connec-
tion of her members with these orders as to forbid their participation
in a system of rebellion or oppression
3. That in view of the advocacy of Secret Orders by influential
papers, and even by respected Christian men and ministers, we pledge
ourselves to labor for the thorough agitation of the subject, believ-
ing that a clearer understanding of their character and influences will
lead to the withdrawal* of their most effective support.
There wa.s a general and earnest desire upon the
part of the Church to now go forward with the act
of Covenanting, and definite arrangements were made
to enter upon this important work at the next
meeting.
The Synod of 1871, met in the city of Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania. It is the most notable meeting because
during its sessions the Synod entered into the solemn
act of Covenanting. The "bond" of the Covenant
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN' AMERICA. 1 3;
and the "Confession of Sins" had been o\'ertured b\-
the Church. This important event in the histor\- of
the Reformed Presjyterian Church in America took
place in the Pittsburgh Church, May 27, 1 87 1, after ;i
sermon on ■• Co\-enanting" by Rev. Andrew Stevenson,
D. D. Rev. James M. Beattie then read the Covenant.
Rev. J. R. W. Sloane. D. D., addressed the Synod on
"The Spirit in which we should Covenant." and Rev.
Thomas Sproull, D. D., offered prayer. After a few
moments of silent prayer, the Covenant-oath was
taken b\- the members of S\-nod and others who
joined them. The Covenant was then again read b\-
Rev. Thomas Sproull, D. D., and at the close of each
section all responded "Amen." At the close of the
last section all repeated in concert Exodus 24: 7,
"All that the Lord hath said will we do, and be
obedient." The Covenant was then subscribed b>-
seventy-four ministers, se\-enty elders, and b\- five
licentiates, four students of theolog)', and nineteen
elders not members of the S\-nod at that session.
After the bond was signed, the Rev. William Milroy
delivered an address on "Covenant-keeping," and the
service closed by singing Psalm 72; 17-19.
As the proceedings of this memorable occasion ha\-e
been preserved to the Church in the "Memorial
Volume," it is thought proper to insert nothing in this
volume but the Covenant itself, in order that this
sacred bond may meet the eye of the casual reader.
COVENANT.
"We, .Ministers. Elders, Deacons, and Members of the
REFORMED PUEMJVTERIAN ChUKCK IN XORIII AMERICA,
138 HISTORV OF THE REFORMED
with our hands lifted up, do jointly and severally swear
by the Great and Dreadful Name of the LoRD OUR
GoD:
I. "That coming into the presence of the Lord God
with a deep conviction of His awful majesty and
glory, of His omniscience, His purity, His justice and
His grace ; of our guilt and total depravity by nature,
and our utter inability to save ourselves from deserved
condemnation to everlasting punishment ; with renuncia-
tion of all dependence on our own righteousness as
the ground of pardon and acceptance with God,
we receive for ourselves and for our children the Lord
Jesus Christ as He is offered in the Gospel, to be
our Saviour — the Holy Spirit to be our Enlightener,
Sanctifier and Guide — and God, the Father, to be our
everlasting portion ; we approve and accept of the
Covenant of Grace as all our salvation and desire,
and take the moral law as dispensed by the Mediator,
Christ, to be the rule of our life, and to be obeyed
by us in all its precepts and prohibitions. Aiming
to live for the glory of God as our chief end,
we will, in reliance upon God's grace, and feeling
our inability to perform any spiritual duty in our own
strength, diligently attend to searching the Scriptures,
religious conversation, the duties of the closet, the
household, the fellowship meeting and the sanctuary,
and will seek in them to worship God in spirit and
in truth. We do solemnly promise to depart from all
iniquity, and to live soberly, righteously, and godly in
this present world, commending and encouraging, by
our example, temperance, charity and godliness.
PRESBYTERIAN- CHURCH IN AMERICA. 1 39
2. "That after careful examination, having embraced
the system of faith, order and worship revealed in the
Holy Scriptures, and summarized as to doctrine in the
Westminster Confession and Catechisms, and Reformed
Presbyterian Testimony, and, as to order and worship,
justly set forth in substance and outline in the West-
minster Form of Church Government and Directory
for Worship, we do publicly profess and own this as
the true Christian faith and religion, and the system
of order and worship appointed by Christ for His own
house, and, by the grace of God, we will sincerely
and constantly endeavor to understand it more fully,
to hold and observe it in its integrity, and to transmit
the knowledge of the same to posterity. We solemnly
reject whatever is known by us to be contrary to
the Word of God, our recognized and approved manuals
of faith and order, and the great principles of the
Protestant Reformation. Particularly, we abjure and
condemn Infidelity, under all its various aspects ;
Atheism, or the denial of the divine e.xistence ; Pan-
theism, with its denial of the divine personality ;
Naturalism, with its denial of the divine Providential
Government ; Spiritualism, with its denial of the Bible
redemption ; Indifferentism, with its denial of man's
responsibility ; Formalism, with its denial of the power
of godliness. We abjure and condemn Popery, with
its arrogant assumption of supremacy and infallibility ;
its corrupt and heretical teachings ; its dogma of the
Immaculate Conception ; its hostility to civil and
religious liberty, to the progress of society in civiliza-
tion and intelligence, and especially its denial, in
140 HISTOKV OF THE REFORMED
common with Infidelity, of the right and duty of the
State to educate in morality and religion by the use of
the Bible in schools enjoying its patronage and support.
Believing Presbyterianism to be the only divinely
instituted form of government in the Christian Church,,
we disown and reject all other forms of ecclesiastical
polity, as without authorit\- of Scripture, and as
damaging to purity, peace and unity in the household
of faith. We reject all systems of false religion and
will-worship, and with these all forms of secret oath-
bound societies and orders, as ensnaring in their nature,
pernicious in their tendenc}-, and perilous to the liberties-
of both Church and State ; and pledge ourselves to-
pra)- and labor according to our power, that whate\-er
is contrary to godliness may be removed, and the
Church beautified with universal conformity to the law
and will of her Divine Head and Lord.
3. " Persuaded that God is the source of all legitimate
power ; that he has instituted civil government for His
own glory and the good of man ; that he has ap-
pointed His Son, the Mediator, to headship over the
nations ; and that the Bible is the supreme law and
rule in national as in all other things, we will maintain
the responsibility of nations to God, the rightful
dominion of Jesus Christ over the commonwealth, and
the obligation of nations to legislate in conformity
with the written Word. We take ourseKes sacredl)-
bound to regulate all our civil relations, attachments,
professions and deportment, b\- our allegiance and lo}-alty
to the Lord, our King, Lawgiver and Judge ; and by
this, oLir oath, we are pledged to promote the interests
PRESHVTERIAX CHURCH IX AMERICA. I4I
of public order and justice, to support cheerfully what-
ever is for the good of the commonwealth in which we
dwell, and to pursue this object in all thinc,'s not for-
bidden by the law of God. or inconsistent with public
dissent from an unscriptural and immoral ci\-il power.
We will pray and labor for the peace and welfare of
our country, and for its reformation by a constitutional
recognition of God as the source of all power, of Jesus
Christ as the Ruler of Nations, of the Hol\- Scriptures
as the supreme rule, and of the true Christian religion ;
and we will continue to refuse to incorporate by an_\-
act, with the political body, until this blessed reforma-
tion has been secured.
4. "That, believing the Church to be one. and that
all the saints have communion with iGod and with one
another in the same Covenant ; believing, moreover,
that schism and sectarianism are sinful in themseKes,
and inimical to true religion, and trusting that divisions-
shall cease, and the people of God become one Catholic
Church over all the earth, we will pra>- and labor for
the visible oneness of the Church of God in our own
land and throughout the world, on the basis of truth
and Scriptural order. Considering it a principal duty of
our profession to cultivate a holy brotherhood, we will
strive to maintain Christian friendship with pious men
of every name, and to feel and act as one with all
in every land who pursue this grand end. And, as a
means of securing this great result, we will, b\- dis-
semination and application of the principles of truth
herein professed and by cultivating and exercising
Christian charity, labor to remove stumbling blocks,.
14- HISTORY OK THE REFORMED
and to gather into one the scattered and divided friends
of truth and righteousness.
5. "Rejoicing that the enthroned Mediator is not
■only King in Zion, but King over all the earth, and
recognizing the obligation of His command to go into
all the world and preach the gospel to every creature,
and to teach all nations, baptizing them in the name
of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost,
and resting with faith in the promise of His perpetual
presence as the pledge of success, we hereby dedicate
ourselves to the great work of making known God's
light and salvation among the nations, and to this
end will labor that the Church may be provided with
an earnest, self-denying and able ministry. Profoundly
conscious of past remissness and neglect, we will hence-
forth, by our prayers, pecuniary contributions and. per-
sonal exertions, seek the revival of pure and undefiled
religion, the conversion of Jews and Gentiles to Christ,
that all men may be blessed in Him, and that all
nations may call Him blessed.
6. "Committing ourselves with all our interests to
the keeping of Him in whom we have believed : in
faithfulness to our own vows, and to the Covenants
of our fathers, and to our children whom we desire
to lead in the right ways of the Lord ; and in love
to all mankind, especially the household of faith in
obedience to the commandment of the everlasting
God to contend earnestly for the faith once delivered
to the saints, we will bear true testimony in word and
in deed for every known part of divine truth, and
for all the ordinances appointed by Christ in his king-
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 1 43
■dom ; and we will tenderly and charitably, but plainly
and decidedly, oppose and discountenance all and
every known error, immorality, neglect or perversion
.of divine institutions. Taking as our example the
faithful in all ages, and, most of all, the blessed
Master himself, and with our eye fi.xed upon the great
cloud of witnesses who have sealed with their blood
the testimony which they held, we will strive to hold
fast the profession of our faith without wavering, in
hope of the crown of life which fadeth not away.
Finally, we enter upon this solemn act of cove-
nanting before the Omniscient God, with unfeigned
purpose of paying our vow. All sinister and selfish
ends and motives we solemnly disavow, and protest
that we have no aim but the glory of God, and the
present and everlasting welfare of immortal souls.
And our prayer to God is and shall be, to strengthen
us by His Holy Spirit to keep this our promise, vow
and oatTi, and to bless our humble attempt to glorify
His name and honor. His truth and cause with such
success as will bring salvation to our own souls, the
wider spread and triumph of truth and holiness, and
the enlargement and establishment of the kingdom of
our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, to whom, with the
Father and the Spirit, one God be glory in the Church
throughout all ages, w^orld without end. Amen."
With a very few exceptions, all the members of
the Reformed Presbyterian Church in America entered
into and subscribed this same Covenant in the respective
.congregations. The Rev. Samuel R. Galbraith was
144 HISTORY OF THE REFOR.MELi
chosen missionan- to Syria, to fill the \-acanc}- caused
by the death of the Rev. Robert J. Dodds. Rev.
David McAllister was appointed by S\-nod to g;i\-e his
whole time to the interests of National Reform.
The Synod of 1872, met in York. New York. An
offer was made b\- Mr. James Kelly of W'ilkinsburgh,
Pennsylvania, and also by friends in Xewburgh, New
York, for the location of the Theological Seminary.
The Pittsburgh Presbytery donated the buildings of
Westminster College to the Seminar}- Board. W'ilkins-
burgh was chosen as the seat of the new Theological
Seminar}-. Klaborate reports on Missions, Education,
National Reform, and other vital departments of the
Church's work were submitted. The Committee on
the "Homestead Oath" reported:
That they have e.xamined the Homestead laws of the United States,
and find that every applicant must swear that he is a citizen, or that
he has filed his declaration of intention to become such, as required
by the naturalization laws of the United States. (See Brightley's
Digest of the Laws of the U. S., p. 288. sec. 41.) At the time the
patent is made out, he must swear that he has borne /m^ allegiance
to the government of the United States, (/aVw;., page 2S8, sec. 42)
There never has been a question in the Church as to the first
oath. It has always been deemed wrong. .-Vs to the second, which
both natives and foreigners must take, a majority of the Com-
mittee think it inconsistent with our refusal to incorporate, by any
act, with the government of the United States.
The Committee recommended that Synod take steps to obtain such
a modification of these oaths as may be consistent with our dissent.
The Rev. H. H. George was chosen President of
Geneva College, and has since continued to hold that
position.
The Synod of 1873, i'"c"t in Northwood. Ohio. For
several reasons the location of the Seminar\- at Wil-
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH' l.V AMERICA. 145
kinsburgh was not satisfactory to some parts of the
Church, and the Synod adopted the following resolution :
Resolved, That a Committee of seven persons be appointed to locate
and erect the Theological Seminary Building in the city of Allegheny,
and that the place and style of building and appurtenances be left
to the judgment of the Committee ; and that the limit of expense be
thirty thousand dollars ($30,000).
The Synod of 1874, met in the city of Philadelphia.
The Committee appointed to report on the "Patrons
■of Husbandry" or "Grangers," after ascertaining facts,
report the following :
I. That this order was organized by Freemasons and Oddfellows ;
is modelled after their forms in its rites, ceremonies and officers ; is
largely under their control, and as a matter of fact furnishes recruits
for these detestable orders.
2. That it is in itself a secret and substantially oath-bound society,
the candidate for admission being required to pledge his sacred word
and honor, in the presence of God, to keep secrets, obey laws and
assume responsibilities wholly unknown to him, and utterly incompatible
with Christian integrity and simplicity.
3. That the order in its constitution assumes the false and impossi-
ble position of neutrality both with respect to religion and politics,
and as a consequence of this its religious services are conducted
indiscriminately in a Christian or .\nti-Christian and pagan manner ;
and instead of being neutral in politics, it is practically a political
party.
We therefore emphatically and unequivocally condemn this and all
other secret orders as ensnaring, deceptive and sinful in themselves,
as prejudicial to the best interests of society, and as a lawless and
inefficient way of obtaining redress of grievances. We also recom-
mend that Synod enjoin it upon all sessions not to fellowship mem-
bers of this or any secret order, and to warn all under their care
to beware of the ensnaring influences of such organizations. "Have
no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather
reprove them."
The Synod, as the representative of the Church,
again pledged itself to the hearty support of the
146 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
pringples incorporated by the National Reform Associa-
tion, and has unceasingl>- carried forward the pledge
embodied in the following resolutions ;
Resolved, That this Synod, and the whole Church, in whose interests
it is met, regard with the liveliest interest all efforts to reform our
nation, and to bring it, in its constitution, and administration, and
into conformity with the revealed will and written Word of God.
Resolved. That a distinct constitutional recognition of Jesus Christ,
the Mediator between God and man. as the legislative head and ruler
of nations is the indispensable duty of this nation, and that any pro-
posed form of amendment to the national constitution, or States con-
stitution, in which such recognition is omitted, is and will be held
by this Church to be fundamentally defective.
Resolved, That we will pray and labor for the reformation of our
nation, nor cease our efforts until we see it a Christian state, adminis-
tering its authority in subserviency to. the kingdom of Christ, in sup-
pressing blasphemy, idolatry, licentiousness, and every other form of
public hindrance to its progress, and in giving positive countenance,
encouragement, and support to the Christian Church throughout the
commonwealth as the great restorer and consen-ator of the true relig-
ion, which, as a leaf of the tree of life, restores and heals the nations.
The Synod of 1S75, met in Coultersville, Illinois.
Rev. David B. W'illson was elected to a professorate
in the Theological Seminary. All the reports from
the different agencies of the Church were full and
satisfactory, and, with the exception of direction in the
settlement of a few local cases of discipline, the
proceedings of this Synod were routine.
The Synod of 1876, met in the city of Allegheny,
Pennsylvania. Rev. Joseph Beattie, of Syria, was pres-
ent, and presided over the sessions of Synod.
Strong and definite resolutions bearing upon the
different reforms of the day were passed at the meeting,
and they were of such a character as to conclusively
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IX AMERICA. 14/
show that this Church is composed of thorough
reformers.
The Synod of 1877, met in the city of Alleghen\-..
Pennsylvania. The following report explains itself :
The Committee appointed to confer with a similar Committee ap-
pointed by the General Synod of the Reformed Presbyterian Church,
reports that, after several meetings of the joint Committee, it was
agreed to report to the respective Synods, that while we recognize with
thankfulness the identity in faith, and practice and testimony in many
important respects of these closely related branches of the Church of
Christ, we are constrained to admit that the obstacles in the way of
organic reunion appear, for the present, to be insuperable.
The special Committee, to which were referred peti-
tions relating to inviting clerg}-men of other denomina-
tions into our pulpits, report :
1. That, while desiring to cultivate and cherish the most friendly
and fraternal relations with our brethren of other evangelical denomina-
tions, it has never been the custom of the Church to invite them to
minister to our people in the preaching of the Word.
2. That we see no good reason, in the present condition of the
visible Church of Christ, for departing from e.xisting usage.
The Synod of 1878, met at Linton, Iowa. With
reference to the conference on union with the New
School body, the Committee made the following report r
.\fter a frank, earnest and friendly conference, it was agreed that
there was not, at present, any special encouragement to take steps in
the direction of attempting to heal the breach between these two
branches of the Reformed Presbyterian Church, and while it was
agreed that we should foster in all proper ways friendly, fraternal'
teelings, that it was not advisable to continue the conference further
Synod thought it proper for women to speak and
lead in prayer in social pra\'ing societies. The Fourth
Term of Communion was revised, and is as printed.
Synod advised the Missionary among the Chinese to
baptize such persons as gi\-e evidence of " intelligent
140 lll.vrORV or I'HE KEKOKMED
and unfeigned faith and repentance." Synod also
regarded " the language of the Testimony on the duties
-of the Christian magistrate as the exhibition of the
doctrines we hold upon this subject, and as properly
interpreting the Confession of Faith."
The Synod of 1879, met in the city of New York.
Rev. David Metheny, M. D., Missionary to Syria, was
present, and was chosen to preside over the sessions.
Rev. A. M. Stavely, of New Brunswick, was al.^o present,
-and addressed the meeting.
The following resolutions on tobacco were unani-
mously adopted by Synod :
Inasmuch as tobacco is extensively used throughout society, and in
its use is a positive evil, which manifests itself — i. .\s an injury to
physical health ; 2. .A.s an offence to good manners ; 3. .\s an unneces-
sary expenditure of money , 4. As it is associated with much vice ;
5. .\s it exerts a demoralizing influence upon the youth ; 6. .\s it is
inconsistent with moral and spiritual purity. Therefore,
Rtsolved, I. That this Synod condemn all indulgence in the use of
tobacco.
R^soh-id, 2. That we urge our people to abstain from it in every
form except as prescribed by competent medical authority, and use all
lawful and wise means to eradicate this evil from society.
RdSi'lved, 3. That Presbyteries be hereby advised to license no one
to preach the gospel who indulges in the use of tobacco ; and sessions
be advised not to ordain any officers in the Church who practice
this habit for mere carnal gratification.
Kesolvtd, 4. That this Synod condemn the cultivation, manufacture,
and sale of tobacco.
With its earnest desire, and with the hearty con-
currence of the Irish S\-nod, the Presbytery of New
Brunswick and Nova Scotia was received uuder the
care of this Synod. The change of the location of
Geneva College having been agitated for some time,
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. I49
the Synod now chose to remove the institution from
Northwood, Ohio, to Beaver Fails, Pennsylvania, on the
condition that ten acres of ground and twenty thousand
dollars were given for the erection of buildings. This
offer was made by the Economite Society and
accepted by S}-nod. The College first opened in
Beaver Falls in September, 18S0, and the building
erected for the purpose was occupied the following year.
The Synod re-affirmed the law of the Church with
reference to marriage with a deceased wife's sister,
that it is prohibitory. In a concrete case of a member
of the Church being summoned to sit upon a jury in
Pittsburgh, and the Judge refusing to excuse him, a
Committee of Synod was appointed to wait upon the
Judge, who decided that he would not excuse the
member, but was willing to accept, instead of the
usual juror's oath, such an oath as would be approved
by the Reformed Presbyterian Church.
The Synod of 18S0, met in the city of Philadelphia.
General Rules for the organization and government of
Geneva College were submitted. The following report
explains the manner in which affairs were settled by
the removal of the College to Beaver Falls:
That the notes given to the endowment by persons in the vicinity
of Northwood, on the condition that the College remain in that place,
be returned to those who make this request.
That the Board of Education, as connected with the College in
Northwood, Ohio, be continued in existence until all business matters
relating to the transfer of the College to Beaver Falls shall be fully
accomplished, and that the Executive Committee of the Board be
authorized to make a quit claim deed to a Committee to be appointed
by members of the Church at Northwood, of all the buildings there
15° HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
belonging to Synod, on condition that the Northwood Committee meet
all the expenses afterwards accruing.
That the movable property of the College, such as the library,
apparatus, &c., be removed to the College building at Beaver Falls.
The Synod of 1881, met in the city of Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania. The following preamble and resolutions
were adopted :
Whereas, It is important for the interests of the Church to place
before our people and others a statement and vindication of the prin-
ciples professed by us, and to justify the practice grounded upon these
principles, and particularly in connection with questions made of im-
mediate and pressing urgency from the circumstances of the times ;
therefore,
Risohed, I. That Synod take measures for the issuing of a series of
tracts, of not more than 4 pages, 12 mo., for distribution among our
people, and for general circulation, so far as it can be accomplished.
2. That D. S. Faris be appointed to write on the duty of our
members in regard to the exercise of the Elective Franchises, Dr.
Sloane on Psalmody, James Kennedy on Instrumental Music, Professor
Willson on Dancing, J. Lynd on Temperance, D. M'.A.llister on the Jury
Question, and Dr. SprouU on the Testimony of the Church, in regard
to Christian people who are in political fellowship with nations, which
disown the Kingship of the Lord Jesus ; and that these papers be
published at once in the magazines of the Church.
On the question of voting for temperance amend-
ments, the Committee say :
On this paper we report that as the Synod by its action of 1866 and
1867 refused to authorize such voting on the part of the members of
the Church, and as it not only appears to many inconsistent with our
position on the jury question, and in some measure an incorporating
with government, but also inconsistent with the position, solemnly taken
in our act of Covenanting of 1871, that therefore Synod should distinctly
declare that it disapproves of and discourages such voting on the part
of our members as if not positively a breach of their testimony, at
least in many respects dangerous and ensnaring.
Synod thought that members acceding to our Com-
A
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 15I
munion in Syria from the Greek Roman Catholic Church
should be baptized. Not only in this but in all similar
cases baptism is to be administered. Rev. \V. J.
Coleman was chosen to labor in the -interests of the
National Reform Association as the representative of
this Church.
The Synod of 18S2, met in New Concord, Ohio.
From the following resolutions it will be seen that this
is a temperance Church :
1. Rcsolvsd. That we unite in sincere thanksgiving to God for the
firm hold the cause of Temperance has taken in the public conscience,
for the able instrumentalities that are raised up in its advocacy, and for
its marked progress in the Church and throughout the Nation.
2. Resolved, That we hereby lift up an uncompromising testimony
against the use, manufacture or sale of intoxicating liquors, including
beer, ale, wine and hard cider, as a beverage ; against the renting of
property for the manufacture or sale of intoxicating liquors : against the
selling the fruits of the earth for the purpose of being manufactured
into intoxicating drinks ; and against giving countenance in any way to
the nefarious traffic or use.
3. Resolved, That the ministers, officers and members of the Church
be enjoined to take a public stand in the present Temperance move-
ment, and openly wage, in all legitimate ways, an unceasing warfare
against the atrocious liquor business and the pernicious evils of
intemperance.
4. Resolved. That sessions see to it that members of the Church act
consistently with her public position on the Temperance question, and
that the discipline of the Church be rigidly applied in all cases
where the law of the Church in this regard is violated.
5. Resolved, That the Sabbath Schools make Temperance a part of
their instruction : and that teachers and scholars be urged to pledge
themselves to total abstinence from intoxicating liquors, and to earnest
work in the Temperance cause.
6. Resolved, That Synod reiterate its former recommendation against
the use of intoxicating wine in the Lord's supper.
7. Resolved, That we rejoice at the progress of legal Prohibition in
152 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
our country ; and that we put forth every effort, consistent with our
position as a Church, to secure an amendment to the United States
Constitution, and also to the Constitutions of the different States, for-
bidding the importation, manufacture and sale of into.xicating liquors
as a beverage.
8. Resolved, That the time has come when our Church should take
an advanced step in the temperance cause by incorporating in her
written Testimony an article forever prohibiting the manufacture, sale
and use of intoxicating liquors as a beverage.
9. Resolved, That this Synod express its hearty approval of the action
of the legislature of this State in closing the liquor saloons on the
Lord's day.
10. Resolved, That Synod renew, in more emphatic terms, its con-
demnation of the production, manufacture, sale and use of tobacco, as
it is injurious to the best interests of man socially, morally and
spiritually ; and that Presbyteries be enjoined to refuse licensure to
any candidate who is m the habit of indulging in the use thereof
Synod declared itself opposed to the action of the
government in closing the western gate, while through
the east gate a far more dangerous class of emigrants
is received with no restrictions :
Resolved, That this Synod express its condemnation of the recent
Anti-Chinese bill which has passed both houses of Congress, and been
signed by the President, as a breach of treaty obligations, opposed to
the spirit of the age, a gross violation of the law of God, and as
calculated to arrest the earnest missionary efforts now being put forth
for the Christianization of that numerous people.
Rev. Henr}' Easson, missionary from Syria, was
present and addressed the court. A suitable notice
was taken of the providential death of President Gar-
field. A Committee was appointed to prepare an edition
of the Book of Psalms with verbal corrections and
suitable music.
A long and able discussion of the true and historic
position of the Church was entered into in reference
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IX AMERICA. 153
to the question of voting for temperance amendments
in some of the States. The question was "Could
Covenanters, consistent with their position, vote for
amendments to State Constitutions? The following was
the deliverance of Synod on this subject :
Resolvid, I. That this Synod declares anew our position of dissent.
on moral grounds, from the Constitution of the United States, and
rejoices in the evidence which this discussion has afforded of una-
bated and unanimous convictions in support of this position.
2. That it has always been regarded as the privilege and the
duty of our members to unite in all civil action which is not incon-
sistent with this dissent.
3. That in view of the varying conditions under which constitu-
tional amendments are submitted in different States, we leave it with
Presbyteries and sessions to administer the discipline of the Church
in harmony with these principles.
The Synod of 1883, met in the city of Allegheny,
Pennsylvania. It was largely attended and much
important business was transacted. The Commission
visiting the Churches in the Maritime Provinces made
an interesting report. A charter for Geneva College
was submitted.
A memorial from Nova Scotia with reference to the
validity of sacraments, received the following answer :
Whilst we are in full harmony with the Memorialists as to the nature
and Scriptural mode of administering the ordinance of baptism, yet
we cannot acquiesce in their prayer, asking this court to pronounce
baptism by immersion to be in all cases invalid, and that applicants
from the Baptist connection, seeking fellowship with us, should be
required to receive baptism before admission, according to the mode
of administration followed by us, for the following reasons :
I. Because it has never been, either in principle or practice,
recognized as necessary in the Reformed Presbyterian Church, in this
or any other country, that such a condition of admission to our mem-
bership should be required on the part of such applicants.
154 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
2. Because, while we strenuously contend for the Scriptural admin-
istration of religious ordinances, we cannot admit the principle that
mere imperfections in the mode of administration do invalidate them or
destroy their eflScacy. The Westminster divines declare that "The sac-
raments become effectual means of salvation, not from any virtue in them,
or in him that doth administer them ; " therefore when the appointed
sign is employed in baptism, and when it is applied as directed, in the
name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost, and that in
an avowed symbolical and sacramental sense, and for a symbolical and
sacramental purpose, then there are present substantially all the elements
constituting a real administration of that ordinance.
3. Because, as the validity and efficacy of a sacrament do not depend
on the amount of the material sign employed on the occasion, but upon
the right apprehension, in its use, of its spiritual import and significance
as an appointment of Christ, it is not impossible to realize the spiritual
benefits of baptism even when administered by immersion. The
leading idea in employing water in baptism is that of purifying from
defilement, and as in ordinary life, from which the term is taken, this
is sometimes effected by applying water to the_ object to be made clean,
and sometimes by putting it into the water, we do not think that the
ends contemplated in baptism cannot be reached, or that the ordinance
is invalidated when the mode of administering is by immersion, any
more than that the Lord's Supper is invalidated when in some Evan-
gelical Churches it is administered in a manner which we cannot
regard as altogether Scriptural.
4. Because we cannot refuse to accept the validity of this ordi-
nance, as administered by Baptists without unchurching the connection,
or in other words refusing to acknowledge them as a part of the
true church of Christ. This we do in relation to Rome by refusing
to accept her baptism and ordination, but we think it would be
utterly unjustifiable to place Baptist Churches in the same category.
The following sentiment witli reference to an old
form and custom of the Church is interesting :
1. That the distribution of tokens on a week day evening previous
to the administration of the ordinance of the Lord's supper has never
been considered an integral element of the ordinance.
2. That it is in no sense an act of worship, nor is the token a
religious symbol.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IX AMERICA. 155
3. That it is simply a custom relating to the well ordering of the
Church that has come down to us from persecuting times, and as such
has a strong hold upon the minds of many in the Church.
4. That it cannot in any way be productive of mischief unless
elevated into a prominence and significance that does not in any sense
attach to it.
5. In view of these considerations we advise all our people to
observe the custom as heretofore until such time as the Church in its
wisdom may deem it proper to dispense with it.
An article on Temperance was inserted in the Testi-
mony.
The Synod of 1SS4, met in Northwood, Ohio. While
there was a large attendance of delegates, the business
was interesting but of a routine character. The prin-
cipal question that demanded the especial attention of
this Synod was that of voting for amendments. The
following is the report of this item :
1. Does voting for amendments to State Constitutions involve any-
thing sinful or inconsistent with the principles and practice of the
Church ?
2. Has the deliverance of this Synod in 1S6S on the question of
voting for amendments been repealed ?
To the first of these inquiries the following answer is submitted ;
That it is a fundamental principle of the Church, in regard to which
we are persuaded there is no diversity either of sentiment or practice
amongst us, that all acts performed under the government, that either
require or imply an oath to the National Constitution or to the Con-
stitution of any of the States, are manifestly acts of incorporation with
the government ; and although the sen.-ice should be right in itself,
yet it becomes wrong and sinful by reason of the sinful condition
involved.
It should, however, be borne in mind that in guarding with watch-
ful jealousy against the sin of identification with an unscriptural
government, the Church, both in the practice of her members, and in
the deliverances of Synod, has wisely avoided the evil of being led
156 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
aside into any unwarranted extremes, as regards our relation to the-
Nation, and its government.
In order that we may take no step of departure from our peculiar
position, either to the right hand or to the left, it requires to be
studied and observed with special care. There are forms of civil action
in which our members have always held it their privilege to engage,
without fear of complicity in the sin of an unholy confederacy.
Among the latest utterances of Synod on this subject are these words ;
"The general rule for guidance is that participation in acts of civil
administration is not in itself wrong and sinful, but becomes so when
any sinful condition in the way of an immoral oath is involved."
And, "that it has always been regarded as the privilege and the duty
of our members to unite in all civil action which is not inconsistent
with our dissent " from the Constitution of the United States.
Upon an examination of the entire ground occupied by these questions
the following conclusions appear safe and just :
All civil action that involves an immoral oath is sinful and wrong.
There are certain acts that do not involve an immoral oath, 'hat are
not acts of incorporation with the government, and that our members
have always claimed the right to perform.
The simple act of voting for such an amendment to the State Con-
stitution as will secure some important principle of moral right and
reform such as the prohibitory amendments recently submitted to the
people ot Kansas, Iowa and Ohio, belongs to the class of acts con-
sistent with the principles and position of the Reformed Presbyterian
Church.
Act of 1S6S — To the second inquiry the following answer is respect-
fully returned :
That we should recall the peculiar circumstances under which the
deliverance of i868 was given.
It is a matter of history that the report was taken up at the last
hour, immediately before the final adjournment of the court. There
was almost no opportunity for the examination and discussion of its
merits. It was adopted amid much confusion and at a time when the
attention of only a fraction of the court could be secured Such ill
considered action thus hastily taken must be wanting in force of
authority, and cannot be expected to command the hearty respect and
united submission of the Church.
Again, in so far as this deliverance prohibits all civil action, not
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. I57
only when the service is right in itself, but even when no immoral
oath is involved, it contravenes the historical position of the Church,
and the repeated deliberate utterances of this court.
Finally, although this measure has never, in so many words, been
formally rescinded, yet by the well-known rule of law. that subsequent
action necessarily sets aside prior action of a contrary nature, the
deliverance of 186S, in the respect and to the extent already defined,
has, by the action of 1875, re-affirmed in 1S82, been virtually and really
repealed.
Other members of the same Committee submitted
the following report :
Voting for amendments to State Constitutions involves an act of
voluntary incorporation with the governing political body, of which we
say in our Covenant, "We will not incorporate with it until Reforma-
tion is secured."
We therefore recommend that our people be enjoined to abstain
from voting for amendments to State Constitutions.
An interesting letter was received from the Associate
Reformed Synod of the South recommending a Con-
vention of all the Churches holding the same doctrinal
symbols and who use exclusively the Psalms of the
Bible in worship.
The Synod of 1885, met in Morning Sun, Iowa. The
delegates to the Conference of Psalm-singing Churches
reported that on account of our relations on civil affairs
no union could be effected. The Synod took the
following action with reference to weekly offerings of
worship :
1. That Synod reaffirm the principle that the tithe is the law of
God under the New Testament dispensation and that it is the least
measure of liberality.
2. That the envelope system of weekly offerings be approved as
in harmony with Scripture and wisely adapted for the end, and that
our congregations be advised to consider it for adoption.
3. That in discussing this subject the preferences and convictions-
IJo HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
•of all parties be duly and kindly considered, and that forbearance-
be shown in reconciling differences; and whatever plan is adopted'
by a congregation we most earnestly urge and exhort the minority,
since it is not a matter of conscience but of expediency, that they
cease opposition and cordially acquiesce in it until by Christian per-
suasion a change is effected.
The following resolutions on Temperance were adopted:
1. We urge all our people to recognize the importance of the tem-
perance cause, and its claim on their active and earnest support. That
our Presbyteries be enjoined to hold temperance institutes or conven-
tions, for the discussion and advocacy of this cause. That sessions be
urged to give practical force to the recently adopted article on temper-
ance, in admitting members, and faithfully to enforce the discipline of
the church, in all cases where the law is violated.
2. We denounce the whole license system, as wrong in principle
and most pernicious in practice — involving the nation in the guilt and
shame of the liquor traffic to which it gives its consent, as ineflfectual
for the restraint or suppression of the evil, and an utter violation of
the high trust God has committed to civil government as His ordinance.
3. Support of political parties that favor or ignore this nefarious
business, or even incorporation with the government, is inconsistent
with fidelity to Christ, and involves those who continue in such alliance
in the guilt and ignominy of the liquor traffic.
4. That it is our duty as a Church to give to ail scriptural measures,
moral, political or legislative, for the suppression of this traffic, all that
support and advocacy which is consistent with our position of political
dissent ; and especially that our women be encouraged to co-operate
with the W. C. T. U. in its noble work of faith and labor of love.
5. We re-affirm the former actions of this court, enjoining sessions
as far as possible, to use only unintoxicating wine in the administration
of the Lord's Supper.
Having a concrete case before it, the Synod directs
members of the Church to " take no part in the
use of uninspired hymns in any service that may
be regarded as the worship of God." Synod also says :
" It is most expedient that the Moderator of a Church,
■court be a minister of the Gospel."
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. I 59
The Synod of 18S6, met in the city of Rochester,
New York. On Secret Societies the Committee reported:
Speculative Freemasonry, the type of all modern secret societies,
originated at Appletree Tavern, London, in 1717. The idea is bor-
rowed from the heathen. Secret societies have Deen known in all
lands in connection with the worship of false deities. Some of these
claim the highest degree of piety ; others still claiming to worship
their God. are e.xpressly designed for criminal purposes.
The immediate parentage of Freemasonry were the guilds of opera-
tive masons, in the middle ages, their object being to control architec-
ture, like the present trades unions. They are, therefore, necessarily
of a selfish character, and charity is the veil to hide the real end.
The principal feature of secret societies is the oath or promise of
perpetual concealment, and this often with horrible penalties annexed.
The effect of such engagement is to take away the right of private
judgment and to put another's conscience in place of one's own.
The penalties have been understood by the lodges themselves to be
literal, and to forfeit life, property and character. Foul murders and
implacable persecutions have followed the attempt of good men to
free conscience from lodge tyranny.
Yet they claim to be religious — more religious and charitable than
the Church. The Masons boast of the universal religion in which all
men agree. This places Jew, heathen and Christian on a common
platform, on which God, under the name of Grand .\rchitect, is wor-
shipped without Christ. Other societies model after the same pattern.
These orders also are in spirit and forms despotic, as their own
authorities aflSrm. They are readily used by bad men to screen them
from the just punishment of their crimes. The so-called hetinwlent
societies provide and hold in readiness the machinery which bad men
use for the destruction of life and property.
Socialists employ them for revolutionary purposes, and conspiring and
plotting in secret have filled the world with horror and alarm. They
hinder the freedom of manufacture and business, and force trade into
ways injurious to the public.
How should the Church stand toward such organizations ? If Baal
worship was the abomination that God hated of old, surely he hates
the abomination done in secret lodges ; all good men should hold their
works in detestation.
l6o HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
Among other things the report on the tobacco-
question says :
The cultivation, manufacture, sale and use of tobacco are in measure
under ban in the Reformed Presbyterian Church. Tobacco is pro-
hibited to theological students. Presbyteries are enjoined to refuse
license to any who are addicted to its use. Presbyteries are justified
in refusing appointments to any laborer who may be assigned to them,
and is a user of tobacco. Ministers, elders, deacons and Sabbath
School teachers are admonished to abstain from the use of this filthy
weed. Members of the Church are warned against its use as a blemish
on Christian character.
The following strong resolutions on the same subject
were passed :
1. We hold that the habitual use of tobacco in the usual forms, as.
well as the cultivation and sale of tobacco for such use, are incon-
sistent with the Christian profession, and our members arc; solemnly
enjoined not to engage in or continue in this business.
2. We earnestly and affectionately urge every member of the Church
who is addicted to its use in any form, to break off the habit at once.
3. That we renew the injunction to Presbyteries, not to license any
one to preach, nor to ordain any one to the ministry, who persists in
the use of this filthy weed.
4. That Sessions be enjoined not to ordain any one to the office of
elder or deacon, who is addicted to this habit.
5. That Sessions be instructed to strongly urge youthful applicants
for membership in the Church, to refrain from using tobacco.
Rev. James Kennedy was chosen professor of
Theology to fill the vacancy occasioned by the death
of the Rev. J. R. VV. Sloane, D. D. Mr. Kennedy,
however, declined the position, and the Rev. R. J.
George temporarily filled the chair for the following
winter. Synod condemned the organization and methods
of the Knights of Labor, for the following reasons :
I. Because they are confessedly organized on the principles of
secrecy, contrary to our standing Testimony.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. lOI
2. The form of their society is that of absolute despotism, the
members being under obligation to render unqestioning obedience in
carrying out the dictates ot their leaders, right or wrong, often in
violation of the rights of their fellow-citizens.
3. Because they assume to dictate to the employer, not only the
wages to be paid for service, but the persons to be employed, and all
the conditions of the service, leaving him a helpless slave in the hands
of a society with which he holds no relation.
4. They forbid non-union men to labor, and contractors to employ
them, thus by the grossest tyranny monopolizing all rights and privi-
leges to themselves.
5. They compel manufacturers and dealers to discharge freemen, or
refuse them the right to buy or sell or carry on their business.
6. They interfere with the rights of the government by dictating to
legislators and e.\ecutors of law, and by making void all authority
save their own.
7. .^11 this they do, following the example of Freemasons, by
secretly pursuing the objects of their vengeance, and hunting down
their reputation and their business in a way that prevents obtaining
redress by the law.
We, therefore, declare that Reformed Presbyterians cannot belong to
these .Associations without renouncing all the traditions of their history
in favor of civil and ecclesiastical liberty and the rights of God and
man. Further, we declare that our members ought to suffer rather
than sin, by partnership in such practices. .-Uid further, we enjoin
the members of our Church, rich and poor, to stand shoulder to shoulder
in opposition to this tyranny, and we pledge ourselves and our members
that we will not permit the poor to suffer unaided, but will consider
what is done to persecute the least as done to all, and we will not stand
by and see our dear brethren driven under the cruel lash of this new
task-master, but will come to their aid with our goods, and if need
be, with our lives.
Synod gave the following deliverances : That in
cases where our ministers conduct services in other
Churches, they must not give out hymns of human
composition, but use any good version of the Psalms ;
and, if instrumental music is used, they must have it
102 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
understood that they do not sanction that part of the-
service. Members were urged not to sit on juries
where an immoral oath was required. The Synod
adopted the following resolutions :
Whereas, This Church has occupied a position of dissent from the
government of the country on account of the infidel character of the
National Constitution ; and,
Whereas, This reason of dissent is not removed ; therefore,
Rtsohed, i. That voting on amendments to State Constitutions, or to
the Constitution of the United States, or to revised forms of Con-
stitutions, when conditioned on an expressed or implied approval of
the National Constitution as a compact of government, is inconsistent
with our position of political dissent.
Resoli-id, 2. That Presbyteries be directed to take no notice of
inconsistencies which may have occurred during the discussion of this-
question by Synod.
Resolved. 3. That Synod will hold Presbyteries hereafter strictly
responsible for the maintenance of discipline on this point.
The Synod of 1SS7, met in the city of Newburgh,
New York. The meeting was a large and harmonious
one, and the papers and discussions were of a most
interesting character. The Synod re-af^rmed her
distinctive position, leaving no misunderstanding about
what she believed and practiced. Rev. R. J. George-
was twice elected to fill the vacancy in the Theolog-
ical Seminary, but declined. The Rev. J. K. McClurkin
was then chosen, and accepted. Revs. J. P. Dardier of
Switzerland, and Dr. A. P. Happer of China, addressed
the court on the cause of evangelization in those
countries. Rev. W. J. Sproull, returned missionar}' from.
Syria, addressed the Synod. A Committee was ap-
pointed to make a suitable revision of the Psalms..
With reference to the character of mission work that
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 1 63.
may be properlj- done by students of theology-, the
Synod says :
That while students of ^theology are not authorized to preach the
gospel until they are licensed by Presbytery ; yet there is a large amount
of work in which they may be profitably employed. They may act
as colporteurs ; organize and teach in Sabbath Schools, and under
the direction and supervision of the Presbytery to which they belong,
they may be employed in such evangelical work as Presbytery may
designate.
With a concrete case before it, Synod decided that
mutes, who are members of the Church, are entitled
to all privileges as such, and have a right to vote
in elections of the congregations, and to pay all their
quotas to the schemes of the Church. A pastoral
letter was directed to be written touching upon the-
matters that were before Synod, and press them on
the attention of the people. Plans for the establish-
ment of an Indian Mission, for the better support of
the Theological Seminary, and for a fund for Ministers'
Widows' and Orphans' were laid before the court. In
the report on the jury question it is plainly and satis-
factorily shown that Reformed Presbyterians cannot take
the immoral oath required, and serve the designs of
that ofTice in consistency with their avowed position of
dissent from the Constitution of the United States.
A revision of the Book of Psalms for the use of the
Church was completed in the fall of 1SS7. The Com-
mittee performing this work consisted of Revs. David
McAllister, T. P. Stevenson, R. M. Sommerville, J. C.
K. Milligan, and elders Henry O'Xeil, William Xeely
and W. T. Miller. The work will be presented at the
meeting of Svnod in Mav. 1S8S. A Committee of
164 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
Synod met a similar Committee of the United Pres-
byterian Church to formulate a basis of union. While
there seemed to be a general agreement as to the
•doctrine of the headship of Christ, the latter body
was not prepared to make a practical application of
that principle, and it is not likely that a union can
be effected.
The principal deliverances of Synod, touching upon
the distinctive principles of the Reformed Presbyterian
Church, have been noticed, leaving the members of this
Church ine.xcusable, and others instructed, with reference
to her peculiar principles. It is believed that her
principles are Scriptural and her conduct consistent
with her high profession, and that the cause for which
Covenanters contend will ultimately prevail.
From the reports of 1887, the following condition
-of the Church is gathered :
Ministers, 114; Licentiates, 11 ; Students of Theo-
logy, 30; Congregations, 121; Communicants, 10,832;
Total Contributions, $24.04 per member for the year.
The Synod of 1888, meets in the city of Allegheny,
Pennsylvania, during the sessions of which the Bi-
centenary of the Revolution Settlement will be suitably
observed.
I'RESBVTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 165
Congregations and Societies.
NEW BRUNSWICK.
Saixt Johx. This city was settled by loyalists who
fled from New England during the American Revolution,
and it now contains, with its suburbs, a population of
nearly fifty thousand inhabitants. It possesses an excel-
lent harbor and is a city of considerable commercial
importance. Very early in the present century, a few
Covenanters from Scotland and Ireland found abode in
this city, and for many years worshipped together
without the form of an organization. In the year
1820, these people made application to the Northern
Presbytery of the American Church for preaching
ordinances. The matter was brought before that court
at the following meeting, and, in the spring of 1821,
the Presbytery sent the Revs. James R. and Samuel
M. Willson on an exploring expedition to these Prov-
inces. As a result of their visit they found in the
city of Saint John, seven families regularly certified
from the Covenanter congregations beyond the sea, and
organized them into a praying society. The mission-
aries then opened up a correspondence with the sister
Churches of Scotland and Ireland, related to them of
their success and the needs of their countrymen, and
urgently requested them to send missionaries to these
l66 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
destitute yet steadfast people. The Irish Church
regarded it as a Macedonian cry. The Synod of
Ireland organized the Home and Foreign Missionary
Society in 1S26, and sought for a suitable person ta
send as a missionary to the British North American
Provinces. During the following winter, while the great
Sheridan Knowles was giving readings in Belfast, which
were held in the largest theatre in the city, one of
the Presbyteries sent a Committee to the theatre to
wait upon Mr. Ale.xander Clarke, then a theological
student, to have him go as a missionary to Nova
Scotia. He felt that it . was the call of his Master
and accepted the appointment. The following spring
he was duly licensed and ordained for this field, and,
in August, 1827, arrived safely in the city of Saint
John. In 1828, he organized the congregation of Saint
John with forty-five members. In 1833, a comfortable
house of worship was erected in that portion of the
city known as the Lower Cove. Mr. Clarke continued
to preach to them, and societies adjacent, for several
years, and then removed to the more inviting field of
Eastern Nova Scotia. Saint John being now destitute
of regular preaching, the needs of the congregation
were repeatedly presented to the notice of the Church
in Ireland and to the Societ\- which was sustaining
the Mission. These applications, however, were not
answered until the spring of 1S41, when Mr. Alexander
McLeod Stavely offered his services as a missionary
to this cit}-. His offer was joyfully accepted, and, for
this purpose, he was ordained by the Northern Presby-
tery at Kilraughts, Ireland, May 12, 1841. He sailed
J
PRESBYTERIAN" CHURCH IN AMERICA. 10/
from Greenock in June, and arrived safely in Saint
John in August. 1S41. He found a congregation of
about sevent\--five members, to whose spiritual wants
he at once devoted his labors with energy and suc-
cess. The old house of worship in Lower Cove was
sold in 1S50. because it was neither in a desirable
nor central location. The congregation erected a well-
appointed church and manse on the corner of Sydney
and Princess streets. Here the people worshipped for
twenty-seven years, and gradually grew in numbers
and Christian influence. The church and manse, with
all their contents, were swept away by the great con-
flagration of June, 1S77, ^^hen two hundred acres of
the best of the city were laid in ashes. This great
loss to the Covenanter congregation at a time when
a serious financial depression immediately followed,
disheartened many of the people, who left the city to
seek their fortunes in a western clime. With that
courage which knows no defeat, and which is
characteristic of the Scotch-Irish, these people, encour-
aged by their pastor, began the erection of the
present commodious and convenient church building
in 1S78, situated on the corner of Carleton and Peele
streets. Notwithstanding the encouragements that pre-
sented themselves, Mr. Stavely resigned the congrega-
tion in July, 1S79, and returned to his native Ireland.
Licentiates were now sent from the States and Saint
John was one of the vacancies. The Rev. A. J.
McFarland spent a part of the winter of iSSi in the
congregation. Having received a unanimous call to
become their pastor, he accepted, and was duly installed
l68 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
August 4, 18S2. The church and manse, which are
models of neatness and convenience, were completed
in the fall of 1883, and the congregation began a new
lease of life. In the spring of 1SS7, the congregation
suffered a severe financial stroke by the failure of one
of the chief supporters and most efficient members.
The Church in the States nobly contributed to the
cause, and soon these worthy people will be lifted out
of their straits. Among the fathers and heads of
families who have been prominent in the life of the
Saint John congregation are : Thomas Maclellan, John
Boyd, George Suffren, Robert Ewing, John Millen,
William Dougall, George Bell, John McMaster, Samuel
Reid, John Toland, James Miller, Mrs. Russell, Mrs.
Cunningham, James Dunbar, Neil Morrison, R. A. H.
Morrow, John Baxter, J. O. Miller, W. G. Brown,
Dr. Morrison and Thomas A. Dunlap.
Barnesville. This is a beautiful little villa cosily
nestled among the evergreen hills between the Ham-
mond River and the lakes of Loch Lomond, twenty
miles south-east of the city of Saint John. The con-
gregation now derives its name from the village but
was formerh- known as South Stream. The Rev.
James Reid Lawson, who came as a missionary from
Ireland in 1845, ^^ter visiting several localities, settled
in this place the following year when there were only
two Covenanters in this section of the country. In
1856, he resigned the charge and accepted a call to
the congregation of Boston, Massachusetts, but after a
year's labor in that city, he returned to his first charge
at Barnesville. Here he continued his labor of love,
PRESBYTERIAN' CHURCH IX AMERICA. 169
not only preaching to his own congregation, but making
missionary tours through all parts of the Province,
Sui^ering from a stroke of paralysis, which rendered
almost useless his left side, he was compelled to resign
the charge in the spring of 1882, since which time
he has lived in comparati\-e retirement at his country
home in the suburbs of Barnesville. For five \-ears
the congregation was supplied by the Central Board of
Afissions, and the ser\-ices were kept up pretty regularly.
The Rev. Thomas Patton became the pastor in May,
1SS7, and the Covenanters of Barnesville have the
prospect of becoming a flourishing congregation. Among
those who have long been connected with the Barnes-
ville congregation are the families of Rev. Mr. Lawson,
Dr. Brady, Parks, Curry, Millican, Toland, Kelso, Hender-
son, McCracken, Armstrong, Barnes, Bell, and others.
Mill Stream. This was a Mission Station about
fifty miles east of the city of Saint John, and was
established by the Rev. A. M. Stavely about 1S58. A
small house of worship was erected near Queenstown,
and the society, which at one time was composed of
thirty members, frequently received preaching by the
ministers in the Provinces. It was an out-of-the-way
place, and by emigration and death it is nearly e.xtinct.
The Elders, Galleys and Grindons, were among the
principal families.
MONCTON. This is a live young city of some eight
thousand inhabitants, situated ninety miles east of Saint
John and within fifteen miles of the Strait of Xorth-
umberland. Having received man}- urgent invitations
from members of the congregations of Barnesville and
lyO HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
Saint ^John, who were living in this city, the Rev. A.
J. McFarland visited them in the spring of 1884. His
services were followed by those of several licentiates
from-] the States, who preached in Ruddick's Hall and
the old Union Church in Steadman street. Quite a
congregation gathered from those who were dissatisfied
with the human inventions of other Churches, and a
few disaffected members of the Presbyterian Church
joined them. In the fall of 1SS5, Mr. McFarland
organized them into a mission station and the\- con-
tinued to receive occasional supplies. Among the prin-
cipal members and supporters are the families of A.
J. Millican, Charles Elliot, Dr. Ross and the Misses
Grindon. There were other places in the Province of
New Brunswick where the ministers frequently preached,
but no organizations were effected. Among these are
Ouaco, Black River, Chepody, Hopewell, _ Neripis, Lon-
donderry, Jerusalem, Salt Springs and Passakeag. Rev!
Alexander Clarke established mission stations in Sack-
ville, Nappan and Murra\''s Corner, but these passed
under the control of the New School brethren in 1847,
and are since about extinct.
NOVA SCOTIA.
A-MHERST. The Rev. Alexander Clarke, missionary
from Ireland, first visited this region in 1S28, and this
was the scene of most of his labors for forty years.
When he came to this part of the Province he
found a few adhering to Reformation principles scattered
over a vast area of countr\', but the outside world was
PRESBVTERIAX CHURCH I.\ AMERICA. IJl
a vast moral wilderness. If he had followed the method
of many missionaries in a new country, and admitted
indiscriminately persons to the privileges of the Church,
he could ha\-e had large accessions. But this he would
not do. He preferred the purity of the Church to the
number of her members, and gave applicants a careful
examination before he admitted them to the privileges
of the Church. He dispensed the first Covenanter Com-
munion in the fall of 1S30, and a large audience
waited upon the services. Fifty communicants from
New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island
sat down at the table of the Lord for the first time
in their adopted country.'^ In 1831, the Rev. William
Sommervilie and Air. Andrew Stevenson, Catechist, were
sent to Nova Scotia as missionaries by the Church in
Ireland. Revs. Alexander Clarke and William Som-
mervilie, with Elders, constituted the Reformed Presby-
tery of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, under the
care of the Synod of Ireland, April 25, 1832. The
congregation of Amherst was placed under the charge of
Rev. Alexander Clarke, and was composed of numerous
branches. Among the preaching stations, which subse-
quently became congregations, were Shemogue, River
Hebert, Goose River, Port Elgin, Rockland, Truro and
Pictou. In the year 1847, Mr. Clarke identified himself
with the government which the Covenanters under the
British Crown had been endeavoring to reform for many
years, and the same government which had inflicted the
persecution upon his forefathers in Scotland. He con-
nected himself, and all the societies he represented,
* RepoM to Irish Synod, 1S31.
172 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
with the New School body of the United States, and
by defection, death and emigration. New School Co\-e-
nanterism is almost extinct in this region.
HORTOX. The congregation which was gathered in
the historic village of Grand Pre, was commonly called
Lower Horton, from its location in the township of
Horton. It is near the Basin of Minas. sixty-two
miles north-west of the city of Halifax. This was the
land of the Acadians. and where, in 1755, over two-
thousand souls were exiled from peaceful homes and
fruitful fields which they had built by their own
industry and reclaimed from the sea by hard labor.
There may be viewed to-day the ruins of their church
and those of hundreds of dwellings, as well as the
place of the graveyard and home of Evangeline, and
the beach at the mouth of the Gaspereaux from
which they embarked in the ships which had been
prepared for them.* Horton was first supplied with
regular preaching in 1765, by the Rev. John Murdock,
a Presbyterian minister from Ireland. His connection
with this congregation ceased in 1790, on account of
his intemperate habits. In 1829, the Rev. Alexander
Clarke visited them and preached in this community
several Sabbaths. In 1832, the Rev. William Sommer-
ville was invited b\- these people to settle in Horton.
They promised him the use of a free house and garden
owned by the congregation, and as much money as
they could possibly raise for preaching every alternate
* The situation and incidents of the expulsion of the peaceful .-Acadians
have been minutely described by the lamented Longfellow in his " E.xile
of the Acadians," and the pathetic story of "Evangeline." ,
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. IJZ
Sabbath. They agreed also to sing the Psahns of
David and comply to other practices of the church,
and gradual!)- the congregation became in theory and
practice a Covenanter congregation. He accepted their
invitation and terms, and became the regular pastor
in 1835. This same \-ear he was also presented with
a call from the people of West Cornwallis for a part
of his time, which was by him accepted, and from
this date to that of his death, in 1S78, he was pastor
of the united congregations of Horton and Cornwallis.
His increased labor, and that under ph\-sical decline,
demanded the assistance of another minister. To meet
this requirement, his son, the Rev. Robert M. Sommer-
ville, was ordained and installed co-pastor, October 16,-
1861. He soon after^vards built a church in Wolfville
for the better accommodation of some of the people of
that community, where he preached until 1S73. The
building was afterwards sold and the services all con-
ducted at Horton congregation in the village of Grand
Pre. The church building here is in the southern
part of the historic village, with the accustomed large
grounds and spacious graveyard. It was built about
iSiO, and is decidedh' antique in architecture, having
the regulation high pulpit, sounding board, box pews
and commodious gallery. In the summer of 1881, the
Rev. Thomas ?.IcFall became the pastor at Cornwallis,.
and preached here a part of his time, until it became
disorganized by the death of an elder in 1886. Among
the families in this branch are those of Harvey,
McDonald, Chase, Trenholm and Newcomb.
Cornwallis. This congregation derives its name
from the township in Kings County, in the central
•174 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
part of the Province, and is situated some eighty-five
miles north-west of Halifax. The valley is a very fertile
one and the orchards are luxuriant. It is a fruitful
garden and has long been occupied by a thrifty and
industrious people. About the beginning of the present
century, the Rev. William Forsythe, a Scotchman,
whose remains lie in the silent graveyard of Grand
Pre, labored here as a Presbyterian missionary for nearly
thirty years. In 1S31, the Rev. William Sommerville
entered the field and occasionally preached to Presby-
terians generally, and over a vast extent of territory,
until the spring of I S3 5, when he became the pastor,
and remained until his death in 1S7S. The Presbytery
had made arrangements previous to his death for the
supply of the pulpit, and, during the summer of 1878,
Mr. W. J. Sproull, licentiate, and late missionary to
Syria, filled the pulpit with so much acceptance that
they tendered him a unanimous call, which, however,
he saw fit to decline. In the summer of 1881. the
Rev. Thomas McF'all was ordained and installed pastor,
and after the adjustment of certain difficulties about
baptism, the congregation has been in a harmonious
and flourishing condition. The church building is not
far from the village of Somerset, and the parsonage,
which was burned in November, 1887, was located in
the village. There are preaching stations at North
Mountain, Ross' Corners and the public hall in Somerset.
Among the faithful followers of Covenanterism in this
section are the families of Mortons, Newcombs,
Cochrans, Colemans, Woodworths, Magees, Sommervilles,
and others.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IX AMERICA. 1 75
WiLMOT. This small mission station is fifteen miles
west of the Cornwallis congregation. It was begun in
1834, when Mr. John Allan, a Covenanter who had
emigrated from the north of Ireland to this place,
travelled forty miles to Grand Pre to visit Mr. Som-
merville and have him come and preach to his country-
men on Handly Mountain. This visit lead to the
organization of a society, which was occasional!}' visited
until 1849, ^\'hen the Rev. Robert Stewart took charge
of it, and where he remained until iSSi. He also
preached in Margaretville, Lawrencetown, and other
places, and gathered quite a congregation. The church
building is a neat and comfortable frame structure
near Melverne Square. Since 1881. the congregation
has enjoyed supplies sent out by the Central Board of
Missions, and a good deal of interest was manifested
in reviving the work. The families of Mr. Stewart,
Mr. Kerr and Mr. Outhit have done much to keep-
the cause alive.
MAINE.
HoL'l.rox. The few families of Covenanters which
settled five miles north of Houlton, were from Don-
egal, Ireland, and were organized into the Littleton
Society in 1859. These thrifty people reside on both
sides of the line between Maine and New Brunswick,
and are tenaciously attached to Reformation principles.
For many long years they kept up the society meet-
ings and read one of Dr. Houston's sermons as a
substitute for a discourse delivered with the living
176 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
voice. They built a meeting house which was replaced
by a comfortable frame church in 1883. Mr. J. A. F.
Bovard labored here during the summer of 1880. under
appointment of the Central Board of Missions. He
was ordained to the office of the holy ministry in
the summer of 1 88 1, and settled as a missionary among
them, and remained until the spring of 1884. He
was instrumental in gathering the people together and
rebuilding their house of worship. The Central Board
of Missions has almost constantly supplied them during
the summer months. The several families of Hender-
sons, and their connections, form the great majority
of the membership. They are worthy to be mentioned
as the only Presbyterian Church in the State of Maine
for many years.
NEW , HAMPSHIRE.
Xo congregations of Covenanters were ever organized
in the State of New Hampshire. Doubtless individuals
and families found abode within its limits, but not in
an organized capacity. In his diary, the Rev. John
Cuthbertson says he visited New Hampshire in the
fall of 1766, but he gives neither the names of the
places nor the families he visited. In a missionary
tour through this State in 1845, t^he Rev. James R.
Willson, D. D., found but two members — one living in
the village of Lyman Plains, and the other near the
citv of Concord.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 177
VERMONT.
Ryegate. The Ryegate society of Covenanters may
be regarded as the parent of all the congregations in
Vermont. It is situated on the Connecticut river and
in the south-eastern corner of Caledonia County. Dr.
Witherspoon was the original owner of the land in
this section, and encouraged the Scotch emigrants to
settle upon it about a century ago. In I789. these
people petitioned the Associate Presbytery for preach-
ing, and, as the outcome of their earnest desires for
services, the Rev. David GoodwiUie was installed the
pastor of R.yegate and Barnet, February S, 1791. and
continued in this relation until his death in 1830.
Some of these Scotch settlers, however, did not connect
with the Associate Church. Among these were the
Whitehills, Holmeses, and others. They continued to
hold society meetings among themselves and would not
wait upon the ministrations of others, in this respect
following the example of their forefathers in Scotland.
At the formation of the Reformed Presbytery in the
spring of 1798, they petitioned for the services of a
Covenanter minister ; and, according to their wishes,
the Rev. William Gibson was sent to them the same
fall. In the winter of 1798. the Rev. James McKinney
also visited them, and encouraged them to call Mr.
Gibson to be their pastor. This they did, and, ac-
cepting, he was duly installed pastor of the Ryegate
congregation, and societies adjacent, July 10. 1799. In
March, [800, he also became town minister. Here he
labored assiduously in defence of the principles of the
178 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
Church for fifteen years, and until his release in 1S15.
The congregation languished for a little, and in many
respects became very disorderly. A call having been
importunatel}- presented, the Rev. James Milligan was
installed pastor in 1S17. The elders at this time in
the different societies were Messrs. Whitehill and Cald-
well of Ryegate ; Hindman of Barnet ; McKeith and
McNeice of Topsham. Mr. Milligan's administration
was not free from serious trouble, yet he labored faith-
fully for over twenty years, and, when he left the
congregation in 1S39, the parent Church was twice as
large as he found it, and two others were organized
from it. In 1S44, the Rev. James M. Beattie was
settled over the congregation, and the elders at the
time were Messrs. Johnston, Coburn and McClure of
Ryegate ; and Whitehill and McLaren of Barnet. Mr.
Beattie labored faithfully among them for thirty-eight
years, and resigned on account of the state of his
health in 18S2. In 18S3, the Rev. Hugh W. Reed
became the pastor, and, after three years of labor, he
resigned the charge, and efforts have been made to
obtain a pastor. Of the old members in Ryegate are
James Whitehill, Josiah Quint, Robert Dickson, John
Nelson, William Nelson, Jonathan Coburn, John Maclain,
James McLam, William Bone, Charles B. Harriman,
David Lang, Duncan Ritchie, James Beattie, Walter
Buchanan, William Johnston, John Dunn, Thomas
Hastie, Allan Stewart, John Brock, John Davidson,
Henry E. Whitehill, Archibald Ritchie.
B.VRNET. The present Barnet congregation was a
part of the Ryegate charge until its separate organiza-
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IX AMERICA. 179-
tion in 1S72. Rev. Daniel C. Paris was installed
pastor in 1S73, and is still in charge. Of the old
members at Barnet are mentioned. William McLaren.
William Keenan, William Whitehill. A. W. McLam..
Robert McLam, Alexander Shields.
Craftsburv. The Craftsbury congregation of Cove-
nanters is pleasantly situated in Orleans Count)-, some
t\vent\--five miles directly south, of the Canada line.
It occupies an extensive and beautiful table land
between two ranges of the Green mountains.'^ The
first Covenanter in this vicinity was Mr. Robert Trum-
bull, originally from Cambuslang, Scotland, and who
removed from Wilbraham, Massachusetts, to this place
in 17S8, as one of the first settlers of Craftsbury.
Mr. Trumbull was a member of the Established
Church of Scotland, and, in coming to x^merica,
connected with the Congregational Church, so prevalent
in New England. He never was satisfied with this
body of Christians on account of their heterodox views
respecting the atonement of Christ, and their loose
practices in many wa\-s. He earnesth- desired and
ceaselessly labored to secure a return to puritanic
orthodoxy. After unsuccessful attempts in this direction,
he waited upon the Congregational services at Peacham
and Barnet, but things were no better in these
churches. It was suggested to him that no denom-
ination would fit his ideas and principles unless it was
the "McMillanites" down at Ryegate, who had the
Rev. William Gibson for their pastor. He determined
to hear Mr. Gibson. It was a communion Sabbath,.
* Sketch in CovenanUr, Vol. 2, p. 343.
I So HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
and the preacher was unusually comforting and eloquent
on this occasion. Mr. Trumbull remained until the
close of the services on Monday, and then returned
to Craftsbury contented and cheered because he had
found a denomination of Christians with which he
could fellowship in all his views. In June, 1S07, the
Rev. Mr. Gibson preached in Craftsbury in compliance
with a cordial invitation e.xtended by Colonel Crafts,
^Ir. Trumbull, and others. This was the first Cove-
nanter preaching known to have been given in Crafts-
bury. In the spring of 1808, Mr. Trumbull and
his family connected with the Covenanter congregation
of Ryegate. Mr. Gibson preached his last discourses
in Craftsbury, September 4, 18 14. The subject of his
morning lecture was a part of the fifty-third chapter
of Isaiah, and in the afternoon he preached upon the
sixth verse of the same chapter. On the following
Sabbath, the Rev. Mr. Farren, the Congregational
minister, argued against the doctrine of the substi-
tutionary sacrifice' of Christ, which Mr. Gibson had
taught, and maintained the doctrine of universal atone-
ment, which was the system known as the " Hopkinsian
heresy." This discourse of Mr. Farren gave offence to
many of his hearers, and a considerable number left
the communion of the Congregational Church and kept
societ\- meetings with Mr. Trumbull. In the winter of
181 5, the Rev. John Cannon, then a licentiate, preached
with great acceptance, and convinced many of the
impropriety of the New England custom of beginning
the Sabbath on Saturday evening and ending it at
sundown on the Lord's day. In September, 1816, the
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. ISI
first session meeting was held at the house of Mr.
Robert Trumbull, and the Craftsbury society became
a regularly organized congregation. Among the first
members enrolled were : Robert Trumbull, Lucy Bab-
cock Trumbull his wife, his children James, Mary,
Nancy, Clarissa, and his nephew James Trumbull ;
John Babcock, Elizabeth Babcock, Leonard Morse,
Elizabeth Morse, Mrs. Johnston, Phebe Johnston, Benja-
min Morse, Ephraim Morse, Mrs. Rodgers and Mrs.
Wylie. The society continued to enjoy the ministra-
tions of the Rev. James MiUigan of Ryegate until
1833, when they felt they were able to support a
pastor themselves. In the spring of 1833, the Rev.
Samuel M. Willson became the pastor when their
membership numbered sixty communicants. Mr. Willson
labored diligently for twelve years and gathered many
into the church. He resigned in 1845, and returned to
the Statue of New York. In 1S46, the Rev. Renwick
Z. VVillson, nephew of the former pastor, took charge
of the congregation. At this time the elders were
James Trumbull, Alexander Shields, John A. Morse,
Stephen Babcock, Leonard Harriman and John Anderson.
After nine years of ser\'ice, Mr. Willson resigned in
1855. Henceforth the pastorates were of short duration
owing to the severity of the climate and the paucity
of members. In 1857, the Rev. John M. Armour was
installed pastor and remained until 1865. Three years
it was a vacancy. The Rev. Archibald W. Johnston
took the charge in 1868, and resigned in 1871, on
account of the impaired health of his wife. Since
1873, the Rev. John C. Taylor has been the pastor,
l82 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
and has done a good work. The congregation is small,
but they are a worthy people, and have a noble
history for faithfulness to Reformation principles. Other
•worthy members are Aurelius Morse, John Wylie,
James Mitchell, John Gillies and James Anderson.
ToPSHA.M. The Topsham society was a part of the
Ryegate and Barnet congregation until its separate
existence in the fall of 1818. The elders in this branch
were Robert McXeice, William McXutt and Thomas
McKeith. In the fall of 1820, they succeeded in getting
a pastor in the person of the eminent Rev. William
Sloane. Including the societies of Tunbridge and New-
bury, they numbered forty members. In a short time
the congregation nearly doubled its numbers and many
worthy Christians were added to the Church. Mr.
Sloane resigned in 1829, and removed to Ohio. For
twenty-three long years it was a vacancy, but held
its organization, and enjoyed occasional supplies by
Presbytery. In 1852, the Rev. Nathan R. Johnston
was installed pastor, and labored under many difficulties
and sacrifices for thirteen , \'ears. He resigned in 1S65.
por four years the\- were without pastoral oversight.
In 1869, the Rev. James M. Paris undertook the
office of pastor among them, but resigned in 1872.
Since 1S74, the Rev. J. C. K. Paris has been the
efficient pastor, and the Covenanter cause is still
maintained with many tokens of the Divine blessing.
Of old members are Daniel Keenan, John Peabody,
Josiah Divoll, John McNeice, Parker McNeice, F.benezer
Currier.
S.\INT JOHNSBURV. This is a new field. The Rev.
W. R. Laird, then a licentiate, began labor in this
PRESKVTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 1 63
growing city in the spring of 1879, and was the first
Covenanter minister to preach in this community. By
his public ministrations in the pulpit and his indefatiga-
ble labors among the people, he saw the fruits of his
work in the organization of a congregation of thirt\-
eight members in th^ summer of 1S79, only a few
months after he entered the field. Having recei\-ed a
call from these people, Mr. Laird was duly ordained
and installed pastor of the Saint Johnsbury congrega-
tion in May, 1880, and is yet in charge. They soon
erected a beautiful and comfortable church building,
and the congregation has steadil)' grown in numbers
and influence.
MASSACHUSETTS.
According to the diary of the Rev. John Cuthbert-
son there must have been a society of Covenanters
at Pelham, Hampshire County, a little east of the
■Connecticut ri\-er. Mr. Cuthbertson \-isited this region
in the fall of 1759, and preached on his wa\- at
different places in Connecticut. His places of preach-
ing in Massachusetts were Sheffield. Berkshire Count}' ;
Westfield, Hampden Count\- ; Northampton and Pelham,
Hampshire County. He preached in the latter place
several Sabbaths, and on October 28, 1759, he preached
in the meeting house, which seems to imply that the
Covenanters had such a place of worship in that town.
The Re\-. Alexander McDowell was a disaffected min-
ister once placed ,o\-er the Presb\-terian congregation
at Colerain, in the same neighborhood, and who, in
l84 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
1759, seems to have left that body and associated
himself with the Covenanter societies of Massachusetts
and Connecticut. Mr. Cuthbertson remained in this
region for two months and returned to Pennsylvania
in the middle of December, 1759, and probably did
not visit this part of the country again. In the fall
of 1845, the Rev. James R. Willson, D. D., made a
missionary tour through this State and found a few
families of Covenanters. In the city of LowELL he
found five families, all from the congregations of Ver-
mont, who procured a church and he preached to them
and others who composed a respectable audience.*
These families were organized into a society, applied
for preaching, which they occasionally received for
some time.
Boston. Mr. Willson also visited the city of
Boston, and called upon William Lloyd Garrison
and Wendell Phillips, t who were heartily in sympathy
with the principles of the Covenanter Church, especially
in its relation and attitude towards the sin of slavery.
Mr. Willson only found one family of Covenanters in
Boston, but the Rev. A. M. Stavely found several-
families and preached to them shortly afterwards. In
1850, another worthy family arrived from Ireland, and
still later another branch of the same family, and, in
1853, these people made application to the New York
Presbytery for preaching, which was granted. They
rented a comfortable hall, centrally located, and Cove-
nanterism began to grow in the cultured metropolis of
New England and the Hub of the Universe. The
)1. I, p. 150, f Co-vmnnUr, Vol. i, p. 241.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IX AMERICA. 1 83
congregation of Boston was regularly organized by a
Commission of tiie New York Presbytery, consisting of
the Rev. Samuel M. WilLson and elders James Wiggins
and Andrew Knox, July 12, 1854. The congregation
numbered twenty members, two elders and one deacon.
The Rev. James R. Lawson was the first pastor,
installed November 20. 1856. The congregation then
worshipped in a hall on the second floor of the building
at the corner of Province and Bromfield streets. * Mr.
Lawson remained less than a year, and returned to
his former charge in New Brunswick. The rent of halls
became so burdensome that the congregation frequently
moved. For nearly three \-ears the congregation was
a vacancy. In March, 1S60, the Rev. William Graham,
then a licentiate, supplied them, and until his settle-
ment as the pastor, July 12, i860. At the time of
his ordination there were thirty-nine members and some
adherents. Mr. Graham is still in charge. On account
of some discord, the seeds of which had been sown
many years before, a grant was given for another
organization. This was effected by a Commission of
the New York Presbytery, November 21, 1871. Thirty-
one members were certified from the First congrega-
tion, and two elders and two deacons were chosen.
For many years they met in halls on Hanover and
Tremont streets for worship. In 1873, the First con-
gregation erected a magnificent church edifice at the
corner of Ferdinand and Isabella streets, at a total
cost of sixty-three thousand dollars. In 1878, the
Second congregation bought a large and commodious.
♦Sketch by Rev. W. Graham, R, P. & C. 1885, page 332
l86 HISTORY OK THE REFORMED
church at a very reasonable price on Chambers street.
The Rev. David McFall was installed pastor of the
Second congregation. July I I, 1873, and is now in
charge. Both the congregations are well housed and
increasing in numbers and usefulness. The importance
of Boston as a commercial and cultured city gives our
people a prominence that is seldom equalled The
Warnock family have been connected with the cause
from the beginning. The names of Mitchell, Riley,
Gillespie, Grier, Stevenson, Warnock, Larkins, Graham,
Ross, Adams, McClosky, Spragg, Calderwood, Oliver,
Semple, Glasgow, Caldwell, McClelland, Burnett, and
many other faithful standard bearers, should find mention
in this connection.
CONNECTICUT.
There never were any regularly organized congrega-
tions in the State of Connecticut, but, no doubt, there
were a few families who found abode within the
borders. When the first Covenanters were banished to
America, historians say that some of them "went to
Connecticut and found employment after their several
trades." It is not recorded who they were, or where
they settled. In the fall of 1759, the Rev. John
Cuthbertson visited this region and remained several
weeks. He preached at Ridgefield, Danbury and New-
town in Fairfield County: W^oodbur\- in Litchfield
County ; and at Waterbury in New Haven County.
Doubtless the Rev. Alexander McDowell visited these
same people and," they ^were in sympathy with the
principles of the Reformed Covenanting Church.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 187
CANADA WEST.
Ra.nksev. The region of Ontario south and west of
the city- of Ottawa, and bordering on the St. Lawrence
and the lakes, was early settled by a religious and
thrifty people from Scotland and Ireland.* In the
year 1S15, large numbers of Scotch people settled in
the County of Lanark, and in 1S20, at Dalhousie and
Ramse\-. Many of them were consistent members of
the different branches of the Presb\-terian family, and
a few trained in the faith of the Covenanter Church.
In 1 8 16, they petitioned the Associate Church of
Scotland to send them a minister. Their request was
granted, and in the spring of 1S17, the Rev. William
Bell settled among them. In 1S21, the Rev. Dr. John
■Gemmill was sent to this Scotch settlement by the
London Missionary Society, and in 1822, the Rev.
George Buchanan of the Relief Church arrived in this
country. In a few years all these ministers, and many
of the people, joined the Presbyterian Church of
Canada in connection with the Established Church of
Scotland. There were a few Covenanters, however,
who did not follow their brethren, and they were
joined by others, and a praying society was formed
of those living in the township of Ramsey. About
this time the families of Walter Gardner. John McEuan
and James Smith emigrated from Scotland and joined
the Covenanter societ\-. In 1828, the Rev. James
Milligan of Vermont visited this region and preached
to these people. On his second visit in 1830, he
*From sketch by Rev, R. Shields, in />'."m<r. 1S77, pp. 33, 68, 107.
1 88 HISTORV OK THE REFORMED
organized them into a congregation, dispensed the
sacraments and constituted a session. James Rea. William
Moir and William McQueen were chosen and ordained
ruling elders. Among the members enrolled at the organi-
zation of the first Covenanter congregation in Canada,
were : James Rea and his wife, William Moir and wife,
William McQueen and wife, James Smith, Thomas Craig
and wife, Alexander Duncan and wife, Robert Duncan.
Duncan Ferguson. John Fulford, Walter Gardner and
wife, John Graham, John Hutcheson and wife, David
Kemp, Thomas Kennedy, Mrs. John Kilpatrick, William
Lindsay and wife, John McEuan and wife, Thomas
McKean and wife. In the fail of 1830, thej- were
visited by the Rev. Robert McKee, and in 1831, by
Rev. John H. Symmes, and others. In 183 1, the con-
gregation received strength by the accession of the
family of James Waddell from Scotland. Mr. Waddell
was directed by the congregation to write to the Com-
mittee of the Covenanter Synod of Scotland urging
them to send a minister to them. In answer to this
petition, the late Rev. James McLachlane arrived in
the summer of 1S33. At this time a serious division
was taking place in the Covenanter Church in America,
and it effected this congregation to the extent of
losing most of its members and its organization. Mr.
McLachlane reorganized the congregation with nine
members under the care of the Synod of Scotland.
James Rea, William Moir and James Waddell were
chosen ruling elders. Preaching ser\'ices were also
dispensed at Packenham, Lanark and Carleton Place.
David Moffet of Carleton Place was ordained a ruling
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IX AMERICA. 1 89
elder Februan,- 16, 1834. During the summer of 1S34,
a comfortable log- church was erected on the "Eighth
line of Ramsey," about one mile from Bennies Corners.-
Carleton Place had grown to a considerable society
and now received one-half the time of Mr. McLachlanc.
During the summer of 1835, another log church was
erected by the people on the "Second line of Ramsey,"'
and near the spot where the village of Clayton now
stands. In the fall of 1835, a petition was received
from Perth for a part of Mr. McLachlane's time, and
he preached every fifth Sabbath in this settlement.
The Perth congregation was organized in April. 1836,
and John Brown and John Holliday were ordained
ruling elders, and Francis Holliday and John Walker,
deacons. Among the original families at Perth were
those of John, James, Francis, George and David
Holliday, Lachlan Arthur, James Brice, John Brown,
Thomas Dobbie, Adam Elliot, John Graham, John
Grierson, Thomas Oliver and John Walker — in all about
thirty members. In the summer of 1837, for the
better convenience and comfort of all concerned,
Carleton Place, Perth and Ramsey were organized inta
three distinct and separate congregations and each
had a session. The session of Carleton Place was
composed of David Moffet and James Waddell : that
of Perth of John Holliday and John Brown : and that
of Ramsey of James Rea, William Moir and Andrew-
Given. John McWhinnie was added to the latter
session, Februar\- i, 183S. Mr. McLachlane preached
frequently at Clarendon, Bristol, Toronto, Hamilton,
Guelph and Gait. At a general meeting of the three
igo HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
sessions, held February 7, 1839, the matter of the
pastor missionating came up for adjudication. The
strife was so great and the feeling so bitter that
elders James Rea and William \roir of Ramsey were
deposed, and many members were suspended on various
charges. The present church occupied by the people
of Carleton Place was erected in 1841. In the summer
of 1847, Ramsey being without a session of its own,
James Waddell and Andrew McKenzie were chosen
elders. In the fall of 1850, the question of accession
to the Covenanter Synod of the United States came
up before the session, and the Canadian congregations
were taken under the care of the Rochester Presbytery,
October 7, 1851. A Commission repaired to Perth to
settle certain difficulties existing between Mr. McLach-
lane and his people. After hearing the whole case,
the Commission decided that, for the peace and comfort
of all concerned, the pastoral relation should be
dissolved. This caused a division in the congregation,
a part of which strenuously adhered to Mr. McLachlane.
A second congregation was organized at Perth, June
12, 1852, and those who followed Mr. McLachlane were
known as the First congregation. John and Francis
Holliday were ordained ruling elders in the new-
organization. The Rev. John Middleton was installed
pastor of the Second congregation of Perth in October,
1854. A large and convenient house of worship was
erected in the town of Perth, but the debt was so heavy
upon it that the building was sold a few years after-
wards. In the fall of 1855, -^Ir. McLachlane resigned
the charge of First Perth, and removed to the con-
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 191
gregation of Lisbon, New York. In the fall of 1856,
Mr. Middleton resigned the pastorate of Second Perth,
and these congregations never again enjoyed a settled
pastor. For nearly ten years there was not a settled
Covenanter minister in Canada, and by defection and
emigration the cause began to look like speedy extinc-
tion. In the summer of 1861. the Rev. David Scott
reorganized the Ramsey congregation by the election
of James W'addell and John Lindsay ruling elders, and
James Smith and John Waddell, deacons. At this time
there were only twenty members. Supplies were sent
as often as practicable and the cause began to revive.
The Rev. Robert Shields was ordained and installed
pastor, July 13, 1865. During his pastorate. Messrs.
John Rorison, James Thorn, John Waddell, David HoUi-
day, David Thorn, and others, have been connected
with the session. Mr. Shields died in 1883, greatly
lamented by the Church, and especially by the com-
munity and congregation where he had done yeoman
service for his Master. The congregation has enjoyed
almost constant preaching sent out b\- the Central
Board of Missions, and has made efforts to obtain a
pastor.
LOCHIEL. The village of Lochiel is situated between
the St. Lawrence and Ottawa rivers, and about sixty
miles east of the city of Ottawa, or half way towards
Montreal. This society is of a more recent settlement
than Ramsey and Perth. It was fully organized in the
summer of 1S61, as Glengary, and the name was
changed to Lochiel in 1867. Elders Andrew Brodie
and William Jamison have been instrumental in securing
192 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
supplies and keeping the cause alive in this section.
There are about twenty-five members and they have a
house of worship and a manse. The Rev. R. C. Allen
was settled as the pastor in the fall of 18S7, and
the principles of the Church are being faithfully pre-
sented in that part of Canada. Oxeida and Hamilton
were mission stations, and made out a call for the Rev.
James McLachlane in 1852, which he did not accept.
The cause in the city of Hamilton was presented by
the Rev. Joseph Henderson, who, in 1854, made defec-
tion, and took some members with him into the Free
Church. North-west of the city of Hamilton were the-
stations of Galt and GUELPH, which were cultivated
awhile with some degree of encouragement, but dropped
from the list.
Toronto. The city of Toronto was long the
abode of a few families of Covenanters. In 1850.
these people raised quite a sum of money for
preaching, and the Revs. Robert Johnson, David Scott,
and others, were sent as supplies. In the spring of
185 1, a congregation of twenty members was organized,
soon a church was secured, and the cause began to-
flourish. The Rev. Robert Johnson was installed pastor
in the fall of 1852, and built up a flourishing con-
gregation, which he resigned in 1859. He was an able
preacher and a fearless advocate of the cause of
Protestantism against the evils of Roman Catholicism.
After his departure, the congregation made several un-
successful efforts to obtain a pastor, and Rev. David
Scott preached a great deal for them. The congrega-
tion became disorganized in 1868. The church property
\
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 1 93
Avas in jeopardy ; and after being in litigation before
the courts for a considerable time, was fully secured
to the Church. The congregation was reorganized in
the winter of 1872, and consisted of nineteen members.
The Rev. J. L. McCartne)- was called, but declined.
Not succeeding in getting a pastor, and often not
supplies, the people became discouraged and rented
the church. They lost their organization in 1875, and
a number of the members connected with other
■Churches. The church property is again in dispute and
is in the hands of the Rev. John Graham of Rochester,
who represents the Church in the settlement of affairs.
Morpeth. There was another station at Morpeth,
-about sixty miles east of Detroit and near Lake Erie.
It was visited several times, and, in the spring of
1852, the Rev. James Neill was appointed stated supply,
-and remained over a year. Mr. William McClure, a
late elder in the congregation of Belle Centre, Ohio,
was the leading member, and the cause was liberally
supported for some time. B>- emigration and death
Covenanterism has become extinct in that part of
Canada.
NEW YORK.
New York City. So far as is known the first
Covenanters settling in the city of New York were
Mr. John Agnew and his wife, who emigrated from
Ireland and settled in the city of Philadelphia in 1784,
where they resided three years.* In 1787. they
* CovertanUr, Vol. 3. p. 371. PitsbyUrijn Historical Alifuimu, Vol. 4. p
251. R. P. & C, 1877, p. 294. Stone of Help, a pamphlet by Dr, J, N.
McLeod. Church Records.
194 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
removed to the cit\- of New York, where Mr. Agnew
became a prosperous merchant and the founder of
Covenanterism in the metropolis of America. In the
summer of 1790. when the Rev. James Reid, of Scot-
land, was making a missionar\- tour in America, and
when about to embark for his native land, he was
providentially introduced to Mr. Agnew, who was then
doing business in Peck's Slip, near the East river.
Mutual friends of the Covenant were highly gratified
at the discovery, and Mr. Reid preached in the house
of Mr. Agnew the following Sabbath, and baptized
two of his children. Among those who heard Mr.
Reid preach at this time was Mr. James Donaldson,
a native of Scotland, and a worthy Covenanter. He
joined Mr. Agnew in forming a praying society, and
these meetings were regularly held until the arrival of
the Rev. James McKinney in 1793. Among those
who heard Mr. McKinney preach, was Mr. Andrew
Gifford, a Scotchman brought up in the Covenanter
Church, but now a member of the Scotch Presbyterian
Church under the pastoral care of the Re\-. John M.
Mason. He, however, now joined the Church of his
birth, and the society held regular preaching services
in school houses and halls. In 1795, the society was
strengthened by the arrival of John Currie, James
Smith, James Xelson and David Clark. In October,
1797, the Rev. Willliam Gibson, and some private
members, had emigrated from Ireland, some of whom
settled in the city of Philadelphia. The Rev. William
Gibson gave one-half of his time to the congregation
of New York, and the cause began to flourish. The
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 195
first Covenanter congregation in the city of New York
was organized by the Rev. William Gibson, December
26, 1797. The first session was then constituted and
consisted of James Nelson, John Currie. John Agnew,
Andrew Gifford and David Clark. The number of
communicants was fifteen. They were very liberal, and
paid seventy-fi\-e dollars rent annually for the occasional
use of a school house for public services. They paid
the ministers twelve dollars per Sabbath for their
services and entertained them hospitabh- in their
homes. The sacrament of the Lord's Supper was first
dispensed in August, 179S, in a school room on Cedar
street. Revs. James McKinne\- and William Gibson
conducted the services. The number of communicants
was eighteen, six of whom were from a distance.
Mr. McKinney alluded very touchingly to the paucity
of their members, but said the number was greater
than that present in the upper room when the
Supper was first administered b\- our Lord. Among
the communicants were John Black, S. B. Wylie
and Alexander McLeod. students of theology.
On the following Tuesday, the Reformed Presbytery met
in ■' the Orchard," the country residence of Mr. John
Agnew. Here these theological students ga\-e specimens
of improvement and had others assigned to them. In
the fall of iSoo. this congregation made out a call, in
connection with Coldenham, for the services of Alex-
ander McLeod. Several matters at Coldenham having
been rectified, Mr. McLeod was ordained and installed
the first pastor of the congregation of New York. July
6, 1 80 1. In 180^. he resigned the Coldenham branch
196 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
and devoted his whole time to the rapidly growing
■congregation in New York, where he remained thirty-
two years, and until his death in February, 1833. In
1804, a frame church building was erected on Chambers
street east of Broadway. The same year the elder-
ship was increased by the election of Dr. Samuel
■Guthrie, Hugh Orr and William Acheson. In 18 12,
there were one hundred and thirty-eight members, and
this year Mr. William Pattison was added to the session.
In 1817, Thomas Cummings was made an elder. In
1818, the first church building was found to be too
-small to accommodate the worshippers, and it was
taken down, and a more commodious brick structure
was erected upon the same site. Directly opposite the
-church on Chambers street stood the city Alms House.
A poor widow, and a member of the Church, by the
name of Mrs. Grant Bussing, formed a class among
these poor and destitute children, and this was the first
Sabbath School established in New York city. In 18 19,
Joseph McKee and William Cowan were ordained ruling
elders, and in 1827, Robert Pattison, Hugh Galbraith,
John Brown and John Wilson were added to the
session. At the close of the- year 1827, a few members
living in the upper part of the city purchased a house
of worship formerly occupied by the Dutch Reformed
congregation of Greenwich, and, on January 11, 1828,
offered it, with all the papers, to the consistory. It
stood at the corner of Waverly Place and Grove street.
The object of this movement was to furnish preaching
to the members and others who lived far from Chambers
•street. The offer, however, was opposed by the down
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IX AMERICA. I97
town people, who were in the majority. Notwith-
standing the opposition to the enterprize the place
was opened for public service, and Dr. McLeod and
others preached there. Over this step in the right
direction great bitterness and strife arose, and Dr.
McLeod left the scene of contention and went to
Europe for his health. The up town people applied
and secured a second and separate organization, June
II, 1S30. The Presbytery made a geographical divi-
sion of the congregation, and all the members residing
above this given line were to be recognized as
members of the Second Xew York congregation. This
division included elders Andrew Gifford, John Brown
and Thomas Cummings in the new organization. In
December, 1830, and soon after his arrival. Dr. McLeod
was presented with calls from both the congregations.
He decided to remain with the mother congregation,
which was the First congregation of New York. The
Second congregation then presented a call to the Rev.
Robert Gibson, who, having accepted it. was duly
installed pastor, :\Iay 31, 1 83 1. The health of Dr.
McLeod began to fail very rapidly and he desired
the help of an associate pastor. His son. the Rev.
John N. McLeod, was installed pastor as his father's
successor against the wishes of many of the congrega-
tion, January 14, 1833. ' Dr. Alexander McLeod died
February 17, 1833. At this time the New School
controversy was agitating the Church, and Rev. J. N.
McLeod, and the majority of the congregation, went
into the New School body. Mr. Gibson, who took a
prominent part in the discussions, remained true to
198 HISTORV OF THE REFORMED
the distinctive principles of the Covenanter Church. Of
the eldership. Andrew Gifford, John Brown and Thomas
Cummings, with their families and connections, of the
Second congregation, also went into the New School
body. This left the congregation in a distressing con-
dition, as those departing were the main support of the
cause. The faithful remnant, however, retained the
church property and continued their services. As the
members were generallj- poor and laboring people. Mr.
Gibson was compelled to add to his ministerial work
the additional labor of teaching a classical school in
order to sustain himself and family. Notwithstanding
the poverty "of his devoted flock, they maintained the
cause, and also furnished means to send Mr. Gibson
to Europe, in the spring of 1837, for his health. He
returned to New York the same fall not much im-
proved, appeared but once in the pulpit, and died of
consumption. December 22. 1S37. As the majority of
the First congregation had gone into the New School
organization, it invol\-ed a long law suit for the
property, which terminated after reaching the Court of
Errors by a compromise. Soon after this the faithful
remnant of the First congregation purchased a church
in Sullivan street, and Rev. James Christie, D. D., was
installed pastor, November 16, 1836, and remained in
charge twent}- years. The elders of the First con-
gregation then were William Acheson, John Greacen.
John Culbert. James McFarland. Andrew Bowden". John
Brown, John Carothers and James C. Ramse\-. The
Rev. Andrew Stevenson was ordained and installed the
pastor of the Second congregation. No\ember 14, 1S39.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IX AMERICA. I99
who remained in charge until May. 1875. ^nd emeritus
pastor until his death, June, iSSi. When he became
the pastor in 1839, there were nearly two hundred
members and an efficient session, but the congrega-
tion was heavily in debt, possessed an uncomfortable
church building, and the members were very poor.
In August, 1841. James W'ylie. John Kennedy and
James Wiggins were added to the eldership. In 1845,
there were three hundred and nineteen members. In
1846, the deacon controvers\- arose and serioush-
effected this congregation. A division of sentiment
was prevalent as to the lawfulness of the management
of the temporalities, and the Presbyter)-, failing to
amicably settle the question or reconcile the parties,
granted a new organization. The church propert\- was
sold at auction in January, 184S, and equally divided
between the two parties. The Third congregation of
New York was then organized, March 14, 1848, with
nearly two hundred members. An arrangement was
made by which the new congregation worshipped in
the old church on Waverl\- Place, while the Second
congregation rented the lecture room of the Presb\--
terian Church at the corner of Waverly Place and
Hammond street, and soon afterwards erected a large
church on Eleventh street near Sixth Avenue. The
Rev. John Little was installed pastor of the Third con-
gregation in June, 1849, He was suspended in April,
1852, for preaching doctrines subversive to the prin-
ciples of the Covenanter Church. The Rev. J. R. W.
Sloane was installed the pastor in 1S56. The same
year the Rev. Dr. Christie resigned the First con^reea-
200 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
tion to accept the chair of Theology in the Allegheny
Seminary. The Rev. J. C. K. Milligan was installed as
his successor in the spring of 1S5S, and is still in
charge. The Third church, on Twenty-Third street, was
erected in i860. In 1S68, Dr. Sloane resigned the
charge of the Third church and accepted the chair of
Theology in the Allegheny Seminary. In 1869, a
division occurred in the Third congregation, and the
Fourth congregation of New York was organized,
February 21, 1870. The Rev. David Gregg was in-
stalled pastor of the Third congregation, February 23,
1870. The Rev. James Kennedy was installed pastor
of the Fourth congregation, November 13, 1870, and is
now in charge. The First congregation had, some
years previously, bought a church from the United Pres-
byterian brethren, many of whom connected with the
Covenanter Church, on Twenty-Eighth .street near Ninth
A\-enue. The Fourth congregation secured a large and
commodious church in Fort\--Eighth street near Eighth
A\-enue in 1873, which is their present place of
worship. In 1875, the Rev. Andrew Ste\-enson was
retired as emeritus pastor of the Second congregation,
and the Rev. Robert M. Sommervillc was installed the
pastor, and is now in charge. The_\- sold their church
in Eleventh street and purchased a Jewish Synagogue
of magnificent architecture in Thirt\--\inth street near
Sixth Avenue, which is the present imposing church
building of the congregation. The Third church was
burned, February 17, 1878, and immediately rebuilt.
In January, 1 887, the Rev. David Gregg left the
communion of the Church, and as his successor the
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH I\ AMERICA. 201
Rev. Finley M. Foster wa.s installed pastor ^ of the
Third congregation, September 7, 1887. The First
congregation sold their church in Twenty-Eighth street
in 1883, and for nearly four years worshipped in
Trenor Hall, corner of Broadway and Thirty-Second
street. In 1887. thej- erected a large and well ap-
pointed church in Harlem, in One Hundred and
Nineteenth street near Fifth Avenue, where they are
now worshipping in one of the handsomest churches in
the bod\-. The Covenanters of New York are an
energetic and liberal people, and are nearly one
thousand in number. The First congregation was
organized December 26, 1797; the present church
building is on One Hundred and Nineteenth street,
near Fifth Avenue, Harlem, and the pastor is the
Rev. J. C. K. Milligan. Members recorded are Andrew
Acheson, William Acheson, William Sterritt, John
Culbert, William Cowan, John Greacen, James C.
Ramsey, Joseph Thomson, Andrew Bowden, Matthew
Bowden, John W. Bowden, Charles Gillespie, John
Nightingale, Hamilton Biggam, John Whitehead. C. B.
French, James Thomson, Robert Bowden. John L\-nch.
John Angus. John Carothers, William Flemin"-.
William Hazlett, E. X. Shields, William Law. James
Bell, Thomas Rusk, W. J. Cromie, David Henderson,
James Cowan, Frederick E. Milligan, W. J. Clyde.
Alexander Livingstone, David Bell, John McFarland..
Robert Smith, Edward McLean. J. C. Milligan. The
Second congregation was organized June 11, 1S30;
the present church building is on Thirty-Ninth street
near Sixth A\-enue. and the pastor is the Rev. Robert
202 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
M. Sommerville. Of old members are James Wylie,
John S. Walker, Joseph Wiggins, James Wiggins, John
Kenned}-, Jacob A. Long, Joseph Torrens, David
Torrens, Melancthon W. Bartley, Andrew Alexander,
Samuel Miller, Henr)- O'Neil, Samuel K. McGuire,
Matthew Miller, James Warnock, Thomas E. Greacen,
William McCuUough, William McLean, John Taylor,
John J. McKay, Robert McCracken, Francis L. Walker,
John Sharpe, W. H. Cochran, John Aikin. William
Park, Hugh McCreery, J. J. Montgomery, James Dunlap,
Thompson O'Xeil, John Adams. The Third congrega-
tion was organized March 14, 184S ; the present
church building is on Twenty-Third street ne^ir Eighth
Avenue, and the pastor is the Rev. Finley M. Foster.
Of the membership are named William Neely, Walter
T. Miller, A. J. Echols, Andrew Kno.x, John Mc-
William, Alexander McNeil, Thomas Bell, Hugh Glassford,
James Carlisle, Andrew C. Bowden, Robert Cairns,
Hugh Young, William Brown. The Fourth congrega-
tion was organized February 21, 1S70; the present
church building is on Forty-Eighth street near Eighth
Avenue, and the pastor is the Rev. James Kennedy.
Of the principal membership are named Hugh O'Neil,
Edward H. Pollock, John Kennedy, Hugh Thomas,
Hugh Carlisle, Dr. Samuel Murtland, William McAfee,
Robert McAfee, Hugh Getty. Robert Leishman, Dr. J.
M. Harvey, David Houston, James Fischer, James
Dunlap, David Donneghy, George Kennedy, Robert
Kennedy, William Kilpatrick, Dr. W. C. Kennedy,
James Bryans, William Pollock, Samuel Stevenson.
Evangelistic work has been done among all the con-
PRESBYTERIAN' CHURCH IN AMERICA. 203
gregations by Mr. James M. McElhinney, and his efforts
have been crowned with fruitful results.
Brooklyn. An organization was granted to the
Covenanters residing in the city of Brookl\-n, June 15,
1857. A comfortable church building was purchased
in an eligible location, but the property was so heavily
mortgaged that the small congregation found themselves
unable to retain it.^ The second property which they
bought was located at the corner of Fayette Avenue
and Ryerson street. It was primarily built for a chapel
-or Sabbath School room, and the church proper was
never built. The Rev. James M. Dickson was the
first pastor installed in November, 1857. He preached
with great acceptance for five years and joined the
Presbyterian Church. In the winter of 1864, the Rev.
John H. Boggs was installed pastor. After a pastorate
of sixteen years, he followed the e.xample of his
predecessor and went into the Presbyterian Church in
1880. Quite a number of influential members followed
him, and are now found in the various Churches of
Brooklyn. Mr. T. A. H. Wylie supplied the pulpit
for nearly a year. In the winter of 1S81, the Rev.
S. J. Crowe was installed the pastor, and remained
three years. During his pastorate the congregation
not only increased in numbers, but in unity and
liberality. In 1883, the present commodious church
and chapel, situated at the corner of Willoughby and
Tompkins Avenues, were purchased. They were erected
for Miss Anna Oliver, a Methodist preacher, whose
efforts to build up a congregation under her own
* Banner, 1SS3, p. 309.
204 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
ministry signally failed. Mr. Crowe resigned in the
fall of 1884, on account of the state of his health.
Rev. John F. Carson, the present pastor, was ordained
and installed, May 20, 1885. The congregation and
Sabbath School have great!)- increased in numbers,,
and the Church has a ver}- prosperous following..
Among the members are named James A. Patterson,
William F. Bell, Francis Cblbert, James Hughes, R. J.
Culbert, Thomas Kinkead, M. M. Henry, Henry Fergu-
son, John Shannon. James W'arnock, John Bo\'d, James
Frazer. John W. Pritchard. Thomas Moore, Robert
Taylor, Leatham Teaz, James Williams, Ale.xander
Frazer, James Hunter, Dr. Palmer.
Newburgh. The city of Xewburgh is pleasantly
situated in one of the picturesque regions of the famous
Hudson river, si.xty miles above the city of New York.
It was the headquarters of General Washington for
some time during the Revolutionary War, and where
the American arm\- was disbanded after national inde-
pendence had been achie\ed from Great Britain." The
first family of Covenanters settling in this city was
that of Mr. Josiah Gailey, in 1787. In 1793, Mr.
Thomas Johnston joined him, and they held society
meetings until Mr. Johnston removed into the neighbor-
ing vicinit)' of St. Andrews. In 1802, James Clarke
emigrated from Scotland, with some of his connections,
and in the fall of that year, the first Co\-enanter
society in Newburgh was organized. The leading
members were Josiah Gailey, Robert Johnston, James
Clarke and John Currj-. The societ\- was soon
• CiKYiMitUr, Vol. I, p 373. Banner. 1876. p. 121. N. P. d- C, 1885, p. 148.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IX AMERICA. 20y
Strengthened by the accessions of James King and
James Robb. For many years, and until the organization
in 1817, the society met at the house of Mr. James
Clarke, and afterwards at the house of Mrs. Gillespie,
an aged disciple. The societ\- was a part of the
Coldenham congregation, and, in tSi", recei\-ed one-
f^fth of the time of the Rev. James R. Willson, D. D.
In 1810. Samuel Jameson joined them, and, in iSii,
they were much encouraged by the arrival of the
families of William McCuUough, James Orr, John
Lawson, William Barcla\-, Sr., James Barcla\-, John
Barcla\- and William Barclay, Jr. The Rev. James
Milligan. pastor at Coldenham. occasionally supplied
them and preached in the Academ)-. Infidelity had
a strong hold in the village, but began to disappear
before the tide of Reformation principles and practices.
In 1 8 19, this growing society erected a church build-
ing, and Dr. Willson was secured for one-half of his
time. His eloquence and public spirit attracted many
to wait upon his ministrations, and Presbyterianism took
a deep hold upon the people. In 1S24. ha\-ing increased
to eighty-six members, Xewburgh obtained a separate
organization from Coldenham. The elders at this time
were James Clarke. John Lawson and Samuel Wright,
all of whom had been elders in the Coldenham con-
gregation. In 1825, William Thompson and William
M. Wylie were chosen deacons, and the former soon
afterwards was added to the session. On September 16,
1825, the Rev. James R. Johnston was ordained and
installed the first pastor of the congregation of New-
burgh. Mr. Johnston was a popular preacher. He
::o6 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
remained four years and then connected with the
Presbyterian Church. Rev. Moses Roney was installed
pastor, June 8, 1830, and remained eighteen years,
until his health demanded his release in 1848. During
his pastorate the elders were Matthew Duke, William
Thompson, David T. Cavin, William Brown and David
Stewart. The deacons were Edward Weir, John Little
,and John Lawson. Other names worthy of perpetuation
are those of Kirkpatrick, Fleming, Ramsey, Wiseman
and Stewart. In the fall of 1849, the Rev. Samuel
Carlisle was installed pastor, and continued in this
relationship for thirty-eight years, and until his sad
death, by paralysis, in the summer of 1S87. In the
winter of 1854, a Second Congregation was organized.
They worshipped one year in the Court House, and
then erected a neat church building. In the winter of
1S35, the Rev. James R. Thompson, son of elder
William Thompson, was ordained and installed pastor,
and is the present incumbent. The first church of the
First congregation was rebuilt in 1877, and stands in
a favorable location on Grand street. The Second
church is in a beautiful spot on the same street and
a few squares away. Among the early members of the
Second church are the names of Little, Lawson, Hilton,
Cameron, Boyne, Fleming, Wilson and Young. Among
the members of the First congregation have been
William McCullough, J. W. McCuUough, William Hilton,
John Hilton, John F. Beattie, Robert Campbell,
Alexander Wright, William Willson, William Lynn,
William Brown. Of the members of the Second con-
gregation have been William Thompson, James Frazer,
PRESBVTERIAX CHURCH IX AMERICA. 20/
John Frazer. John Magee, Andrew Little, John T.
Brown, James Jamison, John Burnett, John K. Lawson,
Francis Willson. Isaac Cochran, W'iUiam Johnston,
R. M. McAllister. W. B. Hall, Robert Hilton.
Coi.DENH.-v.M. The settlement of Covenanters upon
the Wallkill, in Orange County, was the first of this
Church in the State of Xew York, and began about
174S. The location is one distinguished for grazing
and the products of the dairy, and is some nine miles
west of the city of Xewburgh on the Hudson river.*
In the year 174S, the family of Mr. James Rainey
removed from the city of Philadelphia and settled a
little be\-ond the Wallkill river. Here he continued
to stand aloof from communion with other denomina-
tions, and consequently was deprived of public ordi-
nances for several years. In 1753, two other families
joined him, and a praying society was formed. In
September, 1759, the Rev. John Cuthbertson made his
first missionary tour to the Wallkill people, and preached
in this vicinity three or four weeks. On September
20, 1759, he constituted a session, t and baptized
Susannah and David, children of James Rainey ; Mary
and Archy, children of Archy McBride ; Daniel and
Jean, children of William Wilkins ; John, Helen and
Agnes, children of John Gilchrist. In August, 1764,
Mr. Cuthbertson, accompanied by elder Phineas White-
.side, of Pequea, Pennsylvania, visited the society again,
and preached and baptized some children. During the
year 1766, he again visited the Wallkillians when they
had grown to a considerable society. In the fall 1769,
* Covi-itantir, Vol. I, p. 2S3. \ Cuthbertson's Diary.
208 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
he made his fourth visit to these worthy and staunch
Covenanters, - and the most noted heads of the families-
were James Rainey, John Gilchrist, Archy McBride^
James Thomson, William W'ilkins, James McCord, John
Archibald and Henry Trapp. Mr. Cuthbertson ordained
James Rainey and William W'ilkins ruling elders,
October 29, 1769. This pioneer missionary visited the
Wallkill society also in September. 1774. in October,
1775, and in November, 1779. On this latter visit he
called upon the Rev. Mr. Annan of the Associate
Church, and had much friendly intercourse with him,
and he and Mr. Cuthbertson soon afterwards effected
a union forming the Associate Reformed Church in
1782. At this coalescence the whole Wallkill Cove-
nanter society went into the new body, except Mr.
David Raine\-, son of the late elder James Rainey.
Covenanterism was now about e.xtinct in this fertile
valley, and they continued in this distressing condition
for a number of years. All honor is due James
Rainey for cstablis/iiiig, and David Rainey, his son,
for niai)itaining, Covenanterism in Orange County. In
the year 1790, the Rev. James Reid, missionary from
Scotland, preached a few Sabbaths to the people.
Soon after Mr. Robert Johnston joined Mr. Rainey,
and they kept up a society meeting between the two
families. In 1793, the Rev. James McKinney visited
them, and found these two men loyal to Reformation
principles. Mr. Robert Beattie acceded to the Cove-
nanter Society in 1795, from the Associate Reformed
Church. He was a remarkably generous and public
spirited man, and entertained all the ministers and the
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 209
families coming from a distance to worship. The cause
again began to flourish, and they became a consider-
able society occasionally visited by Revs. James
McKinney and William Gibson. The congregation was
regularly organized by direction of the Reformed Presby-
tery, August. 179S, by the election and ordination of
David Rainey and Robert Beattie, ruling elders. In
June, 1799, the Reformed Presbytery met in the barn of
Robert Beattie, and John Black, Thomas Donnelly.
Alexander McLeod and Samuel B. Wylie were licensed
to preach the gospel. This same year the first church
building was erected on the plot of ground now occupied
by the church of the Coldenham congregation, and was
removed in 1838, to make room for the present edifice.
At the meeting of the Reformed Presbytery held at
Little Britain, November 7, 1800, a call was entertained
from the united congregations of New York City and
Wallkill.* It was found that an equal number of
votes was cast for Samuel B. Wylie and Alexander
McLeod. Mr. Wylie renounced all further connection
with the call, and informed the court to take measures
accordingly. The court then agreed to address those
persons who had voted for Mr. W\-lie, whether they
would be willing to append their names to the call for
Mr. McLeod. To this they willingly assented, and the
call was modified by appending the names of all the
electors to the call on Mr. McLeod, and it was presented
by the Moderator for his acceptance. Mr. McLeod
hesitated, and requested another day to consider the
matter. After some reasoning with him, Mr. McLeod
* Minutes of Reformed Presbytery.
2IO HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
consented to accept the call only conditionally. One con-
dition was that those holding slaves and who had signed
the call, should be required to free them and have no
more to do with the sinful institution of slavery. Agree-
ing to this, Mr. McLeod then accepted the call, with the
other condition that three years thereafter he was at liberty
to accept of either one of the congregations or none,
as he thought proper. This the court agreed to, and
he gave his pieces as trials for ordination, and was duly
installed pastor of the united congregations of Wallkill
and New York City, July 6, 1801. The salary and divi-
sion of time were as follows : Nezu York, thirty-one days
in the year at eleven dollars per day ; Wallkill, twenty-
one days in the year at seven dollars per day; making
the whole salary $488 per annum. In 1803, Mr. McLeod
resigned the Wallkill branch to give his whole time to
the rapidly growing congregation of New York. In
1807, a call was presented to Mr. James R. Willson,
licentiate, but he dedined it. In 1808, Mr. Gilbert
McMaster was called, and declined. For several years
they enjoyed almost constant supplies, but failed to obtain
a pastor. In 18 12, the Rev. James Milligan was installed
pastor, and labored among them for five }'ears, and left
them in a good condition in 18 17, when he removed to
Vermont. Rev. James R. Willson was again called, and
having accepted, was installed pastor in August, 18 1 7.
At this time there were about seventy members, with
societies in Xewburgh and beyond the Wallkill river.
The congregation was now called Coldenham. At first
Mr. Willson gave the Newburgh people one-fifth of his
time, subsequent!}- one-half, and in 1824, the\- became
^
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IX AMERICA. 27 1
a separate organization and he remained at Coldenham-
until his resignation in 1830, when he removed to
Albany. Dr. Willson returned to the pastorate of the
Coldenham congregation in the fall of 1833, and remained
in this relation se\-en years. In 1836, he was appointed
professor of Theology in the Eastern Seminary located at
Coldenham, and also conducted an Academy, where many
of the ministers received their early education. Dr.
Willson resigned the charge in 1S40, and accepted a
professorate in the Allegheny Theological Seminary.
For four years Coldenham was a vacancy. In May,.
1844, the Rev. James W. Shaw became the pastor. At
this time there were nearly one hundred members and
six praying societies. The elders were John Beattie,.
James Beattie, Samuel Arnott, William Elder and
Daniel Wilkins. Mr. Shaw spent his whole pastoral
life of thirty-eight years among these people, and
resigned in 18S2, on account of failing health. Several-
calls were made upon young men, but by them declined.
In the spring of 1S84, the Rev. Robert H. McCready
became the pastor and is now in charge. He resus-
citated the cause, inspired the members with new zeal,
repaired and refurnished the church, and by no means
does it look as if Covenanterism will soon become
extinct in Coldenham or Orange Count)-. Among the
old members are David Rainey. Adam Rainey, James
Clark, William Beattie, John Beattie, Israel 0. Beattie,
Dr. Charles Fowler, Edward T. Bradner, Matthew Park,
William Park, James Thomson. David Elliot. Jephtha
Williams. Samuel Arnott, Samuel Wright, William Shaw,
William J. Shaw, Francis Wallace. J. Morrison. Natha-
.212 HISTORY OK THE REFORMED
niel Fleming, .M. Roney Fleming, William Fleming,
Reuben Frazer, John Cochran, Robert Fleming.
Argvle. This settlement of Covenanters is now
known as the congregation of West Hebron, Wash-
ington County, New York. It is east of the city of
Albany and near the Vermont line. It is probable
the first Covenanters settled in this vicinity, and that
of Cambridge, as early as 1755, but as to their names
and numbers nothing is definitely known. The Rev.
John Cuthbertson first visited them in August, 1764,
and preached at the house of Mr. Plphraim Cowan.
He baptized Hdward, son of William Selfridge ; and
Martha, daughter of Oliver Selfridge. From the amount
of visiting he did in this neighborhood, it is probable
there was quite a respectable society. In 1766, Mr.
■Cuthbertson visited them again and passed over into
Vermont and Xew Hampshire. On his third tour in
1769, Mr. Cuthbertson constituted a session, and William
Selfridge and John McClung were ordained ruling
elders, October 22, 1769. He also spent some time in
visiting among the people in September, 1774, in Octo-
ber, 1775, and in November, 1779. The principal
members at this time were Fphraim Cowan, Samuel
Clark, William Selfridge, Oliver Selfridge, John McClung
and Phineas Whiteside. The latter had some time
previously removed from Pequea, Pennsyl\-ania. The
organization continued for over fifty years without a
settled pastor. In August, 1825, a call was made upon
the Rev. James W. Stewart, which, being accepted, he
was duly ordained and installed the first pastor of the
Argyle congregation, October 13, 1825. The small con-
J
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IX AMERICA. 213
gregation was poor in this world's goods, and it had
great difficulty in raising the meagre salary.* Pews
were auctioned off to the highest bidder, and often the
pastor had to forgive a portion of the stipends in order
to secure the remainder. Soon the little congregation
was rent into factions as the New School controversy
agitated the Church, and for sundry reasons Mr. Stewart
was released from the charge in April, i'832. At a
meeting of the session held November 15, 1S32, and
the last in which Mr. Stewart moderated, a petition
was prepared and ordered to be forwarded to S)-nod,
requesting that court to take the congregation from
under the care of the Northren Presbytery and place it
under the Western. Against this action elders William
Shaw and Samuel Jackson protested, and these were
the only members of session who adhered to the prin-
ciples of the Church at the division of. 1833. The
whole congregation went with Mr. Stewart into the
New School body. They held the church building, and
after running it in debt for supplies, sold it back to
the few faithful Covenanters who held the Testimony
intact.. Less than a half dozen Covenanters resorted to
the praying societies, and occasionally enjoyed a day's
preaching. In May, 1862, one of these elders died,
and Argyle lost its organization. They embraced an
opportunity to sell the old church at Argyle and bought
the present church property near the village of West
Hebron. The New York Presbytery re-organized them
as the West Hebron congregation in August, 1866.
Fourteen members were found in regular standing and
* From notes by Rev. J. A. Speer.
214 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
thirteen others united by profession of faith. The)-
liberally supported the gospel, repeated their call for a
pastor near!}- every year, and trusted that in due time
the Lord would send them an under-shepherd. In this
they were not disappointed. The Lord heard their
prayers and gave them a pastor. The Rev. James A.
Speer was duly ordained and installed, July 28, 1S75,
and was the only pastor since 1S32. He ib now in
charge. The congregation now owns a substantial and
comfortable church property free from debt. For o\-er
fifty years previous to 1S25, and for forty-three years
since 1832, these people maintained the unpopular
principles of the Co\-enanter Church without a pastor
with a heroism and faithfulness without a parallel in
history. Some of the old members of Arg\-le are Dr.
David Lister, Eli Gifford, James Shaw, William Shaw.
Henry Mehaffay, Alexander Mehaffaj-, James Stewart,
John McQueen, John Selfridge, William Dennison.
George Keys. John M.cXeil, James F. Mehaffay, John
Dennison, Samuel Jackson.
Trov. This city contained a society of Covenanters
as early as 181 8, and was visited with supplies with
LaNSIXGBURGH in Rensselaer County. Dr. Christie of
Albany frequently preached here, and Tro\- and Lansing-
burgh were given an organization in 182S. Rev. Robert
McKee was the first and only pastor, installed in 1830.
In I S3 5, he connected with the Presbyterian Church.
These places were supplied with preaching b\- Presb\--
tery until 184S, \\-hen the field was abandoned. Peter
McKinnon and Robert Campbell were elders.
Alb.vXW Co\enanters resided in the city of Alban\-
as early as 1760. In August, 1764. the Rev. John
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IX AMERICA. 21,
Cuthbertson came to this city from Wallkill, Oran-e
County, and preached. He also visited the city in
1766 and .1769. He usually preached at the house of
Mr. John Boyd * with whom he lodged while remain-
ing in the city. In the latter part of the past cen-
tury supplies were given by the Revs. James McKinney
and William Gibson, and, after the formation of the
Reformed Presbytery, by other ministers. The society
was organized into a congregation in 1S15. The first
pastor "was the Rev. James Christie, D. D., who was
settled in this city in the spring of 1822. He also
conducted a Grammar School in connection with his
ministerial duties, and was regarded as a preacher
and educator of considerable influence in Albany. The
church stood in Waterloo street. Dr. Christie demitted
the charge in 1830. The people were not long in
securing a pastor, for the Rev. James R. WiUson,
D. D., was installed the same fall. Here was a field for
the display of his great powers as a preacher and
writer, and he at once inaugurated a battle against
the wickedness of the city and the ungodliness of the
State legislature. In the fall of 1S33. Dr. Willson
resigned the charge and returned to Coldenham. For
three years the small, but active, congregation was in
a distressed condition. In the spring of 1836, the
Rev, David Scott was installed pastor and remained
in this capacity six years. He demitted the charge in
the spring of 1S42, for the people were not able to
sustain a pastor of his ability and keep up the other
expenses of the congregation. The field was supplied
♦Cuthbertson's Diary
2I6 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
with preaching for many years, but gradually by enni-
gration and death, Covenanterism has become extinct
in Albany. The family of the great Rev. James
McKinne\- lived and died in this city, and other
members were Robert Trumbull, M. J. Johnston, Samuel
Graham, Robert Campbell and James Frazer.
Mohawk Valley. This is one of the richest and
most beautiful valleys in the State of New York. Lying
a few miles west of the city of Albany and along the
picturesque Mohawk river, are the towns of SCHE-
NECTADY, Duaxesburgh and Prinx-etowx. About
1780, a few families from the Highlands of Scotland
settled in this vicinity, and also in the neighborhood
of Gal:vay, Miltox and Broad Albix. Not far
distant were the flourishing societies of Galloway,
CURRIESBUSH and Johx.stowx. These Scotch people
organized themselves into praying societies, and awaited
God's time to send them a preacher. No religious
society ever embraced a creed with more intelligence,
and maintained it with more faithfulness, than these
unsophisticated Scotchmen accepted the principles of
the Covenanter Church.* In 1793, the Rev. James
McKinney came among them and preached alternately
in all the societies for about five years. In 1798, his
labors were mostly confined to the Duanesburgh and
Galway congregations, although he exercised a super-
intending control over all the societies on either side
of the Mohawk. The elders at Duanesburgh were
Walter Maxwell, Robert Liddle, John CuUings and
George Duguid. Among other leading and influential
♦Memoir of Dr. .\. McLeod.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IX AMERICA. 21-
members were the families of Andrew McMillan, Alex-
ander Glen, John Burns, Robert Spier, Hugh Ross and
James Dunse. It is said, moreover, that the families
of Andrew McMillan and James Dunse were the onI\-
ones in Duanesburgh who held the principles of the
Covenanter Church previous to the arrival of the Rev.
James McKinney in 1793, but the others soon after-
wards embraced them under his eloquent and persua-
sive presentation of truth.* Mr. McKinney first preached
in the old stone church near Princetown, erected by
the community but under the control of the Presb\--
terian Church. He resigned this charge in the spring
of 1802, and removed to South Carolina. The first
church building erected in Duanesburgh was in 1804.
The lot was given by Hon. Judge Duane, and a lot
for the parsonage was donated b\- his daughter. The
parsonage was not built until 1829. In the fall of
1807, the united congregations of Duanesburgh and
Galway called the Rev. S. B. Wylie, who declined it.
In the spring of 1808, the Rev. Gilbert McMaster was
called. He accepted, and was duly ordained and in-
. stalled August S, 1808. The salary promised Mr.
McMaster amounted to twelve hundred and fifty dollars
a year and a parsonage. The number of commu-
nicants at Duanesburgh was fifty-four. They were an
opulent, and liberal people. Besides those mentioned
previously were the families of William Turnbull. Daniel
Stewart, John McCollum, Alexander Liddle, Alexander
McFarlan, James McBean, John McClumpha, Charles
Tulloch, James Ingersoll, George Turnbull, James Young
* Sermon by Rev. S. M. Ramsey, Duanesburgh, 1S76
2lS HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
and Thomas Hays. In 1818, Dr. .McMaster resigned
the Gahvay branch and devoted his whole time to the
flourishing congregation of Duanesburgh. The first
deacons were elected in iSiS, and were John Tulloch.
John Liddle, James Maxwell, Thomas Kelly and
William Cummings. At the division of the Church in
1833, the large majority of the congregation went with
their pastor into the New School body. The minority
soon emigrated to other parts of the Church and re-
united with their brethren.
Schenectady was practically a part of the Duanes-
burgh congregation until its separate organization in
1831. Rev. John McMaster was installed pastor, January
25, 1832, and the following year, he, and the great
majority of the congregation, went into the New School
body, and in a few years afterwards the cause declined
and finally died out in this learned city. Among the
leading members at Schenectady were John Anderson,
William Cunningham, Robert J. Brown and James
Logan.
G.ALWAY was a good congregation connected with
Duanesburgh until 1S18. It was located in Saratoga
County, and attached to it were the congregations of
MiLTO.v and Broad Albix, in the neighboring County
of Fulton. Among the families here were those of
McKinley, Adams, Rodgers, Guthrie, Williams, Wilson,
Dannon, McQueen, and others. In the fall of 1821,
the Rev. Samuel M. WiUson was installed the first
pastor, and remained among these worthy people six
years. In 1829, the Rev. John N. McLeod became
the pastor, and held this charge three years, and
PRESBYTERIAN' CHURCH IN AMERICA. 219
removed to New York City. In April, 1S33, the Rev.
Algernon S. Mc'Master was installed, and in a few
months afterwards he and many of the congregation
identified themselves with the New School body. The
faithful remnant were reorganized, and, in 1835, called
Mr. Francis Gailey, licentiate, but he declined. It was
regarded as a mission station until recent years. A
small congregation of Covenanters was organized in
the city of UtiCa, Oneida County, in the fall of 1837,
and also at New H.A.RTFORri, same County, at the
same time. These congregations were supplied by
Dr. W. L. Roberts, David Scott, and others, for
several years, but were finally abandoned. There was
also a small society organized at MiLFORD, Otsego
County, but it never flourished and received little
or no attention.
KORTRIGHT. This congregation is situated in the
north-eastern part of Delaware County. It was settled
in the early part of the present century by emigrants
from Scotland. It was long a preaching station and
probably received its regular organization as a con-
gregation in 1 8 14. In 1820, the Rev. Melancthon B.
Williams became the pastor, and remained about ten
years. He built up a good congregation of honest
tillers of the soil, who afterwards engaged extensively
in the dairy business. Mr. James Douglas preached
frequently to them, and Mr. Francis Gailey was called
to be their pastor. They were a great many years
without a pastor, and owe much to the fidelity of
elder Robert Spence for the maintenance of the cause
during the New School controversy. The Rev. Samuel
220 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
M. Willson was installed pastor in the fall of 1845,
and remained until his death in 1864. In 1866, the
Rev. John O. Bayles, the present pastor, was installed.
Among some of the old and leading members at
Kortright have been George Spence, David Orr,
William McCracken, Robert S. Orr, James Spence,
Joseph Spence, Samuel Mehaffay, Andrew S. Gilchrist,
Andrew McXeely, J. W. Kelso, Seth Kelso, Henry
L. Orr, James H. McLowry, Robert Henderson. ■;
Bo\'lXA. This was settled about the same time as \
Kortright, by Scotchmen, and is situated some fifteen ■
miles west of Kortright -and at the headwaters of the :
Delaware river. It was a preaching station supplied ,
for many years, and organized into a congregation in
1 8 14. In 1820, it was under the pastoral care of the .'
Rev. Melancthon B. Williams, who was released from j
them in 1823. In 1825, they invited Mr. James Douglas I
of New York, who had been licensed in Scotland, to- ^
preach to them. This he did for six years, and, in 'I
183 1, received ordination from the True Dutch
Reformed Church and continued to minister to the
people of Bovina until 1847, when he was restored. ]
his ordination deemed valid, and he was regularly
installed pastor of the congregation. Mr. Douglas died •;
in 1857, and for four years they were vacant. The 1
old stone church built in 1S25, was now abandoned, j
and a new one built in the village of Brushland. |
Rev. James T. Pollock became the pastor in i86u |
and, after three \-ears of service, connected with another j
denomination. In January-, 1865, the Rev. Joshua j
Kenned)- was installed, and remained with these worthy j
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IX AMERICA. 22 1-
people twenty years, when his health failed, and he-
resigned in the spring of 1885. The Rev. O. Brown
Milligan was installed pastor in June, 1887; the church
building was refurnished, and under most favorable
circumstances the congregation continues its work of
saving souls. Some of the old members are Andrew-
Thomson, William Telford. Daniel Arbucklc. Patrick
Sanderson, James Miller. James Russell, James H.
Thomson. William Thomson, James Thomson, James R,
Douglas, James Dean, John Campbell, David B. Russell,.
Andrew T. Russell, Andrew Thomson, Jr., A. S. Gilchrist.
W^\LTON'. This is a li\-e young cit\', and the largest
town in Delaware County. In this vicinity Francis
Galley made some disciples in earh- times. A few
families lived in this community and held their mem-
bership in the Bovina congregation until the spring of
1 86 1, when they received a separate organization. In
1863, the Rev. David McAllister was ordained and
installed the first pastor. He resigned in 1871, and
accepted an appointment of Synod to labor in the
interests of the National Reform Association, and the
congregation was vacant four years. Mr. McAllister
was re-installed pastor in 1875, ^"d again released in the
fall of 1S83, to teach in Geneva College. Rev. Samuel
j G. Shaw, the present pastor, was ordained and installed
in the summer of 1884. In 1874, the old church in
! the country was abandoned, and a large and com-
i modious building of more modern architecture was-
j erected in the town of Walton. The congregation is
in a healthy condition. Among the representative men
of Walton have been D. G. McDonald, R. F. McGibbin,
222 HISTORV OF THE REFORMED
Henry Easson, James Alexander, Robert Jameson,
Calvin McAllister, T. H. Thompson, J. E. Arbuckle,
Smith St. John, A. J. Easson.
Not far from the town of Walton was the society of
-Colchester, in a mining district. This was cultivated
by Dr. Joshua Kenned)- in connection with Bovina,
and at one time contained about twenty-five members.
White Lake. South of Delaware County and
between the Delaware and Hudson rivers is the con-
gregation of White Lake, in the centre of Sullivan
County. These people are living amid silver streams
and placid lakes, the resort of many a weary New
Yorker in the heated season. It is not definitely
known at what time the first Covenanters settled in
this region, but it was early in the present century.
In 1820, the Rev. Alelancthon B. Williams preached
here as a part of his charge. For about twenty-five
years they were a vacancy, and some made defection in
1833. They enjoyed supplies until 1850, when the Rev.
John B. Williams, the present pastor, was ordained and
installed in charge. Mr. Williams has been an untiring
worker and has been a power for good in this com-
-munity. Among the old families of White Lake have
been those of William Pattison, William Stewart, John
Tacey, John McClure, Joseph F^orsythe, Robert Alex-
ander, David McAllister, Clark Brown, James Frazer,
Jacob Dubois.
SVR.VCUSE. About the year 1S40, a few families of
Covenanters found a home in this city, to whose
spiritual wants the Revs. W. L. Roberts, John Fisher,
David Scott, and others, ministered quite frequently.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 223
The little society grew in numbers and faith until
they received an organization in the fall of 1849. In
the spring of 1851, they succeeded in obtaining the
Rev. John Newell for a pastor. He remained but two
\-ears, and in 1S54, they lost their organization. They
were re-organized in 1858, and in the spring of 1859,
they again beheld their teacher in the person of the
Rev. Josiah M. Johnston. He remained in charge seven
years, a part of which time he was engaged in
mission work in the South. In 1S67, the Rev. John
M. Armour became the pastor, and remained six years.
In the winter of 1874, the Rev. Samuel R. Wallace,
the present pastor, was installed. The church building
was erected in 1852, and is a comfortable house of
worship. The Covenanters in the city of Syracuse
have never been numerous or wealth}', but they have
maintained the principles of the Church in a manner
which deserves commendation. Of the old families at
S\-racuse have been those of John McClure, James
McClure, Solomon Spier, John Service, William J. Park,
William Cannon, James Cannon, Hugh Scott.
ROCHE.STER. This city was frequently visited, pre-
vious to 1S30, by Dr. W. L. Roberts who preached
to a few families who had removed hither. The con-
gregation was organized in the summer of 1831, and
the Rev. John Fisher, of York, was in charge for
four years. In the spring of 1837, the Rev. Charles
B. McKee became the pastor, and also conducted
a flourishing classical school. He was released from
this charge in the summer of 1S42. In the summer
of 1S44, the Rev. David Scott, who had often supplied
324 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
the congregation, became the pastor and remained
until the summer of 1862. In the spring of 1863, the
Rev. Robert D. Sproull was installed pastor, and was
released in October. 1880. when he left the com-
munion of the Church. In the spring of 1881. the
Rev. John Graham was ordained and installed in charge.,
and is the present elficient pastor. Recently the old
church on North Union street was sold, and a beauti-
ful and convenient church on Alexander street was
purchased and refitted for worship. Rochester has had
some worthy members, of whom have been Angus
McLeod, John Campbell, Hugh MulhoUand. James
Edmonds, Robert Knowls, David Dorn, Samuel Gormley,
Robert Kyle, David Logan, James Montgomery, Robert
Willson, William Marshall, James Campbell, Hugh
Robinson, Hugh McGowan, Robert Alton, James Alton,
Abraham Ernissee, Thomas S. Linn, Joseph B. Robin-
son. James Keers, Thomas Logan, Simon Cameron.
John Boyd, Thomas Percy, James S. Peoples.
Buffalo. A few families of Covenanters residing in
this city were supplied with preaching for some time,
and organized into a congregation in 1838. They
made out several calls but none were accepted. The\-
continued steadfast in their endeavors to build up a
Church, and while they did not enjoy the labors of a
settled pastor, supplies were almost constant. A small
church building was erected in 1S49. Mr. George G.
Barnum was the leading spirit in founding a Cove-
nanter Church in Buffalo, and to whom the Church is
much indebted for his public spirit and unceasing
interest. Failing in their righteous attempt the church
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 22$
property was disposed of with much reluctance and
difficulty.
York. The congregation of York, in Livingston
County, together with G.\LEX and Cai.EDOMA, originated
from the preaching of the indefatigable pioneer and
missionar}-, the Rev. James .Milligan. As early as iSi^,
he began preaching in the Genesee Valley, and the
congregation was organized in the fall of 1823.* The
first elders were ordained at that time, and were James
Guthrie, Sr., James Guthrie, Jr., James Milroy and
James Cullings. The communion was dispensed at the
same time by the Rev. William Sloane. Dr. W. L.
Roberts was the pastor for part of his time from 1826
until 1830. Rev. John Fisher was installed as the first
pastor of the York congregation, July 21, 1831. He
preached in two school houses, three miles apart, and
equally distant from the village of York. In 1834, a
commodious church was erected, and this was occupied
until 1872, when the present large and better build-
ing was completed. Mr. Fisher died in the summer
of 1S45, after a successful pastorate of fourteen years.
In the winter of 1S46, the Rev. Samuel Bowden was
installed the pastor. The congregation grew rapidly
under his ministrations until his release in 1S76. Some
internal troubles arose soon afterwards when he was
recalled, and he left the communion of the Church,
with some others. The breach, however, was healed,
and in the fall of 18S2, the present pastor, the Rev.
W. C. Allen, was ordained and installed. The names
of Milroy, Guthrie, .McMillan, Gay, Logan, Cowan,
*R. P. & C, 1S72, p. 85.
226 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
McCracken, Donnan, Hart, Morrow, Jamison. Cullings,
and others, have long been connected with the cause
in that region.
Sterling. Sterling, Ca\-uga County, and Clyde,
Wayne County, were long supplied with preaching and
organized into a congregation in 1S23. Dr. W. L.
Roberts became the first paster in 1S26, and remained
until 1830, and preached in different localities which
became societies and congregations. He was re-installed
pastor of Ch'de and Sterling in the fall of 1S37, and
released in 1S55. The following year the Rev.
Matthew Wilkin became the pastor, and was in charge
until 1867. For three years the\' were vacant. In the
summer of 1870, the Rev. S. R. Galbraith was installed
pastor, and resigned in the following year to accept an
appointment as a missionary to Syria. Four years they
were without a pastor. In the fall of 1875, ^he Rev.
T. J. Allen was installed, and remained twelve \'ears.
He built up a good congregation and many improvements
were made in the church property. In 18S3, the Sterling
manse was burned with the furniture and library of Mr.
Allen. Another parsonage has been erected. Mr. Allen
resigned in June, 1887, and the Rev. J. C. B. French
was ordained ■ and installed pastor, January 12, 1S8S.
Among the leading members have been James Hunter,
John Hunter, Hugh Crocket, Samuel Cox, Alexander
McCrea, John B. Crocket, M. W. Calvert, John McCrea,
Robert McInro\-.
Lisbon. This congregation is situated north of the
centre of St. Lawrence Count)-, New York, and near
the St. Lawrence river. The first Covenanter family
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IX AMERICA. 22J
settling in this region was that of Mr. William Cole-
man, who came from the Kellswater congregation,
Ireland, in i8::o." In 1823, a society was formed,
which met at the house of Mr. John Smith, and was
composed of the families of William Coleman, John
Smith and William Glass. They had no public preach-
ing until 1830. In 182S, Mr. William Coleman learned
from Ireland the address of the Rev. J. W. Stewart
of Argyle, New York, and Mr. William Craig, a
member of the Associate Reformed Church, wrote to
Mr. Stewart, but got no reply. Soon afterwards, Mr.
John Smith wrote and got an answer from Mr. Stewart
in February, 1829, who promised to send them a
preacher. This messenger came in the person of the
Rev. James Milligan, in the spring of 1830, who or-
ganized a society and dispensed the sacraments. In'
the fall of 1832, Rev. J. W. Stewart, who had been sus-
pended by the Xorthren Presbytery for defection from the
attainments of the Reformation, came and organized a
society in March, 1S33, without authority. He, with
elder John Smith, withdrew and identified themselves
with the New School body in August, 1S33. When the
deception of Mr. Stewart was exposed, and the pro-
ceedings of the division of the Church were published,
the misguided brethren tried in vain to destroy the
publications in order to keep the people ignorant of
their defection. .Many of the people now returned to
the Church and were visited by Rev. James Milligan
in 1837. They began to be regularly supplied with
preaching by John Holmes, Dr. W. L. Roberts, and
* Extract from Sketch by Rev. W. McFarland.
22S HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
Others. In October, 1840, Rev. John Fisher of York,
■and elder John Campbell of Rochester, regularly or-
ganized the congregation and admitted thirty-four
members. They were now supplied by William Neill,
\V. L. Roberts. John Middleton, and others. A church
building was erected, but the property, in passing
through the civil courts, was illegally conceded to the
Xew School body in 1843. In 1845, a new church
building was erected, and in the winter of the previous
year, the Rev. John Middleton was ordained and in-
stalled pastor, and resigned in 1S54, on account of
the deacon controversy. In the summer of 1856, the
Rev. James McLachlane, formerly a Scotch missionar)'
to Canada, was installed pastor, and for eight years he
taught and maintained the principles of the Church
with fidelity. He died in 1864. For seven long years
the congregation was a vacancy. Several calls were
made and declined. The present pastor, the Rev.
William McFarland, was ordained and installed in charge,
May 18, 1 87 1. Among those who have borne office
in the Lisbon congregation are John Smith, William
Glass, James Ballantine, John McCullough, John Cole-
man, John Hargrave, Charles Gillespie, elders ; and
John Campbell, John Alton, William W. Glass, James
Smith and John C. Glass, deacons. The congregation
is in a good condition, and Reformation principles are
faithfully presented in the region of the St. Lawrence.
NEW JERSEY.
Perth Ambov. In 1685, George Scot, Laird of
Pitlochie, was given his liberty in Scotland provided
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 229
he transported to East Jersey many of the Cove-
nanters who had refused to take the oath of allegiance
to a t\-rannical and profligate ruler. Thus authorized,
he proceeded to gather his compan\- from those con-
fined in the tolbooth of Leith. He had to give
security to land them there prior to September, 1686,
and the penalty was to be five hundred merks in
case of failure in an\' instance. In May, 1685, Scot
chartered the "Henry and Francis" of New Castle, a
ship of three hundred and fifty tons and twenty great
guns, with Richard Hutton as master. On the eve of
their banishment, twenty-eight of them signed the
following conjunct testimony, bearing "That now to
leave their own native and Covenanted land by an
unjust sentence of banishment for owning truth and
standing by duty, studying to keep their Covenant
engagements and baptismal vows, whereby they stand
obliged to resist and testify against all that is con-
trary to the Word of God and their Covenants ; and
that their sentence of banishment ran chiefly because
they refused the oath of allegiance which in con-
science they could not take, because, in so doing
they thought they utterly declined the Lord Jesus
Christ from having any power in His own house, and
practically would, by taking it, say. He was not King
and Head of His Church and over their consciences.
And, on the contrary, this was to take and put in
His room a man whose breath is in his nostrils; yea,
a man who is a sworn enemy to religion, an avowed
papist, whom, by our Covenants, we are bound to
withstand and disown, and that agreeably to Scripture :
230 HISTORV OF THE REFORMED
'When thou art come unto the land which the Lord
thy God fji\eth thee, and shalt possess it. and shalt
dwell therein, and shalt say, I will set a King o\er
me, like as all the nations that are about me, thou
shalt in anywise set him King o\-er thee, whom the
Lord th\- God shalt choose : one from among thy
brethren shalt thou set King o\-er thee: thou maj-est
not set a stranger o\-er thee, which is not thy
brother.'" — Dent, rj: i ^. ij. The\- then bore their
testimony against the defections of the da\-, and for
preaching in the fields and houses, and then signed
their names. As W'odrow has gi\-en these names of
the banished, we have thought it proper to insert
them here. Their names are: ii' Robert Adam, Lady
AtkcrnieA- John Arbuckle,'- Rev. William AisdaleA
John Black, George Brown, Robert Campbell. David
Campbell, John Campbell, William Campbell, Christian
Cavie, John Crichton, John Corbet, Andrew Corbet,
John Casson, Agnes Corhead. Barbara Cowan, Marjor}-
Cowan, Williaiii Cniiniiigliaiii. Patrick Cuningham,
Charles Douglas, William Douglas, Isabel Durie. John
Frazer, T/ioinas Finlatcr. Llspeth Ferguson, Janet
Ferguson, Mar}- Ferret,"' John .Ford,"^ James Forsythe,-''
John Foreman. John Gra_\-. Tlioinas Gray. Thomas
Graham, Grisel Gamble. William Gt-d.Y Fergus Grier.
James Grier, Robert Gilchrist. John Gilfillan.^ Bessie
Gordon, Annabel Gordon,"' Katharine Govan, John
Harris. ■■' John Har\-ie.-" John Henderson," Adam Hood,'-'
Charles Honyall,- Jidn, Hutchinson. John Hodge,
\\ Re.makk f \'oluntariIy left Scotland. * Left a written protest. Thos
PRt>BVTERIA.\ CHUkCH IX AMERICA. C31
I'hi'ijtas Jackionr William Jackson, George Johnston,'^
John Johnstone,''" James Junk. John King, John Kippaii.
John Kincaid,^ James Kirkwood, Joint Kirkland. John
Kellie. KathcriiiL- Kcllic. John Kennie, Margaret
Leslie, ■■ Janet Linthron. Gawen Lockhart, Michael
Marshall. John Marshall, John Martin, Margaret Miller-
George Muir,^ Gilbert Monorg. Jean Moffat. ■■ John
Muirhead. James Muirhead."^ William McCalmont,
John McKwen. Walter McEwen." Robert McEwen,*
John McQueen.* Robert McLellan. Margaret McLcl/an.
Andrezo McLcllau. John McKcninan. William 2fc.'\riilan,
John McGhie,- William Xevin,+ William Oliphant.
Andrew Patterson,* John Pollock. John Ranui, Rc-o.
Archibald Riddcll,\ Mrs. Archibald Riddcll;^ William
R'gS^ Marian Rennie. John Renioick, James Reston,
Thomas Russell. Peter Russell.-- Christian Strang.*
William Sprat. Agnes Stevens.* William Sproull.*
Thomas Shelston. John Szointon, John Smith,
John Seton,* George Scot.-\- Margaret ScotA' Eupham
Scot:^ Janet S\'mington,* James Sittingtown,* John
Targat, John Turpine, William Turnbull, Patrick Urie.
John V'ernor,!- ^^rs. Vernor.t John Watt, Patrick Walker,
James Wardrope. Elizabeth Whitelaw. Girzel Wither-
spoon, William Wilson, Robert Young.* The charge for
transportation was five pounds sterling for each adult,
and to each of those who were unable to pa\- for
their passage was promised twent\--fi\-e acres of land
and a suit of new clothes on the completion of four
years of service ; for children under twelve years of
age, fifty shillings: sucking children, free: one ton of
eoods, fort\- shillincrs. These have been known in
232 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
American History as " Redemptioners." Many of these
passengers had endured much suffering. After some
delay, the ship sailed from the road of Leith, Septem-
ber 5, 1685. We hear of no untoward event until
after they had turned the "Land's End," when a fever
began to prevail with virulence, particularly among the
prisoners who had been confined in the great vault of
Dunnotter. Many were sick when they came aboard,
and the health of the others was endangered by the
condition of the provisions laid in by the Captain.
The meat began to putrefy and was not eatable. In
a month the fever assumed a malignant type. Few
escaped its ravages, and three or four bodies were cast
overboard every day. Most, of the ship's crew, except
the Captain and boatswain, died. Pitlochie, who had
freighted the ship, with his lady, died likewise, and
so enjoyed nothing of the gain of nearly one hundred
prisoners gifted him by the Council, and upwards of
seventy persons died at sea. Death and unwholesome
food were not the only evils the unfortunate Co\-e-
nanters had to encounter ; the master of the ship
was most cruel to the prisoners. Those who were
placed under deck were not allowed to go about
worship, and when they attempted it the Captain
would thrown down great planks of timber to disturb
them ^nd endanger their lives. The ship sprang a
leak twice, and frequent storms added to their anxiety.
After the death of Pitlochie, the prisoners fell into
the hands of John Johnstone, his son-in-law. Captain
Hutton began to tamper with Mr. Johnstone, and
urged him to carry the prisoners to Virginia or
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IX AMERICA. 233
Jamaica, either place presenting better opportunity for
disposing of them than New Jersey, and offered as
an inducement to charge himself with the disposal of
the prisoners and to account to him for them in the
productions of the country. But the wind changed
and they were forced to sail straight for New Jersey.
They landed at Perth Amboy, New Jersey, in the
middle of December, 1685, having been about fifteen
weeks at sea. Before going ashore, Johnstone endeav-
ored to stop them by urging them to sign an agree-
ment to serve four j-ears at that place in considera-
tion of the expense incurred by the departed Scot.
This they would not agree to, but joined in another
protest against their banishment and recounted their
harsh treatment during the voyage. When they came
ashore, the people who lived on the coast and had
not the gospel preached to them, were inhospitable
and showed them no kindness. A little way up in
the country, however, there was a town (supposed to
be Woodbridge), and a minister settled, and the
inhabitants were very kind to them. When they learned
who the prisoners were and their circumstances, they
invited all who were able to travel to come and live
with them, and sent horses for the rest, and enter-
tained them freely and liberally that, winter. In the
following spring, John Johnstone pursued them and
had them all cited before a legal tribunal of the
Province. After hearing both sides, the Governor called
a jur>- to sit and cognosce upon the affair, who found
that the pannels had not of their own accord come
to that ship, nor bargained with Pitlochie for money
234 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
or service, and therefore, according to the laws of the
country, thev were assoiled. Those whcj had so
agreed had their suits, come before the Court of
Common Rights, anei Captain Button was remunerated.
The prisoners then scattered throughout Eastern Penn-
sylvania, New York and Connecticut, where they were
kindl}- entertained and found employment according
to their different trades.'^ At different times the per-
secuted Co\'enanters were banished to New Jerse\\
Delaware and South Carolina, but in the latter part
of the seventeenth centur\- this cruelty ceased. At
this time no organized society of Covenanters has an
existence in New Jerse\'.
P.^L TERSO.V. For some \-ears pre\'ious to its organiza-
tion into a congregation, a few families of Covenanters
resided in the cit\- of Paterson. The)- were usually
supplied by the students of the Philadelphia Seminar)-
and received the organization in the fall of iSiS.
The Rev. William L. Roberts was the first pastor
ordained and installed in charge in Ma)', 1824. Tlie
congregation was small and rent with factions, and he
resigned the charge in December, 1825. The Rev.
William Gibson took charge of the congregation in
1S26, and was stated supph- for several )-ears. In
1833, the great majorit)- of the members went into
the New School bod)- and the cause gradually de-
clined. The few faithful followers of the Church were
supplied but the)- lost their organization in October,
1836. Of the eldership were James W. King, John
Mclntire and Thomas Lindon.
*\Vodrow. Vol. 4, p. 331.
PKE.nBVTERIAX church in AMERICA. 235
Newark. A nuinber of Covenanters residing in this
cit)' and holding membership in the congregations of
New York Cit)-, petitioned for an organization, which
was granted, and the Newark congregation was or-
ganized, June 17, 1874, with eighteen members. David
Houston and William J. Douglass were chosen ruling
elders. The}- were supplied regularh- by l-'resb)-tery
and worshipped in Irving Hall. The Rev. David H.
Coulter was installed pastor in December, 1S74. He
resigned in October, 1S75, and for three years they
were supplied : but failing to maintain the cause, were
disorganized in (October, 1S7S.
DELAWARE.
Wii-MlXirrOX. Previous to its organization, the con-
gregation of this city was supplied b\- students of the
Philadelphia Seminar}-. An organization was effected
in December, 1832, at which time Samuel M. Gayley
was ordained and installed in charge. In the following
year. he. and the congregation, went into the New
School bod)-, and, in 1837, o\-er to the Presbyterian
■Church.
'ENNSVLVANIA.
Piiil.ADKLrHlA. Early in the eighteenth century
Covenanters from Scotland and Ireland settled in the
inviting Cumberland Valley in Eastern Pennsylvania,
and doubtless some of them resided temporarily in the
•cit)- of Philadelphia. The first account of any Cove-
236 HISTORY OK THE REFORMED
nanters in Philadelphia was in 1740,^ when a family
by the name of Boyd emigrated from Ireland. Mr.
Boyd died soon after his arri\-al in this countr\-, and
his family took rooms in the household of James
Raine)-, an emigrant from the same countr)-. Mr.
Rainey was furnished Covenanter literature, and, no
doubt, moral suasion by Mrs. Boyd, and he soon em-
braced the principles of the Church. In 174S. Mr.
Rainey removed to the W'allkill, in Orange Count\\
New York, and the Boyd family are henceforth un-
known to histor\-. After the arrival of the Rev. John
Cuthbertson. the first Covenanter minister that came
to America, we find him preaching in Philadelphia. 1"
He preached at the house of Mr. George Graham, in
this city, November 26, 1754. at which time he
baptized Jane, daughter of George Graham. In October.
1761, Mr. Cuthbertson accompanied the Rev. Ale.xander
McDowell to Philadelphia, and the latter preached in
the city. About this time a family by the name of
Galbraith settled in the city, and Mr. Galbraith died
soon afterwards. In 1774, Mr. Thomas Thomson and
his family, from the congregation of the Rev. William
Stavely, in County Down, Ireland, arrived, and social
religious worship was conducted in his house for many
years. In November. 1774, the Rev. John Cuthbert-
son preached in the city and called upon the Rev.
Mr. Marshall, of the Associate Church. The Reformed
Presbyter}- met in Philadelphia, November 26, 1774.
and a Committee consisting of Revs. John Cuthbert-
son, Matthew Linn, Alexander Dobbin, and elder
* C\KcnanUr, Vol. i. p. 314- f Cuthbertsoas Diary.
N
PKE>BVTER!AN CHURCH IX AMERICA. 237
William Brown, rectified some irregularities existing
among the people. Mr. Cuthbertson again preached
to the Philadelphians in November, 1779. In 1784,
Mr. John Agnew emigrated from Ireland, and, after a
residence of three years in this cit\-, removed to that
of New York. In 178S, Mr. John Wallace emigrated
from Ireland, but. failing to find any Covenanters, was
starting to New York to return to his native land,
when, at his lodging place, he pro\-identially met with
an acquaintance of Thomas Thomson, and directed him
to his house in Camden, opposite the cit\-. Mr. Wallace
remained, and he and Mr. Thomson formed a society, -
which was held in the latter's house for many years.
In 1790, the Rev. James Reid, missionary from Scot-
land, preached in Mr. Thomson's house, and this was
the beginning of the Philadelphia congregation. In
1792, the society was augmented by the accessions of
Andrew McLure, William and James McGowan, Samuel'
Campbell and Joseph Sterrett. In 1793, the Rev. James
McKinney, from Ireland, came among them and
preached. In 1795, the following families were added
to the society : John Stewart and Stephen Young
from Scotland ; and Charles Huston, John Wallace,
William Acheson. Andrew Acheson and Samuel Rad-
cliff from Ireland. Mr. McKinney preached to them
occasionally in a school house in Gaskill street below
Fifth. He now procured a lot in St. Mary's street. -
above Si.xth, and began the erection of a church build-
ing. The work progressed very slowly and was not
finished until [803. In October. 1797, the society
received a large contribution of members from Ireland.
23S HI.lTORV OK TllH REFOR.MED
among wliich company were the Rev. William Gibson
and family, John Reill)-, Thomas McAdam, and Messrs.
John Black and S. B. Wylie, students of Theolog\-.
Mr. John McKinley, a teacher in New Jersey, visited
the society occasionally. Then there came the families
• of Joseph McClurg, Hugh xMiller and Robert Orr from
Ireland. Rev. William Gibson now preached to them
.one half of his time, and the other half in New York.
Rev. William Gibson formally organized the first con-
gregation in Philadelphia in the Gaskill street school
house, January 28, 1798. He brought on elders Andrew
■Gifford and David Clark from New York, to constitute
the session. At this time, Thomas Thomson, John
.Stewart and Stephen Young were ordained elders of
the new congregation. In May, 1798, the Reformed
Presbytery, which had been dissolved since the coali-
tion of 1782, was constituted in the same school house
by Revs. William Gibson and James McKinne)-.
William Henry, Thomas McAdam and John Reilly
were ordained ruling elders, August 5, 1801. Mr.
iitephen Young had previousl)- returned to Scotland
and was a bookseller of renown. The first sacrament
of the Lord's supper was dispensed in Philadelphia by
Revs. Alexander McLeod and S. B. Wylie on the first
Sabbath of June, 1802. to about thirty-five persons,
among whom were Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Thomson,
Mr. and Mrs. John Reilly, Mr. and Mrs. William
Henry, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas McAdam. John Wallace,
Catharine and Mary Gilleland, Mr. and Mrs. Service.
Catharine and Jane Service. Miss Hall. Mrs. Kidd, Miss
•Creighton, Hugh Miller, James Vertuc. Mrs. Gray, Charles
rKKSHVTEKIAN CllUKCU IN AMERICA. 239
Huston, Mr. and Mrs. James Black, Mr. and Mrs. George
•Graham, Miss Purvis, John McLean and James Camp-
bell. Ill the fall of 1802, the Rev. S. B. Wylie was
presented with a call from the united congregations of
Philadelphia and Baltimore." He accepted the call on
the conditions that he shoLild be allowed to spend a
year in Europe, that his pastoral relation should begin
on his return, and that at the end of two years he
might be at libert\- to select one or the other, or
neither of the congregations, without further action of
the Presb\-tery. He was duly installed pastor of the
united congregations of Philadelphia and Baltimore, No-
vember 20, 1S03. He found the congregations in both
the cities in a feeble condition, although public or-
dinances had been dispensed as frequently as possible.
The edifice in Philadelphia was poor and in an un-
<iesirable location. It was thought proper to abandon
the old unfinished church. This was not done, however,
and the building was repaired and rendered more com-
fortable. The term of his connection with the united
•congregations having e.xpired, Mr. Wylie demitted the
charges, although he was earnestl%- invited to remain
in Philadelphia. In the fall of 1807, he also received
a. unanimous call from Duanesburgh. Now York, but
finally decided to accept the call from Philadelphia,
and he was duly installed the pastor. At the ne.xt
communion twenty-five persons were admitted to
Ghurch privileges and the whole aspect of the field
became more encouraging. In r8o8, John McKinley,
James Robinson and Robert Orr were ordained ruling
► r-amphlet by Dr. S. B. Wylie, 1S47.
240 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
elders. In 1809, Mr. John Reilly was licensed to-
preach and his connection with the congregation
ceased. In 18 16, the old church in St. Mar}-'s street
was sold and a more commodious building was erected
on Eleventh street, below Market, and was opened for
service, June 21, 18 18. In the mean time they wor-
shipped in the Second Associate Reformed Church in
Thirteenth street, above Market. In 18 19, Isaac Camp-
bell, John Murphy and Samuel Bell were ordained
elders, and, in 1820, Caleb Gray was recognized as a
member of session. In 1824. Hugh Hardy, of Ohio,
and in 1829, Henry Sterling, of Pittsburg, were added to-
the eldership. In 1829, the church building was en-
larged by utilizing the rooms in the rear of the
building. At the division of the Church in 1833, this
congregation suffered a great loss because the pastor
was the leading spirit among those who withdrew from
the communion of the Church. Out of a membership
of about four hundred and fifty, three hundred went
with the pastor into the New School body, including
all the elders, and they retained the church property.
Without a session, the faithful Covenanters, who ad-
hered to the principles of the Church, were immediately
organized into a congregation by the ordination of
Walter Bradford, Joseph Frazer and William Caldwell,
ruling elders. They had, previous to the division, be-
come dissatisfied, and purchased a church in Cherry
street, below Eleventh, in which the General Synod
met in August, 1833. The sacrament was administered
on the first Sabbath of December, 1833, to one hundred
and fort}'-five communicants. The Rev. James M. Willson
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 24I
T.vas ordained and installed pastor, November 27, 1834.
In 1S38, deacons were ordained to manage the temporal
affairs of the congregation, and this soon lead to an
unpleasant feeling among a part of the people. The
Second congregation of Philadelphia was organized,
August 10, 1S42, and the Rev. Samuel O. Wylie was
installed pastor, December 5, 1844, and, after a long
.and successful pastorate, was released by death, August
22, 18S3. In October, 1862, the Rev. J. M. Willson
resigned the First congregation to fill the chair of
Theology in the Allegheny Seminary, and the Rev.
T. P. Stevenson, the present pastor, was ordained and
installed as his successor, May 5, 1863. In 1867, the
■church in Cherry street was sold, and for two years
they worshipped in halls. In 1869, they worshipped
at Seventeenth and Filbert streets, and for ten years,
and in 1879, the present large and well appointed
■church at Seventeenth and Bainbridge streets was
erected. In the winter of 1851, the Third congrega-
tion was organized in Kensington, and held their
services in Commissioner's Hall. The following year
the present house of worship was erected on Deal
street near Frankford Avenue. The officers were Robert
Forsythe, Samuel Cameron, W. O. Lindsay, William
White, William Young, William Brown and William
Dunlap. The Rev. A. M. Milligan was the first pastor
installed in December, 1S53, and released in October,
1855. Rev. John Middleton was installed in November,
1856, and resigned in May, 1862. Rev. Robert J.
Sharpe was ordained and installed pastor in April, 1S66,
.and was released in April, 1879. Rev. John M. Crozier
242 HISTOkV OF THE REFORMEIi
was installed in Ma\-. 1880, and released by sudden
death in September, iSSi. The Rev. R. C. Mont-
gomery, the present pastor, was ordained and installed.
March 27, 1883. A Fourth congregation was or-
ganized in the summer of 1853. In Jul\-, 1854. the
Rev. Da\-id McKee was ordained and installed pastor,
and after laboring for five )-ears. the congregation was
disorganized and the members returned to the other
congregations. After the death of Dr. S. O. Wylie.
the Second congregation called the Re\-. Prof. J. K.
McClurkin, of Westminster College, who was ordained
and installed pastor. October 9. 1884. The old church
building was taken down, and the handsome edifice
in which the\- now worship was erected. Mr. McClurkin
resigned the charge. August 25. 1887, to accept the
chair of Theolog\' ui the Allegheny Seminar}-. Among
other prominent members identified with the cause of
the Reformation in Philadelphia ha\'e been of the {■'irst
Congregation : Walter Bradford, Joseph Frazer. John
Ford, John Ser\ice. i\Iatthew Mackie. William Craw-
ford, John pA-ans, Samuel McMahon, Henry Floyd,
Samuel McMullin, William White. John Alexander
William \'oung. David Smith. William Dunlap.
William Kchols, James Dunlap, James Stc\enson, Robert
Keys. William W. Ke\-s. Hugh Lamont, John Wright.
William Carson. William McKnight. Robert Patton..
Williain Anderson, Matthew McConnell, Andrew Mc-
Murray, John M. Graham. James Crawford. Hugh
Graham, Samuel Irwin, Hugh Lill)-, John Marshall, John.
Lyons, John Cunningham. William G. Carson, Charles
Pullinger. Daniel Morrison. T, S. McDonald, Jame^
I'RESIIVTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 243
Patterson. Of the Sctonii Coiigri;i:nt!on : William Brown.
?:benezer Crai-. Charles Craig, John Caldwell, George
Orr. James Anderson. David Kccles, John Brown.
Kzekiel Sterritt. Robert Sterritt. Samuel Fulton, James
McKnight, William Walker, Thomas Walker, James
Carlisle, J. B. Stewart, Thomas Brown, William Stewart.
James' Keys, Samuel Patterson, D. J. Mcllhatton, William
J. Ferguson, James McKee, William Lackey, William
Walker, Jr., Robert Clelland, Dr. A. Caldwell, Robert
J. Jamison. Of the 77nn/ Congrc,^atioii : William
Cochran, Alexander Mackie, Samuel Cameron, Adam
Lindsay, Wiiliam O. Lindsay, Robert Forsythe. William
Young, Hugh Lamont, Thomas Laughlin. James Blair,
William Steele, William McHatton, Hutcheson McCand-
less, Josefih Ser\'ice, A. J. H. Mackie, George Alex-
ander, John Grier, Joseph Steele,^ John McQuigg.
Thomas J. Crozier.
CUMHERLAXl) Vai.LKV. The Commonwealth of Penn-
sylvania has no more productive region within its
borders than the Cumberland Valley, extending from
Harrisburgh south into Maryland and Virginia; and
no .section of this valley is richer in agricultural,
mineral and manufacturing resources, than the fertile
fields, rugged hills and bus>- towns of Franklin Count}-.
Earlv in the eighteenth centur\- the persecuted Cove-
nanters found an asylum in this inviting region and
settled down to the honorable vocation of husband-
men. The principal settlements were along the d'n-
ococIicn,i:iu- Creek, which word, in the Indian language,
means "indeed a long wa\-." Settlements were also-
made along the Octorara. Pequea, Conestoga, Swatara.
244 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
and other small streams that flow into the Susque-
hanna from the east. These clusters of families scat-
tered all over the eastern part of Pennsyl\-ania had
been trained in the faithful practices of the Covenanter
■Church be\-ond the sea, and did not fellowship with
other denominations in religious worship, but after the
example of their ancestors met at each other's houses
for social worship. In 1720, a society formed at
Paxtang, Dauphin County, and among the families
were those of McClure, Wilson, Wills, Foster, Gil-
more, Gray, Rutherford and Espy. Still farther north
■on the Susquehanna near Milton, Northumberland
County, dwelt the families of Hugh Wilson, John
Boyd and Samuel Brown, as early as 1728. In 1731,
there were a few families on "The Barrens" in York
County. In Adams County they settled upon an
-immense tract of land in 1736, called the "Manor of
Maske," which was given by the Province. The
principal settlements were at Octorara, Lancaster
County ; Pa.xtang, Dauphin County; and Conococheague,
Franklin County. The forefathers of the Willson
family, and the ancestors of the ministers of the
Church by that name, settled in Franklin County
about 1730, and about 1750, removed to the Cove
valley, a little west of the Blue Ridge, and some
twenty-five miles from Chambersburgh. The McCon-
nells, also, who subsequently became related to the
Willson family, resided in the Cove at the time of
the Indian massacre in 1756. They all migrated to
the region of the Yough, in Western Pennsylvania,
in 1769. In the vicinity of Octorara, Lancaster County,
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 245
a considerable society of Covenanters had been col-
lected previous to 1740. Rev. Alexander Craighead,
a minister in connection with the Presbyterian Church
at that place, withdrew from that body because that
Church did not ratify the Westminster Standards.
Mr. Craighead identified himself with the languishing
cause of the Covenanters. He accepted their principles
and became their preacher. Had he not done so,
those faithful and conscientious Covenanters would not
have followed him, neither would they have heard
him preach nor received the sacraments from his
hands. Mr. Craighead was deeply imbued with the
spirit of the Scottish Covenants, and contended
earnestly for the descending obligation of Covenants
upon all whose ancestors were parties to the same,
and insisted upon making the adoption of the Solemn
League and Covenant and the National Covenant of
Scotland a term of Communion for members of the
Church in the Colonies as well as in the mother
country. He claimed that the sea did not absolve
the relation nor remove their obligation. He testified
continually to the Headship of Christ over the Nation,
and the responsibility of all rulers to Him ; a failure
of whose allegiance to Him would forfeit the allegiance
of the people to the ruler. He preached these good
old Covenanter doctrines with a zeal and courage
that commanded admiration, and brought down upon
him the censure of the Synod and the odium of the
Governor.* On November 11, 1743. Mr. Craighead
gathered all the Covenanters together at a meeting
♦Rev. Dr. A. W. Miller, in Sermon, May 14, 1876, Charlotte. N. C.
246 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
at Octorara, Lancaster County, and, after various
religious services, he and the congregation renewed
the Covenants — National and Solemn League. After
denouncing George IL as an unfit King, they then
swore with uplifted swords to " keep their bodies,
property and consciences against all attacks ; to defend
Christ's gospel and the purity of the Church; to
submit to no ruler who would not submit to Christ,
and to defend their liberty from fears without and
within." This declaration immediately disturbed the
political as well as the religious waters, for Governor
Morris, in his message to the Assembly, denounced
these people for their " aspirations and machinations
to obtain independency."* The following spring another _
General Meeting was held, the minutes of which have
been handed down to posterity by Mr. Thomas
Wilson, of Marsh Creek, who was doubtless the
Secretary, and are inserted as a fair specimen of their
proceedings.
"THE GENERAL MEETING.
'• Middle Octorara, March 4th, 1 744.
"The G. M. constituted b)- prayer. Mr. Creaghead
chosen prjes. The following commissioners being pres-
ent commissionated from their respective corres-
pondents, viz :
"From over Susquehanna, Christopher Houston; from
Paxton, James Mitchel and Andrew Smith; from ye
Barrens, Saml. Jackson and Saml. Hathorn ; from Mr.
Creaghead's, Robert Laughead and Josiah Kerr ; from
* Wheeler's Reminiscences, p. 276.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 247
Muddy Run, John Brownlee and Joseph Bell ; from
Pequea, Jos. Walker, Neal McXaught and Wm. Ramsey ;
from Marsh Creek, Thomas Wilson and David Dunwoodie.
UV. "It is agreed upon by ye G. M. that no per-
sons are to be admitted into our G. M. e.xcept those
that are commissionated b\- their respective C's, except
those of our communit\- that have any particular
business with the G. ^I.
2dly. "The alteration of our Society Rules that were
altered by a committee is approven by the G. M.;
the G. M. allows that each correspondent get a copy
of ye Rules as they are now altered.
yily. " It is agreed upon by }-e G. M. that none of
our community hire or employ a papist in our families,
or be employed by any papist in their houses.
^thly, "It is agreed upon concerning ye Levy that
it be paid, until that there be some other end that
contradicts our testimony.
j/Zi/i'. "It is agreed upon concerning Phineas White-
side that Saml. Jackson and Saml. Hathorn go to Mr.
Allison's concerning his learning, and to agree for his
boarding where most convenient.
ttldy. "It is agreed upon by )-e G. M. that Joseph
Irwin withdraw from ye Society until his case be
cleared in respect of ye scandal laid against him.
Jthly. "It is agreed upon that Mr. Creaghead, John
Brownlee and James Wilson are ordered to revise the
minutes of our G. M.'s before ye next G. M.
Sthly. "The G. M. agrees that John Walker was
found guilty in ye affair laid against him, in not
248 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
giving timous warning to Matthew Patterson to attend
at ye running out of a line betwixt them.
gtklv. "It is agreed upon that each private Society
of our community give in their subscriptions for Mr.
Creaghead's stipends against our next G. M., and that
they make conscience to pay ye same yearly ; if any
society fails herein, they may expect that ye G. M.
will take a particular account of them."
The meeting severely condemned mixed marriages
and infairs held at the same, and finished the pro-
tracted meeting with lengthy causes of fasting,
Mr. Craighead, however, did not possess stability,
and, terminating his connection with the Covenafiters
in 1749, returned to the Presb\terian Church and
removed to Virginia, thence to Mecklenberg, North
Carolina, where he died in 1766. The societies were
again left in a destitute condition. They returned to
the society meetings and prayed for an under-shepherd.
In answer to their urgent entreaties, the Rev. John
Cuthbertson was sent to the lonely societies in America
by the Reformed Presbytery of Scotland. The informa-
tion of names and places of settlements is taken
directly from his diary. He landed at New Castle,
Delaware, August 5, 1751, having been forty-six days
at sea from Derry Loch. He praised God for His
superintending care during the voyage. He first lodged
with Thomas Griffith, and the ne.xt day rode twenty
miles on horse back to the home of Moses Andrews,
and on the third day he rode fifteen miles further
south to the house of Joseph Ross, near the line
between Pennsylvania and Maryland, where he met a
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IX AMERICA. 249
Presbytery (supposed to be the New Castle Presbytery
of the Presbyterian Church), and conversed about some
difficulties. On Friday, August 9. '/"L he preached
his first sermon in America at the house of Joseph
Ross. His text was Jonah 2: 8, "They that observe
lying vanities forsake their own mercy." The travels
of Revs. Cuthbertson, Linn and Dobbin are so extensive
that the societies will be taken in the order of their
locations and the names of the early members given
under each.
Northumberland County. On October 21, 1751,
the Rev. John Cuthbertson stopped at the Indian
wigwam not far from the present town of .MiLTON and
conversed with several persons concerning Church
doctrines, and preached 'at the house of Mitchell Clyde.
He remained in the neighborhood and preached the
next Sabbath and baptized George, son of James Gray,
and Jean, daughter of Mitchell Clyde. Not far distant
were the families of George Gray, James Gilmore and
James McPherson. At the coalition of 17S2, a good
many went into the Associate Reformed Church. In
179S, they were again organized, and, in the early
part of the present century they were sometimes visited
by ministers while passing between Philadelphia and
Pittsburgh. An incident is related to show the great
value placed upon preaching and the belief in prayer.
There had been a long interval during which thev-
had enjoyed no preaching, and, their letters failing to
bring a reply, they agreed to observe a fast day and
pray for the desired blessing. This they did, and, at
the close of the ser\'ice. one of the devout worshippers
250 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
was noticed to retire to an obscure place and there
he poured out his soul in secret prayer. Another
watched for his return to the company, and, as he
drew near, his countenance indicated that his prayer
was not in vain. To the inquiry, "What speed.'" the
reply was, " It is neither new moon nor Sabbath, but
it shall be well." The same evening the Rev. John
Black, of Pittsburgh, arrived on horseback and preached
on the following Sabbath.* The society was not
regularly organized into a congregation at Milton until
the fall of 1830. Previous and subsequent to the
organization it was supplied by students from the
Philadelphia Seminary. The Rev. William W'ilson was
installed pastor in the summer of 1832, and the following
year he and the congregation became identified with
the New School body, and the cause is now extinct.
Middle Octorara, Lancaster County. There was
a society of Covenanters in this vicinity as early as
1740, and here the Rev. Alexander Craighead joined
them and lead them in the renewing of the Cove-
nants in 1743. The Rev. John Cuthbertson permanently
located here and lived about two miles from the stone
church, which edifice was used until 1849, or 'a period
of nearly one hundred years. The grant of one hundred
acres of land was made to Rev. Alexander Craighead
and his elders, when he ministered to the Covenanter
society, by the proprietaries of William Penn, for
church and school purposes, and six acres for a grave-
yard. The Presbyterians have since held the church
property by right of possession, although it was
♦ Dr. Sproull's Sketches.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 251
originally granted to the Covenanters. On August ii,
175 1, Mr. Cuthbertson first preached here at the tent
three miles from the house of Joseph Walker. He
returned from a monthl}- trip in September, 1751,
crossing into Lancaster County near Columbia, and
marnied Robert Love and Rachael Sloane at the river.
On Sabbath, September 8, 1751, he preached in the
Octorara tent and baptized Joseph, son of Joseph
Kincaid ; Mary, daughter of Alexander Lackey ; Jean,
daughter of William Patterson ; Hannah, daughter of
Robert Galbraith ; John, son of Andrew Little ; Jean,
daughter of Jeremiah Murray ; Samuel and Andrew,
sons of Joseph Walker ; and Mary, daughter of Moses
Laughhead. At the house of Robert Laughhead,
November 29, 1753, Mr. Cuthbertson presided in an
election of ten persons for ruling elders. These were
chosen at the General Meeting and were for all the
societies. Those for Octorara were Robert Galbraith
and Thomas Ramsey, ordained October 20, 1754. At
the same time and place, Phineas Whiteside and
William Galbraith were ordained for Pequea ; John
McMillan and John Duncan for Muddy Run, both of
whom afterwards removed to York County ; and Walter
Buchanan for Junkin Tent in Cumberland County. At
the communion at Octorara, October 27, 1754, there
were five tables and two hundred and sixty sat down
and communed. At the next communion on October
19, 1755. two hundred and twenty communed. After
the marriage of Mr. Cuthbertson, February 25, 1756,
he took up his permanent residence at Octorara and
lived the remainder of his life on a farm bought from
252 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
Josiah Kerr, which was about two miles from the
church. Revs. Alexander McDowell and Daniel
McClelland frequently preached here and accompanied
Mr. Cuthbertson on his tours. Mr. McClelland assisted
at a communion here April 20, 1766, and also on
May 31, 1767, but his services were not highly
appreciated. After the arrival of Revs. Matthew Linn
and Alexander Dobbin. in December, 177 J, they
frequently preached at Octorara for Mr. Cuthbertson.
After the organization of the Reformed Presbytery in
1774, it frequently met at Octorara. After the union
of 1782, Mr. Cuthbertson removed to Lower Chance-
ford, and the Octorara congregation was under the care
of the Rev. John Smith. Mr. Cuthbertson was buried
in the Lower Octorara graveyard. Nearly all the
Covenanters of Octorara went into the Associate Re-
formed Church in 1782, and continued in that relation
until 1823, when, on its own application, the congrega-
tion was received by the Associate Presbytery of
Philadelphia. In 1858, Octorara went into the union
and is now a United Presbyterian congregation.*
Covenanterism is totally extinct in this region. The
following were heads of families and members of the
Covenanter Church at Octorara previous to 1774:
Joseph and John Walker, William Robinson, James,
Robert and Moses Laughhead, William Dunlap, Arthur
Scott, Joseph Kincaid. Daniel and David McClelland.
Alexander and Samuel Lackey, William and Thomas
Patterson, Thomas Paxton, Robert Galbraith, Josiah and
Joseph Kerr, Andrew Little, Thomas and Robert
».\ikiD'5 Sketch of Cuthbrrtson
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 255
Ramsey, James Wilson of Nottingham. Henr)' Coulter,.
John N'eilie and Joseph Wishart.
Muddy Run. This society was situated about four
miles from the present town of McCall's Ferry, on the
Susquehanna ri\-er. The first log church was built pre-
vious to 1750. The first visit they enjo>'ed from a Co\-e-
nanter preacher was on October 2, 175 1, when the-
Rev. John Cuthbertson preached in the log meeting
house. At this time he baptized Agnes, daughter of
John Reed ; Joseph and Margaret, children of Joseph
McMillan ; and Agnes, daughter of Peter Patterson..
John McMillan and John Duncan were ordained ruling
elders, October 20, 1754. Among the principal families
were those of John Reed, Peter and John Patterson,.
John Brownlee, Joseph and John McMillan, John
Duncan and William Mitchell. In 1782, the society
went into the Associate Reformed Church and sub-
sequently into the Associate Church. At the present
time a few United Presbyterians hold an organization.
Pequea. This society was located about sixteen
miles north of Octorara in the Pequea valley. It is-
not probable that the Covenanters had a house of
worship here, but held the ser\-ices in the neighbor-
ing house of Humphre\- Fullerton. The Rev. John
Cuthbertson visited the society- August 14, 175 1, and
the services were four hours long. He held a com-
munion here August 24, 1755, at which one hundred
and ninety persons communed, and the services were
ten hours in length, conducted without an\- assistance.
At a meeting held October 20, 1754, Phineas White-
side and William Galbraith were ordained . ruling.
2 54 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
-elders: and on October 4, 1767, Humphrey Fullerton,
Thomas Girvan, James Ramsey, CorneHus Colins and
John Robb were added to the session. The union between
the Seceders and Covenanters was culminated here in
1782, and the majority of the Covenanters went into
the Associate Reformed Church and under the pastoral
care of the Rev. James Proudfit. Among the early
Covenanters of this society were the families of
Humphrey Fullerton, Matthew McClurg, Neil McKnight,
Robert McCurdy, Thomas Montgomery, John Boyd,
Phineas Whiteside, Cornelius Colins, William Galbraith,
Alexander Lackey, James Ramsey and John Robb.
There was a Covenanter living there as late as 1830,
a Mr. McGill, and for several years the Rev. James
Douglas of Bovina, New York, would come once a
year and preach for the godly old man, who would
harness up his one ox in his cart, place a chair in
it, and drive the minister around among the hills of
Brandywine, and give the people an opportunity to
hear a good Covenanter sermon.*
Donegal. Mr. Cuthbertson frequently stopped and
preached here at the house of the widow Carson when
on his way between Pequea and Derry.
COLERAIN. This was the home of Mr. Daniel
McClelland, and was situated about eighteen miles
from Lancaster. Mr. Cuthbertson preached here occa-
sionally, and, on September 24, 1751, he had a pro-
tracted public debate with a Mr. Craighead. It is
not known what the dispute was about, but Mr. Craig-
head was won over to Mr. Cuthbertson's views. There
♦Aikin's Sketch.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 255
were probably but five places of preaching in Lancaster
County ; the principal ones being Octorara, Muddy Run
and Pequea.
Paxtaxg, Dauphix County. This society was
situated about four mile^ east of the present city
of Harrisburgh. Covenanters settled here as early as
1740, and were holding society meetings. The Rer.
John Cuthbertson first visited them August 15, 175 1, and
lodged at the house of William Brown. He baptized
Eliza, daughter of Andrew Stuart ; Helen, daughter of
iNIatthew Taylor ; and Mary Ann, daughter of Joseph
McKnight. A communion was held August 25, 1754,
and about two hundred and fifty communed. Mr.
Cuthbertson says that an awful thunder storm, accom-
panied by fearful lightning, occured during the blessing
of the elements, and that four horses and a dog were
killed, and a tree shattered by lightning not more
than forty yards from the tent. On the following
Sabbath, Mr. Cuthbertson had some unusual appear-
ances of death. William Brown, Henry McCormick,
Thomas Mitchell and Benjamin Brown were ordained
ruling elders, February 24, 1 77 1. While visiting the
society in November, 1772, Mr. Cuthbertson was pre-
vented from preaching on account of a great storm.
In the spring of 1773, elder William Brown was sent
to Ireland as a commissioner to procure two additional
ministers and was especially instructed to get, if
possible, the Rev. Matthew Linn, of Aghadowey. He
was successful, and Mr. Ale.xander Dobbin, specially
licensed and ordained for this purpose, accompanied
him to America. The first Reformed Presbytery in
256 HISrORY OF THE REFORMED
America was constituted in this place, March 10, 1774,.
and the Rev. Matthew Linn was then placed in charge
of Paxtang and adjacent societies. After the union of
1782, the cause gradually declined and finally became
extinct. Among the early families connected with the
Paxtang society were those of William, James, Alex-
ander and Benjamin Brown, John Graham, Andrew
and Alexander Stuart, George Williams, Matthew and
John Taylor, Bartholomew Hains, Joseph McKnight,.
Joseph and John Mien, John Chambers, John and
Henry McCormick, Thomas and James Finney, Alex-
ander Swan, John Thorn and Thomas Mitchell. When
the war of independence was over, the German population
literally crowded out the Scotch-Irish, and, in a few
years, Covenanterism was completely exterminated.
The old log church was thus disposed of: "On Septem-
ber ri, 1795, James Byers and James Wilson executors
of William Brown, Esq., deceased, of Paxtang, offered
for sale a log house near the residence of Mr. Brown,
and formerly occupied as a house of worship by the
Rev. Matthew Linn." It was subsequently used as a
sheep pen and but recently disappeared.
Derrv. This society was located about nine miles
east of Paxtang and was first visited by the Rev.-
John Cuthbertson in September, 175 1, when he preached
and lodged at the house of David McNair. In October,.
175 1, he returned and preached, and called at the
house of Alexander Swan, on the Blue Mountain near
by, when he baptized James, son of John Thomson,,
and Agnes, daughter of Alexander Swan. The principal
families here were those of John Thomson, Alexander
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 257
Swan, Thomas Montgomery and David McNair. They
mostly worshipped with the people at Paxtang.
Lower Chanceford, York County. This place is
situated about twenty-two miles southeast of the city
of York, and in the section of country known as "The
Barrens." The Rev. John Cuthbertson preached at
Chamber's tavern, York, December 9, 175 1, and three
days afterward preached at Chanceford, at the house
of William Wilson. The first baptism here was that
of George, son of John Buchanan, April 15, I'S--
He frequently visited this society, for it was a large
one, and ordained William Gabby and Daniel Sinclair
ruling elders, March 27, 1771. After the organization
of the Reformed Presbytery in 1774. this society fell
under the charge of Mr. Cuthbertson with Octorara.
During the last few years of his life, Mr. Cuthbertson
preached principally in this society and generally at
the house of William Maughlin. His last sermon was
preached here September 20, 1790, and he died in the
following March. The names of the principal members
previous to 1774, were William Wilson, George, John
and William Buchanan, Hugh Ross, William Smith,
James Anderson, Robert Greer, Samuel Dickson, Elizabeth
Ayers, Joseph and John Brownlee, William Fullerton,
William Young, Samuel Nelson, Johr( McMillan.
William Maughlin, William Nichol, Samuel Hawthorn,
Daniel Sinclair, John and Robert Duncan, William
Gabby, John Marlin, Daniel Sloan, John Reed, John
Patterson, William Mitchell, Alexander Ewing and
■George Henry. At the union in 1782, the whole con-
258 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
gregation went into the Associate Reformed Church, and,,
in 1858, into the United Presbyterian Church.*
Rock Creek, Adams County. The old church
stood about one mile northeast of the present site of
Gettysburgh. It was early erected and was used until
1S05. There were a few Covenanters here previous to
1750, and they had a tent about two miles from David
Dinwiddle's, who lived near Marsh Creek. In some of
the early records the society was termed Marsh Creek,
but the organization was known as Rock Creek, and
subsequently as Gettysburgh. When the Rev. John
Cuthbertson came to this country from Scotland in the
summer of 175 1, he was accompanied bv a colony of
Covenanters, among which was his brother-in-law,
Archibald Bourns, who married Wattie Cuthbertson.
They settled at the base of the Blue Mountains on "The
Tract," near Gettysburgh. The descendants of the
family are now in connection with the Conococheague
congregation. The names of Archibald, John, Jeremy
and Anthony Burns were long connected with the
history of Covenanterism in that region. The Rev. John
Cuthbertson visited this vicinity immediately after his
arrival in this country. He first preached in the tent
about two miles from the house of David Dinwiddie,.
September i, 1751. At this time he baptized Jean,
daughter of Thomas Anderson ; Isabel, daughter of
Robert McCulIough ; Rose Ann, daughter of Josepli
Hutchison ; James, son of Joseph Broomfield ; and
Mary, daughter of David Dinwiddie. On November 3,
1752, Mr. Cuthbertson bought one hundred acres of
♦.A.ikin'3 Sketch.
PREbBVTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 259-
land situated between Marsh Creek and Antietam.
David Dinwiddie and Jeremiah Morrow, father of the
late Governor Morrow, of Ohio, were ordained ruling
elders, April 8, 1753. It is probable that the Rock
Creek congregation was regularly organized at this
time. The Rev. Alexander McDowell assisted Mr.
Cuthbertson at communion seasons, and this congrega-
tion made out a call for him, October 12, 1761, which-
he declined. John Murphy and Andrew Branwood were
added to the session, May 16, 1764. At the organiza-
tion of the Reformed Presbytery in 1774. the Rev.
Alexander Dobbin assumed the charge of this flourishing
congregation. Previous to 1774, the principal members
of this congregation were Archibald Bourns, David and
Hugh Dinwiddie, Jeremiah Morrow, John Watt, Thomas
Wilson, Joseph Little, Thomas Anderson, Neil McKnight,
Robert McCullough, Thomas Neillie, Joseph Hutchison,.
Mary Silbuck, Joseph Broomfield, John Murphy, Mary
Mair, Robert Stevenson, John Crook, Alexander
Patterson, Andrew Branwood, John Finney, James-
Blackburn, John and William Morton. At the
union of 1782, with a few exceptions, the whole
congregation went with Alexander Dobbin into the
Associate Reformed Church, and, at the union in 1858,
it became a United Presbyterian Church, now located
in Gettysburg!!. The ground then occupied by the
Covenanter congregation of Rock Creek has now become
historic as the Gettysburgh battle field and the National
Cemetery.
Cumberland and Franklin Counties. The societies
in these Counties are so intimately connected both in
26o HISTORY OK THE REFORMED
location and history that they will be considered
together as the branches of a single congregation
known to-day as " Conococheague." The following were
the places of preaching in Cumberland County as
early as 1750: Junkin Tent, West Pennsboro, Big
Spring, Carlisle, Stony Ridge, Newville and Ship-
pensburgh. In Franklin County the societies were
Lurgen, Roxbury, Strasburgh, Southampton and Greene,
Scotland, Rocky Spring, Fayetteville, Guilford, Green-
wood, Grern Castle, Shady Grove, Waynesboro,
Mercersburgh and Hamilton. At these different places
there was usually a tent, consisting of a simple stand
with a shelter over it, under which the minister
stood, and a board set in between two trees for a
rest for the Bible. The people most probably had
some rude seats or logs on which to sit in front and
around the preacher. In later times the services were
held in orchards and barns, until meeting houses were
erected for the purpose. Since the union of 1782,
most of the Covenanters resided in Franklin County
and built churches respectively in Greenwood in 181";
in Scotland in 1825 ; and in Fayetteville in 1840.
JUXKIN Text, in Cumberland County, was a preach-
ing place in 1751. It was first situated on the farm
of Joseph Junkin, near the present town of Kingston,
about nine miles from Carlisle, and eleven miles from
Harrisburgh. The tent was afterwards removed one
mile west to the farm of James Bell, who was a
ruling elder. The Rev. John Cuthbertson first visited
this place, August 20" 175 1, and stopped at the house
■oi Walter Buchanan. He preached the following day
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH I\ AMERICA. 26 1
and baptized Joseph, son of Joseph Glendenning ; John,
son of Joseph McClelland ; and Jean, daughter of
Henry Swansie. Mr. Cuthbertson held his first com-
munion in America at this tent, August 23, 1752.
A preparatory fast day was observed, tokens of
admission to the table were distributed, and the
services on the Sabbath lasted nine hours. He par-
aphrased the Fifteenth Psalm and preached from John
3: 35. After the sermon he prayed fervently and the
people sang a Psalm. He then e.xpounded the words
of institution, fenced the tables, and the commu-
nicants came forward singing the Twenty-fourth Psalm.
After four tables were served he gave a parting
e.xhortation to the communicants. After an interval of
half an hour, he preached from John 16: 31. On
Monday he preached from Ephesians 5: 15. About
two hundred and fifty communed and they were
gathered from all parts of the country. To many it
was the first time they had gathered around a com-
munion table in America. No doubt it awakened
memories of other days and scenes across the sea,
and their tears were mingled with joy and gladness.
Such tangible evidences of the tender care of the
Good Shepherd strengthened every heart and quickened
every grace as they sang that triumphant song which
so often sustained and cheered their ancestors on the
moors of Scotland: —
God is our refuge and our strength,
In straits a present aid :
Therefore, although the earth remove.
We will not be afraid.
The communions were dispensed yearly in the
262 HISrORV OK riiE REFORMED
principal societies and the majority of the members
attended each one. Walter Buchanan was ordained a
ruling elder, October 20. 1754. Pre\-ious to 1774,
the followinij were the principal members at Junkin
Tent : Walter Buchanan, Joseph Junkin, John Leiper.
Samuel Gay, James McKnight, William and Isaac
Walker, Joseph McClelland, Henry Swansie, Samuel
and Adam Calyhoun, Joseph Gardner, Robert Bonner.
Alexander Laffert\-, Da\-id Mitchell and William Rose.
After 1774, the Rev, Matthew Linn had charge of
this station, and, in 17S2, the great majorit}- went
into the Associate Reformed Church. The faithful
remnant joined with the societies in Franklin Count}-.
Carlisle. This was a preaching station visited b_\-
the Rev. John Cuthbertson, November 10, 1751, when
he preached at the house of Joseph Patterson, and
baptized Robert, son of Horace Bratton. Other
members were Andrew Griffin, Frank McXeickle, James
McClelland, William Patterson and Alexander Young.
There was preaching at Bk; Si'RL\(.., situated about
four miles from Xew \-ille, at the house of Andrew
Ralston, August 22. 175 1. On November 12, 1751,
Mr. Cuthbertson preached in the Pennsboro meeting
house near by, and baptized several children. After
1774, Rev, Matthew I^inn had charge of this society.
Among the leading members at that time were Andrew
Ralston, Robert Gibson, Samuel Calhoun, James-
McClurg. Andrew Giffin and Charles Kilgnrc. In
1782. the}- all went into the Associate Reformed
Church, and, in 1858, into the United Presb}-terian
Churcii, and at the preseiit time there is a large and
PRE.sBVTEKlAX CHLRCH IX AMERICA. 263
flourishing congregation of the latter bod\- in Xe\\\-ille."^
Previous to 1774. the principal preaching phaces in
Franklin Count)' were Rock>- Spring and Green Castle.
ROCKV Si'RIXi. was situated about four miles northeast
of Chambersburgh. and the tent was near the home of
George Mitchell. Mr. Cuthbertson preached here, August
24, 1 75 1, and the people got up a subscription paper for
preaching. He baptized Andrew and Moses, sons of
James Mitchell ; James and Kliza, children of James
Lowry ; Martha, daughter of James Thomson ; Sarah,
daughter of Joseph Mitchell ; and Rebecca, daughter
of Joseph McClurg. George Mitchell wa> ordained a
ruling elder April S, 1753. The leading members of
the Rock\- Spring societ\- were Andrew, James, George
and Joseph Mitchell, John McCleai\-, James and John
Lowr\-, James Thomson, John \\')-lie, Joseph McClurg,
David Carson, James and Joseph Reed, John Sharp,
Joseph Hsp\- and Thomas Cross. The majority of the
members went into the union of 17S2, and it is due
to the memory of Ale.xander Thomson and John
Renfrew to sa)- that they kept the Covenanter cause
alive and maintained the principles of the Church.
Among other faithful ones at this time were William
Galbraith, the only ruling elder, Thomas Pa.\ton, James
Finne\-, Thomas Cross and Sarah Morrow. The_\-
organized a societ}' which is the original of the present
Conococheague congregation. In 175 1, Mr. Cuthbertson
visited a few families living in the \icinity of Grekx
C.VMl.i-;, among whom were those of George Reynolds,
George Clark and Samuel McColloch. The)- went into
*Dr. J. B. ScouIIer.
264 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
the union of 1782, and Matthew Linn was the pastor
of the Associate Reformed Church in that place. After
the disastrous union of 1782, the faithful Covenanters
of Franklin and Cumberland Counties gathered them-
selves into a General Meeting, which was usually held
at the house of Alexander Thomson, near the present
village of Scotland. Alexander Thomson, to whom more
is due than any other man for keeping the old blue
banner from trailing in the dust, deserves a passing
notice. He was a Scotchman, and sailed from Greenoch
in July, 1 77 1, and arrived in Boston, September 10,
1 77 1- A Scotch colony was being organized for
Caledonia County, Vermont, while numerous others
were going to settle in South Carolina. He considered
the valley of the Kittatinny the most inviting, and
removed thither in 1773, purchasing five hundred acres
of land, embracing the site of the present village of
Scotland. These Covenanters here settled on the
Conococheague Creek and built saw, grist and sickle
mills. The house of Ale.xander Thomson was the
meeting place for worship and business, and where all
the distant members found hospitable entertainment.
The following were the
RULES OF ORDER FOR COXGREG.ATIOX.\I. MEETINGS.*
I. Let the meeting be constituted b)' prayer,
n. Let the former Presis (or the Clerk in his
absence) call for the Commissions.
III. Let a Presis be chosen by a vote of the
*For many of these hitherto unpublished documents the author was
under obligation to the late Samuel Rea Burns, of Scotland. Pa., whose
came with Rev. John Cuthbertson to this country in 1751.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IX AMERICA. 265
meeting: the former Presis taking the votes beginning
on his left hand, and in case of his absence let the
Clerk of the meeting proceed in the same manner,
and _\-e person having a majorit>- of votes shall be
Presis.
IV. Let the Presis then take the chair ; call the
meeting to order, and call upon the Clerk to read
the Rules.
V. Let the Presis then pose the members with the
following queries: i. Do you carefully and con-
scientiousl}- attend upon social meetings with your
brethren both on Sabbaths and week days when
deprived of more public ordinances } 2. Are you
punctual and conscientious in maintaining the worship of
God in your family morning and evening in all the
parts thereof ; and also secret prayer at the same
seasons regularly.' 3. Have you observed the last day
of Fasting or Thanksgiving (as the case may be) ?
4. Do you endeavor to adorn the doctrines of Chris-
tianity by a life and conversation becoming the gos-
pel, and are you in habits of peace and friendship
with your brethren of mankind .' And are you satisfied
upon inquiry that the members of your society duly
attend the above duties ?
VI. Let the Clerk read the minutes of the preceed-
ing meeting and let unfinished business be taken up
in order.
Vn. Let the Presis enquire if there is any more
business to come before the meeting, and when it
appears there is no furthur business, let him put the
question, "shall the meeting be concluded.'" And if
266 IIISIOKV OF I'HE REFORMED
carried, let the meeting^ be concluded by prayer, i.
During the time the meeting is constituted, let no
person withdraw from the house without the consent
of the Presis. 2. Let no conversation be among the
members. 3. Let each member speak to the question
under consideration in rotation, beginning on the left
of the chair, and let each speaker stand and address
the Presis. 4. Let no motion be taken under consid-
eration until made and seconded. 5. The above Rules
shall be altered or amended from time to time as
the Meeting may judge proper.
FUKTIUK RULES.
1. The most punctLial attendance to the time of
meeting ; all the members being careful to assemble
precisely at the hour appointed, and if an\- shall be
absent after the constitution, he shall be censured,
unless his reasons be sustained by \-ote of the court.
2. After the constitution the first thing to be done
is the reading of the minutes of the last sederunt.
3. L'ntinished business is always to be taken up as
first in order.
4. All papers presented to the court shall be filed
in the order in which they are read, being properly
numbered and endorsed accordingly.
5. Kvery proposition or question which appears to
be warml\- litigated shall be stated in writing by the
mover thereof and given to the Presis.
6. No motion can be admitted unless it be pre-
viously seconded.
7. Xo personal reflectic^ns are in any case to be
PRH.^BVTEKIAX CHUKlH IX AMERICA. 267
sufferetl, whether they respect members of the court
or others.
8. A becoming gra\it>' is to be observed by all
the members ; no whispering is to be admitted, but
a close attention is to be paid to the matter in hand.
9. All prolix and declamatory harangues are to be
axoided ; the speaker confining himself exclusi\-el)- to
the question.
10. Xo person shall be allowed a silent vote; but
all the neutrals shall be viewed as voting with the
majority.
11. In taking votes, the Presis shall begin with the
yiDungest members and proceed according to juniority.
[Sometimes they blind-folded them,] " -
12. No speaker is to be interrupted, except he be out
of order, or to correct mistakes or misrepresentations.
13. The votes by which a decision is made, shall
not be recorded unless at the request of one-third of
the members.
14. Xo member may leave the house without the
permission of the Presis.
15. Xo member is to return home so as not to
attend the termination of that session, without the
consent of two-thirds of the court.
16. The Clerk shall keep a faithful record of every
decision made by the court; the minutes of it shall
be read while the matter of it is fresh in the memory
of the members.
17. The Presis shall determine all questions of
order that shall arise during the session, and his
decision shall be submitted unto, unless it appears by
206 HISTORV OF THE REFORMED
an appeal to the court a majority is against him.
The following' is inserted as a form of commission
to the General Meetings :
" We, the society of Guilford, being met and
constituted by prayer, do appoint and commissionate
Anthony Burns, being one of our number and free
from public scandal so far as known to us, to go ta
the Congregational Meeting, to be held at the house
of Alexander Thomson, on Wedrusday, April ij, ijgo,
and there in our name to consent and agree to e\-er\'
thing in agreeableness to the Word of God and Re-
formation Principles as attained to by the Church of
Scotland particularly between the years 1638 and 1649,.
inclusive. Signed in our name and by our appointment.
" JOHX Renfrew, Presis.
"Thomas Duxcax, Clerk."
For eight years after the defection of 1782, the
faithful Covenanters and witnesses for Christ in this
region were left as sheep without a shepherd. In
1790, they were cheered by the visit of the Rev.
James Reid of Scotland. On August 17, 1791, a
number of persons wishing to adhere to Reformation
attainments, met at the house of Alexander Thomson
and constituted themselves into a social capacity and
entered into the following resolutions :
I. "It was resolved that t\\-o societies for prayer
and Christian conference be erected to meet at such
convenient times and places as each society shall
from time to time agree upon, and that a General
Meeting be held at this place on the third Wednesday
of October next.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IX AMERICA. 269
3. ■' It is resolved that any person of a character
unknown to this society desiring to become a member^
shall bring a certificate from the society he has been
in communion with heretofore ; or in case he hath not
been in communion with any. then he shall bring a
character from his reputable neighbors."
On October 19, 1791, a large delegation was present
at the General Meeting, and, among others, the follow-
ing resolution was passed :
" It was resolved that the Rev. James Raid's former
letter be further pressed by John Renfrew and Robert
Kidd who were in correspondence with the Scottish
Presbyter)-."
These societies were endeavoring to secure the
services of the Rev. James Reid for pastor, but in this-
they were unsuccessful. In the spring of 1793, the
Rev. William King, who had the year previously
emigrated to South Carolina, visited them and preached ;
and, at a General Meeting held August 17, 1793, the\-
resolved to " lay out mone\- which belonged to the
meeting, and which amounted to £\0. 14s. lod., for
defraying the Rev. William King's expenses in coming
to visit them and laboring among them ; considering
it as agreeable to the intention for which the mone\-
was collected." In the spring of 1794, the Rev. James
McKinney. recently from Ireland, visited them, and
they were so well pleased with his labors that in
October, 1794, they sent the following petition to the
Reformed Presbyter)- of Ireland to ha\-e him trans-
ferred and settled in Conococheague :
2-JO HISTORY OK THt; KEFOR.MEU
" To (he I\Linnaiit incinders of the Reformed Presbytery,
to meet icheii and 'ohereever this may reach you :
"The humble petition of the Old Covenanters in
the Counties of Cumberland. Franklin. and parts
adjacent, hmnbl)- sheweth that your petitioners are,
and ha\e been, for a long time in a ver)- destitute
condition as to the Gospel being administered among
us according to what we judge to be the pattern
showed us in the Mount; and having had the oppor-
tunity of having heard a member of \'our court, viz:
the Rev. James McKinne\-, for some time past ; and
we hope his labors have not been entirely without
their use among us, and that if he was to be settled
in these parts, he might .still be farther useful in
calling the attention of this sleepy generation to their
duty. We do. therefore, through your medium, invite
him to remain and abide with us as our pastor, if
you shall see meet to lose him from his pastoral
relation in Ireland ; and hope in such lo\-e that \-ou
will instruct the Committee here what measures they are
to adopt in order to bring said settlement to a regular
Presbyterial issue. \V"e having at present no session,
and being in a ven,- scattered situation, cannot be
supposed to write so formally as might otherwise be
expected. But we are convinced that }-ou, as a court
of Christ, will stand when there is no formality in a
matter of this kind. Our situation is, at the present,
extremely pressing and loudly calls for aid from our
brethren in Britain and Ireland. Mr. McKinne\- him-
self, who has been among us, can, and we hope will,
more fully represent these matters to you than we
pkembvterian church in amekica. . 271
can at present pretend. In case you should see cause
to dissolve his pastoral relation in Ireland and consent
to his settlement among us, we hope we shall yield
all dutiful obedience to him in the Lord, and afford
such worldly support to him as our circumstances
will admit of, not doubting but he will s\-mpathize
with us and be willing to bear his share in the
difficulties which at present effect us, until the Lord
shall be pleased to render us somewhat stronger,
which we hope might be the case in a short time
if the Lord was pleased to give us a fixed pastor ;
and, in the meantime, earnestly desiring the advance-
ment of the Redeemer's Kingdom with you, s\-m-
pathizing with you under the yoke of civil oppression,
we pray that in this our particular request, and in
all your other deliberations, you ma\' be guided by
the blessed Head till you and us meet in that blessed
General Assembly where the Lord God and the Lamb
Himself will be our common lamp.
"Signed in the name of our General Meeting, and
b_\- their order, b\'
■■William Guthrie, Presis.
■'John Thomson, Clerk.
" Coiiococlteagitc, October, t J ()-/..
The sum subscribed amounted to about £'25, and the
list was signed by the following persons : Alexander
Thomson, John Renfrew, John Thomson, William
Hrwin, James Stevenson, Thomas Paxton, Thomas
Duncan, John Steel, Jr., John Steel, Sr., John Guthrie,
John Walker, William Guthrie, William Crow, George
McCIure, John Hwen, Samuel Patterson, David Cowan,
2/2 ■ HIbTORV OF THE REFORMED
David Dicke\-, John White, Finia McClure, William
Speer, William Paton, Alexander McHaffy and Samuel
Sterlini,'. The following were the eight societies com-
posing the General Meeting : Green and Southampton,
Guilford, tireen Castle, Mercersburgh, Strasburgh, Big
Spring, Hamilton and Newton. At a meeting held at
Alexander Thomson's, September 15, T795, the following
persons from the different societies were present and
endeavored to effect the permanent organization of a
congregation with the expectation of having the Rev.
James McKinne_\- as the pastor: William Galbraith.
John White, John Renfrew, William Guthrie, John
Walker, John Steel, John Stevenson, Alexander
Thomson, William Love, Robert Davidson, Anthony
Burns, Thomas Duncan, John Guthrie, Thomas Paxton,
William McCrea, William Speer, John Busel, David
Busel and John Thomson. The following were chosen
elders : John Renfrew, William Guthrie, John Thomson
and William Speer. At a meeting held April 20.
1796, a petition was recei\-ed from the societies west
of the Alleghen\- mountains desiring a part of Mr.
McKinney's time. For one-half his time the Conoco-
cheague people agreed to pa\- Mr. McKinney at the
rate of ^^125. annually. The\- did not give up the
hope of securing Mr. McKinne%-, and continued their
petitions each year, until he settled permanently in
Duanesburgh and Galway, New York, in 1797. When
Thomas DonnelU-, of South Carolina, began to preach
in 1799, he delivered about his first sermon at the
Red tent near Carlisle, and was greatly lacking in
confidence. He kept his eye constant!}- upon his little
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IX AMERICA. 273
Bible, scarcely looking his audience in the face at all.
An old lady who heard him that day, on being asked
after the sermon what she thought of the young
preacher, she replied, " He did pretty weel ; but he
read ower muckle." The congregation was formally
-organized by a Commission of the Reformed Presb\
tery in 1S02, by the election of John Thomson, William
Guthrie, John Renfrew and James Bell, ruling elders
The first sacrament of the Lord's Supper was dispensed
April 17, 1803, by Revs. William Gibson, Thoma
Donnelly, John Black and Alexander McLeod. It wa
not until August 12, 1 8 16, that they enjoyed the
i5tated labors of a pastor, and, at that time, the Re
Robert Lusk was ordained and installed in charge. H
time was thus divided: "One-fourth time at Newville
and Walnut Bottom ; one-fourth at Shippensburgh
-one-fourth in Green township ; one-fourth at Lurgen
and Waynesboro, days for other places to be taken
-out of the whole as occasion may serve." At this
time the elders were John Thomson, John Renfrew,
John Steel and John Scouller. About this time a log
church was erected at Greenwood, and in 1818. the
Roxbury society was added to Shippensburgh. The
Synod of the Reformed Presbyterian Church met here
in 1819. In 182 1, several aggravated cases of occasional
licaring came up before the session for adjudication,
and two ladies were severely admonished for attending
a Methodist camp-meeting at Shippensburgh on a
week day. The ministry of Mr. Lusk was neither a
happy nor a prosperous one, and, on account of certain
monetary difficulties he was released from the charge.
274 HISTOKV OF THK REFORMED
October 15, 1823. The people then in\ited the Rev.
Samuel -W. Crawford to suppl\- them. On Januar\-
26. 1824, the Re\ . John Gibson, of Baltimore, moderated
in a call which was unanimous for Mr. Crawford.
The following were the signers of the call: John
Renfrew. John Thomson, John Steel. Jeremiah Burns,
John Brown, Samuel Renfrew, John Renfrew. Jr.,
Alexander Thomson, Hannah Thomson, Mary Gill,
Ann Morrison, Ann McClo\-, Xanc\" Renfrew, Sarah
Steel, Martha McCloy, Rebecca Steel, Klizabeth Ritchie.
Ann Thomson, Xell\- Ann Steel, Samuel Ha_\-s, William
Stevenson and Samuel Thomson. The salary promised
was $300 in regular half-\-earl}- pa\-ments. Mr. Craw-
ford accepted the call and was duh- installed pastor
August 26. 1824. His time was thus divided: one-
third time in Waynesboro : one-third at John Renfrew's ;
one-third at John Thomson's, and one da\- at James
Kennedy's near Green Castle. In' 1825, the present
stone church at Scotland was erected. "Mr. Crawford
resigned the charge in .Ma>-. I S3 1. During the con-
tro\-ersy and division of the Church in 1S33, but a
few members left the Church. For eleven \-ears they
remained without a pastor, notwithstanding repeated
efforts were made to obtain one. In 1840. the present
brick church in the town of Fayettex'ille was erected,
and the preaching ser\-ices were principalh' held here
and at Scotland. In the winter of 1842, the Rev.
Thomas Hanna, recentU" from Scotland, was installed
pastor. His labors were well recei\-ed but interfered
with b\- ill health, and he resigned the charge in thc
fall of 1844. In the fall of 1845. the Rev. Joshua
PRESBVTERIAX CHURCH IX AMERICA.
Kenned)- was ordained and installed pastor. He revi\ed
the cau.se in Cumberland Count\- and the con-reL,^ation
flourished under his ministrations. The ciders at that
time u-ere James Kennedy-. John Renfrew and Samuel
Thomson. In addition to his pastoral work. Mr.
Kenned_\- opened a .school for both sexes in Fayette-
ville in the spring- of 1S52. called the " Fayetteville
Academ\- and Seminar)-." At the close of the first
\-ear, the female department was suspended for a time
until a large and commodious building \\-as erected on
the sam.e ground by a compan\- of stockholders. The
school possessed a corps of efficient teachers and was
conducted successfull>- until i860, when Mr. Kenned\-
resigned the school and congregation and went as a
missionary to Florida. The school was discontinued
during the war, the building was sold and is now
used for a private dwelling.^ Since i860, the Conoco-
cheague congregation has never enjoxed the labors of
a settled pa.-tor. For twenty-eight years the\- ha\ e
been a \-acanc\-, but have enjoyetl almost constant
supplies. At different times the congregation has
suffered in the reduction of its members b\- emigration.
The old people have passed awa>- b\- death, and,
without a pastor, the young and baptized members
have not remained in the Church. Centering at the
Fayetteville church, with occasional preaching at Shad\-
Grove and Scotland, there are about thirt\- members
in full coinmunion. The elders are John Kenned}- and
Robert McCo}-. Some of the members li\e a great
distance from the church, but at the communion
* History of Franklin County, Pennsvlvania.
2-]6 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
season each summer they all gather around the Lord's
table and renew their vows of loyalty to Jesus after
the customs of their fathers.
Fulton County. There was a society at Licking
■Creek and Cove, in this County, near the Franklin
County line and about ten miles west of Mercers-
burgh, as early as 174S. It was sometimes called
Timber Ridge. The Wilson family were the principal
members, who afterwards migrated to Western Fenn-
-sylvania. The Rev. John Cuthbertson first visited this
society, November 19, 175 1, preached at the house of
James Wilson, and baptized Hannah, daughter of James
McMihan ; Martha and James, children of Joseph
^lartin ; George, son of Joseph Cochran ; Eliza, daughter
•of John Wilson; and Elizabeth, daughter of James
Wilson. James and George Wilson were ordained
ruling elders April 8, 1753, and John (Cochrane was
added November 11, 1770. Among the members in
this vicinity previous to 1774, were James, John,
Joseph and George Wilson, Robert McCullough, Joseph
Martin, James Irwin, James McMihan, Robert and
Adam McConnell, John and Joseph Cochrane, Joseph
McMeehan and James McClelland. On account of emi-
gration this society was discontinued and the few
remaining members worshipped with the societies of
Franklin County. The Rev. Joshua Kennedy, D. D.,
•of Green Castle, has, through his father-in-law, Mr.
James Bell, some of the original tokens used by Rev.
John Cuthbertson and the societies in 1752. They
were made of lead, about a half an inch square, with
raised letters on both sides. On the one side are the
PRE>1!VTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 2/7
letters "R. P.," and on the other, " L. S., 175--"
Mr. Kennedy also possesses the book-case used by
the Rev. James McKinney. The fertile Valley of
Cumberland once occupied by numerous and thrifty
Covenanter societies, at the present time contains but
the two branches of one small congregation worship-
ping at Fayetteville and Shady Grove. While the
Thomson and Renfrew families were for over one hundred
years connected with the Church in this region, it is
sad to relate that not one by the name of Thomson
is now in connection with the Church there. The
West has presented strong inducements to many and
while the cause is diminishing in the Cumberland
Valley, the Head of the Church is stretching forth
the curtains of her habitations in the boundless
country beyond the Mississippi even to the foot of
the Rocky Mountains.
BRADFORD COUNTY.
Bai.libav. In the early part of the present
century a few^ Covenanters settled along the Sus-
quehanna and Wyalusing rivers, in Bradford County,
and not far from the New York line. They were
occasionally visited by a passing minister, but
were not organized into a congregation until the
winter of 1832, when, according to the appointment
of the Southern Presbytery of the Eastern Subordinate
Synod, the Rev. David Scott organized them into
the Wyalusing congregation by the ordination of
William Gamble and William Morrow, ruling elders.
In 1833, Mr. Gamble and some of the members went
27S HlbTORV OF THE REFORMED
into the Xew School bod}- and the congregation was
disorgani7.ed. Mr. Morrow and the remnant continued
faithful to the principles of the Church. For some
time they enjoyed the labors of Mr. Francis Gaile)-,
licentiate. They appreciated his labors, and, in 1838,
when he withdrew from the Church and proclaimed
himself the only faithful representative of the Cove-
nanter Church, he readih- won their confidence and
they all followed him. Under his ministrj- thej- adhered
to Reformation principles, read their Bibles and the
old authors, but were lead to believe that all Churches
had ceased to be Churches of Christ by apostac}-.
In 1859, having previously failed to obtain
ordination from any branch of the Christian Church,
Mr. Gaile\- wickedlj- assumed ministerial functions and
rebaptized all his followers. This opened their eyes,
and, finding that the Covenanter Church had been
basely misrepresented, the\- abandoned him and sought
a return to the Church of their fathers. Being far
distant from any congregation they were not cared
for until some had died and others had connected
with other denominations. A Commission of the Xew
York Presbyter}-, met at Balliba}-, September 30,
1868, and received eight persons into Church priv-
ileges, among whom was Robert Morrow, the onh-
surviving member of the original organisation. The
society was organized into the Balliba}- congregation,
August 28, 1875. b}- the ordination of Dr. F. G.
Morrow and Richard Graham, elders, and John Bran\-en
and Newton J. Morrow, deacons. There were seven
members in good and regular standing, and tweK'c
PRESBVTERIAX CHURCH IN AMERICA. 2jg
persons were recei\'ed b_\' profession of their faith. A
liberal subscription was raised for preachins,' and a
request -granted for the moderation of a call. In 1S77,
they called Mr. Robert McKinney, licentiate, who
died before any action was taken. B>- emigration,
death and defection the congregation was reduced, and
disorganized, June. 1886.
INDIANA COLNI'V.
Cl.ARKSi'.URMl. About the year 1 820, Richard
Wasson and Andrew Stormont, emigrants from Ire-
land, settled near Kel!)-'s station in this County. ■•
They waited on the ministrations of the Rev.
John Cannon, of Greensburgh, and requested him
to come over and preach in this vicinit}-. which he
did on week days. Before any church was built,
Mr. Cannon usually preached in the barn of John
Coleman or in the orchard of James Gra\-. About
1825, an organization was effected in connection with
New Ale.xandria and Greensburgh. called Black Legs,
but afterwards changed to Clarksburgh. The first
elders were Moses Thomson and Robert Henr>-. The
first church was erected in 1 83 1. Among the early
members of the Church at Clarksburgh are: Robert,
John and Mrs. Margaret Henry, Mo:,es Thomson.
Davici, Robert and Alexander Henderson, John, Robert
and William Coleman, James Gray, Thomas. James
and Ann Gaile\-, Andrew. Samuel and Jane McCreery,
Daniel Euwer, Samuel Gilmore. Nancy White, John
McCurdy, John Morrison, Thomas Gemmil, James
McKelv>-, Mrs. Martha Smith, Nathan Douthett. Samuel
* Historv of Indiana County Pennsylvania.
280 IIISTORV OF THE REFORMED
and Mrs. Frances Barr. John and Mrs. Kirkpatrick
and Mrs. Kimball. The Rev. John Cannon continued
to preach here until his death in 1836. For seven
years the congregation was a vacancy occasionally
supplied, when, in 1 843, in connection with Greens-
burgh, they enjoyed the pastoral labors of the Rev.
Samuel O. Wylie, until the fall of 1844. In 1847,
the Rev. Robert B. Cannon was installed, and he was
released in the spring of 1854. The following year
New Ale.xandria was added to the charge, and, in
the spring of 1S56, the Rev. A. M. Milligan became the
pastor for one-fourth of his time. He was released
in the spring of 1866. Clarksburgh received a separate
organization, October 8, 1867, and the following
autumn they obtained the Rev. James A. Black as
the pastor. He revived the work by the organization
of a Sabbath School and a Missionary Society. In
1871, the old church was removed, and a handsome
frame structure was erected near the old site. Mr.
Black demitted the charge in the spring of 18S2,
since which time the Rev. John J. McClurkin has
been stated supply.
Bkar Rl'N and Mahomnc. These societies are in
the northren part of the County and were formerly
connected with the Salem and Rehoboth congregations,
and were organized into a separate congregation in
the fall of 1870. It continued to be supplied by
Presbytery until the fall of 1874, when the Rev. John
F. Crozier became the pastor, and is in charge.
Among the old members here \\ei-e Da\id White,
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IX AMERICA. 2Sr
Alexander White, John McElwain, James Graham,
James Stewart, James Sharpe. Samuel Gilmore.
JEFFERSON COUNTY.
Rehoboth and Salem. For many years previous
to an organization, Covenanters scattered into small
groups all over this and the adjoining Counties
of Armstrong and Clarion. In the fall of 1847,
si.N of these societies were organized into a congrc
gation and it was called " Rehoboth," because they
had plent)- of room and they trusted that the
Lord would make them fruitful in the land. In the
spring of 1852. they succeeded in getting the Rev.
Robert J. Dodds for the pastor. His labors were very
extensive, as his people were distributed over an area
of about forty-five miles in length by thirty in breadth,
and many of them lived in distant parts of four
Counties. Mr. Dodds continued to labor here until
the spring of 1856, when he was chosen by Synod
as a missionan,- to Syria. In the spring of 1S59, the
Rev. Thomas M. Elder became the pastor. The field
was too great and his health would not permit of so
much travelling. The Presbytery then agreed to divide
the congregation, which they did in the fall of 1S60.
Three of the societies in the southern part of the
County retained the name of Rehoboth, and three in
the western part assumed the name of Salem. Mr.
Elder continued in charge of the Rehoboth branch,
and, in the winter of 1862, the Rev. Armour J.
McFarland became the pa>tor of the Salem congrega-
tion. Houses of worship were erected in nearly all
the branches and the pastors distributed their time
282 HISIORV OF THE KEFOkMKI)
among them. Mr. Klder resigned hi.s congregation in
the spring of 1866, and the cause langui.shed. In 1874,
it was associated with the congregation of Bear Run
and Mahoning, in Indiana Count}', and has since enjo\'ed
the faithful labors of the Rev. John F. Crozier. Tlie
Salem congregation grew rapidly under the care of Mr.
McFarland, there being two principal places of preach-
ing— the Bethel branch near Baxter station, and
Belleview in the village of Stanton. Mr. McFarland
was released from the Salem congregation in the spring
of 1882. For fi\e years they were vacant, but enjoj-ed
almost constant preaching. In the summer of 18S7,
the Rev. Harry W. Temple was ordained and installed
the pastor. The names of McFarland, Hill, Campbell,
Millen, Reed, Becket, Hanna. Sterritt. Dill. McKee,
Sharpe, McGifTin, Stewart, Martin, Temple, Wallace,
White, Graham, Mclsaac, Fr\-, and others, have been
connected with the eldership and the best interests of
the cause in Jefferson County.
\VK.sTMOKEI..\Xn COUXT\".
New Ai.EXANDRi.v. The first Covenanter to settle in
this vicinity was Samuel Patterson, who emigrated to
this region in the closing \-ears of the past centur}-.*
In 1800, the Rev. John Black was settled in the vicinity
of Pittsburgh and occasionally preached at Greensburgh.
To wait upon his ministrations Samuel Patterson rode
ten miles, and soon afterward Mr. Black preached twice
a year in Mr. Patterson's house near New Ale.xandria.
In the course of time small societies of Covenanters
sprang up in all parts of the County and became the
* A'. P. >> C. 1S71, p. 363; 1872. p. 60.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 283
nucleus of the present Nesv Alexandria congregation.
A congregation was organized at Greensburgh, by the
Rev. John Black, about 18 13, and Robert Brown, who
<iid more for the cause in that vicinity than any other
man, was ordained a ruling elder. He was a liberal
supporter of the cause and his home furnished hospitable
entertainment for all the ministers and the members
from a distance. Rev. John Cannon became the first
pastor in the fall of 18 16, and he continued in this
relation until his death in 1836. New Ale.xandria
became a regular preaching station in 18 19, when the
Associate Reformed congregation was a vacancy. A
subscription paper was gotten up for ten days' preaching
and Mr. Cannon gave them that much time from his
labors in Greensburgh. In 1822, a few families from
the Associate Reformed and Presbyterian Churches joined
the Covenanters, and the congregation of New Alexandria
was organized. The Greensburgh church was built in
1823, and Rev. Alexander McLeod, of New \'ork. preached
the first sermon in it. After the death of Mr. Cannon
in 1836, the Rev. James R. Willson was called to the
pastorate, but declined. In the fall of 1839, the Rev.
James Milligan, of Vermont, was installed pastor. In
1S41, Greensburgh joined with Clarksburgh and secured
the labors of the Revs. S. O. Wylie and R. B. Cannon
until 1854. Mr. Milligan continued his labors in the
flourishing congregation of New Alexandria until the
\-ear 1S48, and, the same fall, his son. the Rev. A. M.
Milligan, succeeded him. The latter was translated to
Philadelphia in 1853, and for three years New Alexandria,
and for two years Greensburgh, were vacancies. In 1855,
284 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
they were re-united under one charge and recalled the
Rev. A. M. Milligan. He accepted, and was installed
pastor May 6, 1856. In the spring of 1866, Mr. Milligan
was released from the charge. The following year
Clarksburgh received a separate organization, and New
Alexandria and Greensburgh were regarded as one
charge. Rev. Thomas A. SprouU was installed pastor
in June, 1868, and was removed by death, April 8, 1878.
The Rev. James L. Pinkerton was installed pastor in
May, 1 88 1, and, after two )-ears of labor, was compelled
to resign the charge on account of bodily affliction.
The Rev. John W. F. Carlisle was ordained and installed,
June 20, 1884, and released January 26, 1S88. An
occasional day is given to Greensburgh, but the great
majority of the members are in the vicinity of New
Alexandria. This congregation has always possessed
good houses of worship. The first building occupied
was a log church built about 18 10, and was used by all
denominations as a union church. In 1835, the congre-
gation erected a substantial brick church, which, in 1870,
gave place to the present well-appointed building. The
old graveyard contains the dust of many a worth}-
Covenanter who de\-oted his life to the cause of Christ
in this communit)-. Long will be remembered the names
of Johnston, Brown, Elder, Stewart, Du Shane, Henr)\
McClure, Dornon, Beattie, Nevin, Gcmmil, Lowry, Steele.
Hice, Temple, Purvis, Sha\v, Allen, Simpson, Patterson,
Thompson, Miller, Cannon and Gra\'.
BrooklaxI). Under this heading will be included all
the societies which have been known bv different names,
and located in the north-western portion of Westmoreland
PRESBVlEklAN CHL-RCll IN AMERICA. 285
County and along the Alleghcn\- \U\cr. This is an old
settlement of Covenanters." The pioneer ot this region
was Robert Sprouli. the father of the Rev. Dr. Sproull of
Allegheny. About 1796, he emigrated from Franklin
County and settled in this vicinit>- within one mile of
the Allegheny River. Here for twenty years he main-
tained the principles of the Church alone. In 1817. he
was joined by David Houston, who married Mrs. Scott,
and these families organized a praying society-. In 1820.
Thomas Sproull, nephew of Robert Sproull and father of
Revs. T. C. and W. J. Sproull, acceded to the .society.
About the same time. John Dodds. father of the Re\ .
Josiah Dodds, from the Secession Church of Ireland, and.
in 1 82 1, John Bole, also from Ireland, strengthened the
society by their membership. Revs. John Black and
John Cannon supplied them occasionally and they were
organized into a congregation in 1822. Rev. Jonathan
Gill was the first pastor, installed October 23, 1823.
The society grew rapidly, and, in 1S30, the\- were joined
by the families of Robert Armstrong, Joseph McKce.
James Bole. Archibald Dodds and Joseph McEIroy from
Ireland. During the unpleasant controversy and subse-
quent division of the Church in 1833. the congregation
was sorely tried and some of the members went with
Mr. Gill into the New School bod\-. The congregation
as a whole stood by the old flag and maintained the
principles of the Church. At this time the elders were
Ebenezer Gill, Joseph Cowan. Samuel Milligan. Thomas
Dunn and Joseph McElro\-. Joseph McEIroy was the
delegate to the Synod of 1S33, and walked the whole
*J!. /'. S^ C. 1S86, p. 50.
2»ti HI.^TOKV OF- THE REFORMED
way to Philadelphia to attend that notable session. Rev.
Hugh Walkinshaw was installed in April. 1835. The
-congregation then was made up of many branches, and,
at the division of the extensive charge in 1841, both
branches were anxious to obtain the pastor, but he
remained with those on the east side of the Allegheny
until his death, April 19, 1843. During his ministry the
ruling elders were James Dougherty, John Rowan,
Thompson Graham and Robert Euwer. Re\'. Oliver
W'ylie was installed June 24, 1846. He did not possess
3. robust constitution, and was released in the fall of 1851.
During his pastorate the ruling elders chosen were
Joseph Dodds and Samuel Henning. In June, 1854, the
Rev. Robert Reed was installed pastor. The extensive-
ness of the field had been somewhat curtailed by the
organization of new congregations, and, beside the
Brookland charge he ministered to the branches of
Manchester and North Washington. In the Manchester
branch were the Rowans, Hunters, Andersons and
Nelsons. Another society was composed of the Cope-
lands, Boyds, Reeds and Millers. The old log church
was soon abandoned and a handsome brick edifice was
erected. The elders during Mr. Reed's pastorate were
David Armstrong, William Copeland, R. C. McKee,
John Reed, Alexander Miller. John McKee, David
McEIro)-, Samuel McCrum and A. Dodds. In 1S70, the
congregation was reduced nearly one hundred members
by the organization of the Manchester and Parnassus
congregation. The Manchester branch is five miles east
•of Parnassus. Mr. Reed continued in charge of the
Brookland congregation, and Middletown in Butler County
PKEsHVTEKIAX CH^'RCH IN AMERICA. 2S7
was attached to his charge. The Re\-. Josiah M. Johnston
was installed pastor of the ne\vl\- organized congregation
at Parnassus in June, 1871. He was a popular preacher,
but in less than two years he resigned the charge and
left the communion of the Church. In June, 1874, the
present pastor, the Rev. James C. McFeeters, was installed
in charge. Rev. Robert Reed resigned the Brookland
congregation in the spring of 1SS2, and, after receiving
supplies for four \-ears, the charge was united to
Parnassus under Mr. McFeeters, November, 1886, and
the Middletown branch was given a separate e.xistence.
The elders are A. B. and S. B. Copeland, R. A. Arm-
strong, Robert Dodds, John Reed, John Hunter and
Alexander Miller. Brookland has furnished the Church
no less than eleven ministers, twenty ruling elders and
several missionaries.
BUTLER COUNTY.
Middletown. This small society is situated about
twelve miles northeast of the town of Butler. It was
organized about 1825, and was under the pastoral care
of the Rev. Thomas C. Guthrie. After 1833, it was
«nder the care of the Slipper}- Rock congregation and
ministered unto b\- Re\s. James Blackwood, Thomas
Hanna and J. C. Smith. It was known as the Sunbury
branch and subsequent!}- as North Washington. In
1869, it was annexed to the Brookland congregation
and under the care of the Rev. Robert Reed. He
<lcmitted the charge in the spring of 1882, and for
four years the}- only received an occasional day of
preaching and the dispensation of the sacrament once
a }-ear. In November, 1886, they were given a separate
288 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
organization. The church is a comfortable frame one-
situated in the village of Middletown.^ Among the old
families of this societ)- were the Dunns, Doughert)-s,
Euwers. Barbers. Gills and Osbornes. In later years
the leading spirit was John Osborne, whose -house was
always open for the entertainment of the friends of the
cause. The elders are Robert McCracken and Peter
C. Young. Henry Blair, Thomas Banks and Mrs.
Osborne are also among the loyal members of this
congregation.
PixE Creek .\.\d Union. This congregation lies,
principally in Butler County and about thirty miles
northeast of Pittsburgh. All the societies lying along
the Allegheny and its tributaries were a part of the
charge of the Rev. John Black as early as iSoo.t In
1807, the Rev. Matthew Williams was installed pastor
of these branches northeast of Pittsburgh. They were
eight in number and scattered over several Counties.
He was almost constantly in the saddle, reaching places,
of preaching in the then thinl>' settled courtry, part of
which was an almost unbroken forest. In 18 15, tlie
congregation was divided, and Mr. Williams now con-
fined his labors more particularly to Pine Creek, Union
and Deer Creek. He removed his famil\- to Pine
Creek and continued in this field until shortly before
his death. The ministry of Mr. Williams was remarkably-
successful in the gathering of a large congregation, and
the\- were bound together by the closest ties. Often
as many as three hundred gathered around the com-
munion table and those were the seasons of festive
*R. P. & C 1SS3, p, 20. f Caz'.'winler. Vol. 3. p. 378.
FKEbBVTERlAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 2S9
joy. -Mr. Williams had an able session composed of
James Magee, John Glasgow, William Wright, Samuel
Sterrett, Joseph Douthett, James Miller, Robert Ander-
son and David Dickey. The original house of worship
was very primitive in its style of architecture and
simple in construction. It was a log house with a
clap-board roof fastened down by cross-beams and had
very small windows. They usually had no fire, and
■one day when it was very cold and a heav\- snow
upon the ground, no one grumbled, but Andrew Harr
remarked at the close of a long service, " We were
not troubled with mosquitoes to-day."'^ In 1S26, the
Rev. Thomas C. Guthrie became the pastor. In 1S33,
he and about one-half of the congregation became
identified with the New School body. The faithful
remnant were now left without a pastor, but for two
)-ears were supplied by Presbytery. In 1835, '^he Rev.
Hugh Walkinshaw was installed pastor, and, at the
division of the congregation in 1841, he chose the
Brookland branch, and Pine Creek was again a
vacancy. In June. 1S43. the Rev. John Galbraith, who
now remains at North Union, was installed the pastor.
There were two places of preaching and both became
large societies. The 'elders were John and Robert Dodds,
Thompson Graham and James Campbell. In 1870, the
societies each received a separate organization and Mr.
Galbraith remained pastor of the North Union branch.
The Pine Creek and Union branch remained a vacancy
for six years. In May, 1876, the Rev. Ale.xander
Kilpatrick, the present pastor, was installed in charge.
*Rev. ]. B. Williams in Banner, 1S77, p. 224.
290 HISTORV OF THE REFORMED
Among the old families in this region were those of
the Magees, Douthetts, Glasgows, Millers. Andersons,
Creswells. Arbuthnots, Campbells. Wrights,' Crowes.
Forsj'thes, McKinneys, Sproulls, Dodds, Deans. Cunning-
hams. Gillelands. Sterretts, and others. It is said that
Mrs. Penninah Glasgow and Margaret Cunningham were
very useful in social meetings and in giving the
children instruction in the doctrines of sah-ation. The
people Ii\-ed in Arcadian simplicity and were noted for
their piety and integrity.
VEN'.\NGO COL'XTV.
Oil CriA'. Xot a few Covenanters were attracted'
to this cit>- and region during the oil excitement, and
sufficient members being gathered together the}- were
organized into a congregation in the summer of 1865.
They then erected a house of worship and asked for'
the moderation of a call. Rev. David McFall was
installed pastor in May, 1871, and remained two \-ears.
For ten years it was a vacancy, during which time
it was greath- reduced in numbers. The)- manifested
an enterprizing spirit, however, and made out se\eral
calls. Uniting with Oil Creek they succeeded in get-
ting a pastor in* June. 1884. when the Rev. J. A.-
F. Bovard settled among them for part of his time.
The venerable elder William Magee has been the lead-
ing spirit, and among other representative men miglit
be mentioned John Quinn, Joseph G. Garrett, William
Thompson, Robert J. Brown and John Lo\e.
CR.WVFORO COUNTV.
On, Creek. This small congregation is situated
seven miles north of Titusville and twent\--five miles
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IX AMERICA. CQl
from Oil Cit}-. Tlie four societies of Perr\-, Oil Creek,.
Conneaut\-iIIe and Sugar Lake applied and recei\ed an
organization. Februar\- 14. i860, and it wa.s called
Oil Creek, as this society was the largest and most
central. In later years Conneautville received a separate
existence as a mission station, and is now defuncts
Perry and Sugar Lake were ultimate!}- abandoned, and
the preaching was held at Oil Creek, where a small
frame church was erected. The Rev. Daniel Reid was
installed pastor in December, 1861, and was removed
b_\- death in March, 1875. ^°^ "'"^ years the con-
gregation was occasionall)- supplied, and, in the sum-
mer of 1884, uniting with Oil City, secured a part of
the time of the Rev. J. A. F. Bovard. Among the
elders and members were R. J. Brown, Hugh McDill,-
Jacob Boggs. Henr)- Wright. Marcus Stewart, William
Steele, James Moody, Robert P. Randall, Thomas
Pollock and George Dunlap.
Adam.svii.i.e. This was for man\- years a mission
station, under the care of the Slipper}- Rock congrega-
tion, and subsequentl}- under that of Springfield. It
was organized into a distinct congregation in N'o\-em-
ber. 1873. By the death of elder Thomas McFeeters
the congregation was disorganized in October, 1874.
and the members were re-certified to the Springfield
congregation. The}- ha\e a house of worship and are
regarded as a mission station. W'illiam Blair, William
Steel and Thomas Ha\-s were old members.
.MERCER COUNIV.
Si'Rixr.FiEl.D. This was long one of the numerous
branches of the Slippery Rock congregation." As
'Rev. J. C. Smith in A". /'. C- C. 1S85. pp. 147. 172-
^9- HISTORV OF THE REFORMED
-early as 1S35, those liviiii,r in this vicinity were
organized into a society, and, in 1828, became the
Mercer branch of the Shenango and Neshannock con-
gregation. In 1832. the Rev. A. W. Black became
the pastor, who, in 1833, with many of the people,
M-ent into the New School body. In 1834, the remnant
were attached to the Slippery Rock congregation under
the pastorate of the Rev. James Blackwood. The elders at
this time were Samuel and William Rodgers, Robert
Allen, Sr., and Robert Allen, Jr. In 1838, they were
included in the Little Beaver congregation and enjoyed
the labors of the successive pastors of that field.
Springfield, Sandy and Greenville were organized into
a .separate congregation in the summer of 1852. The
first pastor was the Rev. John J. IVIcClurkin, installed
September, 1854, and remained until October, 1873.
In June, 1877, the Rev. James R. Wyiie became the
pastor, and resigned April 10, 1888. Among the elders
may be named William and Samuel Rodgers, Thomas
Barr, William Cochran. William Hunter, Robert and
Cochran Allen, James, S. R. and A. C. McClelland,
J. R. .\IcElroy and J. C. Montgomery.
CKMKkVIl.I.K. This congregation is situated in the
north-west corner of Mercer County and in early times
was the Ryefield branch of the Slippery Rock con-
gregation. Previous to 1833, it was a branch of the
Shenango and Mercer congregation under the pastoral
care of the Rev. A. W. Black. In 1834, the Rev.
James Blackwood became the pastor. The old church
stood in a rye field about two miles from the present
two of Centerville, and was often call the ■•Granary."
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 293
The elders at this time were Joseph Kennedy, Thomas
Blair and J. Campbell. In 1852, the Rev. Thomas
Hanna became the pastor and continued in this relation
for nine years. In 1S63, the Rev. J. C. Smith became
the pastor, with other branches. In 1867, Centerville
and Sunbury ,'now Middletownj were made mission
stations. In 1869, Middletown was attached to Brook-
land, and Centerville continued a mission station until
1 8/ 1, when it was attached to the New Castle con-
gregation. The Rev. S. J. Crowe became the pastor
in Ma\-, 1S72. Centerville was organized into a distinct
congregation, September, 1879, and Mr. Crowe con-
tinued pastor until his resignation in April, 1881, at
which time the congregation was attached to that of
Springfield. Rev. James R. Wylie was installed pastor
in July, 1882, and resigned in November, 1887. The elders
are Robert McKnight, William McKee. William Jack
and Hiram Snyder. The Kennedys. Blairs, Fishers,
and other old families, abounded in hospitality.
LAWRENCE COUNTY.
ShenaN(;o. The first pioneer in Shenango was Samuel
Rodgers who settled here in 1798.* He was soon
followed by Hugh Cathcart, Thomas and Samuel Hays,
Thomas Smith and William Campbell. They formed a
praying societ\- and the Rev. John Black occasionally
visited them. Samuel Hays was the ruling elder. The
societies subsequently organized at Mercer and Neshan-
nock were associated with this, and enjoyed the labors
of Revs. Robert Gibson and George Scott. These were
*Wm. Cochran in R. P. <^ C, 1SS5, p. 176.
294 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
organized into a separate congregation, and the Re\-.
Andrew W. Black was installed the pastor, January-
1 8, 1832. In 1833, the pastor and the majorit)- of
the congregation became identified with the Xe\\-
School bod\- and held the church propert)-. Those who
remained true to the distincti\e principles of the
Church were the families of Samuel Rodgers, Samuel
Cochran, Reed and William Porter, Charles Love and
George Logan — in all about twent\- members. In 1834,
they were associated with the Greenville branch of the
Slippery Rock congregation and enjoyed the labors of
the Rev. James Blackwood. In 1838, they were attached
to the Little Beaver congregation and subsequently
under the pastoral care of Revs. Joseph W. Morton
and Samuel Sterrett. In 1852, they were attached to
the Springfield congregation and under the pastoral
care of Revs. J. J. McCIurkin and J. R. Wylie. At
Greenville there are about forty members. In 1865,
the old church building was sold and they worshipped
at Adamsville. Among the old members were William
and Robert Rodgers, William Porter, William Cochran,
Thomas McFeeters, Elizabeth Mathers, Nancy Love.
Jane Porter and Jane McElhane\-.
Slippery Rock. This congregation is situated
principall)- in Crawford County, and has been known
at different times b\- different names.* The branches
peculiar to this, and not to other congregations, were
Camp Run, Harlansburgh and Porters\-ille. The first
preaching at Harlansburgh was held in the bar room
of the hotel, and afterwards in the Baptist church,
* Rev. ]. C. Smith in A'. /'. il-^ C, 1S85. pp. 147. 172.
P[<E>HVTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 295
until James Martin was sprinkUd, and then the breth-
ren told them to hunt other quarters. All these
branches were under the pastoral care of the Rev.
John Black until 1S14, when they were included under
the Little Beaver congregation. Rev. Robert Gibson
became the pastor in 1S19, and was released in 1S30.
In 1831, Rev. George Scott became the pastor, and,
in 1S33, he and some of the members went into the
New School body. In the spring of 1S34, the Rev.
James Blackwood became the pastor. The elders within
the bounds of the present congregation were James
Wright and Samuel Sterrett of Camp Run ; Thomas
Willson and Thomas Speer of Harlansburgh. About
1836, Harlansburgh dropped its name and was known
as Slippery Rock and Hautenbaugh. In 1S38, churches
were built in these places, but the one in Hauten-
baugh was never finished and was abandoned. Mr.
Blackwood died in 1851. During his pastorate William
Wright, Matthew Stewart, John Love and James
Anderson were ordained elders. In 1852, the Rev.
Thomas Hanna became the pastor and remained in
charge nine years. The Camp Run branch was
abandoned, and here dwelt the Methenys, Sterretts,
Wrights and McEhvains. In the spring of 1863, the
present pastor, the Rev. J. Calvin Smith was installed.
At this time the branches were Slippery Rock, Porters-
ville, Hautenbaugh and Lackawannock. The elders
were Thomas and Robert Speer, David Pattison,
A. F. Kennedy, Thomas Young, Robert Wylie, Robert
McCaslin. J. B. McElwain, George Magee. George
Kennedx- and Dr. J. M. Ralph. In 1871, Hautenbaugh
296 HISTORV OF THE REFORMEU
and Lackawannock were included in the New Castle
congregation, and Slippery Rock and Portersville now
compose the organization. In 1833, Thomas Willson
was the delegate to Synod in Philadelphia , and he
-walked all the way to attend that notable session.
Such men as Thomas Willson, George Magee, Dr.
Cowden, Thomas Speer, William Boyd, and others,
were conductors on the Underground Railway and
fearless advocates of the cause of the oppressed slave.
New Ca.STLE. A society of Covenanters was organ-
ized in the vicinity of this city as early as 1825,
and was under the pastoral care of Revs. Robert
Gibson and George Scott. In 1833, some of the
members went into the New School body. In 1834,
the Rev. James Blackwood became the pastor of the
congregation of which this was a branch, and David
Pattison was the elder. In 1852, the Rev. Thomas
Hanna became the pastor, and during his ministry
George Boggs and Robert Speer were added to the
eldership. In 1863, the Rev. J. C. Smith began to preach
a part of his time in this field and continued in this
relation for seven years. The congregation was
regularly organized, January 9, 1871. The elders
installed at this time were Robert Speer, David and
D. C. Pattison. Rev. S. J. Crowe was the first pastor
installed in May, 1872, and built up a flourishing
congregation. He demitted the charge in April, 1881.
The Rev. J. Milligan Wylie was installed in June,
1883, and released in December, 18S7. Rev. W.
R. Laird was installed pastor in May, 1888. The first
church building was erected during Mr. Hanna's
PRE.sBVTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 29"
pastorate and was then situated in the suburban town
of Reynoldsville. It is a comfortable frame building and
now within the limits of the stirring city of New
Castle. Other elders are William Boyd, Robert
McKnight, P. A. Mayne and Dr. T. J. Blackwood.
BEAVER COUNTY.
Little Beaver. This once widely scattered congre-
gation is now concentrated, and worships in a comfort-
able church building in the town of Xew Galilee. As early
as 1804, a few families were residing within the limits
of this County, and in 1S05, they were joined by
James Cook from Canonsburgh. The societ\- continued
to grow and was occasionally visited by Rev. John
Black. It was organized into a regular congregation
in 1 8 14, and for fi\-e years enjoyed supplies. The
first pastor was the eloquent Robert Gibson, installed
in September. 1S19, and for eleven years he continued
to draw large audiences wherever he preached, and
built up a flourishing congregation. He resigned the
extensive field in October. 1830, on account of
impaired health. The next pastor was the Rev. George
Scott, installed in April. 1831. At the division of
the Church in 1833, he, and many of the congrega-
tion, went into the New School body, but the
remnant retained the church propert}-. This, however,
so reduced their members that they were attached to
the Slippery Rock congregation.* The elders who
stood fast to the principles of the Church were James
Cook, John and James Young, and James McAnlis.
The Rev. James Blackwood was installed the pastor,
♦Rev. J. C. Smith in R. P. <.- C. 1SS5, p. 147.
298 HLSTOKY OF THE REFORMED
with other branches, in May, 1834, and during his
pastorate Robert Gray and Robert Gilmore were added
to the session. In October, 1838, Little Beaver and
the adjacent societies in Ohio, were organized into a
separate congregation. The Rev. Joseph W. Morton
was installed the first pastor in November, 1845, and
was released in June, 1847, when he was chosen as
a missionary to Ha)'ti. Rev. Samuel Sterrett was
installed pastor in June, 184S, and remained in charge
until May, i860, when Little Beaver became a distinct
congregation and he retained the branches in Ohio.
For four years they received supplies. Rev. Nathan
M. Johnston was installed in April, 1864. He remained
in charge twenty-two years, during which time the
A:ongregation grew extensively and a new church
,l3uilding was erected in the town of New Galilee.
Mr. Johnston resigned the charge in June, 1886,
..and Rev. James R. Wylie was installed pastor in May, 1888.
Among the 'families long connected with the Church
in this vicinity are those of Cook, McAnlis, Porter,
tCalderwood, Young, Gray, Gibson, Gilmore, Duf^,
Carson, Qua, Campbell, McGeorge, Dodds, Boggs, Patter-
son, Acheson and Sharp.
Be.WEi; F.vlls. The first Covenanter preaching in
the city of Beaver P'alls was given by the Rev. N.
M. Johnston in the winter of 1869, when only one
member of the Church lived there. This, and the
station of Rochester, received an occasional day, and, for
some time previous to the organization, Beaver p'alls
enjoyed services regularly once a month. The con-
gregation was organized November 10, 1874, with
PRESBYTERIAN CHCRCH IX AMERICA. 299
twenty-four members, at which time Robert Paisley,
John Cook and J. D. McAnlis were chosen ruhng
elders. Rev. Robert J. George, the present pastor,
was installed in June, 1875. The same year they
purchased a frame building, which has since been
replaced by the present comfortable and beautiful
edifice. Mission and pastoral work have rendered this a
most flourishing congregation and a center of influence
in the Church. -Since the organization, W. R. Sterrett,
R. A. and R. J. Bole, and William Pearce have been
added to the eldership.
AI.I.EGHEXV COUNTY.
PiTT.SHURGH AND ALLEGHENY. The vicinity of these
two cities was very early settled by an element strongly im-
bued with Presbyterianism. and a few Covenanters removed
into this region from beyond the sea and the Allegheny
mountains. The Rev. John Cuthbertson speaks of being
in Pittsburgh in the fall of 1779, but mentions no
names. Previous to 1797, the most of the Covenanters
resided at the "forks of the Vough." In the fall of
1799, and shortly after his licensure, the Rev. John
Black was assigned to labor among the societies west
of the Allegheny mountains and in the vicinity of
these cities. When .Mr. Black first came to this part
of the country as a preacher, he settled on a farm
about twelve miles east of Pittsburgh, in what was
known as the Thompson Run societ}-. On the corner
of this farm a log church was built and a graveyard
surrounded it. He afterwards removed to the city of
Pittsburgh, and the property was held by Synod. A
congregation centering around Pittsburgh was organized
300 HISTORV OF THE REFORMED
under the general name of "Ohio," and Rev. John Black
was installed the pastor. December iS, iSoo."^ The
services at the ordination were held in the old Court
House on Market street west of the Diamond, Pitts-
burgh, and were conducted by Revs. James McKinne)-
and Samuel B. Wylie. For two or three years the
congregation worshipped in the old Court House and
also in the Evangelical Lutheran Church at the corner
of Sixth and Smithfield streets. In 1S03, the famous
Oak Alley church was built, which stands near Liberty
street and not far from the present Union Depot.
Here the congregation harmoniously worshipped for
thirty years. Among the first corps of elders were
John Hodge, William Gormley, John Armstrong, John
Aikin, John Cowan, James McVickars and Thomas
Smith. In after years there were added to the session
Alexander Har\ey and Samuel Henry. At the division
of the Church in August, 1833, Dr. Black, and the
great majority of the members, departed from the
distinctive principles of the Church and went into the
New School bod\-. Thej- also retained the church
property. In fact there were only about thirteen
members who adhered to the principles, and they were
of the poor and less influential of the former con-
gregation. From these few and poor, but true, witnesses
of the Reformation, four large and wealthy congrega-
tions ha\e sprung, while the New School brethren are
about extinct in Pittsburgh. The congregation was
♦Rev. J. W Sproull in R. P. ■!" C. 1884. p. 173. Memoir of Dr
McLeod. p. 51. PusbyUrian Hish^rual Abiuimu. Vol. 2. p. 182 . Vol. ;
404. Dr. Sproull's Sketches.
PRESBVTEKIAX CHURCH IX AMERICA. 30l
re-organized September 9, 1833, with thirteen members.
On the first Sabbath of December, 1833. the first
communion was conducted by Revs. John Cannon.
James Blackwood and Thomas Sproull, and the services
were held in the Associate Reformed Church in
Alle"-heny. One hundred and twenty communicants
sat down at the table of the Lord, and the\- were
collected from the societies in the vicinity. Samuel
Henry and Alexander Harvey were the only elders
who adhered to the principles, and they were continued
in office in the new organization. Rev. Thomas Sproull
was installed the pastor. May 12, 1834. Being without
a church building, for two years the\- worshipped in
other churches and halls, and, after a good deal of
discussion about a location, they finally agreed to erect
a church at the corner of Lacock and Sandusky
streets in Allegheny, which they did in 1836. Andrew
Gormle\- insisted that they should erect the church in
Pittsburgh, because if they did not they would lose
the Oak Alley property which rightfully belonged ta
them. When the case came into the civil courts and
was tried in 1855, Andrew Gormle>- was found to be
correct, and the rightful owners lost the property by
a change of name and location. There is something
in a name. William Haslett, John Campbell, Hugh
Harve>- and William Adams were added to the session,
October i, 1836. For thirt\- years the congregation
continued to worship in the old church in Allegheny,
during which time James Carson, Robert Adams,
Robert McKnight, H. A. Johnston, David Gregg, George
Boo-fTs. Thomas Newell, Daniel Euwer, Henry Stewart,
r
y--^ III.STOKV OF THE REFORMED
Isaac McKenry, VV. C. Bovard, John Boggs and William
Wills were added to the eldership. In October, 1865,
fifty-eight members were certified to form the Pitts-
burgh congregation, and Robert Glasgow, Alexander
and Robert Adams were chosen ruling elders. Rev.
A. M. Milligan became the first pastor of the newly
•organized Pittsburgh congregation in May, 1866. They
■worshipped for a short time in the City Hall, and for
four years in the Fourth Ward School House on Penn
street. In 1870, the present commodious church build-
ing on Eighth street, below Penn. was erected. In
1866, Dr. S. A. Sterrett and John A. McKee, and in
1 87 1, Daniel Euwer and Robert McKnight were added
to the session. Subsequently Samuel McNaugher and
Samuel M. Orr were chosen elders. For nineteen
years Dr. Milligan preached with great power and
success in Pittsburgh. His health failed in 1884, and
he died of an incurable disease in May, 1885. In
October, 1887, Rev. David McAllister was installed
pastor. The congregation sustains a mission in
Allegheny, a school for Chinese and mutes, and has
a flourishing Sabbath School. This is one of the
largest, wealthiest and most influential congregations in
the Church. Among other influential members aside
from the eldership are James R. McKee, John R.
Gregg, James S. Arthurs, John Tibb\-, Matthew Tibby,
John D. Carson, Dr. William Hamilton. Daniel Chestnut,
James McAteer, John Hice, Samuel Sloane, William M.
Dauerty, James Martin. John Hanna, John Ross, Robert
Carson, Robert Gra\-. After the organization of the
Pittsburgh congregation in 1S65, the Allegheny con-
PKE.sBVTKRIAX CHURCH IN AMERICA. 303
gregatioii continued to worship in the old church at
the corner of Lacock and Sandusky streets, and had
about three hundred and fift\- members. In December.
1S6S, they removed to the present large church
building at the corner of Sandusk}- and Diamond
streets. Dr. SprouU resigned the charge in October,
1868. For two years the congregation was vacant,
and in the meantime a division occurred, resulting in
the organization of the Central Alleghenj- congregation,
■October 24, 1870. The Rev. David B. Willson was
installed pastor of the Allegheny congregation in
November, [870, and they continued to worship in the
■new church. Rev. John W. Sproull was installed
pastor of the Central Alleghen\' congregation in April,
1 87 1, and they worshipped in the chapel of the United
Presb)-terian Seminar)- until the occupation of the
present church on Sandusk\- street below Ohio. Among
the elders in this congregation are David Gregg, Robert
Gibson, John and Robert Aikin, William Anderson.
Hugh McKee, Matthew Steele, John Logan, Henry
Stewart, William Haslett and Theophilus Sproull. Rev.
D. B. Willson resigned the Allegheny congregation in
October. 1875. Rev. J. R. W. Sloane was installed
pastor in June, 1877, ^^^d continued in this relation, in
addition to his Seminary work, until his health failed,
.and he was released in May, 18S4. The Rev. J. R.
J. Milligan, the present pastor, was ordained and
installed in October, 1S85. Among the elders and
members in this congregation were John and James
f^oggs- James B. McKee, Daniel Huwer, John T.
:\Iorton, James Best, William Martin, John C. ^IcKee,
304 HISTORV OK THE REFORMED
Martin Prenter, Robert Morton. Clark Morton. Isaac
Taylor, Da\'id A. Grier. James McFall, Donald M_
Sloane, John Allen, James Patterson, Prof. McAnlis,
James Knox, William Boggs. The Central congrega-
tion is conducting a mission school at Spring Garden,
in the north-eastern part of Allegheny. In November,
18S7. a congregation was organized in the East End,
Pittsburgh, and a flourishing Sabbath School is being
conducted. Among the officers in this new congrega-
tion are John C. Calderwood, Alexander M. Denholm,
William Blair, J. Calvin Ewing, Samuel Denholm and
Thomas C. Johnston. In the congregations of Allegheny
and Pittsburgh there are about eight hundred members,
closel)' attached to the principles of the Church,
abundant in labors and liberal supporters of the gospel.
There is a strong and healthy element of Covenan-
terism around Pittsburgh, which gives tone to the
cause and influence to the Church in that vicinity.
WILKIXSBURGH. Mainly through the instrumentalit)-
of Hugh Boyd and James Kell\-, a house of worship was
erected in this village in 1845, ^"d a congregation
organized in the summer of 184S. They had formerly
belonged to the Pittsburgh and Allegheny congregation,
and now included the preaching station of Deer Creek.
The Rev. Thomas Hanna was stated supply for some
time, and they also enjoyed the labors of the young
men of the Church. The Rev. Joseph Hunter was
installed pastor in April, 1S52, and continued in this
relation thirt)- years. The Rew W. W. Carithers was
installed pastor in June, 18S3, and is in charge. The
congregation has erected a neat parsonage and soon
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 305
will build a new church edifice. Amonsj the elders and
prominent member.s in Wilkinsburgh ha\'c been James
Kelly, Hugh and John Boyd, Robert Bovard, Samuel
Henning, Samuel Henry, \V. J. Dougherty, Dr. Wads-
worth, David Osborn, Hugh Dean, William Wills,
William Blair. Thomas Newell, Robert Barr, Thomas
Black. A. C. Coulter, William Wylie, W. M. Pierce,
James Barron, J. D. McCune, Isaac Kitchen, and others.
McKeesport. For many years this was a branch of
the Monongahela congregation, and enjoyed the labors
respectively of Revs. John Crozier, J. W. Sproull, T. C.
Sproull and W. J. Coleman. It was organized into a
separate congregation in April, 1S82, and for three xears
was supplied by Presbyter^-. Rev. Joseph H. Wylie was
the first pastor, installed in June, 1885, and released in
June, 1887. The congregation for many years worshipped
in a school-house, and a few years ago secured a good
church building in an eligible location. Among the
members are S. O. Lowr\-, John McConnell. James
Gemmil, Thomas Adams, J. G. McElroy. Kno.x C. Hill,
Joseph Steele, William McCarthy, Joseph L. Stewart.
David H. Sarver, James Bell, John Jenkins, William
Littlejohn, William McCaw, G. W. Warren.
MoxomiAHEl.A. This congregation occupies a promi-
nent place in the history of the Church, and in early
times was distributed over a large area of country lying
along the Monongahela and Youghiogheny rivers, some
twenty miles south-east of the city of Pittsburgh. The
central point was the "forks of the Yough," as the space
between these two rivers, and for a considerable distance
above their confluence, was denominated. Other branches
3o6 HIbTORV OF THE REFORMED
were Jefferson, ten miles north-east; Redstone, thirt\"
miles south-east: and Miller's Run in Washington Count)-.
Under " .Monongahela " will be considered the histor\' of
Covenanterism principall\- in Elizabeth Township, Alle-
gheny Count)-. "^ Perhaps the earliest settlement was in
1769, when James Willson, and his son Zaccheus, left the
Cove Mountain east of the AUeghenies, and settled in
this vicinit)'. The following year, accompanied by Robert
McConnell, Mr. Willson removed to the "forks of the
Yough." Soon after this the)- were joined b)- the
families of Robert and Matthew Jamison, Andrew
McMeans and Matthew Mitchell, and a pra)-ing socict)'
was formed. The Rev. John Cuthbertson made his first
and only tour to this region in the autum.n of 1779.
On the evening of September 17, 1779, he arrived at
the house of Mr. Simpson, at the " forks of the Yough,"
and on the next day rode to the homes of Colonel Cook
and Zaccheus Willson. On the Sabbath he preached in
a tent on the farm of Zaccheus Willson, and baptized
Mary, daughter of Robert Jamison. On Monday he rode
five miles down the Yough to Joseph Caldwell's and
Joseph Morton's, and on September 21, he preached and
baptized Thomas and Elizabeth, children of Charles
Boal. He also visited James Finney and David Robinson.
On the next Sabbath, September 26, 1779. he preached
at the house of John Drennen, and baptized Susan,
daughter of Josiah Willson; James, son of Aaron Willson;
Hannah, daughter of Joseph Laughead; David and Martha,
children of John Drennen; and Susannah, daughter of
James Patterson. On Monday he visited the homes of
*Cin'tniiiiUr. Vol. 2, p. 152. CuthbertsoQs Diary.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH I.\ AMERICA. 307
Matthew Mitchell and John Reed, on the Monontjahela,
and then passed o\'er into Washington County. He
returned to the house of John Reed on October 3, and
preached near b}' and baptized John, son of John Reed.
He then went back to Washington Count)- with John
Reed. Mr. Cuthbertson appears to ha\e returned the
second time to the "forks of the Vough." preaching to and
catechizing fift\- persons. He also baptized William, son-
of Matthew Mitchell; Janet, daughter of Ebenezer
Mitchell; Isabel, daughter of John Mitchell. He then
went again to Miller's Run. On Sabbath. October 17,
he passed this way on his road home and preached, and
baptized Martha, daughter of James Finney; Hannah,
Sarah and William, children of John Robinson. He then
returned to Eastern Pennsylvania and never visited this-
region again. It would appear from Mr. Cuthbertson's
diary that the principal Covenanter families in this-
vicinity 'in 1779, were those of James Simpson, Zaccheus,
James, Josiah and Aaron Willson, Joseph Laughead,
Joseph Caldwell, John Drennen. Thomas Morton, James
Patterson, Robert and Matthew Jamison. Andrew Mc-
Means, Matthew, John and Ebenezer Mitchell, James
Finney, John Reed, Charles Boal, David and John
Robinson. At the union of 1782. the whole society.,
with the e.xception of the single famil\- of James Finne\-.
went into the Associate Reformed Church. Soon Mr.
Finne\- was joined b\- the families of John Laughead
and Mrs. Parkhill from o\-er the mountains. For ten
\'ears the\- li\-ed without public preaching and maintained
the principles of the Church. In 1792. the\- were cheered
bv a visit from the Re\-. William King, who had recently-
30S HISTORY OK THE REFORMED
-emigrated to South Carolina. In 1794, the Rev. James
McKinney vi.sited them, and aroused such an intere.st by
his eloquence, that as many as tliree thousand persons
gathered to hear him from all parts of the country. In
the autumn of 1799, the Rev. John Black, then a licen-
tiate, was sent to the region beyond the Alleghenies.
He was ordained in December, 1800, as pastor of all
the societies in the vicinit)- of Pittsburgh, and gave part
of his time to Monongahela. John Drennen and Zaccheus
VVillson returned to the Covenanter Church, and the
societ}- was now joined by Samuel W'ylie, Benjamin
Brown, William Madill, and others. The services were
usually held at the house of James Finney, on the bank
■of the Monongahela. In 1801, the society was regularly
organized, and James Finney and Zaccheus Willson were
■chosen ruling elders. The first communion was held in
1802, and was conducted by John Black and Samuel B.
Wylie. The services were held in a grove near the
" forks of the Yough." and a large number of commu-
nicants from all the western Counties assembled at the
feast. Another communion was held by the same
ministers on the farm of Samuel Scott, about eight miles
-south of Pittsburgh, and here the Rev. Samuel B. Wylie
preached his celebrated sermons, " The Two Sons of Oil "
and " Covenanting."* Soon the congregation so rapidly
increased, that, in 1806, Dr, Black divided his extensive
charge and continued to supply these people. The
session was then increased by the election of Samuel
Wylie, John Anderson and William Gormley, ruling elders.
In the Redstone settlement were the Parkhills; and at
'*Dr. Sproull's Sketches.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 309
the "Sanhedrim," or Mifflin society, were the families
of William McElree, James Tennent and David Love.
The first pastor of Monongahela and Canonsburgh was
the Rev. William Gibson, who was installed in the fall
of 1S17. He remained in this relation for nine years.
In the fall of 1827, the Rev. Gordon T. Ewing was
installed pastor. His health was very poor and he
resigned in May, 1S30, and returned to Ireland. During
the controversy and division of the Church in 1833,
they were left without 'a pastor, but they were so well
grounded in the principles of the Church, that very few,
if any, left the communion. The Rev. John Crozier
was installed pastor in May, 1S34, and remained in
this relation for thirty-one years, and until his release
in April, 1865. Rev. John W. SprouU was installed in
April, 1866, and released in April, 1871. Rev. T. C.
SprouU was the pastor from October, 187 1, until May,
1S76. Rev. W. J. Coleman was installed in June, 1S79,
and released in July, 1881. Rev. John M. Wylie was
installed in April, 1S83, and released in April, 1884.
Rev. Robert Reed was stated supply for some time.
By emigration and death, the cause which one hundred
years ago was so flourishing, is now languishing at the
" forks of the Yough." Among the old families and
elders of this historic congregation might be named
Zaccheus and John Z. Willson, Samuel Wylie, James,
William and Robert Finney, Thomas Reynolds, Walter
McCrea, Samuel Rodgers, William, James and David
Parkhill, James Patterson, John Huston, John Elliot, Sr.,
John Elliott, Jr., John and William McConnell, R. C.
McKee and John S. Patterson.
310 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
WASHINGTON' COUNTY.
MillerV Run. Previous to the year 1842, this
congregation was a part of Monongahela, and was
settled about the same time. The Rev. John Cuthbert-
son visited "Shirtee" (Chartiers) in September, 1779,
and found the families of Alexander McConnell, James
Scott, George Marcus and Samuel Willson in this
vicinity. He preached at the house of John MrGlaughlin
and baptized James, son of James McGlaughlin ; Francis
and John, sons of Matthew McConnell ; Sarah and
Mary, daughters of Robert Walker. On September 4,
1779, accompanied by John Reed, Mr. Cuthbertson
rode to his "Plantation" which he had previously
bought. This farm was situated near West Middleton, and
was occupied by his son John, who was a physician,
and his only daughter lived with him. It was known
as the Cuthbertson farm, and the daughter lived there
until her death in 1835. After a visit again to the
"forks of the Yough," Mr. Cuthbertson preached at
the house of Samuel Willson and baptized Elizabeth,
daughter of Samuel Willson ; John and Margaret,
children of Samuel Scott. From this diary it is prob-
able to reckon that the principal families in Washing-
ton County, in 1779, were those of Alexander and
Matthew McConnell. James and Samuel Scott, George
Marcus, Samuel Willson, John and James McGlaughlin.
William Patterson and Robert Walker. In 1782, all
these went into the Associate Reformed Church and
were the nucleus of the present United Presbyterian
congregations in that vicinit}-. In 1794, the Rev.
James McKinne\- visited this region and found a few
PkK^BVTERlA.V CHURCH IX AMERICA. 311
families of Covenanters who had recentl\' mo\-ed in,
and organized them into a societ)-. In 1799. and for
many \-ears thereafter, the Rev. John Black preached
in this settlement. The congregation took the name
of Canonsburgh in 1806, and was a part of Dr. Black's
charge, but he soon confined his labors to Pittsburgh.
In 1S08, a log church was erected in the village of
Canonsburgh, which had now become famous as the
seat of Jefferson College, and a lot for a burial ground
surrounded the old church." In 1809. the Rev. David
Graham began to supply them. He was a most
eloquent preacher, and, in 18 10, the>- ga\'e him a
unanimous call to become their pastor, which he
accepted. Before his installation, however, some charges
were brought against him, and, in 181 1, he was deposed.
He joined the Associate Reformed Church for a while, •
and man\- of the Covenanters followed him into that
body, plainly declaring that they, were more attacheci
to the man than thev were to their principles. They
mostly returned to the faith of their fathers. Among
the earl)- families were those of John Slater and
Robert George, who ha\-e numerous descendants in the
Church of that County. Uniting with Monongahela,
Canonsburgh succeeded in obtaining the Rev. William
Gibson as pastor in October, 18 17, who was released'
in May, 1S26. In October, 1827, the Rev. Gordon T.
Ewing became the pastor. He was a popular preacher
and had a prosperous following. At his suggestion
the old log church in Canonsburgh was torn down
with the design of building a new church. His health
"* History of Washington County, Pennsylvania.
312 HISTORV OF THE REFORMED
failing, he resigned the charge in May, 1S30, and
upon the foundation laid for the church a dwelling
was afterwards erected. It stood on the west side of
Main street and a few graves may yet be seen at
the west end of the lot.* In May, 1834, the Rev.
John Crozier became the pastor. In 1835, the church
site was changed from Canonsburgh to the present
location five miles north, and a neat brick church was
erected. The congregation now became known as
Miller's Run, because the first preaching in this
locality was conducted at the house of Mr. George near
this stream. In October, 1842, Mr. Crozier was released
from this branch of his extensive charge. In May,
1S43, the Rev. William Slater was ordained and
installed the pastor, and continued uninterrupted in
this relation for forty-four years, and until his -resigna-
tion in April, 1887. In 1870, the old brick church
was removed, and the present commodious frame
structure was built on the site. Miller's Run is a
strong congregation. They have been thoroughly
indoctrinated in the truths of the Bible and the
principles of the Covenanter Church. Among the old
families, and who have descendants now in connection
with the Church, are those by the names of George,
Slater, Scott, Roney, Orr, Wallace, Hunter, Ramsey,
Ma.xwell, Toner, Houston, Thompson, Robb, McBurney,
Walker, Conner, Burnside, McFarland, and others.
WEST VIRGINIA.
Middle Wheeling. This small congregation is
located in the "Pan-handle," east of the city of
♦History of Washington County, Pennsylvania.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 313
Wheeling, and not far from the Pennsylvania line.
The settlement was made about 1825, and, as a part
of the Canonsburgh and Miller's Run congregation,
this neighborhood was occasionally- visited by the Revs.
Gordon T. Ewing from 1827 until 1830; by John
Crozier from 1S34 until 1S42; and by William Slater
from 1843 until April, 1S60, when it was organized as
a distinct congregation. The Rev. Armour McFarland
was installed for a part of his time in April, 1866,
and demitted this branch in April, 1S73. The Rev.
Samuel R. McClurkin, the present pastor, was installed
in September, 1876. They possess a neat and comfort-
able house of worship recently erected. Among the
eldership and members of this congregation have been
John Roney, Alexander, James, Creighton C. and T.
J. Orr, Samuel McCoy, John Cochran and James Roney.
OHIO.
YOUNGSTOWN. This congregation has been known
at different times by different names ; first as Austin-
town, then Poland and North Jackson, and finally as
Youngstown. The congregation is situated principally
in Columbiana and Mahoning Counties, Ohio, and along
the Pennsylvania line. Austintown was a branch o£
the Little Beaver congregation as early as i8t4,
and enjoyed the labors of the Rev. Robert Gibson
from 18 19 to 1830, and those of the Rev. George
Scott from 1831 until 1833, when he, and a part of
the congregation, went into the New School body.
In 1834, the congregation was attached to Slippery
314 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
Rock under the pastoral care of the Rev. James
Blackwood. The elders at this time were William
Guthrie and John Ewing. In 1838, Austintown and
Little Beaver formed a separate congregation, and the
first pastor was the Rev. Joseph W. Morton from
1843 i-mtil 1847. In 184S. the Rev. Samuel Sterrett
became the pastor of the united charge. Austintown
became a separate congregation in May, 1S60, and
Mr. Sterrett continued in charge until his release in
October, 1867. Rev. Robert J. George was the next
pastor installed in May, 1870. and released in April,
1S75. Rev. T. C. Sproull was installed in July, 1876,
and released in July, 1879. For six years they enjoyed
occasional supplies in Poland and North Jackson, but
were so reduced in numbers by emigration that they
^ould not support a pastor. In October, 1885, they
were re-organized as the Youngstown congregation and
the principal place of preaching is in this city. They
have secured a hall, and Rev. H. W. Reed was
installed pastor in May, 1888. Among the elders
.and leading members in this congregation have been
William and John Guthrie, John and Gibson Ewing,
George Hamilton, J. B. Jordan, J. E. Gault, W. S.
Kernohan, W. R. Sterrett, William McConnell, and
others.
Greenfield. This congregation was situated in
Harrison County, and included the adjacent societies of
Londonderry, McMahon's Creek, Salt Fork and Steu-
benviUe. Covenanters settled in this region as early
as 1806, mostly emigrants from Western Pennsylvania.
The congregation was not regularly organized until
PRE.SBVTERIAX CHURCH IN AMERICA. 31 5
about 1S22. The first pastor was the Rev. William
Sloane, installed in November, 1829, and released in
October, 1838. Rev. James Love was installed in June,
1839, and released in May, 1847. The congregation
soon diminished, and, in 1S49, was dropped from the
roll and soon became extinct. Nathan Johnston, James
McKinne\', Thomas McFetridge, Joseph Bo\-d, James
Kirk, William Pollock, James W. Thomson, Matthew
Wilkin, George Orr, James Herron, James Darrah,
John Adams and Thomas Patton were among the
leading members.
LOXDONDERRV AND NORTH SaLE.M. Early in the
present century a few families of Covenanters settled
in Guernsey County and were occasionally visited by
a passing minister. The congregation was organized
about 1822, and included many branches with those
farther east in Harrison County. Rev. William Sloane
became the first pastor in November, 1829, and remained
in this relation nine \-ears. In June, 1839, the Rev.
James Love succeeded him in the pastorate, and
remained in this branch until Oetober. 1S64. Rev.
James A. Thompson was installed in October, 1S66,
and released in September, 1S75. In April, 1879, the
North Salein branch received a separate organization,
and, in 18S0, the Rev. James R. Latimer became the
pastor of the united charges. He resigned in May,
1882, since which time they have not had a settled
pastor. Among the old and prominent families here
arc those by the names of Hutcheson, Galbraith,
Kernohan. Walkinshaw, Law. Martin, Cairns, Thompson,
3l6 HISTORV OF THE REFORMED
Forsythe, Glasgow, Love, Reed, McKee, Logan, Walker,
Blackwood, Moffett, and others.
Brownsville. This small congregation was located
in Monroe County, and was supplied many years pre-
vious to its organization in 1S54. Previous to that
date,- and until his death in October, 1856, the Rev.
Oliver Wylie was stated supply. In August, 1859,
the Rev. James A. Thompson became the pastor and
was released in June, 1865. For ten years they were
occasionally supplied by Rev. Armour McFarland,
and others. In September, 1876, the Rev. Samuel
R. McClurkin was installed for part of his time, but
was released in the following year, and occasionally
supplied it. The cause is now about extinct. John
Barber, Henry Boyd, John McKaige, Robert Allen,
John Adams, James Waltenbaugh, Joseph Eakman and
William J. Anderson were among the leading members.
New Concord. This flourishing congregation is
situated in the eastern part of Muskingum County,
and, until 1871, was known as Salt Creek. The first
Covenanter known to settle in this vicinity was
Matthew Mitchell, who came with his family from the
"forks of the Yough," in Pennsylvania, in 1804.* In
1 8 10, John Jamison came from the same region, and
in 18 1 2, William Robinson and Neal McNaughton
emigrated from Conococheague and settled on Salt
Creek, twelve miles south of New Concord. In 18 14,
Samuel McCutcheon emigrated from Ireland and settled
about six miles below New Concord. These families-
constituted a praying societ\- and unfurled the banner
*Dr. H. P. McClurkio in Ba,im-r, 1S76. p. 169.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IX AMERICA. 317
of the Covenant. They were occasionally visited by
Revs. John Black and Matthew Williams. In the sum-
mer of 1 8 14, Rev. Robert Wallace, who is the father
of Covenanterism in Ohio, began missionary work-
principally at Utica and Chillicothe. In 181 5, he
providentially met Xeal McXaughton. at a hotel in
Zanesville. who took him to his home where Mr,
Wallace preached the following Sabbath. The society
continued to grow under his occasional ministrations
until the organizatioh of the ' congregation in June,
1831, by the election of John Auld and John Jami-
son ruling elders. The communion was soon after-
wards dispensed and Mr. Wallace was assisted by the
Rev. Charles B. McKee. The services were held in
the woods near the farm of Mr. McCutcheon, and the
following forty members communed at the first sacra-
ment: John and Mary Auld ; John and Margaret Jamison ;
Mrs. Black; Robert and Elizabeth Brown; Matthew,
Mary, Rachel and Rebecca Calhoun; Betsy Cunningham r
Eleanor Forsythe ; Alexander and Mrs. George ;
Matthew, Sr., Matthew, Jr., and Mrs. Mitchell ; SamueL
Isabel. Sr., Isabel, Jr., James and Anna McCutcheon ;
Neal and Mary NcNaughton ; William Robinson ;
Joseph. Ann, James and Jane Sterrett ; Thomas, Mary,
Sr., Mary. Jr., William, James and Archibald Steven-
son ; David and Mary Sim ; Jacob and Anna Wortman,
All these are now dead. In October, 1823, Mr.
Wallace was installed pastor, and also preached at
Jonathan's Creek. Muskingum, Tomica and Will's Creek.
Mr. Wallace died in July, 1849. In October, 1850. the
Rev. Hufh P. McClurkin was installed, and remained
3lS HI>TOKV OK THE REFORMED
almost nuinterruptedly for thirty-two years, and until his
■ release in October, 1882. The Rev. James M. Paris,
the present pastor, was installed in July, 1884. Among
the many officers who have served in this congrega-
tion are John Auld, John Jamison, David and Benja-
min Wallace, David Hawthorne, Richard and Thomas
McGee, Archibald and William Stevenson, Walter
McCrea, David Stormont, William and Thomas Wylie,
John Gibson, William Forsythe, William Speer, William
Elliot, Thomas Stewart, John Taylor, James McCartney,
Samuel Mitchell, James R. Willson, Hugh Patterson and
John C. Robb.
Muskingum and Tomica. This was long a part of
the Salt Creek congregation and under the pastoral
<;are of the Rev. Robert Wallace. It received a
separate organization in October, 1S31. The first
pastor was the Rev. John Wallace, installed in April,
1833, and continued in this relation for twenty-two
years. On account of some Church troubles he resigned
in 1855. For ten years they were a vacancy, and the
Rev. Armour McFarland frequently supplied them. In
Decembe.r, 1865, the Rev. J. C. K. Faris was installed
pastor, and was released in April, 1871. For six years
they were again vacant but enjoyed the labors of Rev.
Armour McFarland and others. Rev. William S.
.Fulton was in.stalled in December, 1877, aud released
in April, 1883. Rev. John M. Wylie, the present
pastor, was installed in Januar)-, 1885. There are two
branches with good houses of worship, and the cause is
in a health)- condition. Among the officers have been
James Sloat, Robert and John Irwin, William Dunlap,
PKEhBVTERIAN CHURCH IX AMERICA. 319
James McOuigg, William and James McGlade, William
and John Robeson, John and William Wylie, James
Beattie, James and John Stitt, and R. H. Kilpatrick.
JOXATHAX'S Creek. This congregation is situated
along the Haysville pike and about eight miles south-
west of the cit\- of Zanesville. The first family settled
in this vicinity in 181 5. A society was formed in
1S23, and was attached to the Salt Creek congrega-
tion under the care of the Rev. Robert Wallace. For
thirty years they continued to be visited by the pastors
in the vicinity. The branches of Rocky Fork, West
Bedford and Irville were organized into a congregation
in August, 1S53, with twent>'-three members, and James
Stitt, James Beall and Walter B. Finney were chosen
ruling elders. The name then was the Eden and
Irville congregation, and, in 1855, the name was
changed, by the transfer of preaching, to Jonathan's
Creek. Rev. Armour McFarland became the pastor in
the summer of 1853, and continued in this relation
until his health caused his release in April, 1876. In
18S0, the Rev. T. C. Sproull became stated supply
for one year. The Rev. Robert B. Cannon^^ D. D.,
became the pastor in September, 1886, and is now in
charge. They possess a very neat house of worship,
near the town of Newtonville, and the cause has revived
under the present pastorate. Families b\- the names
of McFarland, George, Thomson, Kirkpatrick, Ardre\-,
W>-lie, Johnston, Gladstone, Harvey, and others, ha\e
long held up the " Banner of the Covenant " in that
locality.
U riCA. This is a pleasantly situated town in the
L
320 HISTORV OF THE REFORMED
northren part of Licking County. As early as 1 805,
the family of James Dunlap settled along the Licking
Creek near this place." In 1809, Robert Kirkpatrick
settled in the same communit>- ; and in 1810, the-
families of Nathaniel and Peter Kirkpatrick, Joseph-
Fulton, John McNaughton, Samuel Kirkland, Joseph and
John Campbell. Samuel DufSeld and Joseph Jameson
settled in the same neighborhood, and a praying
society was formed. They were regularly organized
into a congregation in October, 181 3, by the ordina-
tion of James Dunlap and Nathaniel Kirkpatrick ruling
elders, with thirty-five members. Rev. Robert Wallace
was the first pastor installed in charge in November,,
1814, and preached in many other localities. He demit-
ted the charge in the summer of 1822. William Mitchell
was added to the session in 1822. The congregation,
was vacant for fifteen years, during which time they
were almost constantly supplied, and many were added
to the membership. They had no house of worship,
and held the services in a tent on the hill east of
town, near the residence of J. M. Kirkpatrick, who-
was long a ruling elder. In 1830, a comfortable house
of worship was erected. During this period, John
McDaniel and Peter Kirkpatrick were added to the
session. The Rev. Armour McFarland was installed
pastor in October, 1837, and released in May, 1853.
During his pastorate one hundred persons were added
to the Church, and John Day, Hugh and James Herve\-,
and William Adams were chosen ruling elders. In
November, 1856, the Rev. John C. Boyd became pastor
* Extracted from sessional records by Mr. James Watson.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IX AMERICA. 32 1
"for a part of his time; and, from 1867, until his
release in October, 1882, he devoted all his time to
Utica. In 1857, James M. Kirkpatrick was chosen an
elder, and William Stevenson, Robert ATcFarland and
Wait Wright elected deacons. In i860, William
Dunlap, Walter B. Finney and James Beall ; and in
1865, James Watson, were added to the session. In
1S64, the congregation erected a new church building.
William Hervey and Robinson Johnston were subse-
quently elected elders. After the resignation of Mr.
Boyd they were vacant nearly four years. The Rev.
W. J. Coleman was installed in charge, April, 1886,
and resigned in November, 1887. Among the prominent
families here have been those of Dunlap, Kirkpatrick,
Kirkland, Campbell, Jameson, Mitchell, McDaniel, Day,
Wright, Hervey, Adams, Watson, Beall, Stevenson,
McFarland, Finney, Deary, Darrah, Bovard, Reynolds,
McDermott, Boyd, Wallace, Hass, Dillon, Johnston,
and others.
Mansfield. This is a growing city and a railroad
center, situated in the northren and central part of
the State. In the spring of 1877, the Rev. Samuel
A. George, then a licentiate, was appointed by the
Central Board of Missions to labor in this city, and
began work when there were only three Covenanters
in the city. The congregation was organized, October
II, 1878, with forty members. The elders have been
W. P. Clarke, James Railt, William Gregg, Johnston
McKee, Michael George, S. H. Garrett and J. B.
Jordan. Rev. Samuel A. George was ordained and
installed pastor, November 20, 1878, and has built up
322 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
a good congregation of faithful and energetic people.
In 1884, the\- erected a handsome brick church edifice-
in the heart of the cit\" and upon a public thorough-
fare.
Saxduskw This congregation was situated upon the
Little Sandusky river in Crawford County, and not far
from the present city of Crestline. The first Cove-
nanter who settled here was William Jameson, in 1832,
having emigrated from Western Penns\-lvania. The-
Rev. J. B. Johnston, and others, occasionalh- visited
the few families located here before the organization.
It was organized in October, 1S43, ^nd was supplied
for four years. The Rev. John C. Bo\-d became the
pastor in May, 1847, and was released in November,
1867, after twenty years of faithful labor. Not securing
another pastor, the congregation gradually weakened
until its disorganization in April, 1876. Among the
leading families were those of Jameson, Marshall,
Robeson, Moore and Reynolds.
Miami. Under this heading will be included all the
Covenanters in Logan Count)-, and around the historic
village of Northwood. In early times Cherokee was the
post town. As earl)- as 182S, a few families of Cove-
nanters settled upon the head waters of the Miami river,
among whom were Robert Scott, Samuel, ?vlatthew, Jr.,
and Matthew Mitchell, Sr., Abram and Isaac Patterson,
John Young, Joseph and Thomas Fulton, Mrs. Hays and
Mrs. Margaret King.* They formed a pra)-ing society,
and were occasionally visited by Re\-s. Hugh and Gavin
McMillan, until the latter minister organized them into
'Items from Mrs. James Wylie. Northwood. Ohio.
J
PRESBVTERIAX CHURCH IX AMERICA. 3-3
a congregation in October, 1S31, by the election of
Abram Patterson, John Young and Matthew Mitchell, Jr.,
ruling elders. In June, 1S34, the Rev. John B. Johnston,
was ordained and installed pastor. The congregation
was rapidly built up. and the\- erected a log church on
the Creek near the present West Geneva Cemetery. In
time this was replaced by a large brick church in which
the>- worshipped for many years. The deacon question
caused a division in the once harmonious flock, and the
Second Miami congregation was organized by a Commis-
sion of Synod, in August, 1S51, and they erected a frame
church building in the village of Xorthwood. In July,
1853, the Rev. J. C. K. Milligan was installed co-pastor
with Mr. Johnston over the First congregation, and they
continued to teach in the College. Those members-
residing in the vicinity of Rushsylvania were organized
into a separate congregation in November. 1853, and
soon afterwards erected a frame building for church
purposes. The Rev. William Milroy was installed the
first and only pastor of the Second Miami congregation
in October, 1854. The Rev. J. R. W. Sloane, then
President of Geneva Hall, was installed pastor of the
Rushsylvania congregation, in Januarv", 1855. and thus
the three congregations enjoyed the labors of four
eminent ministers. Dr. Sloane resigned the Rushsylvania
congregation in May, 1856, and removed to New York.
In 1858, the First Miami congregation lost both of its
pastors. Mr. Johnston connected with the United Pres-
byterian body, and Mr. Milligan resigned and removed to
New York. In November, i860, Rushsylvania succeeded
in c:ettins the Rev. Preston H. W\-lie as their pastor.
3^4 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
and in Xovember, 1861, the Rev. John L. McCiartney
was settled over the First Miami congregation. In 1866,
the First Miami congregation removed from the old
brick church on the Creek, and erected the present large
frame church in the village of Northwood. In September,
1875, the Rev. J. L. McCartney was released from this
pastoral charge, and in May, 1876, Rev. P. H. Wylie
was released from Rushsylvania. In October, 1876, those
members residing in and around Bellefontaine received
a separate organization, and were supplied for four years.
The Rev. William Milroy, pastor of the Second Miami
congregation and Professor of Latin in Geneva College,
died in November, 1S76, and thus the four congregations
were left without pastors. In April, 1877, the First and
Second were consolidated, forming the United Miami
congregation, and have since worshipped in the commo-
dious First Church building, and those members residing
in Belle Centre were granted a separate organization.
The congregations have since been four in number, with
Northwood (United Miami) as the center; Rushsylvania,
four miles east; Bellefontaine, eight miles south; and
Belle Centre, three miles north. A new brick church
was erected in Belle Centre, and the Bellefontaine people
purchased a church building. In May, 1878, the Rev.
H. H. George became the pastor of the Rushsylvania
congregation, and the Rev. George Kennedy that of
United Miami. In January, 1879, the Rev. John Lynd
was installed at Belle Centre, and in May, 1880, Rev.
Finley M. Foster was installed at Bellefontaine. In
May, 1880, Dr. George was released from Rushsylvania,
and in August, 1880, the Rev. John Lynd was installed
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 325
as his successor, with Belle Centre. In June, 1S82, the
Rev. George Kennedy was released from the United
Miami congregation, and tor four years the people made
several unsuccessful efforts to obtain a pastor. In April,
1SS5, the Rev. John Lynd was released from Belle
Centre and Rushsylvania; and in April, 1886, the Rev.
Josiah J. Huston was installed pastor of Belle Centre,
and, in July, 1 886, over Rushsylvania, which are his
present charges. In May, 18S6, the Rev. Ruther Har-
grave, the present pastor, was installed over the United
Miami congregation at Northwood. In August, 1SS7,
the Rev. F. M. Foster was released from Bellefontaine.
By emigration and death, Rushsylvania and Bellefontaine
are greatly reduced in numbers, and, alone, are not able
to support pastors. Among the old families and members
at Nortlnuood were Robert and Joseph Scott, Abram
and Isaac Patterson, Samuel Hyndman, Samuel and
Matthew Mitchell, James Gray, James Wright, George
Hartin, John and James Trumbull, Cornelius, Samuel and
Russell Jameson, Moses T. Glasgow. Stephen Bayles,
John Crawford, John Young, Robert Patton, Jonathan
Ritchie, William, Samuel P. and James S. Johnston,
Robert and David Boyd, David Milroy, Robert McClure,
Matthew Wilkin, William Rambo, Thomas Hosack,
William and Matthew Pollock, James Keers, Robert
Wylie, Allan Reid, Hugh Parks, Drs. Carter and Jenkin,
Joseph Murphy, David Clark, George Johnston, James
Steele, Joseph Clyde, Hugh Harvey, Archibald Lamont,
John Day, John and James Reid, William Reed, James
and William Dunlap, T. C. Speer, David Alexander,
William C. Johnston, Thomas Logan, John K. Mitchell,
326 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
Joseph Forsythe, Ebenezer Milroy, John Campbell, James
Fulton, John Keys, and others. Rushsylvania : John and
Matthew Mitchell, James Qua, Thomas M. Hutcheson,
Henry and Michael George, James Wylie, Francis Halli-
day, George and Renwick Day, John McCulIough, Martin
Johnston, and others. Bellefontaine : David Boyd, James
Forsythe, James Guthrie, William Funk, Samuel and
Archibald Foster, M. T. Glasgow, David Fulton, John
McClure, W. B. Keys, Renwick Elliot, and others. Belle
Cent7-e: Cornelius Jameson, Dr. M. D. Willson, William
McClure, J. B. Temple, A. G. Patterson, J. B., J, W., and
S. M. Torrence, William Johnston, John and William
Fulton, Joseph and Alexander McConnell, William and
George Crawford, David S. McKinley, Alexander and
Oliver Liggett, Abram P. Wylie, Cornelius J. Ferguson,
and others. Miami congregation is closely connected
with the educational history of the Church, for in her
midst Geneva College was founded and fostered for
thirty-two years; Geneva Female Seminary was in exis-
tence thirty years; and the Theological Seminar\- remained
here for several years. Many ministers and private
members can look back upon " Miami " as the place
where they received much of their menta^ and spiritual
instruction, and the name of " Northwood " will be a
household word for many generations.
Macedon. This small congregation is situated on
the low rich plains at the head waters of the Wabash
river, in Mercer County, in the central western part
of Ohio. It was a preaching station as earl\- as 1S46,
when Alexander George settled in this region, and
continued as a preaching station until its organization
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IX AMERICA. 327
in July. i852.'^ The Rev. William F. George was the
first pastor installed in September, 1853. About 1855,
the typhoid fever raged with such fatalit\' that many
fell under its power and others moved away. Mr.
George was released from the charge in April, 1S58.
In Januar}', 1861, they secured part of the time of
the Rev. P. H. Wylie, who, in May, 1S76, continued
to give them all of his time. Here he labored faith-
fully under many discouragements until his release in
March, 1SS7. The congregation is much reduced and
has lost its organization. Among the old families were
those of George, McGee, Woodburn, Fishbaugh, Mc-
Donald, Gray, McMillan, Porterfield, and others.
Cedarville. This congregation is situated in the
northren part of Green County, and was formerly
known by the two branches of Xenia and Massie's
Creek. This country was first settled by Covenanters
in i8o4.t That year the family of David Mitchell
from Kentucky, and that of James Miller from Scotland,
settled along Clarke's Run and held society meetings
for some time. In 1808, Mr. James Reid. from Ken-
tucky, and Mr. William Moreland were added to the;
society, and the following year they were visited by
Revs. Thomas Donnelly and John Kell. They were
afterwards visited by Rev. John Black, who constituted
the society and dispensed the sacrament to about tert
members. The ne.xt few years brought several more
families, and the supplies preached in the barns and
log houses. In 1812, they erected the first church
* Banner. 187S, p. 60.
f Sketch by Rev. J. F. Morton, D. D., and froni other sources.
32b HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
building, which was a rude log structure with a clap-
board roof, and stood on the farm of James Miller
some seven miles from Xenia. The Rev. John Kell
preached for them about one-fourth of the time until
1816. In May, 18 16, the Rev. Jonathan Gill became
the pastor, and remained in this relation for seven
years. In 1823, the Rev. Gavin McMillan, of Beech
Woods, gave one-fourth of his time for six years. In
the fall of 1828, the Rev. Hugh McMillan, of South
Carolina, visited them, and, receiving a call, and
bringing a part of his congregation with him from
the South, settled as the pastor in September, 1S29.
In 1824, a new house of worship was erected upon
the banks of Massie's Creek, two miles from Cedarville.
At the division of the Church in 1833, there were one
hundred and si.xty-four members, one hundred and
twenty-seven of whom went with the pastor into the
New School body. The trouble about the church
property was settled by allowing the faithful remnant
to occupy it every fourth Sabbath and during the
communion seasons. They continued to receive occa-
sional supplies until the disorganization in August,
1 84 1. They resorted to the prayer meetings and held
fast to their principles. They were re-organized as the
Cedarville congregation in June, 1850, and were supplied
for eight years by the students of the Northwood
Seminary, and others. Uniting with Cincinnati, the
Rev. Henry George was ordained and installed pastor
in June, 1858, and was released from this charge in
August, 1866. Rev. Samuel Sterrett became the pastor
in May, 186S, and was removed by death in October,
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 329
1 87 1. The Rev. Patterson P. Boyd was installed in
charge in May, 1872, and released in July, 1S74. For
seven years they were a vacancy almost constantly
supplied. The Rev. Thomas C. Sproull, the present
pastor, was installed in June, 18S1. Among the old
families have been those of Reid, :Miller, Mitchell.
Moreland, McMillan, Hemphill, Willson, Grier, George,
McConnell, Reynolds, Watt, Mclntire, Williamson.
Foster, Erwin, Sterrett, and others.
Brush Creek. This small congregation is situated
in Adams County and in the southern part of Ohio.
The society was first called Chillicothe, and was first
visited by Rev. John Kell. In 18 14, the Rev. Robert
Wallace began to give it a part of his time which
he continued to do for six years. The Rev. Charles
B. McKee was the first pastor, installed in August.
1 82 1, and released in the fall of 1822. For five years
they struggled for an existence. In April, 1827. the
Rev. James Blackwood became the pastor and remained
but two years. In June, 1831, the Rev. David Steele
was installed the pastor. He had two principal places
of preaching ; one being at Mill Creek, in Kentucky,
and often in other localities on both sides of the
Ohio. In September, 1840, Mr. Steele and some
followers went into the " Reformed Presbytery," and
Francis Galley, who also claimed to be the only true
Covenanter, made some disciples, and thus the con-
gregation was weakened. The Rev. Robert Hutchesoni
was installed pastor in September, 1842, but bs-
defection, emigration and death the congregation was
so reduced that he demitted the charge in May,
330 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
1S56. The congregation now became disorganized, and,
for twenty-five years, continued in this condition,
although a few Covenanters resided there. It was re-
organized in November, 1S81, with thirty-three members,
and enjoyed the stated labors of Revs. R. J. Sharpe,
William McKinney, R. C. Allen, T. C. SprouU, and
others. Among the old families here were those by
the names of George, Mclntire, Glasgow, Wright,
Stevenson, Bayles, Milligan, Burns, Copeland, Hemp-
hill, McKinley, Torrence, Foster. Ralston, Montgomery,
and others.
Beech Wood.S. The original of this congregation was
situated in the western part of Preble County and along
the Indiana line, and was a part of the Garrison charge.
It was settled early in the present century by emigrants
from South Carolina. It was supplied by ministers
passing to and from the South and increased rapidly in
numbers. The Rev. John Kell took charge of the con-
gregation in April, 18 16, and remained among them for
three years. Samuel Robinson, whose relatives lived
here, supplied them, with others. In May, 1823, the
Rev. Gavin McMillan became the pastor, and the congre-
gation grew rapidly under his faithful ministrations.
During the division of August, 1833, he hesitated, but
finally cast in his lot with the New School brethren and
remained pastor of a portion of his former flock. The
remnant were then attached to the Garrison congregation
in Indiana and enjoyed the labors of its pastor. The
Robinson and Ramsey families, with their connections,
were among the leading members at Beech Woods.
PRH-sBVTERIAX CHURCH I.\ AMERICA. 33 1
Cl.N'ClN'XATl. The commercial importance of this
rapidly growing city attracted Covenanters from the
mother country and from the South, very early in the
present century. The congregation was organized in
October, 1S16, by the ordination of elders John McCor-
mick and James McLean, father of Hon. Washington
and John R. McLean, of the Cincinnati Enquirerr In
March. 18 18, Archibald Johnston became stated supply,
and by his rare powers as a preacher gathered quite
a congregation. He died the same fall. Rev. Samuel
Robinson then took charge of the congregation, and
was deposed for intemperance in the summer of 1821.
The Rev. Charles B. McKee was installed pastor in
November, 1822. He was an acceptable preacher and
taught the classics in Cincinnati College. The young
congregation, which had worshipped in private houses
and public halls for many years, now erected a brick
church on George street, near Race, in 1827, on a
plat of ground donated by James McLean. In 1S31,
Mr. McKee was released from the charge and they
were supplied. At the division of the Church in 1833,
while the Rev. James W. Stewart was preaching for
them, the whole congregation, with a few exceptions,
went into the New School body and retained the
church property. Among' the most influential members
who went into the new body at that time were :
John McCormick, James McLean, John Hunt, John
Fullerton, Joseph Beggs, William Monford, John Hazlett,
James Sample, James Morton, John Edsworth, John
•Reminiscences by Hon. Washington McLean, Moses T. Glasgow, and
others. Also Banner, 1S78, p. 59.
332 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
Walker, James Gray, James Mann and Dr. Killough.
Those who held the testimony intact were : Hugh Glas-
gow, John and Mrs. Gray, William Carson and Mrs.
Mary A. Murphy. They continued to hold society
meetings, and occasionally enjoyed a day's preaching, for
ten years. The congregation was re-organized with
thirteen members, August 22, 1844. by the election of
Moses T. Glasgow and John Gray, ruling elders. In
1845, the Theological Seminary was removed to this
city from Allegheny, and for four years they enjoyed
the stated labors of Dr. James R. Willson and the
students. The first year the Seminary was conducted in
a frame church on Elm street belonging to the Metho-
dists, and the following winter, in a hall at the corner
of Vine and Eleventh streets, where the congregation
worshipped. In 1847, the spirited congregation leased
a lot on Vine street above Twelfth, and erected a frame
church upon it, with stores below. Here the Seminar\-
also remained until 1849. They made out many calls,
but they did not succeed in getting a pastor for several
years. In 1853, James Brown and Alexander Bovard
were added to the session. Uniting with Cedarville
they succeeded in getting the Rev. H. H. George as the
pastor in June, 1858. In i860, the congregation bought
a church on Clinton street, near Central Avenue, and.
after remodeling it, they continued to worship in this
place. In August. 1866, Mr. George began to give all
his time to Cincinnati. Being called to the Presidency
of Geneva College, Mr. George demitted the charge in
August. 1S72. The Rev. R. M. Sommerville was the
stated supply for a year. In December, 1877, the Rev.
PRESBVTERIAX CHURCH IN AMERICA. 333.
James M. Foster was ordained and installed pastor, and
continued in this relation until April, 1886. The elders
are Andrew A'IcIntire, R. F. Glasgow and William Dear-
ness. Among the names of old families ma\- be
mentioned those of Murphy, Gra\-, Glasgow. Finle\-.
Brown, Bovard, Lusk, Mclntire, Johnston. Thompson,
^lartin, Mitchell, McCullough, Crawford. Dearness, Adams.
Edgar, and others.
MICHIGAN.
Cedar Lake. This congregation is located princi-
pally in Branch Count}-. Michigan, and partly in Steuben
country, Indiana. A few Covenanters emigrated to this
country from Ohio, and succeeded in getting the organi-
zation of a congregation in April, 1841. For nine years
they were supplied by Presbytery and students of
Theology. The Rev. John French was installed the
pastor in September, 1850, and continued in this relation
for thirty years, and until his very sudden death in
October, 1880. For four years they were vacant, and,
after some troubles were settled, by which the California
Mission Station was again joined to the congregation.
The Rev. R. C. Wylie, the present pastor, was installed
in charge in October, 1884. The Covenanters of Cedar
Lake are intelligent and strongly attached to the old
customs of the Church. Among the families long
connected with the Church are those by the names of
Jameson, Chestnut, Speer, French, Duguid, Mitchell,
McNaughton, Morrow, Judson, Stewart, Logan. Elsey.
Detroit and Novi. The city of Detroit contained
a few Covenanters, who, in connection with the societv
L
334 HISTORY OK THE REFORMED
of Novi, in Oakland County, were organized into a
■congregation in April, 1854. The Rev. Boyd Mc-
Cullough %vas installed pastor in September, 1855, and
remained in this relation for sixteen years, and until
his release in May, 1871. At this time the congrega-
tion had become so reduced by emigration that it
■was disorganized, but continued as a mission station
under the care of Presbytery. In 1876, and for several
years, W. M. Shanks was stated supply. The field is
now practically abandoned. Hugh Woodburn, Walter
Calhoun, Andrew L. McCurdy, Robert Torrens, William
Wray, Robert Laird and George McCarroll were
among the chief supporters and elders.
SOUTHFIELD. This is the oldest and strongest con-
gregation in Michigan. It is situated near the town
of Birmingham, in Oakland County, and some seventeen
miles north-west of the city of Detroit. David Stewart
-was the first Covenanter settling here in 1832, who
was honored of God as the chief instrument in the
organization of the congregation in May, 1834, and
was a liberal supporter and efificient elder until his
death.* For nine years the congregation was supplied
and gradually increased in members. The Rev. James
Neill was the first pastor, installed in May, 1843, and
released in October, 1851. The Rev. James S. T.
Milligan was installed pastor in November, 1853, and
remained among these worthy people for eighteen
years. The Rev. James R. Hill was installed in May,
1872, and released in May, 1876. In June, 1878, the
Rev. Joseph McCracken, the present pastor, was
* Reformed Preshyterinn, Vol. i6. p. 6i.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 335
installed in charge, and he has built up a large and
(Nourishing congregation of intelligent and well-to-do
^Covenanters. Among the families long connected with
the Southfield congregation are those of Stewart, Black-
wood, McClung, Sloat, Parks, Bell, Cannon. Grier,
Hemphill, Woodburn, McMulIen, Marshall, McKinney,
McLaughlin, McCarroll, Kirkpatrick, McCurdy, McDonald,
Morrill, and others.
F.-viRGROVE. This is a comparativeh- new field and
was cultivated by the Central Board of Missions for
several years. It is situated in Tuscola County, nearly
one hundred miles north of Detroit and about twenty
miles from Saginaw Bay. It was organized in Decem-
ber, 187S, with twenty-si.K members. The Rev. J.
Ralston Wylie was installed pastor in November, 1879.
The congregation rapidly increased and a substantial
church building was erected in the village of Fairgrove.
Mr. Wylie was released from the charge in October,
1S87. Among the elders are Thomas Wylie, John
Kirk, W. L. Robey and John Morrow.
INDIANA.
G.A.RRISON. This small congregation of people was
situated in Fayette County, and was a part of the
Beech Woods congregation in Ohio. Emigrants from
the South settled here as early as 1805, and occa-
sionally enjoyed the services of a passing minister.
It was organized in 1S12, and the Rev. John Kell
became the pastor in April, 1816, and remained in
.charge over three years. Samuel Robinson, and others,
336 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
were supplies. ' In May, 1823, the Rev. Gavin Mc-
Millan became the pastor, and, during the division of
1833, he and many of the people became identified
with the New School body. The largest part of the
congregation was now in Indiana, and the remnant
at Beech Woods was added to Garrison. For man>-
years they were supplied by John Holmes, Nathaniel
Allen, and others. The , Rev. Josiah Dodds was
installed the pastor in October, 1847, and continued
in charge for eighteen years. The congregation was
greatly reduced by emigration, and the Beech Woods-
branch was given up. In May, 1871, the Re\-. Thomas
P. Robb was ordained and installed pastor, and remained
in charge three years. Six years again they struggled
for an existence, and in August, 1880, the Rev. John
J. McClurkin was installed in charge. He remained
four years, and the congregation lost its organization
in September, 1884, by the death of elders and the
removal of members. Among the old Covenanter families,
at Garrison were those of Milligan, Stevenson, Gamble,
Dill, Huston, Russell. McMillan, Culbertson, Alexander,
Craig, Cook.
IXDI.\NAP0I.IS. Immediately after the war of the
rebellion a few Covenanters gathered into this city,
and the Central Board of Missions began to cultivate
it as a mission field. In the spring of 1866, the Rev.
John Crozier took charge of the mission, built a com-
fortable house of worship in a desirable part of the
city, and preached to appreciative audiences, among
which were members of the Legislature. The con-
gregation was organized May 10, 1867, with twent\'-
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 337
four members, and Mr. Crozier continued in charge.
The good cause so auspiciously begun gradually
declined, the congregation was disorganized in May,
1S70, and the church property was sold by the Illinois
Presbytery at a small sacrifice.* Dr. J. T. Boyd,
B. F. Breedon and David Fulton were among the
leading members.
Walnut Ridge. This small congregation was
situated seven miles from Salem, the capital of
Washington County, and in the southern part of the
State. It was settled by emigrants from Tennessee
and South Carolina about 1820. It was organized in
May, 1822, and was supplied occasionally by Revs.
John Kell, Samuel Wylie, and others. The Rev. Robert
Lusk became the pastor in October, 1824, and the
following year he was suspended on charges regarding
monetary matters with his neighbors. Here he lived
in comparative obscurity for ten years, when he
desired to have his case investigated, and the local
faijia claviosa against his character averted. + This
was done by a Commission of Synod, and he acknowl-
edged he was sorry for being the occasion of so much
trouble in the Church, and, after receiving an admoni-
tion, was restored by Synod in May, 1835, and con-
tinued to preach in his old charge for five years.
In September, 1840, Mr. Lusk went with David Steele,
and formed the "Reformed Presbytery," taking some
members with him. In June, 1843, the Rev. John
J. .McClurkin was installed for part of his time, and
*A'. P. &^ C, 1872. p. S2. t Reminiscences by Dr. David Steele, Sr.,
and Minutes of Synod, 1834, 1836.
338 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
remained in this relation until April, 1851. For ten
years it was occasionally supplied and lost its organiza-
tion in May- 1862, and was regarded as a mission
station for several years. The cause was soon extinct^
as the members had either emigrated or died. Among
the old families here were those of Carithers, Raid,
Marks and McElravey.
Prixcetox. This is the county seat of Gibson
County and situated in the south-western corner of
Indiana, not far from the confluence of the W'hite-
and Wabash rivers. The first Co\-enanters settling
here were Samuel Hogue from Blount County, Tenn-
essee, and Robert Archer, from Chester District, South
Carolina, in 1805.* In 1809, Mr. Hogue. having
returned to Tennessee on business, met the Rev. John;
Kell, who, according to promise, visited the families
of Princeton in 18 10, and constituted a praying society..
He continued to visit the scattered families from house
to house in the then wilderness, and held the first-
communion at the house of Robert Archer, in October,.
18 1 3, at which time the congregation was organized
by the ordination of Samuel Hogue and Thomas
Archer, ruling elders. There were about twenty-five
communicants. The congregation continued to gTo^\^
by local accessions and emigration, and, in 18 14,
Robert Stormont and James W. Hogue were added
to the session. The services were usually held in a
log church owned by the Baptists and situated about
one mile north-west of the town of Princeton. In
18 1 7, James Lessly and Robert Milburn were added
* Pr^shytfVlan HisWrua! Almntuii. Vol. 5, p. 382.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 339-
to the eldership. The Rev. John Kell was installed
the first pastor in June. 1 820. William Crowe, having
removed from Kentucky, was now recognized as a
member of session. They erected the first church
building in Princeton in the fall of 1S20. It was a
small frame structure and was occupied for sixteen
\-ears. At the division of the Church in 1833, Mr.
Kell and the great majority of the congregation went
into the New School body, and they retained the
church property. Robert Stormont was the only elder
that stood fast to the principles of the Church.
The small but faithful remnant clung together, re-
organized in July, 1836, and received supplies. In
1840, they called the Rev. Samuel McKinney to
become the pastor ; he accepted the call, but, before
his installation, he removed to the South. Uniting with
Walnut Ridge they received a part of the time of Rev.
John J. McClurkin in June, 1843, who continued in
this relation for seven years. The Rev. John Stott
was installed pastor of Princeton in October, 185 1,
and was suspended from the ministry in June, 1868,
when some of the members left, and the congregation
became disorganized. It was re-organized in April,
1869, with twenty members, and James Little was
ordained a ruling elder. The members adhering to
Mr. Stott were suspended from the privileges of the
Church.* The Rev. Daniel C. Martin was installed in
November, 1872, and released in April, 1888. Among
the old families here are those by the names of
Stormont. Little, Lockhart, Archer, Watt, Hogue,
*y?. P. i." C, 1869, p. 1S6.
.34° HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
Peoples, Crowe, Davis, Orr, Foster, Dickson, Paris,
Mooney, Carithers, and others.
Bloomixgton. This city is the capital of Monroe
County and the seat of the University of Indiana.
The Covenanters left the sunny South in the early
part of the present century on account of the prevalence
•of slavery, and found abode principally in Indiana and
Illinois. This settlement was made in March, 1820, by
John and Thomas Moore, from South Carolina. The
society increased by emigration from the South, and
was organized in October, 182 1. At this time there
were only eight members, and John Moore and Isaac
Faris were chosen elders.* In 1833, they lost the
organization by the death of John Moore and the removal
•of Isaac Faris. They were re-organized in 1825, by the
•ordination of Thomas Moore and James Blair, ruling
elders. The Rev. James Faris became the first pastor
in November, 1827. At this time there were twenty
members. In 1830, David Smith and D. B. Woodburn,
of South Carolina, were added to the session. The
•congregation now grew rapidly by accessions from the
South, and others who were attracted to Bloomington
by her educational advantages. At the division of the
Church in 1833, there were about one hundred and
twenty members, and they were divided 'into two nearly
equal parts, the one becoming identified with the New
School body, and the other standing fast to Covenanter
principles. The pastor, and elders David Smith and
Thomas Moore, remained true to the old flag. The
■congregation continued its work with about si.xty
*Rev. D. J. Shaw in Bnniiir, 1879, P- 23S. __
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 34 1
members, and, in 1S35, Thomas Smith, Robert Ewing and
John Gamble were added to the session. The congre-
gation had never possessed a house of worship, and,
in 1S36, erected a brick building two miles east of
Bloomington. In 183S, James Paris was added to the
session. In 1S47, they suffered the loss of their church
building by fire, and a better structure was speedily
erected. The pastor, the Rev. James Paris, departed
this life in May, 1S55. The Rev. David J. Shaw, the
present pastor, was installed in May, 1856, and has
labored faithfully and successfully in this field for thirty-
two years. The elders added to the session have been
Charles McCaughan, John Smith and David Paris in
1S62; John R. Hemphill in 1867; James B. Paris, David
M. Smith and Robert Ervin in 1873; James S. and
John M. Paris in 1879. In 1877, they removed from
the country and built a handsome brick church in the
city. The different families by the names of Paris and
Smith, with their connections, have formed a large part
of the membership.
Lake Eliz.\. This was a small congregation situated
in Lake County, and not far from the city of Chicago.
It was settled by Covenanter emigrants from the
Eastern States in 1850. The society was organized
into a congregation in September, 1852. The Rev.
Preston H. Wylie became the pastor in May, 1853,
and remained in this relation nearly six years. In
September, 1865, the Rev. R. M. C. Thompson became
the pastor, and labored under many difficulties and
discouragements for sixteen years. They enjoyed the
visits of itinerants for several years, and the stated
342 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
labors of Robert Clyde in 1884. Gradually diminishing-
by emigration, the congregation was disorganized in
1886. Here lived the families of Young, McKnight,
Kirkpatrick, Bovard, Russell, McFarland, Davidson,
McLaren, and others.
ILLINOIS.
Early in the present century, Southren Illinois became
a popular settlement for Covenanters who left the
South on account of the prevalence of human slavery.
The\- settled principally in Randolph and Washington
Counties, and became the nucleii of the present con-
gregations of Old Bethel, Bethel, Church Hill and
Elkhorn.*
Old Bethel. The first Covenanter minister to visit
this region was the Rev. Samuel Wylie in the summer
of 1 8 16. In the summer of 1818, he was ordained
by Synod as a missionary and sent to this locality.
He made his principal preaching station at the " Irish
Settlement " a few miles south-west of the present
town of Sparta, and among a few members of the
Associate Reformed Church. The first Covenanter con-
gregation organized was in June, 1 821, with thirty-
five members and the promise of a salar}- of about
two hundred dollars per year. The elders were Samuel
Little and William Edgar, who had the year previously
emigrated from Tennessee. The Rev. Samuel Wylie
was at that time installed in charge and the congre-
gation was called " Eden," sometimes " Bethel," and
* Prisln'ttrian Historical Almanac. Vol. I, p. 197. Banner, 1875.9. '5^'
R. P. ^ C 1884, p. 379.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 343
the post town was Kaskaskia • on the Mississippi river.
Soon afterwards, James McCIurkin, from the Associate
Reformed Church, and James Monford, recently from
South Carolina, were added to the session. Elmigration
soon augmented their numbers and Covenanters flocked
from the South and settled around the orginal societ}-.
In 1823, a comfortable frame church building was
erected, surrounded by a spacious graveyard. Soon the
house of worship became too small, for there were
nearly three hundred and fifty communicants, and
arrangements were made for a new church. Strife
arose in settling the location, and during the erection
of the building, in 1S32, the original congregation
was divided, and those at Hill Prairie received a
separate organization. At the division of the whole
Church in 1S33, these congregations were again di\-ided,
and Mr. Wylie took many with him into the New
School body. The remnant of the old Bethel con-
gregation continued to hold their organization. The
Rev. James Wallace became the pastor in August,
1840, and continued steadfast to his post for twenty-
seven years, when he was released in May, 1867, to
labor in the interests of the National Reform Associa-
tion. In October, 1869, the Rev. William J. Gillespie
was ordained and installed pastor, and the following
year left the communion of the Church. For four
years they were vacant and made efforts to obtain a
pastor. In July, 1874, the Rev. Patterson P. Boyd
was installed in charge, and was released in December.
1887.
Bethel. In 1832. the Hill Prairie branch of the
344 HISTORY OF THE REFORxMED
old and original charge assumed this name, and lost
members at the division in 1833. For many years
they received supplies, and, in August. 1840, the Rev.
Hugh Stevenson was installed pastor. He was a faithful
minister, and, after six years of labor, departed this
life in May, 1S46. In October, 1848, Rev. James
Milligan was installed in charge and remained seven
years. In October, 1857, the Rev. David S. Faris, the
present pastor, was ordained and installed in charge.
In the spring of 1875, the congregation left the old
church at Eden where their fathers worshipped for
over a half a century, and occupied the new and
present church building in the town of Sparta.
Church Hill. This congregation surrounds the
village of Coultersville, and was organized from the
Bethel congregations in October, 1854. The first pastor
was the Rev. William F. George installed in March,
i860, and released in May, 1871. In 1873, they erected
a new house of worship, which is a comfortable one
and well adapted for the purpose. The Rev. James
M. Faris was installed pastor in June, 1873, and
remained in charge eleven years. The Rev. John Teaz,
the present pastor, was ordained and installed in charge
in July, 1885. The congregation has done good work
among the colored people of the neighborhood.
Elkhorn. This congregation is situated a little
north-east of the others, near Oakdale, in Washington
County. It was first settled in 1831, by the families
of John and Archibald Hood and James McCIurkin from
South Carolina. They located near the present site of
the church, and the Rev. Samuel Wylie supplied them
PRESBYTERIAX CHURCH IX AMERICA. 343
for a short time. Soon they were joined by others,
and the congregation was organized in July. 1834. at
the house of Archibald Hood, with nineteen members.
John and Thomas McClurkin and John Donnelly were
chosen ruling elders. The Rev. Samuel McKinney was
installed pastor in April, 1835, and released in May.
1840. The Rev. William Sloane was installed his
successor in September, 1840, and remained in charge
nearly eighteen years. In July, 1839, the Rev. Andrew
C. Todd was installed and he remained twelve years,
when he, and a colony of his people, emigrated to
Colorado. The Rev. David G. Thompson, the present
pastor, was installed in charge in October, 1872. The
congregation is large and has been active in all Church
work. All the congregations enjoy tokens of the Divine
blessing, because of their faithfulness to Covenant
obligations and Reformation principles. The Old Bethel,
Bethel, Church Hill and Elkhorn congregations are so
closely related in their history and members, that the
names are grouped together as representative families
of the Covenanter Church in Southern Illinois. Among
these are Samuel Little, William Edgar, John, Thomas
and James McClurkin. James Monford, Archibald Hood,
John and Thomas Donnelly, Thomas G. Armour, John
Hunter, William Kennedy, Alexander Moore, John G.
and Charles R. Miller. William and John Weir, John
M. Sloane, James Coulter, Joseph Patton, James and
Hugh Matthews, Andrew Todd, John Robinson. A. J.
and R. S. Edgar. John Steele, W. A. Stevenson, M. K.
Mawhinney, David H. Coulter, James Beall, James and
Thomas Finle\-, W. B. Whittaker, John Houston. John
346 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
and J. M. Wylie, W. J. S. Cathcart, Robert H. Sinclair,
Daniel Dickey, Samuel McCloy, William and Samuel
Woodside, Robert McAfee, Robert Ramsey, Francis
Torrens, D. F. McClurkin, A. W. Hunter, J. D. Elder,
John E. Willson, L. M. Patterson, R. G- McLean, R. K.
Wisely, J. R. Keady, and others.
Staunton. This congregation is situated around the
thriving mining town of Staunton, in the south-eastern
corner of Macoupin Count)-, and some forty miles north-
east of the city of St. Louis. A few Covenanters
settled here a few years previous to the organization
of the congregation in July, 1863. The Rev. John
Middleton was installed the pastor in May, 1865, and
was released in August, 1870. The Rev. William F.
George was installed in charge in May, 1872, and after
-many trials, died in April, 1880. For seven years they
were without a pastor, although they made efforts to
<ibtain one, and received almost constant supplies.
Uniting with St. Louis they secured a part of the time
■of the Rev. Ellsworth M. Smith, in May, 1S87, who is
now in charge. The congregation is small, but they
possess a comfortable house of worship, and are earnest
in their endeavors to maintain the Reformation cause.
Among the principal elders have been Daniel and W.
H. Williamson, Silas Smith, W. J. Dripps, William and
Hugh Patterson. A few members have lived in the
city of Chicago, and other localities, but no societies
were ever organized.
WISCONSIN.
Vernon. The first Covenanters settling in this region,
some twenty-five miles south-west of the city of
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 347
?*Iil\vaukee, were William and Mrs. Ann McLeod, from.
Rochester, Xew York, in the spring of 1844.* About
the same time John McNeil emigrated from York, and
they enjoyed the preaching of Mr. Nathaniel Allen,
licentiate, who conducted services in a log school-house.
In the spring of 1845, the family of James Wright,
from York, and, in the summer of 1846, that of James
S. Gumming, from Toronto, Canada, arrived. In June,
1847, a society was constituted by elder Daniel Mc-
Millan of York, which met regularly at the house of
Mr. Wright. In the early part of 1848, William
Turner arrived with his family from Coldenham, New
York. They now received a few days preaching from
Revs. James Love, James \Vallace and W. A. Acheson,
and the services were usually conducted in '• Weir's
barn." The congregation was organized as "Waukesha,"
October 18, 1848, with fourteen members, among whom
were the families of Wright, Turner, McNeil, McLeod,
.McConnell, McKinney and Gumming. James W'right,
James McGonnell and William Turner were chosen
elders. In 1S49, the congregation was taken under the
care of the Rochester Presbytery, for in those days
there were no railroads, and New York was nearest by
way of the lakes. In June, 1S50, the Rev. Samuel
Howden preached and dispensed the communion, at
which time fourteen members were added to the Church,
and the Rev. Robert Johnson preached two or three
months. By the death of elder James Wright, and the
removal of elder James McConnell, the congregation was
disorganized November iS, 1850. The present church
♦Sketch by Rev. Isaiah Paris, in v?. P. C- C. 1SS3, p. 332.
348 HISTORV OF THE REFORMED
building was erected in the town of Vernon in 1S53,
and the congregation was re-organized by a Commission
of the Illinois Presbytery as "Vernon," September 16,
1856. William L. Wright with William Turner were
the elders. The Rev. John Middleton was called to
the pastorate, but declined. The Rev. Robert Johnson
was installed the first pastor in November, 1859, and
remained in charge until December, 1867. In October,
1871, Ebenezer Milroy and John Gault were added to
the session. After several unsuccessful attempts to obtain
a pastor, the Rev. Robert B. Cannon, who was called
the second time, was installed September 13, 1872, and
remained nearly six years. In September, 1873, James
Mann was added to the session. The Rev. Isaiah Paris,
the present pastor, was installed in November, 1878.
The principal families have already been mentioned.
Waupaca. This city and vicinity were cultivated as a
mission station by the Rev. James L. Pinkerton, in
1876, but no congregation was organized, as there were
but a few families of Covenanters in that locality.
MINNESOTA.
Elliota. This congregation is situated in Fillmore \
County, on the Iowa state line, and about forty miles
west of the Mississippi river. It was settled by a few 1
Covenanters as early as 1865, and was under the North j
West Mission. In May, 1S67, the Rev. James S. Buck ]
was sent as a missionar)- to this place, and labored i
amid much physical weakness for several }-ears. The 1
congregation was organized in November, 186S, with i
i
J
PRESBYTERIAN' CHURCH IX AMERICA. 349
sixteen members, and they erected a comfortable house
of worship. Mr. Buclc continued in charge until shorth'
before his death in October, 1S70. For eight years
they were supplied by the Central Board of Missions,
and Revs. N. R. Johnston, Robert Hutcheson, and others,
were stated supplies. The Rev. John W. Dill was
installed pastor in April, 187S, and remained among
them three years. In February, 18S6, the Rev. Robert
Clyde, the present pastor, was ordained and installed in
charge. The families of Rice, McKinney, Lemmon, and
others, have long resided there.
Saint Paul. In 1S55, Mr. James Aiton, of Rochester,-
New York, removed to this city, and for six years
endeavored to establish a congregation, but in this he
was not successful. At different times it was visited
by a Covenanter minister, and some families resided
there. At the present time efforts are being made to-
organize a society.
Lake Reno. Along the shores of this beautiful lake,
five miles from Glenwood, Pope County, and about one
hundred and fifty miles north-west of Saint Paul, is
located the growing congregation of Lake Reno.
Several years previous to its organization. Covenanters
from Illinois and Indiana had settled here, and were
organized into a congregation in October, 1869, with
thirty-three members. Revs. Daniel C. Faris and
Robert Hutcheson were stated supplies for some time,
and the field continued under the care of the Central
Board of Missions for many years. The Rev. Edward
G. Elsey was installed pastor in Jul}-, 1882, and, is
now in charge. Among the families here are those of
3 50 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
William Hogan, William Matthews, David Campbell,
J. L. Ewing, James and Thomas Sample, Joseph M.
Wylie, Dr. W. C. Allen, Prof. Z, G. Willson, and
others.
Alexandria. This is a thriving town some ten
miles north of Lake Reno, where some families reside
belonging to the Lake Reno congregation, and is now
regarded as a mission station.
Round Prairie. This society settled upon this
prairie, in Todd County, about thirty miles north-east
of Lake Reno, in 1S65. It was settled by emigrants
from Indiana and Illinois, and was organized into a
congregation in May, 1873, with eighteen members.
They have since been under the care of the Central
Board of Missions and never enjoyed the labors of a
settled pastor. The families of Russell and Ewing
have long been connected with the cause in that place.
IOWA.
Sharon. The first Covenanters settling within the
limits of Iowa were the family of Robert McElhinney
and his son-in-law. John Baird, from Philadelphia, in
May, 1840.* They journeyed the whole distance in
wagons, crossed the Mississippi at the village of Bur-
lington, and pitched their tents on the banks of Honey
Creek in the northren part of Des Moines County.
In November, 1S40, they were re-inforced by the arrival
of the families of Samuel McP21hinney and Thomas
Cummings, and soon afterwards the Rev. SamXiel Mc-
* Sketch by Rev. T. P. Robb, in A". P. &- C. 1884, p. in.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 33 1
Kinney, of Illinois, preached to them at the house of
[ohn Hamilton. In 1844, Robert Brown, Robert and
Aaron Willson joined the society, which was then
constituted. They were now supplied with preaching
by the Revs. William Sloane, James Milligan, James
Wallace, John Holmes and Nathaniel Allen, from time
to time. The society soon became so large that it
was divided, and the first Covenanter congregation in
Iowa was organized by Revs. William Sloane and James
Wallace, at the house of Samuel McElhinney, September
26, 1846, with seventeen members, and it was then
called Linn Grove and Cedar. The elders chosen were
Thomas Co.x and Samuel McElhinney. The first pastor
was the Rev. James M. McDonald, ordained and
installed in charge. May 17, 1S51. In 1852, a church
building was erected on the present site, not far from
the village of Linton, and the name of the congrega-
tion was changed to Sharon. The increase was large,
but from time to time members were certified to
.constitute other congregations or removed farther West.
By declining health, Dr. McDonald was compelled to
resign the pastorate in June, 1872, and died a few
months thereafter. The Jlev. Thomas P. Robb, the
present pastor, was installed in July, 1874. They
occupy a commodious church building, and, in many
ways, Sharon is one of the best country congregations
in the body. Among the eldership and principal
families here have been those of McElhinney, Baird,
Willson, Glasgow, Paris, Sloss, Reid^ Montgomer}-, Hays,
McConaghy, Mclntire, Huston, Henderson, Walkinshaw,
352 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
Elliott. Hensleigh, Robb, Carithers, Cubit, Cunningham^
Stevenson, JVIarshall and Robinson.
Kossuth. This congregation was also situated in
Des Moines County, and was formed by members
from Sharon, September, 1865. Rev. Robert Johnson
was installed pastor in January, 1868, and was released
in July, 1875. By the death of elder William O.
Lindsay, the congregation was disorganized in the
winter of 1876. It was re-organized in October, 1877,,
and they sold their church, and erected another in
the village of Mediapolis, two miles distant. Not
receiving another pastor, and being greatly reduced by
emigration, the congregation was disorganized in April_
1879, and the remaining members were certified to
Linn Grove.
Linn Grove. This was formed from the original
Cedar society of the Sharon congregation, and organized
in September, 1846, and now situated around the village
of Mediapolis in Des Moines County.* Those opposed
to the office of deacon petitioned and were granted
the organization of a separate congregation, but the
Commission of Presbytery appointed for this work
refused to do so because a deacon could not be
obtained to accept the office. The matter was then
carried up to Synod, and its Commission consisting of
Revs. William Slater and William Milroy, with elder
David Boyd, organized the Linn Grove congregation,
without deacons, in September, 1856. There were
twenty-five members, and Samuel Hawthorne and
Daniel Cook were chosen ruling elders. The first pastor
♦Sketch by Rev J. W. Dill, in A'. P c- C. 1S84. p. 437.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 353
was the Rev. Charles D. Trumbull, ordained and
installed in charge in January, 1864. At this time
the\' erected the present church building. Mr. Trum-
bull remained in charge ten years, and until his release
in April, 1874. The Rev. Matthew A. Gault was
ordained and installed pastor in May, 1875, and
released in October, 1877. The Rev. John W. Dill
was installed pastor in July, 18S1, and was released
in September, 1S87. The elders have been Samuel
Hawthorne, Daniel Cook, John Logan, Thomas Mc-
Connell, Stephen Bayles, William J. McCIemment and
A. A. McKee.
Morning Sun. Around this thriving town a con-
gregation was gathered, and formed from that of
Sharon 'in July, 1873, with forty-six members. A
comfortable frame church was erected in Morning Sun,
and they have enjoyed a good degree of prosperity.
The Rev, Charles D. Trumbull, the first and present
pastor, was installed in April, 1874. Among the elders
here have been Stephen Bayles, A. W. Cavin, George
Cunningham, John Mclntire and S. E. McElhinney.
Rehoboth. In the spring of 1854, a colony of
Covenanters emigrated from Pennsylvania and settled
near the present town of Wyman, in Louisa Count)-,
and were organized as the Rehoboth congregation in
October, 1854. In December, 1S54, the Rev. Robert
B. Cannon, from whose congregation in Pennsylvania
most of the members had emigrated, was installed
the pastor. H-e remained in charge thirteen years, and
gathered quite a flourishing congregation. In August,
1874, the Rev. t";dward G. Elsey was ordained and
354 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
installed in charge, and remained nearly seven years,
and until his release in April, 1881. In Februar>%
1886, the Rev. James A. Black, the present pastor,,
was installed. They possess a good house of worship.-
Of the eldership have been A. Charleton, Jacob W..
Willson, Joseph Purvis, William McCrea, John Dougherty,^
H. F. and L. M. Samson, William Martin, Thompson
Graham, J. B. Dodds and Thomas G. Dunn.
W.A.SHINGTOX. The congregation now collected in
Washington was organized as Washington and Amboy,
in November, 1863. The Rev. Samuel M. Stevenson,
who had missionated in this field for several years, was-
installed pastor in February, 1865, and remained until
October, 1871. In October, 1873, the Rev. W. Pollock-
Johnston was installed in charge. He built up a good
congregation and conducted a flourishing Academy. He
was released in August, iSS"!. In December, 1882, the
Rev. Thomas A. H. Wylie, the present pastor, was
ordained and installed in charge. The Amboy branch
was dropped, and the members of the old Ainsworth con-
gregation were received in October, 1873. Of the eldens-
here are mentioned Hugh Thompson, David Porter, John
Rowan, J. R. Kirkpatrick, W. J. Clyde, J. H. Willson,
R. M. Stevenson, David Love, W. S. Wylie, W. B. Hay
and H. F. Samson.
BURLIXGTOX. At different times the city of Bur-
lington offered possibilities for becoming a center of
Covenanterism, and, in 1S79, was regarded as a mission
station. In 1 881, the Rev. T. A. H. Wylie labored here
with a good degree of success under the Central Board of
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IX AMERICA. 35 5-
Missions. The members there are in connection with
the Sharon congregation.
Davenport. In some respects the city of Daven-
port was the most promising point in the State of
Iowa. For many years it was the only place above
St. Louis where the Mississippi was spanned by a
bridge, and, being situated most beautifully at the foot
of the Rock Island rapids, in a healthy location and
commanding commercial importance, was a field well
worth cultivating. A congregation was organized in
this city in September, 1864, principally through the
efforts of John B. McElroy. It received supplies from
Presb\-tery, but, by the removal of members, it became
disorganized in May, 1S69, and continued to occasionally
receive supplies as a mission station until May, 1SS3.
HOPKINTON. Covenanters settled in Delaware County,
and in the vicinity of this village, as early as 1850.
In the fall of 1855, the Rev. William L. Roberts, D. D.,
removed from Sterling, New York, and took charge of
this promising field.* The congregation was organized
in April, 1856, and was called "Maquoketa," after the
river that flows past the village of Hopkinton, and was
changed to the present name in 1879. Robert Gilmore
and J. B. Whittaker were chosen elders, and James
Kilpatrick, deacon. Mr. Roberts continued as stated
supply until May, i860, when he was regularly installed
pastor. In December, 1864, the pastor was removed by
death. In April. 1S67, the Rev. David H. Coulter was
ordained and installed pastor, and remained in charge
until October, 1874. In June, 1875, the Rev. Robert
♦Items from Mr. James Grier, Sand Spring. Iowa.
356 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
C. Wylie was installed, and demitted the charge in
October, 1SS2, to labor in the interests of National
Reform. In September, 1886, the Rev. Thomas H.
Acheson was ordained and installed in charge, and is
the present efficient pastor. Of the principal members
have been James Grier, Robert Gilmore, Peter Guthrie,
James Kilpatrick, Andrew Orr, J. B. Whittaker, William
McGlade, James Douglas, William Morrison, H. M.
Johnston, Patterson O. Joseph, R. L. Wallace, William
McCullough.
Grove Hill. Emigrants, chiefly from southern Ohio,
settled in the vicinity of Grove Hill, in Bremer County,
in 1856, and continued to gather until the congregation
was organized in October, 1861. The Rev. Robert
Hutcheson continued to supply them until his installa-
tion as pastor in April, 1863. He resigned the charge
in May, 1867, and supplied them until the congregation
was disorganized by emigration in May, 1869. I
Hickory Grove. A few families of Covenanters |
from Ohio settled in Monroe Count)-, and not far from |
Albia, in 1863. They were followed by the Rev. James j
Love in 1864, and he ministered to them until the J
organization as Albia in October, 1S65. The name j
was changed to Hickory Grove in May, 1S72. In
April, 1866, Mr. Love was installed pastor, and con- j
tinued in this relation until old age caused his release i
in September, 18S1. In September, 1882, the Rev. 1
James A. Thompson, the present pastor, was installed I
in charge. Of the elders have been Joseph Purvis ;
and James Boyd. j
W.JlLNUT City. A society of Covenanters settled in ;
J
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 357
Appanoose County, and near this city, in 1865, and
were organized into a congregation in March, 1868.
In September, 1S70, the Rev. Isaiah Faris became the
first and only pastor, and was released in May, 1877.
Not obtaining another pastor, many emigrated, and the
congregation was disorganized in April, 1884, and was
regarded as a mission station. James W. Dougherty,
?,[atthe\v Chestnut, Samuel ]\Iilligan and Joseph
Stevenson were among the elders.
Ci.ARlXD.A. Emigrants chiefly from Sharon congrega-
tion settled in the far west Page County, as the nucleus
of the present Clarinda congregation, in 1852. In
those days there were no railroads in this country,
and, by journeying in wagons through an almost
unsettled country they found a resting place on the
rolling prairie along the Nodaway river.* In December,
1855, they received an organization when there were
thirteen families and thirty-three members. In the fail
of 1856, the Rev. Joseph McCracken found his way
among them as the pastor-elect, but, by the badness
of the roads and the isolated location, the Commis-
sion did not install him until July, 1857. He remained
in charge less than two years. In September, 1862,
the Rev. David McKee, the present pastor, was installed
in charge. Since his settlement the country has been
wholly transformed by the building of numerous rail-
roads and the fine cultivation of the rich prairies. Of
the families are those of Willson, Hutcheson, Glasgow,
Brown, Gilmore, Linn, Caskey, McDowell, Tippin,
* Reformed Preshylerian, Vol. 20, p. 12S.
35^ HISTORY OK THE REFORMED
Connerry, Neill, Aikin, VVhitehill, McKee, Pinkerton,
McCalla, McFarland.
LOXG Bran'CH. a little south of Clarinda, and along
the Missouri State line, is situated the flourishing con-
gregation of Long Branch. They were organized in
April, 1877, and for two years enjoyed the stated
labors of the Rev. Matthew A. Gault. Mr. Gault was
installed the pastor in October, 1880, and remained
in charge two years, when he was released to enter
upon the work of National Reform in the West. , In
October, 1887, the Rev. B. Melancthon Sharp was
ordained and installed pastor, and is now in charge.
Among the eiders here are J. H. Walkinshaw, William
McCrory and John McElroy. The congregation suffered
the loss of their church building by a cyclone a few
years ago, but a more commodious one was soon
erected in the town of Blanchard.
MISSOURI.
Saint Louis. The natural location of the city of
Saint Louis on "the father of waters," with the bound-
less resources of the agricultural West, with its
mineral, manufacturing and commercial advantages, with
transportation by water and rail, at once commanded
the name of the chief city in the Mississippi Valley.
A few Covenanters had gathered in this emporium of
the West as early as 1840, but with no opportunity
to wait upon their own services. The congregation
was organized in the old Associate Reformed Church.
April 2, 1846, by Rev. James Wallace, with elder5
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IX AMERICA. 359
James Finley and John Donnelh', of Illinois. ■'■ Henry
Dean and John Moffit were chosen ruling elders.
They worshipped principally in the Associate Reformed
Church. In July, 1852, the Rev. Andrew C. Todd
was ordained and installed pastor, and at that time
there were fort\- members. In the following \-ear.
through the liberalit}- of A. G. Gamble, Esq.. then
Postmaster of Saint Louis, they were put in possession
of a lot of ground, now at the corner of Gamble
Avenue and Mercer street, where they erected a church
building. Mr. Todd resigned the charge in April,
1857. The Rev. J'oseph McCracken was installed
pastor in October, 1859, and was pastor for fifteen
}-ears, when he was translated to Geneva College in
September, 1874. In September, 1877, the Rev. James
R. Hill was installed pastor, and released in April,
1885. Uniting with Staunton, Illinois, they obtained
a part of the time of the Rev. Ellsworth ^.I. Smith, who
was ordained and installed in charge in Ma\', 1S87.
Among the principal families here may be named those
of Henry Dean. Dr. John McKinley, John Moffit, George
Thomas. Thomas Co.x, Silas and Robert J. Smith,
Daniel Williamson, James Kirk. Samuel W. McClurkin,
Thomas Matthews. John Gass. William Patterson, James
Orr, Henry and James Martin, Rev. James Wallace,
John Ingram, William C. Bovard. Zaccheus G. Willson,
J. P. Montgomery.
SvLV.vxiA. A few Covenanters settled in Dade
County, south-western Missouri, and were gathered into
a society chiefly through the efiorts of the Rev. James
360 -. 'HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
Wallace. They were organized into a congregation,
August 10, 1 87 1, with forty-nine members. Fourteen
of these were received from the Free Presbyterian,
United Presbyterian, Cumberland Presbyterian, Methodist
and Roman Catholic Churches.* For nearly five years
they were supplied by Presbytery, and, in 1876, the
Rev. Josiah Dodds labored among them for two years.
He was installed pastor in May, 1878, and is now in
charge. W. M. Edgar, William Taylor, R. C. McGee,
Thomas Crozier, James Coulter, Philip Eckard, Hugh
McCluey and Dr. Robert Dunlap have been active and
representative members.
CAMERON. This was a mission station, and for several
years supplied by the Rev. Robert B. Cannon. No
congregation was organized.
KANSA.S City. A few Covenanters are now living
in this rapidly growing city, and, chiefly through the
efforts of Mr. David Boyd, arrangements are being
made for the organization of a mission of which Rev.
J. Milligan Wylie is in charge.
KANSAS.
The congregations in the great West have been so
recently organized, and the membership so changeable,
that the history of Covenanterism in this vast region
is not ready to be written. With few exceptions,
they have at one time been cultivated by the Central
Board of Missions, and some of them are now receiving
help from that source. Numerous also have been the
♦jV. p. c- C, 1871, p. 317.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IX AMERICA. 36 1
laborers who have spent a few months in different
localities. Societies are springing up all over the We.st
and loudly calling for help. Home Mission "work is
employing laborers whose duty it is to gather scattered
families into societies and congregations.
Olathe. This is a growing town and destined
soon to became a suburb of Kansas City. It is the
capital of Johnston County, and in the eastern part
of the State. The congregation was organized in April,
1S65, through the labors of the Rev. William W. Mc-
Millan. Mr. McMillan was installed pastor in March,
1866, and labored for nearly twenty years and until
his release in October, 1885. The Rev. Joseph H.
Wylie was installed pastor in October, 1887. Among
the families here are those of Dr. Bell, Samuel Dickey.
J. M. Hutcheson. Joseph Thompson, W. S. Mitchell,
Thompson and Alexander Moore, John Robinson,
Walter McCrea, Samuel and Robert Galbraith, James
M. Renfrew, John Acheson, James Ritchie and James
Hunter.
Pleasant Ridge. A few miles from Olathe, in
Johnston County, Pleasant Ridge is located, and was
originally a part of the former congregation. It received
a separate organization in August, 1871. The Rev.
Matthew Wilkin was the first pastor, installed for a
part of his time, in May, 1874, and was removed by
death in July, 1880. In October, r88i, the Rev. R.
M. C. Thompson, the present pastor, was installed.
Among the elders have been J. M. Marvin, Johrj
Sterritt, T. M. and James Hutcheson.
Winchester, This is the largest congregation of
362 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
Covenanters in Kansas, and surrounds the growing
town of Winchester, the capital of Jefferson County.
It was built up chiefly through the labors of the Rev.
Josiah Dodds, and was organized in September, 1868.
In November, 1868, Mr. Dodds became the pastor,
and remained in this relation eight years. In August,
1877, the present pastor, the Rev. David H. Coulter,
was installed in charge. Among the members here are
James Thompson, John Moore, David Paris, George
Thomas, W. R. Curry, Hugh Selders, John R. Reynolds.
Samuel and David Dill, William McCrea, David Logan,
James R. Mclntire, James White and John Carson.
North Ced.a.R. North-west of Winchester, and in
the adjoining County of Jackson, is the flourishing con-
gregation of North Cedar. It was cultivated by the
Rev. J. S. T. Milligan and organized in October,
1871. Since October, 1872, Mr. Milligan has been the
pastor. Of the elders have been James Keers, J. M.
Law, J. L. Wright and William Wylie.
ESKRIDGE. This promising congregation is located
in Wabaunsee County, south-west of the city of
Topeka, and was organized in April, 1884. In August,
18S6, the ' Rev. Nathan M. Johnston became the
pastor, and is in charge.
Hebron. There are two congregations in Clay
County, and near Clay Centre. They were organized
in November, 1871, as Republican City and Eagle
Bend, and changed to Hebron in May, 1876. The
Rev. J. S. T. Milligan supplied it for several years.
The Rev. Samuel M. Stevenson was installed pastor
in October, 1874, and released in April, 1876. In
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. ^^T,
N'ovember, 1876, the Rev. Matthew Wilkin was installed
for part of his time, and was removed by death in
Jul)-, 1S80. In August, 1882, the Rev. James R.
Latimer, the present pastor, was installed in charge.
J. B. Porter, John T. Sanderson and A. Copeland
have been elders.
Tabor. The other congregation in Clay County, and
near Clay Centre, is Tabor. It was originally a part
nf the Republican City and Eagle Bend congregation,
and received a separate e.xistence in October, 1873.
Since October, 1874, the Rev. Samuel M. Stevenson has
been the pastor. Of the elders are W. B. Whittaker,
William Rodgers and W. B. McElroy.
Jewell. On the northern central border of Kansas
is located the congregation of Jewell, situated in the
south-eastern part of Jewell County. It was organized
from the Rubens and Holmwood congregation, in July,
[88 5. James M. Adams and S. Y. Hutcheson are corre-
spondents.
Holmwood. This is situated in the northern part of
Jewell County, and not far from Mankato. It included
Rubens, and was organized in September. 1881. J. B.
Alexander, John A. Mclntire and George M. Tippin,
are elders.
Sterling. Near the center of the State, in Rice
County, and upon the Arkansas river, is located the
congregation of Sterling. It was organized in November,
1877, and the Rev. John M. Armour was in charge
until May, 1885. The Rev, Preston H. Wylie became
the pastor in April, 1887, and is now in charge.
Among the principal families are those of W. J.
364 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
Connery, James Humphreys, R. H. Matthews, J. M.
Davis, William Lemon, J. Seifridge, James Frem, William
Davis and Nathaniel Patton.
Rochester. Some forty miles south of Sterling is
the young congregation of Rochester, in Kingman
County. It was organized in December, 1886.
Quixter. This newl)- organized congregation is
situated in Gove County, and in the western part of
the State. It was organized in July, 1887.
Burdett. Some fifty miles west of Sterling, and
not far from Larned, Pawnee County, lies the congre-
gation of Burdett, organized in July, 1887. It is-
supplied by the Central Board of Missions.
NEBRASKA.
Wahoo. The town of Wahoo is the capital of
Saunders County, and situated some forty miles directl)-
west of the city of Omaha. The other society of the
congregation is at Fremont, north-east of Wahoo, in
Dodge County, and on the Platte river. They were long
cultivated by the Central Board of Missions, and
organized as the Wahoo and Fremont congregation, in
December, 1871, with thirteen members. In October^
1877, the Rev. James A. Thompson became the pastor,
and was released in May, 1S80. The Rev. Dr. Hugh
P. McClurkin, the present pastor, was installed in
February, 1884. J. M. Lee, Joseph Manners and Frank
L. McClelland are among the leading elders.
Superior. Situated around the growing town of
Superior, in Nuckolls Count}-, on the Republican river
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 365.
and near the Kansas line, is located this thriving
congregation. It was organized in September, 1881.
and the Rev. Robert C. Allen became the pastor in
December, 1882, and was released in October, 18S4.
The congregation lost its organization in Ma)', 1885,
but was re-organized in August, 1885. The Re\-.-
Patterson P. Boyd was installed pastor in March, 188S.
Beulah. This congregation is situated in Webster
Count}-, on the Republican river, some fifteen miles
west of Superior. It was organized in September, iSSr.-
The Rev. William S. Fulton has been pastor for a part
of his time since March, 1S85.
ECKLEV. Some miles north of Beulah, in Webster
County, lies the congregation of Eckley, organized in
November, 1878, with seventeen members. The Rev,
William S. Fulton has been the pastor for part of his-
time since March, 1885. David and D. D. Mearns,
Adam Orr and William H. Middleton are among the
leading members and officers.
COLORADO.
Evans. A colony of Covenanters, chiefly from.'
Southern Illinois and lead by the Rev. Andrew C,
Todd, settled around the town of Evans, in Weld
County, in the northern part of this State, in the
spring of 1871. The situation is some forty-five miles-
north of the city of Denver, and about twent}--fi\-e
miles east of the base of the Rocky Mountains, and.
in full view of Long's Peak which is covered with
perpetual snow. The congregation received an organiza-
366 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
tion in August, 1 87 1, and Mr. Todd continued to
minister to them. They erected a neat brick church
in the town of Evans. Mr. Todd was formally installed
pastor in August, 1S74.
La Junta. This society is situated in Bent County,
in south-eastern Colorado. This is a new field. There
live the families of J. C. Dodds and J. M. Hill.
Denver. A few families of Covenanters are living
in this city, but no organization has yet been effected.
WASHINGTON TERRITORY.
SUXNVDALE. This society of Covenanters is situated
near the villages of Sunnydale and Kent, some fifteen
miles from the city of Seattle, on Puget Sound. In
1885, two families from Lake Reno, Minnesota, settled
in this locality and they were joined by elder Dr.
Ewing from Round Prairie, Minnesota, two years later.
In October, 1887, they were visited by the Rev. N.
R. Johnston, of California, who preached to them
several Sabbaths. These families of Covenanters hold
society meetings, conduct a prosperous Sabbath School,
and form the nucleus of a congregation. The principal
families are those of Dr. \V. H. Ewing, D. S. Elsey
and S. G. Clark.
CALIFORNIA.
Oakland. Covenanters have reached the Golden
Gate. In 1875, the Rev. N. R. Johnston and family
removed to this city and opened a mission among the
Chinese. A few scattered families of Covenanters reside
PREbBVTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 367
in different parts of the State. In August, 1S79, a
mission congregation was organized in Oakland, by a
Commission of Synod consisting of Rev. N. R. Johnston,
and elders S. M. McCIoy and David Mitchell, of Santa
Anna. Twenty-two members were received, ten of
whom were Chinese converts, and John Rice and Ju
Sing were ordained ruling elders. Mr. Johnston was
placed in charge. By the removal of elder Rice the
congregation was disorganized in May, 1S85, and Mr.
Johnston continues to preach in connection with the
mission.
No doubt in many of the States and Territories of
the great West there are numerous scattered families
of Covenanters, but so far as is known to coUaters
of statistics, all the organized societies have been
noticed.
COVENANTERISM IN THE SOUTH.
During the persecution and banishment of the Cove-
nanters from Scotland over two hundred years ago,
many of them settled on the Eastern Shore of .Mary-
land, in parts of Virginia and South Carolina, but
they formed no separate societies, and in time went
into the different Presbyterian Churches as they were
formed in America. During the rapid flow of emigra-
tion to this country previous to 1770, the Covenanters
were not distinguished by historians from the Scotch-
Irish Presbyterians, and the early history of these
people, as a distinct class, is lost.
368 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
MARYLAND.
Baltimore. As early as the year 1797, a few families^
of Covenanters resided in the city of Baltimore. At
the formation of the Reformed Presbytery, in the spring
of 1798, the Revs. William Gibson and James McKinney
were directed to visit the people in this city. In June,.
1799, the Revs. Samuel B. Wylie and Alexander Mc-
Leod, at that time licensed, were appointed to preach
here, which they did as often as convenient. In 1802,.
the Rev. Samuel B. Wylie accepted a call to the united
congregations of Philadelphia and Baltimore, and was.
installed in charge in November, 1803.* Baltimore had
no organization and was in a feeble condition. Mr.
Wylie continued to preach here until 1806, when he
demitted this branch and confined his labors to Phila-
delphia. The society continued to increase by emigration,,
chiefly from Scotland, and they continued faithful in
the society meetings. In 1812, they bought the old
Associate Reformed Church, at the corner of Aisquith
and Fayette streets, and enjoyed regular supplies. The
students of the Philadelphia Seminary were frequent in
their visits, and gave the Baltimoreans an opportunity
to choose a pastor. In the spring of 18 18, they invited
the Rev. John Gibson, then a licentiate, and who had
preached for them a few days, to return to Baltimore,,
urging that the prospects for a large congregation
were very flattering. This he declined to do; partly
from motives of delicac}-, and partly because ordered
elsewhere by the direction of Presb\-tery. A unanimous.
* From the Congregational records and other sources.
J
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IX AMERICA. 369
call was made out in his favor in April, 18 18, and
accepted. In July, 181 8, Mr. Gibson came to Baltimore
and began his labors, but unforeseen circumstances
delayed his ordination five months. The Baltimore
congregation was regularly organized by Revs. Alexander
:\IcLeod, Robert Lusk and William Gibson, December
15, 18 1 S, with forty members, and Rev. John Gibson
was ordained and installed pastor. James McCauseland,
John McLean and John Anderson were ordained ruling
elders, and John Mortimer was appointed to read out
the lines, and sing the few tunes selected by the Board
of Trustees. Probably the first Covenanters in Baltimore
were James Fletcher, James McCauseland, Robert
Carothers and John McLean from Scotland; Mrs. James
Black, John Anderson and Samuel Moody, from Ireland.
In 1 8 19, emigration from Europe began to flow in
rapidly, and among those . who were added to the
Church this year were Samuel Boyd, Archibald McGill,
Alexander McCracken, John Neilson and James Wooden.
The sacrament of the Lord's supper was, for the first
time, administered on December 19, 18 19, and the pastor
was assisted by Revs. Alexander McLeod and Robert
Lusk. In 1820, John Milroy, William and Samuel
Gumming, and Samuel Russell, from Scotland; and
Patrick May and Patrick Boyd, from Ireland, were
among those added to the congregation. In 1821, forty
persons were added to the Church, among whom were
the families of David Graham, Dr. J. Harper, John
McElroy, John Wood, Walter Russell, James Kirkpatrick,
John McElwee, Hugh Connell, Samuel Henry, James
Logan, WiUoughbv Lewis, Robert Bates, John Little,
L
370 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
Joshua David, John Murphy and Arthur Baxter. In
1822, eighteen were added, among whom were James
Crawford, John Campbell, Hugh McConnell, John Da\is,.
James Brown, Sarnuel Morrison and Alexander Scott.
Willoughby Lewis and David Graham were added to
the session, May 18, 1822. In 1S23, thirty-five more
members were added to the roll, chiefly from Scotland.
Of these emigrants were John Waugh, James Mc-
Collum, Samuel Boyd, Edward Spence, Patrick Dicke\-,,
George Smith, John Boyd, John Fisher, James Char-
tiers, Alexander Hamilton, John Hamel, Daniel Lough-
ridge, William Stavely, William Waddell, Moses Roney,.
William Johnston, James Dykes, Edward Hamilton,.
William Pettigrew, John McQuown and John Arnold.-
For five or six years the congregation added many
members to its communion, and, in 1830, was one
of the largest and wealthiest congregations in the
body. There were over three hundred members.
John Mortimer, Patrick Dickey and James Smith were
ordained ruling elders in April, 1828. The church
now became too small to accommodate the worshippers
who flocked to hear the eloquence of Mr. Gibson.
In 1829, the church at Aisquith and Fayette streets
was sold, and the congregation bought a large and
commodious church at the corner of HoUiday and
Saratoga streets. Here large audiences waited upon
the services, and man)- were added to the Church. A
laxness in discipline followed this great success, and
members were not always e.xcluded from secret societies
and the privileges of citizens. As a natural conse-
quence, during the di\'ision of the Church in 1S33,,
PRESBVTERIAX CHURCH IX AMERICA. 37 I
Mr. Gibson and nearly the whole congregation, left
the principles of the Church, and went into the Pres-
byterian and other bodies. The faithful remnant were
left in charge of the church property, but it was
too large for them to use and a debt was upon it.
They then organized themselves into a society, sold
the church and paid off the debt, and the same year
bought a little mission church on Callow's Hill, with-
out seats and a brick floor, which is the original of
the present church building on Harford Avenue and
Chase street. They spent a considerable sum on
repairs, and asked for supplies. At the re-organization,
November 10. 1S33, there were about forty members,
and James Hunter, Samuel Reid and Hugh Crocket
were added to the session. During this year Patrick
Morrow, John Dickson, David Warwick, Robert Mc-
Rosey, William Laughlin and John McCrory were
among those added to the Church. Soon they were
followed [by James Duncan, Patrick Hall, Andrew
Mabin and William Robinson. The Rev. William L.
Roberts was installed pastor in January, 1S35. During
this year Matthew Cowan, James Dickson. John Henry,
James Jackson, Samuel Russell, William J. Dicke\-,
James Ganston, Gregory Barrett, James Stewart and
John Russell were added to the membership. John
Ford and William W}-lie were elected elders, Januarj-
23, 1S37. During this >'ear, Mr. Roberts made a
protracted war upon the milk dealers who delivered
milk upon the Sabbath da\-. As many influential
members were engaged in this business, the Church
suffered greatly b\- their suspension, and the abandon-
372 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
ment by others. Mr. Roberts resigned the charge in
October, 1837, and James Hunter, Hugh Crocket, and
others, went with him to Sterling, New York. Among
those who supplied during the next few years, was
Francis Gailey, whom they called. Mr. W. J. Dickey
was the commissioner to the Presbytery meeting in
New York to urge the call, but upon the way with
Mr. Gailey he discovered his duplicity, and that he
did not intend to accept their invitation. The call
was declined. Mr. Gailey frequently returned to Balti-
more and preached, and, when he made defection and
was suspended in October, 1S38, he took the great
majority of the members with him, and they retained
the church property. The congregation was again dis-
organized, and the few faithful Covenanters were left
without a house of worship. They resorted to the
prayer meetings, which were held from house to house,
and generally at the home of Mr. William Gumming
in the eastern suburb of the city. Preaching was
occasionally enjoyed, and they were visited by Revs.
David Scott, Thomas Hanna and Charles B. McKee,
The case of the right of the property entered the
civil courts, and the trial was postponed from time to
time. In 1842, the congregation was re-organized and
the Rev. Charles B. McKee, to whom all honor is due
for the existence of the congregation, was made stated
supply in 1844. He preached and taught a classical
school, and in this way the cause was maintained.
The small congregation now worshipped in Union Hall,
on the corner of Baltimore and Holliday streets, and
subsequently in the church of the New Jerusalem
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 373
Society at the corner of Baltimore and Exeter streets.
At the re-organization of the congregation, July 17,
1S42, James Wright and James Dickson were chosen
ruling elders. The Rev. Charles B. McKee was installed
pastor in December, 1S46, and the congregation began
to grow. After the church property had been in the
courts for ten years, and every effort had been made
to obtain possession of the church, a present member
of the congregation entered the church and remained
there until it was opened by the authorities, and when
he was found in the building, the court decided that
the Covenanters held the property by right of posses-
sion. After paying a part of the costs, the congregation
has worshipped in their own house unmolested for
forty years. The Rev. Charles B. McKee left the
communion of the Church in December, 1S52, and the
congregation suffered another loss. They numbered
about sixty members, and were determined to make an
effort to obtain another pastor. The Rev. John Craw-
ford was ordained and installed pastor in November,
1853. Henr\' Smyth and Patrick Morrow were added
to the session in May, 1S54. Mr. Crawford died in
September, 1856. much lamented by the congregation
and Church. The Rev. William W. McMillan was
ordained and installed in charge in December, 1S59.
D. James Cumming and William McLean were
ordained elders in November. 1S60. Mr. McMillan had
a great deal to contend with, as times were financially
hard and the war of the rebellion was in progress.
The city was in arms and many of the members had
enlisted. Mr. McMillan resigned the charge in Mav,
374 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
1863, and for various reasons the congregation was
greatly reduced. In August, 1864, the Rev. W. Pollock-
Johnston was installed in charge. In 1868, the church
was wholly remodeled and a small Sabbath School
room was put under the church. Matthew H. Wright
and D. Oliver Brown were ordained elders in October,
1 87 1. Mr. Johnston resigned the charge in Jul\-, 1873.
The Rev. John Lynd was ordained and installed in
charge in December, 1S73, and resigned in November,
1877. In October, 187S, the Rev. Alfred D. Crowe
was ordained and installed in charge. Captain James
M. Shackelford and Joseph M. Smith were chosen
ruling elders in November, 1S80, and in October, 1881,
James S. Mullen and George A. Maben were added
to the session. Mr. Oowe resigned in August, 1884.
on account of impaired health, and died a few months
thereafter in Rochester, New York. In November,
1885, W. Melancthon Glasgow, the present pastor,
was ordained and installed in charge. Among the
members not alread\- mentioned are recorded the
names of George Crocket. John Cummings, John
Coulter, Alexander Kinnear, John McGowan, Robert
Lamb, John Rodgers, William Ross. John ^McLean,
Professors James R., Hugh, and Ale.xander M. Newell,
"Dr. John Dickson, Alexander Harbison. John McKinney,
Fergus and James Johnston, William Knox. John B.
Crocket, William W. Russell, H. W. Calderwood,
Thomas Moore, William Irwin, John Wright, James
Maben, W. C. Purvis, Thomas McGowan, James
Mitchell, Adam Wallace. W, J. Hughes. Robert Hunter.
Robert Hughes, Captain William Hunt, George W.
I'RIiSlJVTEKIAX CHURCH IN AMERICA. 375
Marshall, George B. and George .M. Cummings, John
H. McGowan, Joseph Bowes. J. Renwick Cummings.
J, T. Flummer. Walter Nicholson. John F. Bachen.
VIRGINIA.
Suffolk. A few families from Western Pennsylvania
removed to the country below the Chesapeake Bay. and
near the town of SufTolk, in the south-eastern corner
of Virginia, and were organized as a mission station in
November, 1876. They were sustained chiefly by the
Philadelphia Presbytery ; and the ministers of that court,
.md the Rev. James L. Pinkerton supplied them for
-ome time. The mission was disorganized in May, 1881,
by the removal of some of the colony, and others go\n<y
into the United Presbyterian Church. Among the
families of this colony were those of John Haslett,
John Galbraith, Thompson Gilleland and John Steele.
TENNESSEE.
Hephzibah. This once flourishing congregation was
situated along the Elk river, near Fayetteville. in
Lincoln County. As early as the year 1807. the families
of Alexander Morton, John Paul. John Murdoch, and
others, from South Carolina, located in this vicinity, and
were visited by the Rev. Thomas Donnelly.* In 1809,
and in 1810, other families from South Carolina joined
them, and the Rev. John Kell preached to them. The
congregation was organized June 12. 1S12. as the Elk
17^ HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
congregation, by Rev. John Reilly, of South Carolina,
and elder William Edgar, of Duck river, with eighteen
members. At this time Samuel Little and Alexander
Morton were chosen ruling elders. The sacrament of
the Lord's supper was administered in the open woods,
God's first temple, beneath the shade of a wide spreading
beech. In 1815, they were visited by Robert Lusk,
licentiate, and, in 1S18, they called the Rev. Samuel
Wylie, but he 'declined on account of the prevalence of
slavery. In the spring of 1822, Hugh McMillan, and
in the fall of the same year, Gavin McMillan, came
and preached with much acceptance to the people.
Rev. Gavin McMillan declined a call tendered him. The
i^ev. Robert Lusk dispensed the next communion in a
grove, in October, 1822, at which time James Blair,
John Carithers and James Morton were added to the
session, the former elders having removed to Illinois.
In 1823, they erected a log church. In 1825, the Rev.
Robert McKee, licentiate, preached si.x months and
received a unanimous call. He declined on account of
the prevalence of slavery. In 1826, the Rev. James
Paris visited them, and the congregation had grown to
one hundred members. In 1828, Revs. James Paris and
Ebenezer Cooper dispensed the sacraments, and Thomas
Morton, Thomas Blair, Andrew Carithers and William
Wyatt were added to the session. Mr. Cooper was
now called to the pastorate, accepted, returned to
the Northern Presbytery, and was ordained in June,
1828. When he came back to the congregation for
settlement, which now changed its name from Elk to
Hephzibah, he declined being installed pastor, giving as
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 377
reasons the prevalence of slavery and the great distance
from his ministerial brethren. In 1832, Mr. Cooper, and
the great majority of the congregation, emigrated to
Fayette County, Indiana, on account of the evils of
-lavery. In 1S33, the society became identified with
the New School body, and is now about extinct.
Duck River. A few families from South Carolina
settled along Duck river, in Hickman County, south-
west of the city of Nashville, in iSio, but afterwards
removed to Illinois and Indiana.
Rodgersville. a small colony from South Carolina,
and emigrants from Ireland, settled along the Holston
river, Hawkins County, in East Tennessee, in the early
part of the present century. Some of them afterwards
emigrated to Cincinnati, Ohio, and other free States.
Among these families were Patrick Murphy, Dr. Archi-
bald and Samuel McKinney.
ALABAMA,
Selma. The city of Selma was selected by the
Central Board of Missions as the seat of the Southern
Mission in 1874, and the Rev. Lewis Johnston was
placed in charge. The Selma congregation was organ-
ized May 21, 1875, with twenty-five members, four of
whom were certified from the Baptist Church, three
from the Presbyterian, one from the Methodist, and
twelve were received from the world. Lewis Johnston.
Sr., and George M. Elliot, previously ordained for the
field, and Daniel W. Bo.xle\- were chosen elders.
This was the first Covenanter congregation of the
5Jii HlSrOm- OK [HE REFORMED
sable race ever organized in America, and the Rev.
Lewis Johnston was installed pastor. Mr. Johnston
was suspended in November, 1876. The Rev. George
M. Elliot, the present pastor, was installed in Decem-
ber, 1S77. John Willdee and James H. Pickens were
elected elders. The Revs. Hugh W. Reed and J. W.
Dill preached at Pleasant Grove, six miles from Selma,
where there is conducted a flourishing: Sabbath School.
GEORGIA.
There was a society of Covenanters near the present
town of LoULsviLLE, in eastern Georgia, as early as
1780, to which the , Rev. William Martin frequently
preached. At the meeting of the Committee of the
Reformed Presbytery at Rocky Creek, South Carolina,
in February, 1801, a petition was received from this
;Society for ministerial assistance. The Committee
■directed the Rev. Thomas Donnelly to visit the society,
.and if he found it practicable to attach it to the
Rocky Creek congregation ; and if not, to endeavor
,to send them supplies. There is no record, however,
of any organization in Georgia, although groups of
families lived within the limits of this State.
NORTH CAROLINA.
Charlotte. A large number of Covenanters lived
within the bounds of Mecklenberg County, and were
visited by Rev. William .Martin previous to 1785.
They gradually migrated back to South Carolina, and
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 379
Other States, after the war of the Revolution, and no
organization beyond the society meeting was ever
effected.
StaTE.sville. Still farther north in Iredell County,
and near the present village of Statesville, was a
society of Covenanters in 1780, also visited by the
Rev. William Martin. Indeed all through the southern
and eastern parts of North Carolina there were a few
societies occasionally visited by the ministers in the
South, but were never formally organized into congrega-
tions or had a settled ministr\-.
SOUTH CAROLINA.
CHE.STER District. In the latter part of the seven-
teenth century a few banished Covenanters settled at
Port Ro\-al and in the vicinity of Charleston, but on
account of the unhealth\- condition of the country
they either migrated to Chester District or returned
to Scotland. Soon Chester District became the strong-
hold of Covenanterism in the South. In 1750, soon
after the removal of the Rev. Ale.xander Craighead
to the South, a few members of the " Craighead
Society" at Octorara, Pennsylvania, and other Cove-
nanters from Virginia and North Carolina, settled in
this region. Among these were Hugh and John Mc-
Donald. They settled along the Rocky Creek and
were the pioneers of Chester.'^ John McDonald and
his wife were both killed by the Cherokee Indians in
1 761, and their children were made prisoners. In
♦Sketch bv D. G. Stinsoo per R. B. Elder. Guthnesville, S. C.
380 HISTORV OF THE REFORMED
1755, emigrants from Ireland began to settle up the
country, and among these were many Covenanter
families. They built a union church and the Rev.
William Richardson, of Wa.xhaws, became the preacher.
The church was called "Catholic," because Presby-
terians generally worshipped there, and this general
meeting house was situated on the Rock)- Mount
road, some fifteen miles south-east of the town of
Chester. In 1770, the Covenanters separated from the
others and held society meetings. They then wrote to-
Ireland for a preacher and made every effort to obtain
a minister. In accordance with their wishes, the Rev.
William Martin, of Ballymoney, Ireland, came with a
colony of his people in 1772, and settled along the
Rocky Creek. No imaginary picture has been drawn
when a description of the manners and customs of these-
patriotic Covenanters is given by Mrs. E. F. Ellet in
her "Domestic History of the American Revolution,'"
and written by Mr. Daniel G. Stinson, whose father
was a member of this colony. This chapter of inter-
esting Covenanter history will here be inserted ;
An interesting glimpse into the life and character of the Scotch-
Irish patriots of South Carolina at the period of the Revolution is
afforded in the history of Mrs. Green, daughter of Robert Stephenson
(or Stinson,) a native of Scotland, who was born in the County
Antrim, Ireland, in 1750. The family was reared in the strictest
tenents of the Covenanter faith, in the vicinity of Ballymoney, under
the pastoral care of the Rev. William Martin, who, in 1772, emigrated
to .America, and settled on the Rocky Creek, South Carolina. Many
of the congregation quitted their country with him, and followed their
pastor under impulse of the same desire of the "freedom to worship
God." .\mong these emigrants were James, William and Elizabeth
Stinson. and their brother-in-law, William .\nderson, who married Nancy
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 38 I
Stinson before the sailing of the ship. Her wedded life thus com-
raenced with a voluntary renunciation of home and the society of
early friends, to seek a new country and to encounter unforeseen
privations and difficulties. Bounty lands had been bestowed by the
government as inducements to emigration, and those who received such
warrants, upon their arrival took great care to fix their location as
near as possible to a central point, where a meeting house might be
built. Their spirit was that of the ancient patriarch, who first built
an altar. The spot selected for this purpose was the dividing ridge
between Great and Little Rocky Creeks. Here, in the summer of 1773.
these pious Covenanters might be seen from day to day, felling trees
and clearing a space of ground upon which they reared a large log
meeting house, many of them living in tents at home, till a place
was provided in which they could assemble for religious service. .\
number of log cabins soon rose in the neighborhood, each with a
patch of ground in which Indian corn was planted. The Irish
emigrants were ignorant of the manner of cultivating this grain . but
the first settlers, or " country-borns " were ready to offer assistance-
and took pains to instruct them in its culture. The wants of small
families were supplied with small crops, for corn was only then used
for making bread, the woods affording abundant supplies of grass
cane and wild pea vines to serve their horses and cattle for provender
the whole year round. The streams abounded in shad and various
other fish in their season, and the trusty rifle that hung upon the
rack over the door, was never brought back without having performed
its duty in slaying the deer, or whatever small game might be sought
in the forest. Often have the old men who lived in that day spokea
of the abundance that prevailed ; a good hunter, when he chose,
could make five dollars a day in deer skins and hams, while, if
generous, he might give away the remainder of the venison to the
poor. The hams and skins were sent to Charleston and exchanged
for powder, lead, and other necessary articles. The wealth of these
primitive Covenanters consisted in stock, their labors in tilling the
earth, felling the woods and fencing their fields, while they were
disturbed by none of the wants or cares created by a more advanced
state of civilization. Such was the condition of the Covenanters, who-
had left their native Ireland, for the religious liberty found in the
wilds of America. During seven years after their settlement in the
woods, they enjoyed a life in which nothing of earthly comfort was
L
362 Hl.STORV OK THE REFORMED
wanting. Year after year the patch enlarged, the field becoming to
the respectable dimensions of ten acres, and then a good clearing for
a farm. Every Sabbath morning the parents, in their " Sunday
clothes," with their neatly dressed and well-behaved little ones, might
be seen at the log meeting-house ; their pocket Bibles containing the
old Psalms in their hands, and, turning over the leaves, they would
follow the preacher in all the passages of Scripture cited by him, as
he commented upon the verses. Their simple, trustful piety caused
the wilderness to rejoice. But this happiness could not be lasting.
The rumour of war which had gone over the land, was heard even in
this remote section, and these refugees who had found peace could
not but sympathize with their oppressed brethren. Some, it is true,
from the vicinity, had been out in what was called "the Snow Cam-
paign," an e.\pedition undertaken towards the close of 1775 against
the fierce Cherokee Indians and certain loyalists in the upper regions ,
and some had been present at the attack on Sullivan's Island in 1776,
and brought a report to those remaining at home. The desolation
that raged in the North ere long took its way Southward, and the
families which were unmolested, and had enjoyed the pure ordinances
of the gospel, were now disturbed. This immunity was of short
duration. John McClure, of Fishing Creek, came home and brought
the intelligence of the surrender of Charleston, and his own defeat at
Monk's Corner. Still worse news came from across the river— of the
inhuman massacre of Buford's command by Tarleton's corps at Wa.\-
haws. This event gave a more sanguinary character to the war.
Directly after this appalling announcement, spread the rumour that a
strong party of British was posted at Rocky Mount, that the people
of Wateree were flocking to lake protection as loyal subjects, and that
the conquerers were sending forces in every direction to reduce the
Province to subjection. Such was the aspect of affairs up to a certain
Sabbath in June, 17S0. On the morning of this memorable Sabbath,
the different paths leading up to the log meeting house were unusu-
ally crowded. The old country lolk were dressed with their usual
neatness, especially the women, %vhose braw garments, brought from
Ireland, were carefully preserved, not merely from thrift, but as a
memorial of the green isle of their birth. Their dresses of silk, chintz,
or Irish calico — fitted each wearer with marvelous neatness, and the
collars or ruffles of linen, white as snow, and the high-heeled shoes.
They wore fur hats with narrow rims and large feathers ; their hair
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IX AMERICA. 383
aeatly braided, hanging over the shoulders or fastened by the black
ribbon band around their heads, comprised their holiday attire. It
uas always a mystery to the dames, who had spent their lives or
.many years in the country, how the gowns of the late comers could
be made to fit so admirably ; their own, in spite of every effort,
showing a sad deficiency in this respect. The men, on their part,
.ippeared not less adorned in their coats of line broadcloth, with their
breeches, Urge knee buckles of pure silver, and hose of various colors.
They wore shoes fastened with a large strap secured with a buckle,
or white topped boots, leaving exposed three or four inches of the
hose from the knee downward. It must be acknowledged that these
people, so strict in their religious principles, were somewhat remarkable
in their fondness for dress. They considered it highly irreverent to ap-
pear at church not clad in their best clothes, and though when engaged
in labor during the week, they conformed to the customs of their neigh-
bors, wearing the coarse homespun of their own manufacture, and on the
Sabbath it was astonishing to see how much of decent pride there was in
the e.xhibition of the fine clothes brought from beyond the seas, .-^s the
years rolled on many of the dresses and coats began to show marks of
decay; but careful repairing preserved the hoarded garments, linked
with such endeared associations, and only a few. who had married with
the ■■ country-born," had made any alteration in them. The peculiarity
of dress gave the congregation, assembled for worship in that rude
sanctuary, a strange and motely appearance — European finery being
contrasted with the homespun gowns, hunting shirts and moccasins of
the country people. It was always insisted upon as a point of duty by
Covenanters, that children should be brought to church with parents.
The little ones sat between the elders, that they might be kept quiet
during Divine service, and also to be ready at the appointed hour to
say the Catechism. The strict deportment and piety of this people had
already done much to change the customs formerly prevalent. Men
and women who used to hunt or fish upon the Sabbath day, now
went regularly to meeting, and some notorious ones whose misconduct
had been a nuisance to the community, now left the neighborhood.
The Stroudes, Kitchens and Morrisses. formerly regarded as the Phil-
istines of the land, were regular in their attendance upon Divine service.
Upon this particular Sabbath, the whole neighborhood seemed to have
turned out, and every face wore an expression of anxiety. Groups of
men might be seen gathered together under shade trees in every
L
384 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
direction, talking in loud and earnest tones, some laying down plans for
the assent of their friends; some pale with alarm and listened to others
telling the news; and some, transported with indignation, stamped the
ground and gesticulated vehemently as they spoke. Everywhere th&
women mingled with the different groups, and appeared to bear an
active part in what was going on. At eleven o'clock, precisely, the-
venerable form of William Martin, the preacher, came in sight. He
was about sixty years of age, and had a high reputation for learning
and eloquence. He was a large and powerful man, with a voice that
might have been heard at the distance of half a mile. As he walked
from the place where he hitched his horse, towards the stand (it being
customary when the congregation was too large to be accommodated
in the meeting-house, to have the service in the open air), the loud
and angry words of the speakers must have reached his ears. The
voices ceased as he approached, and the congregation was soon seated
in silence upon the logs surrounding the stand. When he arose to
speak every eye was fixed upon him. Those who had been most noisy
expected a reproof for their desecration of the Sabbath, for their
faithful pastor was never known to fail of rebuking those whose deport-
ment was unsuited to the solemnity of the day. But at this time he
also seemed absorbed with the great subject that agitated every bosom.
"My hearers," he said, in his broad, distinct Irish dialect, "talk and
angry words will do no good, ff'i' must fight .' .A.s your pastor, in
preparing a discourse suited to this time of trial, I have sought for all
light, I have examined the Scriptures and other helps in ancient and
modern history, and have especially considered the controversy between
the United Colonies and the mother country. Sorely have our
countryman been dealt with, till forced to their declaration of indepen-
dence. Our forefathers in Scotland made a similar one, and maintained
that declaration with their lives. It is now our turn, brethren, to-
maintain this at all hazards. ' After the prayer, and singing of the
Psalms, he calmly opened his discourse He cited many passages of
Scripture to show that a people may lawfully resist wicked rulers;,
pointed to historical examples of princes trampling upon the rights of
the people, painted in vivid colors the rise and progress of the Refor-
mation in Scotland; and finally applied the subject by fairly stating
the merits of the revolutionary controversy. Giving a brief sketch of
the events of the war, from the first shedding of blood at Lexington,,
and, warming with the subject as he proceeded, his address became
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 3S5
eloquent with the fiery energy of a Demosthenes. In a voice like
thunder, frequently striking with his clenched first the clapboard pulpit.
he appealed to the excited concourse, exhorting them to fight valiantly
in defence of their liberties. .\s he dwelt upon the recent horrid
traged) — the butchery of Buford's men, cut down by the British
dragoons while crying for mercy — his indignation reached its height.
Stretching out his hand toward Waxhaws — "Go see," he cried, "the
tender mercies of Great Britain I In that church you may find men,
though still alive, hacked out of the very semblance of humanity; some
■deprived of their arms, some with one arm or leg, some with
both legs cut off, and others' with mutilated trunks. Is not this cruelty
a parallel to the history of our Scottish forefathers, driven from their
conventicles, and hunted as beasts of the forest ' Behold the godly
youth, James Nesbit, chased for days by the British for the crime of
being seen on his knees upon the Sabbath morning, etc '." To this
stirring sermon the whole assembly responded. Hands were clenched
and teeth set in the intensity of feeling; every uplifted face expressed
the same determination, and even the women were filled with the
spirit that threatened vengeance upon the invaders. During the interval
of Divine worship, they went about professing their resolution to do
their part in the approaching contest; to plough the fields, and gather
the crops in the absence of the men, aye, to fight themselves rather
than submit. In the afternoon the subject was resumed and discussed
with renewed energy, while the appeals of the preacher were answered
by even more energetic demonstrations of feeling. When the worship
was concluded, and the congregation separated to return homeward,
the manly form of Captain Ben Land was seen walking among the
people, shaking hands with every neighbor, and whispering in his ear
the summons to the next day's work. As the minister quitted the
^tand, William Stroud stepped up to him. This man, with his sons,
was noted for strength and bravery. They were so tall in stature.
that like Saul, they overlooked the rest of the congregation. "He
doubted not," he said, "that Mr. Martin had heard of his 'whipping
the pets. I rather think," he continued, "some people will be a
little on their guard how they go to Rocky Mount for 'tection papers!
Yesterday I was down at old deaf Lot's still house, and who do
you think was there ' John and Dick Featherston. John said he had
been to Rocky Mount to see the fine fellows, and they were so good
to him as to give him 'tection. "Do, John, tell me what that is," I
L
386 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
asked. He said "it was a paper, and whoever had one was safe; not a
horse, cow or hog would the British take without paying two prices for
it. So John, says I. I know now who told the British about James
Stinson's large stock of cows which they drove off yesterday — knocking
down Mrs. Stinson for putting up old brindle in the horse stable, so as
to keep one cow to give milk for the children ' Now, John, as you
have British 'tection, I will give you Whig 'tection." "With that I
knocked him down. Dick came running up, and I just give him a kick
and doubled him up. John got up and ran, and Dick begged like a
whipped boy. I told him he might carry the news that 'tection paper
men should be whipped, and have their cows taken from them to pay
James Stinson for his. I think this is what you call the law of Moses
And as for these Britishers, if I don't make old Nelly take in their ears,
and be i/a;/ to them '" " Excuse me for swearing this time, if you please.
Now, Mr. Martin, here is old Bill — that is two; then here is young.
Will, Tom, Jack, Hamp. Erby. Ransom and Hardy." The manner in
which this characteristic speech was delivered may be imagined. Mr.
Martin showed his acceptance of the proffered help by taking William's
hand and introducing him to Captain Land. As they passed away from
the stand, and on their way home from the meeting, one of the sturdy
Covenanters, William Anderson, was unusually silent, as if some weighty
matter engaged his thoughts. His wife spoke first, after reflecting.
"I think, William, little Lizzie and I can finish the crop, and gather
it in if need be. as well as take care of the stock." "I am glad of
that, Nancy," was the reply. " I was silent, for I did na ken how to
let you know it. but to-morrow morning I leave home The \vay is
now clear; the Word of God approves, and it shall ne'er be said that
the Covenanters, the followers of the Reformers of Scotland, would na
lend a helpin' hand to the renewal of the Covenant in the land of
.America ! Now, Nancy, Captain Land will be out before day, giving
notice that up at the cross roads bard by, be will drill the men who
are willing to fight, this was agreed upon as I left meeting." They
journeyed home and ate their dinner. As they arose from the table.
Mrs. .\nderson said. "William, were you out at the Kirk in Bally-
money, upon that Sabbath when Mary Martin, our minister's first wife,
lay a corpse in his house ' No one thought he could attend to
preaching in his sore distress; but precisely at the striking of the
hour, he was seen walking down the long aisle to the pulpit. I ne\ er
shall forget the .sermon ! There w.ns not a dry eye in the whole
PREbBVTERIAX CHURCH IX AMERICA. 38'
congregation: old men and women fairly cried out. I thought of
that to-day when, after the sermon, old Stroud went up to him
.is' if he had been one of the elders. Did you see the man of
God clap Stroud on the shoulder ' Our minister is a wonderful
man; he can persuade people to almost anything.' Mr. Anderson-
looked up quietly and asked. " Did he persuade you to marry him.
Nancy, when he went to your father's a courting '" "Na, indeed,
William, I could na think of an old man when I had you
fairly in my net. But I did a good turn in letting him know that
Jenny Cheny was setting her cap for him, and sure enough he took
my advice and they married. " The Sabbath evening wore away amid
the accustomed religious services, but the conversation frequently
turned upon the war. Early upon Monday morning, the plough was
left standing in the furrow, and the best horse was bridled and saddled
and left standing at the door. Mrs. .\nderson had been up since a
little after midnight, ma)<ing hoe cakes upon the hoe. and com dodger
in the oven, and while the cooking of meats was going on, she was
busily plying the needle sewing up sacks and bags to hold provisions
for man and horse upon a long journey. .-Vs soon as he had taken
his breakfast. William bade his wife farewell, mounted and rode off-
The effect of Mr. Martin's eloquence was speedily apparent. At an
early hour upon Monday morning, many of the conscientious Cove-
nanters were seen drilling on the muster-ground seven miles from
Rocky Mount, under the brave Captain Ben Land, while two miles
above this, at the shop of a negro blacksmith, half a dozen more were
getting their horses shod. Those at the muster-ground were charged
upon by a party of British dragoons, having no previous notice of
their approach, and were dispersed. The man who carried to the
enemy the tidings of Mr. Martin's sermon and the meeting of the Cove-
nanters to drill, did not die in his bed. Their Captain being overtaken
and surrounded by the dragoons, who attacked him with their broad
swords, defended himself with his sword to the last, and wounded
severely several of his enemies before he fell. The party at the black-
smith shop was also surprised, and one man killed. The dragoons then
crossed Rocky Creek, and soon found their way to the rude stone hut
which was the dwelling of Mr. Martin They found the old divine in
his study preparing a sermon, which was to be a second blast, and
made him their prisoner, and carried him like a felon to Rocky _Mount.
There he and Thomas Walker were bound to the floor in one of the
log huts. The enemy knew well what reason they had to dread the
effect of Martin s stirring eloquence
388 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
This colony expected to settle down close together,
but the situation necessitated them to select lands at
a distance from one another. Among those who
came with Mr. Martin in this first colony were
Andrew and James Stevenson (Stinson) ; William And-
erson and his wife Nancy ; Alexander Brady and his
wife Elizabeth ; the several families of the Linns and
Kells, and others.* They took up bounty land which
entitled them to one hundred acres for each head of
the family, and fifty for each member thereof. Mr.
Martin bought a plantation one mile square of six
hundred and forty acres, upon which he built a stone
house. The first log church erected by Covenanters
was in the spring of 1774, and was situated on the
same road as the "Catholic" church, and two miles
east of it. It was burned by the Tories in 1780.
The hands and hearts of the Covenanters were in
the trying scenes of the Revolution. The men
shouldered the musket and went to the defence of the
countrv', while the women remained at home and
attended to the farms. Mr. Martin was their leader,
and did much for the cause of the country in arous-
ing all the inhabitants of Chester to their duty as
citizens. As a zealous Whig, and an eloquent preacher,
Mr. Martin threw all his influence on the side of the
Colonists, for which he was apprehended in June, 1780,
and imprisoned at Rocky Mount and Camden by the
British. Here he was confined for over six months.
In December, 1780, and on the day of his trial
before Lord Cornwallis at Winnsboro, he stood before
* Sketch by D. G. Stinson per R. B. Elder, Guthriesville. S. C.
!
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 389
liim erect, with his grey locks uncovered, his eyes
fixed upon his lordship, his countenance marked with
frankness and benevolence. "You are charged," said
Lord Cornwallis, "with preaching rebellion from the
pulpit. You, an old man, and a minister of the
gospel of peace, are charged with advocating rebellion
against your lawful sovereign King George the III.
What have you to say in your defence ? " Nothing
daunting, Mr. Martin replied, " I am happy to appear
before you. For man\- months I have been held in
chains for preaching what I believe to be the truth.
As to King George I owe him nothing but good will.
I am not unacquainted with his private character. I
was raised in Scotland ; educated in her literary and
theological schools ; settled in Ireland, where I spent
the prime of my days, and came to this country
some eight years ago. As a King, he was bound to
protect his subjects in the enjoyment of their rights.
Protection and allegiance go together, and when the
one fails, the other cannot be exacted. The Declara-
tion of Independence is but a reiteration of a princi-
ple which our Covenanted fathers have always main-
tained, and have lead this nation to adopt. I am
thankful you have given me liberty to speak, and
will abide your pleasure whatever it may be."* After
his release by Lord Cornwallis, Mr. Martin went over
to Mecklenberg, North Carolina, where he preached
for some time. It was here he baptized Isaac Grier,
the first Presbyterian minister born in Georgia and
the grandfather of William Moffat Grier, President of
* Howe's History of the Presbyterian Church in South Carolina,
390 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED j
1
I
Erskine College, Due West, South Carolina. When |
the news came to him that the British had evacuated
Charleston, Mr. Martin carried the word to the
neighborhood, adding the comment, "the British
have taken shipping, and ma\- the d — 1 go with [
them.'" In the Fairfield District there lived one '
John Phillips, who was a man of wealth and talent. j
During the war, howe\-er, he became a rank.Tor\- and j
was called "Tory Colonel Phillips." He betra\cd the j
cause of the Co\-enanters, and those who had often |
.saved his life when he cast himself upon the merc}- of •
the Whigs. He accompanied Tarleton to Little Rocky j
Creek, where he took Archibald McClurkin from his j
bed. when he was lying at the point of death with j
small-pox, and hanged him to a tree b\- the roadside.
This barbarous act so aroused the righteous indignation ,
of the Covenanters, that their militar\- aid in behalf of
the Colonists was thereby greatly increased. Man\-
cold blooded deeds were attributed to this traitor
Phillips. After the war he returned to Ireland, but was
not there safe from the vengeance he had provoked in
South Carolina. He was shot on the street in Bally-
money b\- one of ]\IcClurkin's brothers, but not fatally
injured. He li\ed in constant fear of the avenger of
blood and died a drunkard, himself in despair, and his
family wholly destitute." In ijSi, Mr. Martin returned
to Rock)- Creek and resumed his labors among the
Covenanters, preaching in the " Catholic " meeting-house.
He was dismissed for intemperate habits, in 1785, but did
not cease preaching. He frequentlj- preached at the
* Mrs. Ellefs " Women of the Revolution."
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH [X AMERICA. 391
house of Edward McDaniel. at Jackson's Creek, in Fair-
field District, at the house of Richard Gladne\-. and
across the Catawba river, at the house of William
Hicklin. A small societ)- built him a church, two miles
east of the site of the one burnt b\- the Tories, and
he continued to preach there for man\- \-ears. In 1S04,
his stone house was burnt, and the rest of his da\-s he
lived in a log cabin. He continued his intemperate
habits and died in 1806. In the summer of 1789, the
Rev. James Reid, of Scotland, came on a missionar)-
tour to America, and \-isited the societies in South
Carolina. He set in order the affairs of the Church as
the representative of the Scottish Presb\-tery, and
dispensed the sacraments. At that time he also organ-
ized the Rocky Creek congregation, and the elders were
Samuel Loughridge, Adam Edgar, John W'yatt, Thomas
Morton and James McOuiston. Soon afterwards, John
Kell, Da\-id Stormont, John Rock, Robert Hempliill,
Hugh McMillan and Archibald Coulter were added to
the session. The}- represented the ditierent societies in
Chester, York and Fairfield Districts."- In 1791, the
Rev. James McGarragh was sent out b\- the Reformed
Presbyter)- of Ireland, and some men-ibers came \\-ith
him. He settled in the Beaver Dam societ}-, a branch
of the Rocky Creek congregation. In 1792. the Re\-.
W'illiani King arrived, ha\-ing been sent out b}- the
Scottish Presb}-tery. After an extended tour through
the North and East, he settled on the south side of the
Beaver Dam, near the Mount Prospect church. In 1793.
Revs. McGarragh and King constituted a Committee to
* Sketch by Rev. D. S. Faris. in A'. P. ■i" C. 1S76. p. 51.
392 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED I
i
judicially manage the affairs of the Church in America.
They restored Mr. Martin and the affairs of the Church |
began to wear a regular appearance.* The membership I
was large and scattered, and required all the time of |
the three ministers. The majority of the Covenanters J
in America were settling in -the South, as the lands )
were cheap and adapted to farming and grazing. Mr. j
McGarragh had fallen into intemperate habits, and was i
suspended by the Committee in 1795. Mr. King died j
in August, 1798, and Mr. Martin was again left alone I
in the e.xercise of the ministry. In the spring of 1798, j
the Reformed Presbytery was re-organized in America,
at Philadelphia, and the Revs. James McKinney and
S. B. Wylie were sent upon a commission to South j
Carolina to rectify disorders, and to banish slaveholders 1
from the pale of the Covenanter Church. This com- ]
mission was constituted at the Rocky Creek meeting J
house, (widow Edgar's) January 28, 1801, by Revs. j
James McKinney and S. B. Wylie, with Mr. Thomas j
Donnelly, licentiate, who had been preaching here for '.
over a year, and elders John Kell and David Stormont. ;
During the sittings of this court, Thomas Donnelly j
was ordained and installed pastor of the societies ; S.
B. Wylie was called as his colleague ; William Martin !
was deposed for holding slaves and becoming habitually ■
intemperate ; James McGarragh's suspension was con- ;
tinued, and James Harbison, Ale.xander Martin, Hugh [
McQuiston, John Cunningham, David Smith, John Mc-
Ninch, John Cooper, William Edgar, James \Iontgomery
and Robert Black were chosen ruling elders. t At this
* Historical part of Testimony, f Minutes of Reformed Presbytery.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 393
time the communion was dispensed, of which all the
Covenanters partook. Mr. Wylie declined the call, and^
Mr. Donnelly entered upon the work of supplying all
the societies as best he could. In 1S02, the Rev.
James McKinney was translated from Galway, New
York, and took charge of the ■' Brick Church " society.
He died in a few months after his settlement. Mr.
Donnelly was again left alone to minister to the
scattered societies. He bought a farm, on the north
side of the Big Rocky Creek, from Stephen Harman,
and for eleven years was the sole Covenanter minister
exercising his functions in South Carolina. In 1S13,
Mr. Donnelly received assistance in the settlement of
the Rev. John Reilly over the Little Rocky Creek
and Beaver Dam congregations. Mr. Reilly died in
1820. For two years Mr. Donnelly was again left
alone, and his congregation was divided. In June,
1822, the Rev. Campbell Madden was ordained and
installed pastor of the Richmond society, and also
preached at the tent of John Orr, and taught a school
at Glendon's Grove. At the same time, the Rev. Hugh
McMillan took charge of the Brick Church, in which
he also conducted a classical school. Dr. Madden died
in August, 1828, and Hugh McMillan emigrated to Ohio
with many of his congregation. About this time
emigration to the northern free States set in, and
during the next ten years the cause in the South
became very weak on account of the prevalence of
human slavery. Mr. Donnelly remained and preached
to the scattered societies until his death in November,
1847. He was the last Covenanter minister in the
1
394 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED ■;^
South, and soon the cause became extinct. At one ,
time there were over five hundred Covenanters in South
Carolina, and they composed the congregations of Rocky
Creek, Big Rocky Creek, Little Rocky Creek, Beaver
Dam and Bethesda. Among the names, not heretofore
mentioned as members of the Church in South Carolina,
are the different families by the names of McMillan,
Cooper, McKelvy, Hemphill, Woodbourne, Montford,
Nesbit, and others, of the Brick Church ; those of
Ewin, McHenry, Erwin, Todd, Kell, Rock, Linn, Little,
McFadden, McClurkin and Simpson, of the Beaver Dam
congregation ; those of Martin, Dunn, Wright, Hood,
Sproull, Henry, Stormont, Cathcart, Robinson, McMillin
and Richmond, of the Richmond or Big Rocky Creek
Church ; those of McNinch and Crawford dwelt at the
McNinch meeting house ; those of Smith. Paris, Mc-
Donald, Coulter, Wright, Willson, Orr, Wylie, Black,
Henkle, Hunter, Boyd, Neil and McDill at the Little
Rocky Creek congregation. In the old Brick Church
graveyard lie the remains of the Revs. William King,
James McKinney, John Reilly and Thomas Donnelly.
Rev. Dr. Campbell Madden was buried at Winnsboro,
James McGarragh in Paul's graveyard, and William Martin
in a private burying ground near his humble abode. The
inscriptions upon some of the tombstones which mark
these sacred graves are here inserted, that the names
of these worthy fathers may be kept in remembrance.
It is understood that the inscriptions on the stones
of Revs. King, McKinney, Reilly and Madden were
prepared by Mr. Donnelly.
PKE.sBVTEKlAX CHURCH IN AMERICA. 395
Sacred to the
Memory of the Rev'd.
William Kisii : who departed
this life Aug St 24th, A. D. lygS, aged
about 50 years
Within this humble tomb pale Death has laid
A King who mortal sceptre never swayed,
But he himself did rule by Jesus' laws ;
In grace and Holy life a pattern was.
In love to God and man he shone conspicuously.
And walked with God in deep humility.
In faithfulness and zeal for Jesus' cause
Few of his fellows to hira equal was.
But zeal in him so mi.\ed with moderation.
M?de even foes him view with admiration.
Tho' deeply skilled in human learning, he
Taught truths divine with great simplicity,
That perfect God might make his saints thereby,
.\nd through his means Christ's body edify.
The Pastor's. Husband's, Parent's care he shew'd.
While he in earthly house did make abode.
His loss by all bewail'd, tho' felt by none
So much as by this people left alone.
His clay here lies, his soul to heaven is fled ;
His people he left on God for to be fed.
Sacred to the
Memory of
The Rev. J.vs McKinney,
Who departed this life Sept. i6th,
A. D. 1802, aged about 45 years.
Death's hand, tho' cold, strikes a most certain blov
In wafting Zion's sons from toil below,
To place them in the Father's house above.
To see him in the fullness of his love.
Ecclesia wails her noble champion laid.
In this low tomb to Death bis tribute's paid.
.\ husband kind, a tender parent he.
To friend and foes a friend he wisb'd to be.
396
HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
Tho' few in letters, human or divine.
Or grace or nature's gifts did so much shine.
Yet, hated by unworthy world, he
By God was thought above its company ;
Amidst its threats his clay in quiet lies.
While his immortal part has reach'd the skies.
Truth's foes rejoiced to see her Hero fall.
That to their idols they may join withal.
Spare boasts, truth's foes, tho' whirling winds to heaven
Elijah bore, Elisha soon was given.
By him who in the greatest love can raise
Another champioo in McKinney's place.
Sacred to the Memory of
The Revd. John Rilev,
Who departed this^Iife
25th August, 1820,
Aged 50 years.
This tomb contains his dust ; no more
His voice is heard where it was heard before.
His wife, his people, mourn his labors' end.
And friendly neighbors a departed friend.
His gain their loss, his life by death secure
In endless mansions, where joys are pure.
Ye mourners look to Zion's sovereign Lord,
Who can to you another guide afford.
Sacred to the Memory of
Rev. C. M.-^DDEN,
Who departed this life .\ugust 12.
Aged 33 years.
Insatiate death ' thou sparest none :
To thy vast kingdom all must come.
Didst thou regard the widow's tears.
The orphans' helpless state and years ;
Didst thou respect a lettered mind.
Formed to benefit mankind :
Didst thou regard a temper meek.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 397-
By grace refined his God to seek ;
Didst thou regard Mount Sion's peace.
Her cries to God for gospel grace ; —
Our Madden had with us remained,
And peace and joy to us proclaimed.
What hast thou done ? thou wast his friend
Him to his Father's house didst send.
Where he will sing to endless days
The triumph and the Saviour's praise.
His family, his flock, his friend.
To heavenly grace he did commend.
In the Chief Shepherd's hand they're safe
As long as they do live by faith.
In Memory of
Rev, Thomas Donnelly,
Who departed this life
The 28th November, 1847,
In the 76th year of his age,
,. And the 46th of his ministry.
He was a native of Ireland,
And for many years
Pastor of the Reformed Presbyterian
In this vicinity.
"For him to live was Christ—
To die, gain."
The descendants of the South Carolina Covenanters:
are no-w generally found in Ohio, Indiana and Illinois^
■whither they niigrated, and are in connection with
both branches of the Church. The few who lived in
the South after the death of the Rev. Thomas
Donnelly, went into the Associate Reformed and Pres-
byterian Churches. To Covenanters, South Carolina is
sacred ground ; and within her borders are the-
398 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
sepulchres of many -worthy fathers. Chester District
and Rocky Creek, where many a patriotic Covenanter
fought for the preservation of his home and country, -v;^
and maintained a faithful testimony for the rights of
King Jesus, are places fraught with both tender and
sad associations. Those Covenanter fathers either
voluntarily forsook . comforts beyond the ocean or were
compelled to " flee to the land of the free, and the
home of the brave" for their civil and religious - ,.^
liberty, and attained it at any cost. They maintained . -^
the purity of the Church, and lett the comforts of the
.South on account of the evil influence of slavery.
Rather than give up their principles they gave up
their homes ; and while not a single Covenanter is ,;^
found in that country to-day, "they being dead" yet '^'^s
speak from the scores of flourishing: congregations of
the North-West where their works have followed them,
and where their children rise up and call them
.blessed. - ^ ■ ^
:>.
'-^
1
'M
'KESBVTEKIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA.
SUMMARY OF CONGREGATIONS.
Ai i.VMSVlLLE : ym?u' stolen, .\fcrccr County, Pennsylvania.
A^rj,d.n\zQd by Pittsburgh Presbytery, November 14,
1S73. Disorganized, October 13, 1874.
AlN'.-^\V0RTfI : Ainsicorth, M'ashington County, loii'a.
( )r;4;inized by Iowa Presbytery, December i", 1S67.
L):-rirganized, October 7, 1S73.
.Vi.liANV : Albany, New York. Organized by Northern
Prcsb}-tery, June 6, 181;. James Christie, June 12,
1.S22, to May 17, 1830. J. R. Willson, September 17,
1830, to May 19, 1833. David Scott, June 7, 1836,
tn May 8, 1S42. Disorganized, May 24, 1S49.
.\.M.EGHEXV: Allegheny City, Pennsylvania. Organized
a- Pittsburgh and Allegheny by Pittsburgh Presbytery,
> jitcmber 9, 1833, afterwards Allegheny and Pittsburgh,
iiu! since October 17, 1865, is Allegheny. Thomas
Spr.Hiil, May 12, 1834, to October 13, 1868. D. B.
Willson, November 29, 1870, to October 13. 1875.
J R. W. Sloane, June 6, 1877, to May 31, 1884.
j. R. J. Milligan since October 15, 18S5.
Hai.i.IISan' : Campto^un, Bradford County, Pennsylvania.
' <: .;.uiized by Southern Presbytery as Wyalusing,
I> ccmber 16, 1832. Disorganized, May 24, 1837.
Rc-organized by New York Presbytery as Ballibay,
August 28, 1S75. Disorganized, June 5, 1S86.
400 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
Baltimore ; Baltimore, Maryland. Society formed in-
1797. S. B. Wylie, 1803, to 1806. Organized by
Middle Presbyter>-, December 1$, 18 18. John Gibson,
December 15, 18 18, to August 7, 1833. VV. L..
Roberts, Januar>' 15, 1835, to October 9, 1837. C. B.
McKee, December 2, 1846, to December 4, 1852..
John Crawford, November 15, 1853, to September 3,.
1856. W. VV. McMillan, December 26, 1859, to May
5, 1863. W. P. Johnston, August 4, 1864, to July
13. '873. John Lynd, December 4, 1873, to November
6, 1877. A. D. Crowe, October 10, 1878, to August
12, 1884. W. M. Glasgow since November 26, 1885.
BaRNESVILLE : Barnesville, Kmgs Couitty, New Bruns- ,.^
wick. Organized by the New Brunswick and Nova- ^^
.- niS
Scotia Presbytery in 1846. J. R. Lawson. 1846, to- ":,^
October 17, 1856. J. R. Lawson, October 24, 1857,. ''^^
to April 12, 1882. Thomas Patton since May 26, 1887^
Barnet : West Barnet, Caledonia Coioity. Vermont.
Organized by New York Presbytery, July 9, 1872.-
D. C. Paris since June 25, 1873.
Bear Run and Mahoning : Marchand, Indiana County,.
Pennsylva7iia. Organized by Pittsburgh Presbytery,.
October 15, 1S70. J. F. Crozier since November 18^
1874.
Beaver Dam : Chester, Chester' County, South Carolina.
Organized b\- Scottish Committee in 1792. William
King, 1793, to August 24. 1798. Thomas Donnelly,,
supply. John Reilly, October 8, 181 3, to August 27,
1820. Campbell Madden, June 18, 1822, to Augu.st
12, 1828. Disorganized in 1833.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 4OI
Beaver Falls : Beaver Falls, Pennsyhayiia. Organized
by Pittsburgh Presbytery, November 10, 1874. R. J.
George since June 15, 1875.
Beech Woods: Morning Sun, Preble County, Ohio.
Organized by Middle Committee in 1805, and supplied.
John Ke!l, April 3, 18 16, to October 6, 18 19. Gavin
.McMillan, May 7, 1823, to October 7, 1836. Josiah
Dodds, October 6, 1847, to October 10, 1865, when
attached to Garrison.
Belle Centre : Belle Centre, Logan County, Ohio.
Organized by Lakes Presbytery, April 10, 1877. John
Lynd, January 5, 1879, to April 14, 1S85. J. J. Huston
^ince April 30. 1886.
Bellefontaine : Belief ontaine, Logan Cotaity, Ohio.
Organized by Lakes Presbytery, October 11, 1876.
F. .M. Foster, May 13, 1880, to August 23, 1887.
J. J. Huston, supply.
Bethel : Sparta, Randolph County, Illinois. Organized
by Western Presbytery, June 19, 1821. Samuel Wylie,
June 19, 1821, to August 7, 1833. Hugh Stevenson,
.August 16, 1840, to May 13, 1846. James Milligan,
October 14, 1848, to May 24, 1855. D. S. Faris
since October 7, 1857.
Bethesda: Chester, Chester County, South Carolina.
Organized by Southern Presbytery, October 10, 18 17.
Thomas Donnelly, October 10, 1817, to November I,
i.'^47- Disorganized, 1848.
I'lulah: Beulah, Webster County, Nebraska. Organized
by Kansas Presbytery, September 8, 1881. W. S.
Fulton since March 27, 1885.
402 HISTORV OF THE REKOR.MED
Big Rockv Creek: Chester, Chester County, Soiit/i •
Carolina. Organized by Scottish Committee in 1792,' -
William King, 1792, to August 24, 1798. Thomas- '_
Donnelly, March 3, 1801, to April 10, 18 16. Dis- .'_
organized in 1S17. ' > %
Big Spring: Nt-iwil/e, Cmnberland County, Penn-
sylvania. Society formed in 1753. John Cuthbertson,
1753, to 1774. Matthew Linn, March- 10, 1774, to-
November i, 1782, when disorganized.
Bloomixgtox : Bloomington, Monroe County, Indiana.
Organized by Western Presbytery, October 10, 1821.
James Paris, November 22, 1827, to May 20, 1855..
D. J. Shaw since May 22, 1856.
Boston, First : Boston, Massachusetts. Organized by
New York Presbytery, July 12, 1854. J. R. Lawson,.
November 20,- 1856, to October 22, 1857. William.
Graham since July 12, i860.
Boston, Second: Boston, Massachusetts. Organized ' f
by New York Presbytery, November 21, 1871. David
McFall since July 11, 1873.
Bo\ IN.A : Bovina Centre. Delaioare Count_
Organized by Northern Presbytery in i-
Williams, April 15, 1820, to October 17,
Douglas, April 15, 1825, to March 15,
Pollock, July II, 1861, to March 10, i
Kennedy, January 11, 1865, to May 20,
Milligan since June 22, 1887.
Broad Albin: Broad Albin, Fulton CounJy, Ne7v York.
Organized by Northern Presbytery, May 10, 1818. S.
M. WiUson, October 14, 1S21, to May 16, 1827. J.
N. McLeod, December 29, 1829, to June 19, 1832.
y, Xe
.. VorL
814-
M. B.
1823.
James
1857-
J. T.
864-
Joshua
1885.
0. B.
PKESBVTERIAX CHURCH IX AMERICA. 4OJ
A. S. McMaster, April 4. 1833, to August 7, 1833.
Disorganized, October 10, 1S38.
HrOORLAXU: IngUsidc, Westmoreland County, Penn-
sylvania. Organized by Pittsburgh Presbytery, May 9.,
18;::. Jonathan Gill, October 23, 1823, to August 7,
1S33. Hugh Walkinshau-, April 15, 1835, to April 19,
1843. Oliver VVylie, June 24. 1846, to October 14.
185 1. Robert Reed, June 2r, 1854, to April 11,
1882. Attached to Parnassus under J. C. McFeeters
since November 16, 1SS6.
Brooki.VX: Brooklyn, A>:.' York. Organized by New
^■ork- Presbyter)-, June ' 15, 1857. j! M. Dickson,
November 18, 1857, to May 20, 1862. J. H. Boggs,.
December 14, 1864, to November 29, 1880. S. J.
Crowe, December 7, 18S1, to October 28, 1884. J.
F. Carson since May 20, 1885.
Browx.sVII.i.e: Jolly, Mojiroe County, Ohio. Organized
by Pittsburgh Presbyter}-, July 12, 1854. Oliver Wylie
supply, July 12, 1854, to October 24, 1856. J. A. Thomp-
son, August 31, 1859, to June 10, 1865. Armour
Mcl-arland, supply. S. R. McCIurkin. September 13.
i'^7'''. to October 17, 1^7-.
BkLsH Creek; Loeust Gnn-e, Adams County, Ohio.
Organized by Middle Presbyter}- as Chillicothe, May
'^. 1.^12. Robert Wallace, October 12, 18 14, to October
^'. 1820. C. B. McKee, August 7, 1821, to September
'O- 1S22. James Blackwood, April 12, 1827, to April 9,
^'^^'j. David Steele, June 6, 183 i, to September 18, 184O.
K"bcrt Hutcheson, September 29. 1842, to Ma}- 21.
'•'^5'J- Disorganized, May 21, 1S56. Re-organized by
404 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
Lakes Presbytery, November i6, l88i. William Mc
Kinney, R. J. Sharpe, T. C. Sproull, and others, supplies. ->
Buffalo : Buffalo, Neiv York. Organized by Western '
Presbytery, November 17, 1838. Disorganized, May
26, 1854.
BURDETT : Burdett, Pavjnee County, Kansas. Organ- "■
ized by Kansas Presbytery, July 13, 1887. - " :
Carleton Place : Carleton Place, Ontario, Canada. J
Organized by Northern Presbytery, September 9, 1830,
as a part of Ramsey. Distinct congregation, August ^'7
^9, 1837.- Mission Station.
Carlisle : Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.
Organized in 1751, John Cuthbertson 175 1, to 1774. h
Matthew Linn, March 10, 1774, to November I, 1782, "'
when disorganized.
Cedar Lake : Ray, Steuben County, Indiana. Organ- '
ized by Lakes Presbytery, April 19, 1841. John
French, September 23, 1850, to October 3, 1880.
R. C. Wylie since October 31, 1884.
CedaRVILLE : Cedarville, Green County, Ohio. Organ-
ized by Middle Presbytery as Massie's Creek, June 19,
1810. John Kell, supply. Jonathan Gill, May 14,
1 8 16, to April 6, 1823. Gavin McMillan, supply.
Hugh McMillan, September 7, 1829, to August 7,
1833. Disorganized, August 18, 1841. Re-organized
as Cedarville by Lakes Presbytery, June I, 1850. H. H.
George, June 23, 1858, to August 4, 1866. Samuel
Sterrett, May 16, 1868. to October 20, 1878. P. P.
Boyd, May 22, 1872, to July 20, 1871. T. C. Sproull
•since June 10, 1881.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 405
Central Allegheny : Allegheny City, Pennsylvania. '
Organized by Pittsburgh Presbytery, October 24, 1S70.
J. \V. Sproull since April 24, 1871.
CentREVILLE : Centreville, Mercer County, Pennsylvania.
Organized by Pittsburgh Presbytery, September 18,
1S79. S. J. Crowe, September 18, 1879, to April 12,
iSSi. J. R. Wylie, July 3, 1882, to November 8,
18S7.
CflURCH Hill : Coultersville, Randolph County, Illinois.
Organized by Illinois Presbytery, October 10, 1S54.
W. F. George, March 5, 1S60, to May 17, 1871.
J. M. Paris, June 19, 1S73, to May 30, 1884. John
Tcaz since July 8, 1885.
Cincinnati : Cincinnati, Ohio. Organized by Western
Presbytery, October 16, 18 16. Archibald Johnston,
supply. Samuel Robinson, October 10, 1818, to August
20, 1821. C. B. McKee, November 18, 1822, to October
17, I S3 1. Disorganized, August 7, 1833. Re-organized
by Lakes Presbytery, August 22, 1844. J. R. Willson,
supply. Disorganized, October 6, 1852. Re-organized,
February 24, 1853. H. H. George, June 23,' 1858, to
August r8, 1872. R. M. Sommerville, supply, one
year. J. M. Foster, December 29, 1877, to April 14,
18S6.
Cl.\RIND.\: Clarinda, Page County, lozva. Organized
by Illinois Presbytery, December 17, 1855. Joseph
McCracken, July 6, 1857, to October 16, 1858. David
McKee since September 20, 1862.
Cl..\RK.SBURGH : Clarksburgli, Indiana County, Penn-
ijlvania. Organized by Pittsburgh Presbytery, October
•■^^ 1S67. J- A. Black, November 18, 1S68, to April
406 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
II, 1882. J. J. McClurkin, stated supply, since May
16, 1884.
CoLDENHAM : Coldenliam, Orange County, Nezv York.
Society formed by John Cuthbertson in 1753. Organized
by the Reformed Presbytery, as Wallkill, August 10,
1798. Alexander McLeod, July 6, 1801, to September
8, 1803. James Milligan, June 10, 1812, to April 17,
18 1 7. J. R. Willson, August 10, 1817, to September
17, 1830. J. R. Willson, November 21, 1833, to June
26, 1S40. J. \V. Shaw, May 29, 1844, to October 26,
1881. R. H. McCready, March 6, 1884, to May 22, 1888.
CONOCOCHEAGUE : FayettevilLc, Fraiiklin County, Penn-
sylvania. Society formed in 1 751, by John Cuthbertson.
Matthew Linn, March 10, 1774, to November i, 1782.
Organized by Middle Committee, June 16, 1802.
Robert Lusk, August 12, 1816, to October 15, 1823. ^'^i
S. W. Crawford, August 26, 1824, to May 10, 1831.
Thomas Hanna, December 8, 1842, to October 29, 1844.
Joshua Kennedy, November 5, 1845, to May i, i860.
CORNWALLIS : Somerset, Kings County, Nova Scotia. 1;^^
Organized by New Brunswick and Nova Scotia Presby- /'J
tery, September 13, 1843. William Sommerville, 1835,
to September 28, 1878. Thomas McFall since August
25, 1881.
Craftsburv : East Craftsbury, Orleans County, Ver-
mont. Organized by Northern Presbytery, September
14, 1816. James Milligan, September 26, 1817, to
August 6, 1829. S. M. Willson, May 19, 1833, to May
10, 1845. R. Z. Willson, November 17, 1846, to
December 18, 1855. J. M. Armour, September 23, 1857,
to October 31, 1865. A. W. Johnston, August 5,
"^
I
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 407
1868. to October 31, 1871. J. C. Taylor since December
17, 1873-
Davenport : Davenport, loii'a. Organized by Iowa
Presbytery, September 14, 1S64. Disorganized, May 26,
I 869.
Dktroit and Novi : Detroit, Mickigiui. Organized
b\- Lakes Presbytery, April 16, 1854. Boyd Mc-
Cullough, September 19, 1855, to May 14, 1S71. Dis-
organized, May 14, 1 87 1. Mission Station until May
27, 18S0.
DuaNESBURGH : Duanesbitrgh, Sclienectady County. Nezv
York. Organized under Reformed Presbytery of Ireland
in 1794. James McKinney, May, 1798, to April 4,
1S02. Gilbert McMaster, August 8, 1808, to August 7,
1S33. Disorganized, October, 1836.
East End, Pittsburgh : Pittsburgh, Pettnsylva7iia.
Organized by Pittsburgh Presbytery, November 24, 1887.
Ecklev : Beidah, Webster County, Nebraska. Organ-
ized by Kansas Presbytery, November 13, 1878. W.
S. Fulton since March 10, 1885.
I-'.LKHORN : Oakdale, Wasliington County, Illinois.
("Organized by Western Presbytery, July 30, 1834.
Samuel McKinney, April 15, 1835, to May 24. 1S40.
William Sloane, September 13, 1840, to May 9, 1858.
A. C. Todd, July i, 1859, to May 17, 1871. D. G.
Thompson since October 9, 1872.
Elliota : Canton, Fillmore County, Mitmesota. Organ-
ized by Iowa Presbytery, November 5, 1S68. J. S.
I'.iick, 1S67, to October 13, 1870. J. W. Dill, April
;''. 1878, to May 25, 1 88 1. Robert Clyde since
I'ebruarv 12, 1886.
408
HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
EsKRIDGE : Eskridge, Wabaunsee County, Kansas.
Organized by Kansas Presbyter>% April 15, 1884. N.
M. Johnston since August 4, 1886.
Evans : Evans, Weld Cotinty, Colorado. Organized
by Illinois Presbytery, August 10, 1871. A. C. Todd
since August 21, 1874.
Fah^GROVE : Fairgrove, Tuscola County, Michigan.
Organized by Lakes Presbytery, December 7, 1878.
J. Ralston Wylie, November i, 1879, to October 12,
1S87.
Galway : West Gaki'ay, Fulton County, Nezu York.
Organized as a part of Duanesburgh, in 1794. James
McKinney, May, 1798, to April 4, 1802. Gilbert Mc-
Master, August 8, 1808, to May 10, 1818. Organized
as Galway distinct, May 10, 18 18. S. M. Willson,
October 14, 182 1, to May 16, 1827. J. N. McLeod,
December 29, 1829, to June 19, 1832. A. S. McMaster,
April 4, 1833, to August 7, 1833, when disorganized.
Re-organized by Western Presbytery, November 9, 1835.
Disorganized, April, 1842.
Garrison : dlen-vood, Fayette County, Indiana. Organ-
ized by Middle Committee in 1805. John Kell, April
3, 1 8 16, to October 6, 18 19. Gavin McMillan, May 7,
1S23, to October 7, 1836. Josiah Dodds, October 6,
1847, to October 10, 1865. T. P. Robb, May 16, 1871,
to April 12, 1S74. J. J. McClurkin, August 14, 1880,
to March 13, 18S4. Disorganized, September 9, 1884.
Greenfield : Greenfield, Harrison County, Ohio. Organ-
ized by Pittsburgh Presbytery, October 16, 1822.
William Sloane, November 16, 1829, to October 23,
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IX AMERICA. 409
1S38. James Love, June 29, 1S39, to May 11, 1847.
Disorganized, May 24, 1849.
GREEXSBURGH : Greensburgh, Westmoreland Cmnty.
Peniisylvmiia. Organized by Middle Presbytery in 181 3.
John Cannon, September 16, 18 16, to February 2, 1836.
James Milligan, November 23, 1839, to October 16, 1841.
S. O. Wylie, May 17, 1843, to November 18, 1844.
R. B. Cannon, May 5, 1847, to April 4, 1S54. A. M.
Milligan, May 6, 1856, to April 10, 1866. Attached to
New Alexandria, October 8, 1867.
Gro\'E Hill : Grcnje Hill, Bremer Coimty, laifa.
Organized by Illinois Presbytery, October 2, 1 861.
Robert Hutcheson, April 17, 1S63, to May 8, 1867.
Disorganized, May 26, 1869.
Hebron : Liana, Clay County, Kansas. Organized by
Kansas Presbytery, November 9, 187 1. J. S. T. Milligan,
supply. S. M. Stevenson, October 30, 1874, to April
17, 1876. Matthew Wilkin, November 11, 1876, to July
12, 1880. J. R. Latimer since August 18, 1882.
HephzibaH : Fayetteville, Lincoln County, Tennessee.
Or^^^anized as Elk by Southern Presbytery, June 12,
10 12. Supplied by John Kell, Thoma^ Donnelly, Robert
.McKee, and others. Ebenezer Cooper, 1828, to 1832,
Disorganized, August 7, 1833.
Hickory Grove -. Avery, Monroe County, Lo-.va. Organ-
ized by Iowa Presbytery, October 13, 1865, as Albia.
James Love, April 16, 1S66, to September 14, 1881.
J A. Thompson since September 17, 1882.
Holmwood : Mankato, Jt-tirll County, Kansas. Organ-
\7.i^i\ by Kansas Presbytery, September i, 18S1.
Hopkinton : Hopkinton, Delazuare County. Lowa. Organ-
410 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
ized by Illinois Presbytery, April lo, 1856, as Maquo-
keta. W. L. Roberts, May 9, i860, to December 7,.^
1S64. D. H. Coulter, April 18, 1867, to October 14, ';■..
1874. R. C. Wylie, June 15, 1875, to October 3, 1882. "
T. H. Acheson since September 23, 1886. ■ ";
HORTON : Grand Pre, Hcmts County, Nova Scotia. '■ _
Organized by New Brunswick and Nova Scotia Pres- ./
bytery, May, 1835. William Sommerville, May 16, 1835, ■,'
to September 28, 1878. Thomas McFall, August 25, ■',•.•
188 1, to June 5, 1886, when disorganized. ' ''i-
HOULTON : Houlton, Aroostook County, Maine. Organ- -- f
ized by New Brunswick and Nova Scotia Presbytery, •.;;
May 1 6, 1859. Supplied occasionally. J. A. F. Bovard, i;-
April 12, 1880, to March 10, 1884. • \y^
IndiaNAPOLLS : Indianapolis, Indiana. Organized by ^S,-^'
Lakes Presbytery, May 10, 1867. John Crozier stated ^^•
jsupply. Disorganized, May 25, 1870. .M
Jewell : Rubens, Jewell County, Kansas. Organized -^
iy Kansas Presbytery, July 15, 1885. ''il
Jonathan's Creek : White Cottage, Muskingu7n County, "-"^
JDIiio. Organized by Lakes Presbytery, August 23, 1853, 'l
as Eden and Irville. Armour McFarland, August 23, ;■ -
,1853, to April 12, 1876. T. C. SprouU, supply. R. B.
iCannon since September 9, 1886.
JUNKIN Tent: Kingston, Cumberland County, Penn- "■
sylvania. Society formed in 1750. John Cuthbertson,
175 1, to 1774. Matthew Linn, March 10, 1774, to
November i, 1782. A part of Conococheague, 1802,
to 1 860.
KoRTRIGHT : West Kortright, Delaivare Cotinty, Nrd.< /
Yi/rk. Organized by Northern Presbytery in 18 14. M.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 4II
B. Williams, April 15, 1S20, to August 31, 1831.
James Douglas, supply. S. M. Willson, October 22,
1S45, to January 21, 1864. J. O. Bayles since January
10, 1 866.
Kossuth : Kossuth, Des Moines County, Io^l'u. Organ-
ized by Iowa Presbytery, September 9, 1S65. Robert
Johnson, January 7, 186S, to July 27, 1875. Dis-
organized, April 30, 1879.
Lake Eliza : Le Roy, Lake Comity, Indiana.
Organized by Lakes Presbyter}-, September 6, 1S52.
P. H. Wylie, May 14, 1S55, to October 9. i860. R.
M. Thompson, September 9, 1865, to September 13,
iSSi. Robert Clyde, supply in 1884. Disorganized,
June I, 18S7.
L.\KE Reno : Glenn'ood, Pope County, Minnesota.
Organized by Iowa Presbytery, October 29, 1869. E.
G. Elsey since July 17, 1882.
LansingbuRGH : Lansingburgh, Rensselaer Coimty,
Xe-.o York. Organized by Northern Presbytery, June
17, 1S28. Robert McKee, December 29, 1830, to May
26, 1835. Disorganized, October 16, 1848.
LiND Grove : MediapoHs, Des Moines County, lo-wa.
Organized by Illinois Presbytery, September 10, 1856.
C. D. Trumbull, January 29, 1S64, to April i, 1874.
-M. A. Gauit, May 20, 1875, to October 4, 1877. J-
W. Dill, July 6, 1881, to September 19. 1887.
Lisbon : Flackville, St. La-vrence County, Xezo York.
< Organized as a society in 1823. Disorganized, August
7. 1833. Re-organized by Rochester Presb\-tery, October
3, 1840. John Middleton, February 8, 1844, to April
11, 1854. James McLachlane, July 16, 1856, to
412 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
November 19, 1S64. William McFarland since Ma)"
II, 1871.
Little Beaver : Nr-sj Galilee, Beaver County, Pt im-
sylvania. Organized by Middle Presbytery, May, 18 14.
Robert Gibson, September 6, 1819, to October 16,
1830. George Scott, April 19, 183 1, to August 7,
1833. James Blackwood, May 24, 1834, to October
10, 1838. J. W. Morton, November 27, 1845, to June
3, 1847. Samuel Sterrett, June 21, 1848, to INIay 16, ^
i860. N. M. Johnston, April 14, 1864, to June 3,
1886. J. R. Wylie since May 18, 1888.
Little Rocky Creek : Chester, Chester Count\ ^
South Carolina. Settled in 1772, by William Martm
and a colony from Ireland. William Martin, 1772 to-
1789. James McGarragh, 1791, to 1795. William Kmg,.
1795, to August 24, 1798. James McKinney, May 10,
1802, to September 4, 1802. Thomas Donnelly, supply,
John Reilly, February 23, 1S13, to August 27, 1820
Campbell Madden, June 18. 1822, to August 12, 1828
Disorganized, 1832.
LoCHlEL : Brodie, Ontario, Canada. Society formed
with Ramsey in 18 16. Organized by Rochester Presb)-
tery, July 14, 1861, as Glengary. Robert Shields,
supply, 1865, to 1883. R. C. Allen since October 18.
1887.
Londonderry : LondoJiderry, Guernsey County, Ohio.
Organized by Pittsburgh Presbyter>', October 16, 1822.
Robert Wallace, supply. William Sloane, November
16, 1829, to October 23, 1838. James Love, June 27,
1839, to October 5, 1864. J. A. Thompson, October
3, 1866, to September i, 1875. J. R. Latimer, May
19, 1880, to May 27, 1882.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH TX AMERICA. 413.
LOXG Branch : Blamhard, Page County. lozua.
Organized by Kansas Presbyter}-, April 16, 1877. M.
A. Gault, supply. M. A. Gault, October i, 1880, to-
October 25, 1882. B. M. Sharp since October 13,
1S87.
Lower ChaNCEFORD : Chanceford. York County,
PLitnsrlvania. Society formed in 175 1. John Cuthbert-
son, 175I, to 17S2, when disorganized.
MacedoN: Mact'don, Mercer County, Ohio. Organized
by Lakes Presbytery, July 5, 1852. W. F. George,
September 26, 1S53, to April 20, 1858. P. H. Wylie,
November 14, i860, to March I, 18S7. Disorganized,
June 2, 1888.
Mansfield : Mansfield, Ohio. Organized by Ohio-
Presbytery. October 11, 187S. S. A. George since
November 20, 1878.
McKeesporT : McKeesport, Pennsylvania. -Organized
by Pittsburgh Presbytery, April 27, 1882. J. H. VVylie,-
June 30, 1885, to June 27, 1887.
Ml.'iMl, First : Northwood, Logan County, Ohio..
Organized by Western Presbytery, October 16, 1831.-
J B. Johnston, June 10, 1834, to November 10 1S58.
J. C. K. Milligan, July i, 1853, to April 20, 1858.
J. L. McCartney, November 12, i86r, to September i,.
1S75. Consolidated into United Miami, April 14, 1877,
Miami, Second : Northiuood, Logan County, Oliio.
Organized by Synod under Lakes Presbytery, August 9,
1S51. William Milroy, October 12, 1854, to November
15. 1876. Consolidated into United Miami, April 14,
1877.
MiDDLETOWN: Hooker, Butler County. Pennsylvania.
414
HISTORV OF THE REFORMED
Organized by Pittsburgh Presbytery, November i6, 1886,
and was known as the North Washington Branch of
Brookland congregation, since 1825.
Middle Wheeling : Roney's Point, Ohio County,
West Virginia. Organized by Pittsburgh Presbyter>',
April 26, i860, and formerly supplied by pastors of
Miller's Run. Armour McFariand, April 4, 1866, to
April 12, 1873. S. R. McClurkin since September 13,
1876.
Miller's Run : V^e?iicf, Washington County, Pennsyl-
vania. Organized by Middle Committee, October 19,
1806, as Canonsburgh. John Black, supply. William
Gibson, October 23, 1817, to May 26, 1826. G. T.
Ewing, October 23, 1827, to May 16, 1830. John
Crozier, May 12, 1834, to October 9, 1842. William
Slater, May 24, 1843, to April 14, 1887.
Milton : Milton, Xortlmmberland Comity, Pennsylvania.
Organized by Philadelphia Presbytery, October 13, 1830.
William Wilson, August 6, 1832, to August 7, 1833,
when passed into New School body.
MONCTON : Moncton, Ne-.v Brunswiek. Organized by
New Brunswick and Nova Scotia Presbytery, September
15, 1885.
MONONGAHEL.\ : Elizabeth, Allegheny County, Pennsyl-
vania. Society formed in 1794. John Black, supply.
Organized by Middle Committee, October, 1806. William
Gibson, October 23, 1817, to May 26, 1826. G. T.
Ewing, October 23, 1827, to May 16, 1830. John
Crozier, May 12, [834, to April 12, 1865. J. W.
SprouU, April 10, 1866, to April 11, 1871. T. C.
Sproull, October 3, 1871, to May 26, 1876. W. J.
'.-Si
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 415
Coleman, June 13, 1S79, to July 5, iSSi. John M.
Wylie, April :i-j , 18S3, to April 9, 1884. Robert Reed.
, apply, 1885, to 1887.
.Morning Sun : Morning Sun, Louisa County, Iowa.
Organized by Iowa Presbytery, July 9, 1S73. C. D.
Trumbull since April 14, 1S74.
.MUDDV Run: McCalVs Ferry, York County, Pennsyl-
vania. Formed into a society in 1743. John Cuthbertson,
1751, to 1782.
Muskingum and Tomica : Dresden, Muskingum County,
Ohio. Organized by Pittsburgh Presbytery, October 9,
1S31. John Wallace, April 14, 1833, to April 4, 1835.
J. ('. K. Paris, December 6, 1S65, to April 13, 1871.
\\". S. Fulton, December 5, i?77, to April 11, 1883.
John M. \V)Iie since January 21, 1885.
New Alexandria : New Alexandria, Westmoreland
County, Pennsylvania. Organized by the Pittsburgh
Presb\-ter\-, Jul)-, 1S22. John Cannon, 1S19, to February
2, 1S36. James Milligan, November 23, 1839, to October
14, 1S48. A. M. Milligan, November 24, 1848, to October
4. 1853. A. M. Milligan, May 6, 1856, to April 10,
1866. T. A. Sproull, June 17, 1S68, to April S, 187S.
J. L. Pinkerton, May 17, 1S81, to October 9, 1S83.
J. F. Carlisle, June 20, 18S4, to January 26, 188S.
Newark : Newark, New Jersey. Organized by New
York Presbytery, June 17, 1874. D. H. Coulter,
December 10, 1874, to October 27, 1875. Disorganized,
< 'ctober 30, 1878.
NewburgH, First: Nezcburgh, New York. Society
formed, November 8, 1802. Organized by Northern
Presbytery, February 16, 1824. J. R. Johnston, Sep-
4i6
HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
tember 6, 1825, to October 17, 1S29. Moses Roney,
June 8, 1830, to October 10, 1848. Samuel Carlisle,
November 15, 1S49, to July 3, 1887.
NEWBURGH, Second : Newbm-gh, New York. Organ--
ized by New York Presbytery, December 13, 1854. J. R..
Thompson since December 19, 1855.
New Castle : New Castle, Pennsylvania. Organized'
by Pittsburgh Presbytery, Januar)' 9, 1871. S. J.
Crowe, May 21, 1872, to April 12, 1881. J. Milligan
Wylie, June 22, 1883, to December 26, 1887. W. R. Laird
since May 10, 1888.
New Concord : Ne'w Conco?-d, Muskingum County,,
Ohio. Organized by Pittsburgh Presbytery, June 13,.
1821, as Salt Creek. Robert Wallace, October 9, 1823,.
to July 19, 1849. H. P. McClurkin, October 15, 1850,.
to October 8, 1856. H. P. McClurkin, December 2,.
1858, to October 4, 1882. J. M. Paris since July 3,.
1884.
New Hartford : New Hartford, O^ieida County, New
York. Organized by Southern Presbytery, October lO,,
1837. Disorganized, May 15, 1843.
New York, First : Nezv York City, New York..
Organized by Rev. William Gibson, December 26,.
1797. Ale.xander McLeod, July 6, 1801, to February
17. iSSS- James Christie, November 16, 1836, to.
October 15, 1856. J. C. K. Milligan since June 1 6,
1858.
New York, Second : Nezv York City, New York..
Organized by Northern Presbytery, June 11, 1830.
Robert Gibson, May 31, 183 1, to December 22, 1837.
1
'-^
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 4U
Andrew Stevenson, November I4, 1S39, to May 17,
1S75. R. M. Sommerville since December 14, 1S75.
New York, Third : .V^-^ York City, New York.
Organized by New York Presbytery, March 14. 1 848.
John Little, June 5, 1849, to April 20, 1 852. J. R.
W. Sloane, May 26, 1856, to October 27, 1868. David
Gregg, February 23, 1870, to October 2S, 1885.
David Gregg, December 6, 1885, to Januar>' 25, 1887.
F. ■ M. Foster since September 7, 1887.
New York, Fourth : Xen' York City, A'fzv York.
Organized by New York Presbytery, February 21, 1870.
James Kennedy since November 13, 1870.
North Cedar : Xort/i Cedar, Jackson County, Kansas.
Organized by Kansas Presbytery, October 23, 1871.
J. S. T. Milligan since October 8, 1872.
North Salem : Su£:ar Tree, Guernsey County, Ohio.
Organized by Ohio Presbytery, April 2, 1S79. J. R-
Latimer, October 10, 1 880, to May 27. 1882.
North Union : Valencia, Butler County, Pennsylvania.
Organized by Pittsburgh Presbytery, April 11, 1870,
from Union and Pine Creek, and John Galbraith has
since continued pastor.
Oakland : Oakla^id, California. Organized by Synod
under Kansas Presbytery, August 28, 1879, as a
mission congregation with N. R. Johnston in charge.
Disorganized, May 21, 1885.
OctoraRA : Octorara, Lancaster County, Pejinsylvama.
Society formed in 1740. Alexander Craighead, 1743.
to 1749. John Cuthbertson, August li, 175 1, to Nov-
ember I, 1782, when disorganized.
Oil City: South Oil City, Pennsylvania. Organized
HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
by Pittsburgh Presbytery, August 19, 1865. David
McFall, May 8, 1871, to April 8, 1873. J. A. F.
Bovard since June 11, 1884.
Oil Creek : TitusviUe, Cra-wford County, Pemisylvania.
Organized by Pittsburgh Presbytery, February 14, i860.
Daniel Reid, December 19, 1861, to March 31, 1875..
J. A. F. Bovard since June 12, 1884.
Olathe : Olathe, Johnston County, Kaiisas. Organized
by Illinois Presbytery, April 16, 1865. W. W. McMillan^
March 10, 1866, to October 14, 1885. J. H. Wylie
since October 21, 1887.
Old Bethel : Houston, Randolph Comity, Illinois..
Organized by Western -Presbytery, October 15, 1836.
James Wallace, August 16, 1840, to May 15, 1867..
W. J. Gillespie, October 13, 1869, to August 5, 1870..
P. P. Boyd. July 20, 1874, to December 12, 1887..
Parnassus and Manchester : Pamasszis, Penn-^
sylvmiia. Organized by Pittsburgh Presbytery, June 20..
1870. J. M. Johnston, June 15, 1871, to January 3,.
1873. J. C. McFeeters since June 19, 1874.
Paterson : Pater S071, Nnv Jersey. Organized by-
Northern Presbytery, October 10, 181S. W. L. Roberts,
May 19, 1824, to December 18, 1825. William Gibson,.
1826, to 1832. Disorganized, October 7, 1836.
Paxtang : Paxton, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania..
Society formed in 1740. John Cuthbertson, August
15, 175 1, to March 10, 1774. Matthew Linn, March
10, 1774, to November i, 1782, when disorganized^
Pequea : Pequea, Lancaster County, Penmyhania.
Society formed in 1750. John Cuthbertson, August 14..
175 1, to November i, 1782, when disorganized.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 419'
Perth, First : Perth, Ontario. Canada. Organized
under Scottish Synod, April 29, 1836. James McLach-
lane, August 29, 1S37, to October S, 1 855, when dis-
organized. Re-organized by' Rochester Presbyter>', Jul)^
14, 1 86 1. Robert Shields, supply, July 13, 1 865, to
August 28, 1883.
Perth, Second : Perth. Ontario, Canada. Organized
by Rochester Presbyter\-, June 1 2, 1852. John Middle-
ton, October 19, 1 854, to October 8, 1856, when dis-
organized.
Philadelphia, First: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Organized by Rev. William Gibson, January 28, 1798-
Samuel B. Wylie, November 20, 1803, to August Jr
1S33. J- ^I- Willson, November 27, 1834, to October,
28, 1862. T. P. Stevenson since May 5, 1863.
Philadelphia, Second : Philadelphia, Pennsylvania..
Organized by Southern Presbytery, August 10, 1842.
S. O. Wylie, December 3, 1844, to August 22, 1883.
J. K. McClurkin, October 9, 1884, to August 25, 1887.
Philadelphia, Third : Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
(Organized by New York Presbytery, January 16, 185 1. -
A. M. Milligan, December 8, 1853, to October 14,
1S55. John Middleton, November 18, 1856, to May
17, 1862. R. J. Sharpe, April 6, 1866, to April 10.
1S79. J. M. Crozier, May 6, 1S80, to September 7,.
iSSi. R. C. -Montgomery since March 27, 1883.
Philadelphia, Fourth : Philadelphia, Peyinsylvania.
Organized by New York Presbj'tery, July 13, 1853.
David McKee, Jul}- 5, 1854, to August 4, 1859, when,
disorganized.
420 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
Pine Creek and Union : Valencia, Butler County,
Pennsylvania. Society organized in 1806, as a part of
Ohio congregation. Alatthew Williams, 1807, to 1815.
Organized by Pittsburgh Presbytery, October 8, 18 15. , "
Matthew Williams, October 8, 18 15, to October 16, J
1825. T. C. Guthrie, April 26, 1826, to August 7, h
1S33. Hugh Walkinshaw, April 15, 1835, to October
16, 184I. John Galbraith, June 29, 1843, to April II,
1870. Alexander Kilpatrick since May 17, 1876.
Pittsburgh : Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Organized
by Middle Committee, December iS, 1800, as Ohio
John Black, December iS, 1800, to August 7, 1833, when
disorganized. Re-organized by Pittsburgh Presbytery,
•October 17, 1S65. A. M. Milligan, May 14, 1S66, to
May 7, 1885. David McAllister since October 20, 1887.
Pleasant Ridge : . Olathe, Johnston County, Kansai
-Organized by Illinois Presbytery, April 16, 1865. W
W. McMillan, March 10, 1866, to August n, 1871.
Matthew Wilkin, May 8, 1874, to July 12, 1880. R.
"M. Thompson since October 12, 18S1.
Poland and North J.\ckson : Canfield, Mahohing
County, Ohio. Organized by Middle Presbytery, May 17,
18 14, as Austintown, and attached to Little Beaver
•until its separate existence. May 16, i860. Samuel
Sterrett, May 16, i860, to October 7, 1867. R J
George, May 19, 1870, to April 14, 1875. T. C
Sproull, July 8, 1876, to April 8, 1879. Changed to
Youngstown, October 12, 1885.
Princeton : Princeton, Gibson County, Indiafia
Organized by Middle Presbytery, October 14, 18 13
John Kell, June 21, 1820, to August 7, 1S33. Robert
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 42 1
Lusk, supply. J. J. IMcClurkin, June 2, 1843, to May
22, 1849. John Stott, October 13, 1S51, to June 2,
iS6S, when disorganized. Re-organized by Illinois
Presbytery, April 21, 1S69. D. C. Martin, November
7, 1S72, to April 12, i8S8.
PriXCETOWN : Princetcmm, Schenectady Coimty, Neui
York. Organized by James McKinney, in 1794, as a
part of Duanesburgh. James McKinney, May, 1798,
to April 4, 1 802. Gilbert McMaster, August 8, 1808,
to August 7, 1833, when disorganized.
OciNTER : Oinnter, Gove County, Kansas. Organized
by Kansas Presbytery, July 7, 18S7.
Ramsey : Almonte, Ontario, Canada. Organized by
James Milligan, September 9, 1830. Disorganized,
August 7, 1S33. Re-organized by James McLachlane,
October 9, 1833. James McLachlane, October 9, 1833,
to October 8, 1856, when disorganized. Re-organized
by Rochester Presbytery, July 14, 1861. Robert Shields,
July 13, 1S65, to August 28, 1883. E. M. Coleman
since May 9, 1888.
Rehoboth : Marchand, Indiana County, Pennsylvania.
("irganized by Pittsburgh Presbyter>-, November 16,
1S47, ^s Warsaw and Montgomery. R. J. Dodds, June
iS, 1S52, to May 24. 1856. T. M. Elder, May 11,
1S59, to April 10, 1866. J. F. Crozier since November
i8, 1S74.
Rehoboth : Wyman, Louisa County, lo^va. Organized
by Illinois Presbytery, October 19, 1854. R. B. Cannon,
December 14, 1854, to December 17, 1867. E. G.
Elsey, August 14, 1874, to April 12, 1881. J. A. Black
since February 9, 1886.
422
HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
Rochester : Rochester, Nezv York. Organized by
Southern Presbytery, July 21, 1S31. John Fisher, July
21, 1831, to April 17, 1835. C. B. McKee, May 14,
1S37, to August 29, 1842. David Scott, July li, 18/^^^
to July 19, 1862. R. D. Sproull, May 14, 1863, to-
October 6, 1880. John Graham since June 22, 1881.
Rochester : Rochester, Kingman Co^inty, Kansas.
Organized by Kansas Presbytery, December 4, 1886.
Rock Creek : Getty sburgli, Adams Genuity, Pennsyl-
vania. Society formed in 1742, as Marsh Creek. John
Cuthbertson, 175 1, to 1774. Alexander Dobbin, March
10, 1774, to November i, 1782, when disorganized.
Rocky Creek : Ghester, Ghester Gounty, Small Garolina.
The parent society in the South, formed about 1750.
In 1770, called "Edgar's Meeting House." William
Martin, 1772, to 1789. William King, 1792, to 1798.
Thomas Donnelly, March 3, 1801, to April 10, 1816.
Hugh McMillan, June 18, 1822, to April 6, 1829, when
disorganized.
Rocky Spring : Ghambersbnrgh, Franklin Gounty,
Pennsylvania. Original of Conococheague, formed in 175 I.
John Cuthbertson, August 31, 175 1, to March 10, 1774.
Matthew Linn, March 10, 1774, to November i, 1782.
Organized as Conococheague, June 16, 1802.
Round Prairie : Rowtd Prairie, Todd Gounty, iMiime-
sota. Organized by Iowa Presbytery, May 12, 1873.
RUSHSYLVANIA : Rushsylvania, Logan Gounty, Ohio.
Organized by Lakes Presbytery, November 17, 1853.
J. R. W. Sloane, January 13, 1855, to May 21, 1856.
P. H. Wylie, November 13, i860, to May 25, 1876.
H. H. George, .May 3, 1878, to May 18, 18S0. John
m
PRESBVTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 423
Lynd, August 12, 1S80, to April 14, 1885. J. J. Huston,
July 30, iSS6,.to April 9, 18SS.
RVEGATE : Ryegate, Caledonia County, Vermont. Organ-
ized by Reformed Presbytery, October. 179S. William
Gibson, July 10, 1799, to April 13, 1S15. James
Milligan, September 26, 1817, to May 17, 1839. J- ^I-
Bcattie, June 20, 1844, to May 17, 1882. H. W. Reed,
January 19, 1883, to September 21, 1886.
Saint John : Saint John, Neiu Brunsxvick. Society
formed, May, 1821. Organized by Alexander Clarke,
March, 1S28. Alexander Clarke, August, 1827, to April
25, 1832. A. M. Stavely, August 16, 1841, to July 26,
1S79. A. J. ]\IcFarland since August 4, 1882.
Saint JohnSBURV : Saint Johnsbury, Caledonia County,
J'ennont. Organized by New York Presbytery, July 29,
1879. W. R. Laird, June 15, i88o, to May i, 1SS8.
Saint Louis : Saint Louis, .Missouri. Orgar^ized by
Illinois Presbytery, April 2, 1846. A. C. Todd, July 29,
1852, to April 12, 1S57. Joseph McCracken, October 14,
1S59, to September 2, 1874. J. R. Hill, September 28,
1S77, to April 15, 1883. E. M. Smith since May 16,
1SS7.
Salem : Stanton, Jefferson County, Pennsylvania. Organ-
ized by Pittsburgh Presbyter}-, October 31. 1S60. A. J.
McFarland, February 5, 1862, to April ir, 1882. H. W.
Temple since July 14, 18S7.
Sandusky : Crestline, Cravoford County, Ohio. Organ-
:'--d by Lakes Presbytery, October 10, 1843. J. C.
Hnyd, May 13, 1847, to November 6, 1867. Disorganized,
April 12, 1876.
424 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
Schenectady : Scheiiectady , New York. Organized in
1794, with Duanesburgh. James McKinney, May, 1798,
to April 4, 1802. Gilbert McMaster, August 8, 1808, to
May 16, 183 I, when received separate organization. John
McMaster, January 25, 1832, to August 7, 1833, when
disorganized.
Selma : Selma, Dallas County, Alabama. Organized by
Pittsburgh Presbytery, May 21, 1875, as a mission con-
gregation. Lewis Johnston, May 21, 1875, to November
14, 1876. G. M. Elliot since December 14, 1877.
Sharon : Linton, Des Moines County, lozva. Organized
by Illinois Presbytery, September 26, 1846. J. M. Mc-
Donald, May 17, 1851, to June 19, 1872. T. P.
Robb since July 6, 1874.
Shenango and Neshannock : Nesha;i:wck Falls,
Lawrence Comity, Pennsylvania. Organized by Pittsburgh %
Presbytery, October 25, 1829. A. W. Black, January '^*
18, 1832, to August 7, 1833, when disorganized.
Slippery Rock and Portersville : Rose Point,
Lawrence County, Pennsylvania. Society formed in 1 806,
and a part of Little Beaver. Organized by Pittsburgh
Presbytery, April 12, 1834. James Blackwood, May
24, 1834, to October 8, 1851. Thomas Hanna, Novem-
ber 17, 1852, to October 29, 1S61. J. C. Smith since
April 16, 1863.
SouTHFIELD : Birmingham, Oakland County, Michig-an.
Organized by Ohio Presbytery, May 10, 1834. James
Neill, May 18, 1843, to October 6, 1851. J. S. T.
Milligan, November 11, 1853, to April li, 1871. J. R.
Hill, May 10, 1872, to May 25, 1876. Joseph Mc-
Cracken since June 15, 1878. ' .^
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IX AMERICA. 425
Springfield : Balm, Mercer County, Pennsylvania.
Organized by Pittsburgh Presbytery, August 4, 1852.
J. J. McClurkin, September S, 1854, to October 14,
1S73. J. Renwick Wylie, June 29, 1877, to April 10,
1SS8.
S rAUNTON : Staunton, Macoupin County, Illinois. Organ-
ized by Illinois Presbytery, July 14, 1863. John Middle-
ton, May 23, 1S65, to August 9, 1S70. W. F. George,
:\Iay 13, 1S72, to April 14, 1880. E. M. Smith since
May 12, 1887.
Sterling : Sterling Valley, Cayuga County, A'ezv York..
Organized by Northern Presbytery, November 17, 1823.
W. L. Roberts, November 16, 1S26, to October 6,
1S30. W. L. Roberts, October 19, 1837, to May 26,
1 85 5. Matthew Wilkin, October 23, 1S56, to October
2, 1867. S. R. Galbraith, July 7, 1870, to October I,
1871. T. J. Allen, November 11, 1875, to June i,
1887. J. C. B. French since January 12, 1S88.
Sterling : Sterling, Rice County, Kansas. Organized
by Kansas Presbytery, November 5, 1877. J. M.
A-mour, April i, 1877, to May 26, 1885. P. H.
Wylie since April 15, 18S7.
Superior : Superior, Nuckolls Cotmty, Nebraska^
Organized by Kansas Presbytery, September i, 188 1.
R. C. Allen. December 8, 1882, to October 15, 1884,
Disorganized, May 22, 1885. Re-organized, August 27.
18S5. P. P. Boyd since March 16, 1888.
Svi.VANiA : Sylvania, Dade County, Missouri. Organ-
ized by Illinois Presbyter}', August 10, 1S71. Josiah
Dodds since May 9, 1878.
426 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
Syracuse : Syracuse, Neiv York. Organized by
Rochester Presbytery, October lo, 1849. John Newell,
May 7, 1 85 1, to May 26, 1853. J. M. Johnston, May
13, 1859, to August II, 1866. J. M. Armour, June
8, 1867, to September 9, 1873. S. R. Wallace since
December 8, 1874.
Tabor : Clay Centre, Clay County, Kansas. Organized
by Kansas Presbytery, October 12, 1873. S. M.
Stevenson since October 30, 1874.
ToPSHA.M : Topskam, Orange County, Vermont. Organ-
ized by Northern Presbytery, September 6, 18 18.
William Sloane, October 14, 1820, to April 17, 1829.
N. R. Johnston, November 10, 1S52, to May 16, 1865. /^
J. M. Paris, September i, 1869, to May 22, 1872. J. '^^:.
■C. K. Paris since December 2, 1874.
Toronto : Toronto, Canada. Organized by Rochester ,-.i
Presbytery, May 27, 185 1. Robert Johnson, November 'sSf
4, 1852, to November 7, 1859. Disorganized, May 27,
1868. Re-organized, January 23, 1872. Disorganized,
May 26, 1875.
Troy : Troy, New York. Organized by Northern
Presbytery, June 17, 1828. Robert McKee, December
29, 1830, to May 26, 1S35. Disorganized, April 13,
1849-
United Miami : Northwood, Logan Comity, Ohio.
Organized by Lakes Presbytery, April 14, 1877, by
consolidation of First and Second Miami. George 'VJ;
Kennedy, May 23, 1878, to June 15, 1882. Ruther
Hargrave since May 27, 18S6.
Utica : Utica, Licking County, Ohio. Organized by
Middle Presbytery, October 12, 1814, as Licking.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 427
Robert Wallace, October 12, 1814, to May 10, 1820.
Armour McFarland, October 5, 1837, to May 23, 1855.
J. C. Boyd, November 26, 1856, to October 4, 1882.
W. J. Coleman, April 15, 18S6, to November 17,
18S7.
Utica : Utica, Neiv York. ' Organized by Southern
Presbytery, October 10, 1837. Disorganized, October
13. 1840.
Vernon : Waukesha, Waukesha County, Wisconsin.
Organized by Rochester Presbytery, October 18, 1S48,
as Waukesha. Disorganized, November 8, 1850. Re-
organized by Illinois Presbytery, September 16, 1856,
as Vernon. Robert Johnson, November 7, 1859,
to December 17, 1867. R. B. Cannon, September 13,
1S72, to ■ May 28, 1878. Isaiah Paris since November
22, 1878.
WaHOO and Fremont: Wahoo, Saimders County,
Xebraska. Organized by Kansas Presbytery, December
19, 1S71. J. A. Thompson, October 18, 1877, to May
iS, 1880. H. P. McClurkin since February 29, 1884.
\\'alnut City : Walnut City. Appanoose County, lo-.^'a.
Organized by Iowa Presbytery, March 18, 1868.
Isaiah Paris, September 21, 1870, to May 23, 1877.
Disorganized, April 9, 1S84.
Walnut Ridge: Salem, Washington County, Indiana.
Organized by Western Presbytery, May 13, 1822.
Robert Lusk, October 7, 1824, to August ro, 1823,
Robert Lusk, May 9, 1835, to September 18, 1840,
J. J. McClurkin, June 2, 1843, to April 10, 1851'.
Disorganized, May 28, 1862.
428
HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
Walton: Walton, Delaware County, Nezu York. Organ-
ized by New York Presbytery, June ii, 1861. David
McAllister, December 16, 1863, to September 6, 1871.
David McAllister, June 23, 1875, to October 24, 1883.
S. G. Shaw since July 8, 1884.
Washington: Washitigtoji, lVashi?igton County, Iowa,
Organized by Iowa Presbytery, November 27, 1863.
S. M. Stevenson, February 15, 1865, to October 4,.
1871. W. P. Johnston, October 10, 1873, to August
4, 1881. T. A. H. Wylie since December 7, 1882. _
West Hebron: West Hebron, Washington Coicnty,.
New York. Society formed in 1764. Organized by
Northern Presbytery, October, 18 14, as Argyle. J. W.
Stewart, October 13, 1825, to April 5, 1832. Dis-
organized, May 24, 1862. Re-organized by New York
Presbytery, August 29, 1866, as West Hebron. J. A.
Speer since July 28, 1875.
White Lake : White Lake, Sullivan County, New York,
Organized by Northern Presbytery, April 15, 1820.
■M. B. Williams, April 15, 1820, to May 16, 182 1. J.
B. Williams since November 14, 1850.
WiLKINSBURGH : Wilkinshirgh, Allegheny Comity, Penn-
sylvania. Organized by Pittsburgh Presbytery, July 14,
1848. Thomas Hanna, supply. Joseph Hunter, April
13, 1852, to September 9, 1882. W. W. Carithers since
June 20, 1883.
Wilmington : Wilmittgton, Delaware. Organized by
Philade'lphia Presbytery, December 25, 1832. S. M.
Gayley, December 25, 1832, to August 7, 1833. Dis-
organized, October, 1834. ■
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IX AMERICA. 429
WiLMOT : Wilmot, Annapolis County, Nova Scotia.
Organized by New Brunswick and Nova Scotia Pres-
bytery, November 13, 1849. Robert Stewart. November
13, 1849, to May 28, 1 88 1.
W'IN-CHESTER : Winchester, Jefferson County, Kansas.
Organized by Iowa • Presbytery, September 7, 1868.
Josiah Dodds, November 7, 1S6S, to October 17, 1876.
D. H. Coulter since August 17, 1877.
Xenia : Xenia, Ohio. Organized by Middle Presbytery,.
June 19, iSio. John Kell, supply. Jonathan Gill, May
14. 1816, to April 6, 1823. Gavin McMillan, supply.
Hugh McMillan, September 7, 1S29, to Augu.= t 7, 1833.
Disorganized, August iS, 1841.
York : York, Livingstotte Coimty, Nru.' York. Organ-
ized by Northern Presbyter>-, November 17, 1823. W.
L. Roberts, November 16, 1826, to October 6, 1830.
John Fisher, July 21, 1831, to July 22, 1845. Samuel
Bowden, December 31, 1846, to November 21, 1876.
W. C. Allen since September 26, 1882.
YOUNGSTOWX : Youngstovjn, Ohio. Organized by Pitts-
burgh Presbytery, October 12, 1S85, as remnant of
Poland and North Jackson. H. W. Reed since May 4,.
1888.
430 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED .-4^
The Ministry.
THOMAS HOUSTON ACHESON:
Son of John and Nancy (Caskey) Achesbn, was
born in New Galilee, Beaver County, Pennsylvania,
August 10, 1861. He received his early education in
the schools of his native town, and, in due time, entered
Westminster College, where he remained until his
junior year, and graduated from Geneva College in
1882. He studied theology in the Allegheny Semi-
nary, and was licensed by the Pittsburgh Presbytery,
April 15, 18S5, and labored for six months in Kansas
and Nebraska. He was ordained by the Iowa Pres-
bytery, and installed pastor of the congregation of
Hopkinton, Delaware County, Iowa, September 23,
1886, where he is in charge. He married Miss Minnie Hill,
of' Crystal Park, Colorado, August 24, 1886. In 1880,
he became an editor of the College Cabinet for two
years.
WILLIAM ANDREW ACHESON:
Son of William and Margaret (Graham) Acheson,
was born in the city of New York, July 28, 18 15.
He was early furnished with the opportunity of acquir-
ing a liberal education in the best schools, and grad-
uated from the University of the City of New York
t
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 431
in 1836. He engaged in teaching, and other employ-
ments, for several years. He studied theology under
the direction of the Rev. James Christie, D. D., and
also in the Allegheny Seminary, and was licensed
by the New York Presbytery, December 3, 1847. He
travelled generally throughout the Church, but especially
supplied 'the vacancies in the South and West, where
his labors were very acceptable. While on his way to
Princeton, Indiana, he was attacked with cholera, and
died m three days thereafter, in Evansville, Indiana,
November 26, 1850. He never married. Few young
men possessed a more robust constitution, and the
abilities which are peculiarly adapted to missionary
work. He was endowed with a fine mind, and the
elements ot a popular preacher. He was warm in his
attachments, easy in his manners, kind in his deport-
ment, and unaffected in his devotion to the cause of
Christ.
JOHN STEVENSON ALLEN:
Son of Cochran and Elizabeth (Willson) Allen,
«-as born in Balm, Mercer County, Pennsylvania,
October 20, 1857. He received his preparatory course
of literary training in Grove City College, and grad-
uated from Westminster College in 1S82. He studied
theology in the Union Seminary- of New York City,
and was licensed by the New York Presbytery, May
-o, 1885. He preached in but a few of the vacancies,
and connected with the Presbyterian Church, being
received by the Presbytery of the City of New York,
February 8, 1886. He was ordained by the West
Chester Presbytery of that body, and installed pastor
432 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED ' ■»:
of Throgg's Neck congregation, West Chester, West
Chester County, New York, May 13, 1886, where he
is in charge.
NATHANIEL ALLEN, M. D. :
Son of Robert and Ann (Gillespie) Allen, was.
born near Andes, Delaware County, New York, June
14, 1810. In early life he was cast upon his own
resources, and, with great difficulty, obtained a liberal
education, and taught school in Orange County, New
York, with marked success for many years. He pCirsued
his classical studies in the Academy of Coldenham, New
York, under the Rev. J. R. Willson, D. D., and grad-
uated from the Oneida Institute, Whitesboro, New
York, in 1838. He studied theology in the Coldenham
and Allegheny Seminaries, and was licensed by the -^^
Pittsburgh Presbytery, June 29, 1843. He preached
within the bounds of this Presbytery for two years,
and, when transferred to the Lakes Presbytery in.
1845, he was refused appointments and complained to-
Synod. For the want of that aptness to teach which
is essential in the ministry, his license was withdrawn,
by the authority of Synod, May 31,-1847. In 1848,
he entered the Ohio Medical College, Cincinnati, com-
pleted the three years' course, and settled in Princeton,,
Indiana, where he practiced medicine as a successful
physician for several years. In 1855, he memorialized
the Synod to consider his case, but failed to receive-
his license to preach, and returned to Princeton,
Indiana, where he died of hemorrhages of the lungs,.
March 29, 1857. He married Miss Eliza J. Reid, of
Rushville, Indiana. March 18, 1S46. He was a skilled
■J?
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 433
physician and sympathetic to every trouble. He was
a good man, a true Covenanter, scrupulously conscien-
tious in the discharge of all religious duties and
persevering in his purpose, but failed to attain the
grand object of his desires — the Christian ministry.
He received the degree of Doctor of Medicine from
the Ohio Medical College in 1851. He published a
sermon, "The Help of the Church," 1S51, pp. 16.
ROBERT CAMERON ALLEN:
St)n of Samuel and Mary (Gilmore) Allen, was
born in Balm, Mercer County, Pennsylvania, May 4,
184S. He received his elementary literary training in
what is no\>.- Grove City College, graduated from
Westminster College in 1875, and engaged in teaching.
He studied theology in the Allegheny Seminar>', and
was licensed by the Pittsburgh Presbytery, April 8,
1879, and labored in the far West, under the direction
of the Central Board of Missions. He was ordained by
the Kansas Presbytery, and installed pastor of the
congregation of Superior, Nuckolls County, Nebraska,
December 8, 1S82, and was released October 15, 1884.
He was installed pastor of the Lochiel congregation,
Brodie, Ontario, Canada, October 18, 1887, where he is
in charge. He married Miss Lizzie S. Little, of West
Fairfield, Pennsylvania, June 28, 187S.
THOMAS JOHN ALLEN:
Son of Robert and Jane (Willson) Allen, was born
in Findley, Mercer County, Pennsylvania, July 18, 1848.
He received his early education in what is now Grove
City College, and graduated from Westminster College
in 1 87 1. He studied theology in the Allegheny
434 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
Seminary, and was licensed by the Pittsburgh Presbytery,
April 15, 1874. He was ordained by the Rochester
Presbytery, and installed paitor of the congregation o£
Sterling, Cayuga County, New York, November li, 1875,.
and resigned this charge, June I, 1887, and removed to-
Balm, Pennsylvania. Recently he has engaged in>.
evangelistic work with fruitful results. He married Miss
Nannie Ramsey, of Oakdale, Illinois, August 28, 1877..
WILLIAM COCHRAN ALLEN:
Son of Cochran and Elizabeth (Willson) Allen,,
was born in Balm, Mercer County, Pennsylvania,
November 7, 1854. He received his rudimentary
literary- education in what is now Grove City College,
and graduated from Westminster College in 1877. He
studied theology in the Allegheny Seminary, and was
licensed by the Pittsburgh Presbytery, April 13, 1881,. ;^
and labored for some time in Lake Reno and Round " -^
Prairie, Minnesota. He was ordained by the Rochester
Presbytery, and installed pastor of the congregation of
York, Livingston County, New York, September 28,
1882, where he is in charge. He married Miss Jeanie
A. Black, of London, Pennsylvania, June i, 18S2.
JOHN McLaughlin armour:
Son of Thomas G. and Mary A. (Cathcart) Armour,
was born in Sparta, Randolph County, Illinois, October
9, 1825. He received his early education in the schools
of his native village, and in the city of St. Louis,
Missouri, and graduated from Geneva College in 1852.
He studied theology in the Cincinnati Seminary, and at
the same time with his literary- course in the Northwood
Seminary, and was licensed by the Lakes Presbj'tery,.
^f
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 435
April 16, 1S52. He was ordained by the New York
Presbytery, and installed pastor of the congregation of
Craftsbury, Orleans County, Vermont, September 23,
1857, and resigned October 31, 1865, and took charge
of the Freedmen's Mission in Washington, D. C. He
was installed pastor of tlie congregation of Syracuse^
New York, June 8, 1S67, and resigned September 9,
1873. He removed to Northwood, Logan County, Ohio,
and was a supply for three years. He took charge of
the congregation of Sterling, Rice County, Kansas,.
April I, 1877, and resigned May 26, 1SS5. He removed
to the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he is
devoting himself to the work of an author and supplying
vacant pulpits. He married Miss Mary E. Sudborough,
of Hamilton, Canada, March 21, 1856. Among his
publications are: "Atonement and Law," 1885, pp. 240,
three editions. "The Divine Method of Life," 1887,.
pp. 250.
JOHN OWEN BAYLES:
Son of Stephen and Martha (McVey) Bayles, was
born in Cherry Fork, Adams County, Ohio, February 4.
1835. He received his early education in that vicinity,-
and with the family removed to Northwood, Logan
County, Ohio, where he graduated from Geneva College
m 1857. He studied theology in the Allegheny Seminary
and was licensed by the Pittsburgh Presbytery, April
25. i860. He supplied vacant congregations and mission
stations, and, in the spring of 1864, took charge of the
Freedmen's Mission in Washington, D. C. He was
ordained by the New York Presbytery, and installed
pastor of the Kortright congregation, West Kortright^
436 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
X)ela\vare County, New York, January lO, 1866, where
he is in charge. He married }kliss Martha B. Floyd, of
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, November 30, 1S65.
JOSEPH BEATTIE, D. D.:
Son of John and Eliza (McKinney) Beattie, was
born in Saint Andrews, Orange County, New York,
October 17, 1S30. His mother was a daughter of the
Rev. James McKinney, and his father a pious Cove-
nanter and an elder in the Coldenham congregation.
He pursued his preparatory literary stuiJics in the .
schools of his native county and graduated from Union
-College in 1S52. He studied theology in Philadelphia,
under the direction of the Rev. James M. Willson, D.
D., and was licensed by the Philadelphia Presbytery,
May 26, 1 8 56. The next week he wa^ chosen by
5ynod as a Missionary to Syria. Accepting this appoint-
ment, he was ordained si>i£ titido by the New York
Presbyterj', September 23, 1856, and, with Dr. R. J.'
Dodds and others, sailed for that foreign land, October
16, 1856. He first settled in Damascus, where he
pursued his studies in the Arabic language, and became
a proficient scholar in that tongue. After exploring
many parts of the Holy Land, he finally settled in
Latakia in 1859, where suitable buildings were subse-'.
quently erected, and where he spent the rest of his
life in the proper work of a Missionary. He visited^
the United States three times — in 1863, 1876 and 1878,
and in those visits he lectured through all parts of
the Church and awakened an interest in the Foreign
Mission. Upon his last visit he left his wife to educate
his children in this country, but scarcely had he reached
JOSEPH BEATTIE, D. D.
i
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 43/
the sacred soil of Syria, when he received the distress-
ing intelligence of her death, and he immediately
returned to his motherless children. He soon after-
wards returned to Syria, and, in iS8o, opened a Theo-
logical School for the training of a native ministry.
He died at his home in Latakia, Syria, of gastric fever,
October S, 1883. He was a man of line personal
appearance, of ripe experience and of sound judgment,
to whom the missionaries, as well as the native scholars,
looked for counsel and direction. He was a faithful
minister, a most judicious teacher, and one universally
beloved for his kindness to his fellow-teachers and
sympathy for the distressed heathen. He was a man
firm in his convictions and unyielding in his fidelity
to truth and duty. He did yeoman service in establish-
ing the Syrian Mission, and was instrumental in
bringing many souls to a saving knowledge of Christ.
He married Miss Martha E. Lord, of Camden, Delaware,
September 16, 1856. He was honored with the degree
of Doctor of Divinity by Union College in 1878. He
was Moderator of the Synod of 1876.
JAMES MILLIGAN BEATTIE :
Son of John and Sarah (Haines) Beattie, was born .
in Saint Andrews, Orange County, New York, Septem-
ber 24, 1 811. He was a half-brother to Rev. Joseph
Beattie, D. D., and received an equally strict religious
training in the home of his pious parents. He received
his preparatory literary studies in the Coldenham
Academy of his native County, and graduated from
Union College in 1S34. He studied theology in the
Coldenham Seminary under the Rev. James R. Willson,
438 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED ;''
D. D., one year. In 1S40, he went to Scotland and
studied theology in the Paisley Seminary, and was '
licensed by the Paisley Presbytery, of the Covenanter
Church, April 13, 1843. He returned to this country
the same year, was ordained by the New York Presby-
tery, May 29, 1844, and installed pastor of the united
congregations of Ryegate and Barnet, Caledonia
County, Vermont, June 20, 1844. At the organization
of the Barnet congregation, he resigned that branch.
May 24, 1872, and on account of declining strength,
he was released from Ryegate, i\Iay 17, 18S2. For
two years he endured much severe suffering of the
body, and died at his home in Ryegate, Caledonia
County, Vermont, March 9, 1884. He married Miss
Margaret S. Nelson, of Ryegate, Verm-ont, December
25, 1855. He was a sound theologian, an instructive
preacher, and a faithful shepherd of the ilock which
Christ gave him. He was studious in his habits,
reserved in his manners, and exemplary in his deport-
ment. He was peculiarly gifted in prayer, conscienti-
ously regular in the performance of Christian duties,
and thoroughly devoted to the work of the Master.
ANDREW WATSON BLACK, D. D. :
Son of Rev. Dr. John and Elizabeth (Watson)
Black, was born in the city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania,
April 24, 1808. He received a strict religious training
in the home of his distinguished father, pursued his
preparatory literarj- course in the Pittsburgh Academy
under Dr. Robert Bruce, and graduated from the
Western University of Pennsylvania in 1826. He studied
theology in the Philadelphia Seminary, and was licensed
PRESBVTERIAX CHURCH IX AMERICA. 439
b>- the Pittsburgh Presbytery, February 10. 1S2S. He
itinerated throughout the vacancies and travelled
extensively through Tennessee and South Carolina.
He was ordained by the Pittsburgh Presbytery, and
installed pastor of the united congregations of Shenango,
.Mercer and Xeshannock, Xeshannock Falls, Lawrence
County, Pennsylvania, January iS, 1S32. In August,
1S33, he, and the majority of the congregation, became
identified with the New School branch of the Cove-
nanter Church. He resigned his congregation August
10, 1838, and removed to the city of Pittsburgh. He
was installed pastor of a colony of his father's con-
gregation in the city of Allegheny, Pennsylvania, May
16, 1839, and also performed the duties of Chaplain
in the Western Penitentiar>-. In 1S55, he resigned
these charges, and became agent for the American
Bible Society. In May, 1858, he was chosen by his
Church to the chair of theology in the Philadelphia
Seminary, and. while preparing to enter upon the duties
of this important office, he was taken with dysentery,
and died very suddenly at his home in Sewickleyville,
1:1 Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, September 10,
1S5S. He was a fine scholar, a forcible writer, and
a popular preacher. He took a prominent part in all
Church work, and was interested in many literary-
institutions and benevolent societies of his native city.
He married Miss [Margaret Roseburgh, of Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania, January i, 1S35. He was honored with
tile degree of Doctor of Divinity by Rutgers College
in 1S52. He was Moderator of the General Synods
of 1842 and 1853.
440 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
JOHN BLACK, D. D. :
Son of John and Margaret (McKibbin) Black, was
born in Ahoghill, County Antrim, Ireland, October 2,
1768. He received the rudiments of a classical educa-
tion in the schools of his native country, and grad-
uated from the University of Glasgow, Scotland, in
1790. He returned to Ireland where he engaged in
teaching, and also began the study of theology. He
came to America in the fall of 1797, as an exile for
liberty at the time of the Irish insurrection. He was
employed for some time as a teacher of the classics
near the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and sub-
sequently in connection with the University of Penn-
sylvania. He resumed his theological studies, and was
licensed by the Reformed Presbytery, at Coldenham,
Orange County, New York, June 24, 1799. Being
assigned by this court to labor in Western Penn-'
sylvania, he soon afterwards gathered the Ohio con-
gregation, centering in Pittsburgh, and including all
the societies of Covenanters west of the Allegheny
mountains. He was ordained by the Reformed Pres-
bytery, and installed pastor of this extensive con-
gregation, December iS, 1800. In 1S06, the congrega-
tion was divided into three parts, and he remained
pastor of the portion in and around the city of
■Pittsburgh, which soon became a large and influential
charge. He also was engaged as a classical teacher,
and, in 1820, was ' elected Professor of Latin and
Greek in the Western University of Pennsylvania, and
resigned in 1832, when he visited Europe. He was
President of Duquesne College one year. At the
jm
JOHN BLACK, D. D.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 441
division of the Church in August, 1S33, he became
identified with the New School branch of the Cove-
nanter Church. He remained pastor of a majority of
his former congregation until his death, at his residence
in Pittsburgh. Pennsylvania, October 25, 1849. He
was a remarkably proficient scholar, especially in the
languages, and spent most of his life in teaching.
He was identified with almost all the literary and
charitable institutions of his adopted city, and was a
zealous advocate of every reform. He was the first
Covenanter minister settled west of the Allegheny
mountains, and the pioneer missionary' in the new West.
During the suspension of the Theological Seminary
after 1828, he taught a class' in theology in con-
nection with his other duties. He was a great man.
His preaching talents were of a high order. He
possessed a lively imagination and dwelt largely in
allegory, sometimes enrapturing his audience with de-
scriptions of Scripture figures and scenery-. He was a
ready and forcible extemporaneous speaker on all
subjects, and never refused an invitation to preach.
His life was too busy- with collegiate and ministerial
duties to effect much as an author, yet he published
some valuable articles in the newspapers and maga-
zines of the Church in his day. Among his publica-
tions are: "Church Fellowship," 1819, pp. 109' "The
Bible against Slavery," 1839, pp. 36. "The Baptist
Controversy," 1846, pp. 52. "The Duration of the
Mediatorial Dominion," 184S, pp. 32. The "Directory
of Worship " is from his pen, and he wrote the Latin
Introduction to Rabbi Leeser's issue of the Hebrew
442 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
Bible. He married Miss Elizabeth Watson, of Pitts-
.burgh, Pennsylvania, in 1802. He was honored with
the degree of Doctor of Divinity by Washington
College in 1824. He was Moderator of the Reformed
Presbytery . in 1801, and previous to 1833, the stated
Clerk of Synod for many years. He was Moderator
of the General Synod in 1S37.
JOHN BLACK, Jr. :
Son of Rev. Dr. John and Elizabeth (Watson) Black,
was born in the city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, April
9, 1S06. He received his preparatory course of literary
training in the Pittsburgh Academy under Dr. Robert
.Bruce, and graduated from the Western University of
Pennsylvania in 1825. He studied theology in the
Philadelphia Seminary, and also under the direction of
his distinguished father, and was licensed by the Pitts-
burgh Presbytery, April 22, 1828. His trial discourses
-were the last he delivered, for at that time he was
greatly reduced by consumption, from which disease he
Jied at the house of his uncle, the Rev. Dr. S. B.
'Wylie, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, August 15, 1828.
He was unmarried. He was a large and e.xceedingly
.muscular man, and possessed a commanding appearance.
His scholarly attainments and natural endowments gave
ample promise that, had he been spared, he would
have become a powerful preacher and an able divine.
JAMES ALEXANDER BLACK:
Son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Bell) Black, was
born near Dromore, County Down, Ireland, * * *
He came with his parents to America in 1841, and settled
jn the city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he received
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 443
his early education in the public schools, and graduated
from Allegheny City College in 1S62. He studied theology
in the Allegheny Seminary, and was licensed by the Pitts-
burgh Presbytery, May 23, 1S67. He was ordained by the
-ame Presbyter}-, and installed pastor of the congregation
..f Clarksburgh, Indiana County, Pennsylvania. November
iS. 1S6S, and resigned this charge, April n, 1882. In
the fall of 1882, he accepted the Presidency of the
Polytechnic Institute, Allegheny City, Pennsylvania,
which position he occupied three years. He was
installed pastor of the Rehoboth congregation, Wyman,
Louisa County, Iowa, February g, 1886, where he is in
charge. He married Miss Tirzah M. Cannon, of" New
Ale.xandria, Pennsylvania, June 8, 1876.
JAMES BLACKWOOD :
Son of Thomas and Martha fAkin) Blackwood, was
born in Ardstraw, County Tyrone, Ireland, August 14,
1793. He was early dedicated to the work of the
gospel ministry, and received his preparatory course of
study in the schools of his native County. In iSii,
he entered the L'niversity of Glasgow, Scotland, where
he remained three \-ears, and then engaged in teachino-.
In 18 iS, he repaired to Belfast, Ireland, where he
resumed his literary and theological studies, and was
licensed by the Southern Presbyter}-, Ireland, May 10,
1S22. He came to America in 1S24, with other
members of the family, and settled in Belmont County,
Ohio, and missionated throughout Western Pennsylvania
and Ohio for several years. To fully meet the
exigencies of his work, he was ordained sine tihdo by
the Pittsburgh Presbytery. May 8, 1826. He was
444 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
installed pastor of the Brush Creek congregation, Locust
Grove, Adams County, Ohio, April 12, 1827, and was
released April 9, 1S29. He remained unsettled for
nearly five years, during most of which time he was
actively engaged in missionary' work. He was installed
pastor of the united congregations of Little Beaver,.
Austintown, Camp Run, Slippery Rock, Greenville and
Sandy Lake, principally in Beaver and Lawrence
Counties, Pennsylvania, May 24, 1834. In 1838, Little
Beaver, Austintown and Greenville, and in 1850, Sandy
Lake, became separate congregations, and he confined
his labors to Slippery Rock and Camp Run until his
death. In 1850, his health began to decline, and, at
times, he was unable to fully attend to his ministerial
duties. His sufferings were often intense, and his' disease
took the form of dropsy, from which he died at his
home near Portersville, Pennsylvania, October 8, 185 1.
He was a clear and instructive preacher, a faithful
pastor, and a rigid disciplinarian. He possessed an
ardent temperament, and was strong in his attachments
as well as decided in his antipathies.* With strangers
he was somewhat formal and distant, but, when he
discovered in them true manhood, honesty and piety,
they were received into his friendship. He was exceed-
ingly tender in his feelings, and peculiarly sympathetic
to those in suffering or in sorrow from bereavement.
He was social and lively in his disposition, and made
the hour of relaxation teem with pleasantry. He was
a good Presbyter, and was not absent from a meeting:
of Synod during his ministry, where his opinion upon
♦ Sprague's. Annals, p. 7S, by Rev. Dr. T. Sproull.
3.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 445^
ecclesiastical questions was highly regarded. He married
Miss Jemima Calderwood, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
August 18, 1833. He was Moderator of the Synod of 1S3S.
JOHN HASLETT BOGGS :
Son of John and Annabella (Haslett) Boggs, was
born in the city of Allegheny, Pennsylvania, December
7, 1837. He received his preparatory- course of study
in the public schools of his native city, and graduated
from Allegheny City College in 1S60. He studied
theology in the Allegheny Seminary, and was licensed
by the Pittsburgh Presbytery, April 12, 1S64. He was
ordained by the New York Presbyter\% and installed
pastor of the congregation of Brooklyn, New York^
December 14, 1864, and resigned this charge,
November IQ, 1880. He connected with the Presby-
terian Church, and was received by the Philadelphia
Presbytery of that body, April 6, 18S1. He was installed
pastor of the Hermon congregation, Frankford, near
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, April 26, 1881, and resigned
June 4, 1887. He spent some time in California for
his health, with the expectation of returning to the
East. He married Miss M. A. Taylor, of Allegheny
City, Pennsylvania, January 6, 1865. He was an editor
of Our Banjier irom 1S74, to 1S80. He published "Why
Covenanters do not Vote," 1872, pp. 15.
JOHN ALEXANDER FINLEY BOVARD :
Son of George and Jane (Finley) Bovard, was born
in the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, March 7,
1S51. In early life his parents removed to Lake
County, Indiana, where he received his early education
in the schools of Hebron and Crown Point. He resumed
446 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
his classical studies in Geneva College, and graduated
from the State Normal School, Valparaiso, Indiana, in
1877. He studied theology in the Allegheny Seminary,
and was licensed by the Pittsburgh Presbytery, April 13,
1880. He was ordained shie titulo by the New Bruns-
wick and Nova Scotia Presbytery, as a missionary to
Houlton, Maine, July 28, 188 1, where he labored
three years. He was installed pastor of the united
congregations of Oil Creek and Oil City, Pennsylvania,
June 13, 1884, where he is in charge. He married
Miss Mary J. Jamison, of Allegheny City, Pennsylvania,
January 15, 1880.
SAMUEL BOVVDEN:
Son of Andrew and Rose (VVitherspoon) Bowden,
-was born in the city of New York, New York,
August 26, 1822. He received his preparatory literary
training in the private schools of his native city, and
graduated from Columbia College in 1840. He studied
theology in the Allegheny Seminary, and was licensed
by the New York Presbytery, October 29, 1844. He
was ordained by the Rochester Presbytery, and installed
pastor of the congregation of York, Livingston County,
New York, December 31, 1846, and resigned this
charge, November 21, 1876. He withdrew from the
communion of the Covenanter Church, October 6, 1880,
and connected with the Presbyterian Church, being
received by the Rochester Presbytery of that body,
April 19, 1 88 1. He took charge of the congregation
of Tonawanda, Wyoming County, New York, May 6,
1883, and resides in Le Roy, Genesee County, New
York. He was twice married. First to Miss Maria
W^
f ^
&
IB^vS^H
^^/
^giffl^JPulmPfflni''"^
JT^fet
Jt ^^:\
f
SAMUEL BOWDEN.
'
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN A.NrERICA.
447
O. Beattie, of St. Andrews, New York, October 24,
1848 ; and second to Miss Mary E. Donnan, of York,
New York, April 20, 1864. He was Moderator of the
Synod of 1864.
JOHN CALVIN BOYD :
Son of Robert and Mary (McMaster) Boyd, was
"born in the city of Steubenville, Ohio, June 27, 18 14.
"His father was an accomplished scholar and teacher,
and his mother was distinguished for her piety and traits
• of Christian character. His religious and literary train-
ing early fitted him for becoming a teacher of others,
and in this occupation he began in Utica, Licking
County, Ohio, where he became a successful teacher
and prosecuted his classical studies, hi 1840, he entered
Miami University, where he remained two years. He
studied theology under the Rev. Armour McFarland,
and also in the Cincinnati Seminary, and was licensed
by the Lakes Presbytery, May 7, 1846. He was
ordained by the same Presbytery, and installed pastor
of the Sandusky congregation, Cresline, Crawford
-Count}-, Ohio, May 13, 1847, ^t^ ^'so of the congrega-
tion of L'tica, Licking County, Ohio, November 26,
1 8 56. He resigned the Sandusky branch, November 6,
1867, and devoted his whole time to Utica. He
resigned this charge on account of impaired health,
October 4, 1882, and supplied throughout the Ohio
Presbytery as his health would permit. He died at
his home in Utica, Ohio, of nervous chills and typhoid
fever, June 3, 1886. He married Miss Jane McCune,
of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, May 30, 1S50.. He was
a well-read theologian of the old school, a most
448 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED j
logical reasoner, and an instructive preacher. He- was. ^/
a fearless advocate of the cause of the slave, hazarded
his interests and even his life for the overthrow of
human slavery, and bore constant testimony against the
evils of both Church and State. He was well grounded
in the truth of the Word of God, most decided in his.
convictions, and punctual in the performance of all
religious duties. He was recognized in Church courts,
for his clear discussion and sound judgment on
questions pertaining to the good of Zion. He was.
highly esteemed in the community where he labored,
and the quiet, yet exemplary, life which he lived, was. >^
a strong testimony to the power of the gospel which
he so successfully preached. He published some
sermons and articles of importance in the papers and
magazines of the Church.
PATTERSON PROUDFIT BOYD:
Son of James and Jane (Speer) Boyd, was born near
Londonderry, Guernsey County, Ohio, August 2, 1842.
In 1852, his parents removed to Oskaloosa, Iowa, and
were devoted members of the Associate Church, in
which he was reared. Here he received his early
education in Oskaloosa College, and in 1865, entered
Muskingum College, where he graduated in 1868. He
studied theology in the Allegheny Seminary, and was
licensed by the Ohio Presbytery, April 12, 1871. He was.
ordained by the Lakes Presb\-tery, and installed pastor
of the congregation of Cedarville, Greene County, Ohio, .
May 22, 1872, and resigned this charge, April 8, 1874..
He was installed pastor of the Old Bethel congregation,
Houston, Randolph County, Illinois, July 20, 1874, and.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 449
resigned this charge, December 12, 18S7. He was
installed pastor of the congregation of Superior, Nuckolls
■County, Nebraska, March 16, 1888, where he is in
charge. He married Miss Laura C. Foster, of Cedar-
ville, Ohio, October 17, 1872.
JAMES BROWN:
Was born in Penpont, Dumfries Shire, Scotland,
July iS, 1812. He received his early education in the
best schools of his native village, and graduated from
the University of Glasgow, Scotland, in 1835. He
studied theology in the Seminary of Paisley, Scotland,
under the direction of the Rev. Andrew Symington,
and was licensed by the Paisley Presbytery, April 28,
1S40. He preached with a good degree of success in
that country for many years. He came to America in
the fall of 1 85 5, and preached for several years in the
vacancies. He returned to Scotland, and was for some
years a Chaplain to an institution in Edinburgh, and
finally was lost sight of by the Church, and ceased
preaching. In the latter part of his life he returned
to his native Shire of Dumfries, where he died, Sep-
tember 8, 1883. He was a good man, a fair scholar,
but, upon the whole, unappreciated as a preacher.
JAMES STEWART BUCK:
Son of John and Jane (Stewart) Buck, was born
near De Kalb, Richland County, Ohio, June 24, 1835.
His parents were members of the Associate Reformed
Church, with which he also connected in his nineteenth
>-ear. He began his classical studies in Oberlin College,
resumed them in Hayesville Academy, of his native
County, and, in 1857, entered Jefferson College, but was
450 ' HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
not permitted to complete the full course on account
of failing health. In 1S58, he removed to New Galilee^
Beaver County, Pennsylvania, where he opened an
Academy. Not being satisfied with the Associate
Reformed Church as to her position on civil government,
he acceded to the Covenanter Church in the fall of
i860. He studied theology in the Allegheny Seminary,,
and was licensed by the Pittsburgh Presbytery, April
23, 1864. He missionated in Oil City, Pennsylvania,,
and other parts of the Church, until frequent and severe-
hemorrhages of the lungs compelled him to cease
preaching. After a much needed rest, he was ordained
si7ie titido by the Pittsburgh Presbytery, May 21, 1867',.
and sent by the Central Board of Missions as a
missionary to the North-West region. He soon after- _
wards settled in Elliota, Fillmore County, Minnesota,,'
where he labored amid many discouragements and much
weakness of body for nearly three years. While on his-
way to Synod in May, 1870, his strength failed, and';
he was but able to reach the home of his father-in-law,,
near Rose Point, Lawrence County, Pennsylvania, where
he lingered a few months, and died from consumption,.
October 13, 1870. He married Miss M. J. Davis, of
Rose Point, Pennsylvania, in 1859. He was an able.-
studious and conscientious preacher of the gospel ; a
humble, unassuming Christian, and from a rich experience-
declared the truth to dying men. He was most diligent
and prayerful in his work, kind and attentive to all
the members of his congregation, cheerful and hopeful
in every trial. In appearance he was tall, slender, bent,
and emaciated with disease. He often spoke with great
PREbBVTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 45 L
difficulty, leaning upon the pulpit or sitting upon a
chair, and his discourses were highly evangelical and
deeply impressive. Among his publications are numerous
letters to the Mission Board, and a posthumous tract,
"Position of the Reformed Presbyterian Church," 1871,
pp. 16.
JOHN CANNON :
Son of Hugh and Mary (Thompson) Cannon, was
born in Dungi\-en, County Londonderry, Ireland, Nov-
ember 19, 1784. His parents were exemplary mem-
bers of the Presbj-terian Church, who emigrated to
America in 17S7, and settled in Westmoreland County,
Pennsylvania. Becoming dissatisfied with the use of
human psalmody in the worship of God, the family
connected with Associate Reformed Church in 17S8.
He received his early literary instructions under private
teachers, and graduated from Jefferson College in iSiO.
During his college course he espoused the principles
of the Covenanter Church, and decided to study for
the ministry-. He studied theology in the Philadelphia
Seminary, and was licensed by the ]\Iiddle Presb)-ter}-,
IMay 23, 1S15. He was ordained by the same Pres-
bytery, and installed pastor of the congregation of
Greensburgh, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. Sep-
tember 16, 1816, where he continued to labor until
his death. During the unpleasant controversy and
division of the Church in 1833, he stood firm to the
Covenanted cause, and was chosen Moderator of that
notable Synod, showing the high esteem and confi-
dence which his brethern placed in him. For a num-
ber of years before his death, he labored under a
432 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
disease of the liver, which was aggravated by the S,
fatigue and exposure which he was called upon to
endure in reaching his places of preaching. His last r%'
public ministrations were during the communion season
in August, 1835, when his disease exhibited the symp-
toms of dropsy, and he gradually declined until his
death, at his home near Greensburgh, Pennsylvania, v >
February 2, 1S36. He married Miss Martha Brown of ' V'
■Greensburgh, Pennsylvania, May, 18 18. In appearance ■.!■
he was of medium size, well proportioned, dark com- '''':',
plexion, and possessed a grave and pleasmg 'counte- ' ;'
nance. He was a very acceptable preacher, . Ind his :
pastoral labors were signally blessed in the gathering ■■:
■of several societies which are now flourishing con- <■■
gregations. He was apt to teach, practical in apply- •';'
ing truth, and prudent in managing difficult cases of '^:
discipline. He possessed a noble generosity of spirit, '*?;
firmness of purpose, and amiability of manners. He -"r
was Moderator of the Synods of 18 19 and 1833.
ROBERT BROWN CANNON, D. D. :
, Son of Rev. John and Martha (Brown) Cannon, .■■
was born near Greensburgh, Westmoreland County, ,;
Pennsylvania, October 4, 1821. He received his early
education under the direction of his father, studied the
classics under the Rev. .Hugh Walkinshaw, finished the
■ classical course in the Greensburgh Academy, and
graduated from the Western University of Pennsylvania ■"
in 1842. He was Principal of the Darlington Academy
one year. He studied' theology in the Allegheny and
■Cincinnati Seminaries, and was licensed by the Lakes
Presbytery, May 7, 1846. He was ordained by the
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH I\ AMERICA. 453
Pittsburgh Presbytery, and installed pastor of the
united congregations of Greensburgh, Westmoreland
County, and Clarksburgh, Indiana County, Pennsylvania,
:\ray 5, 1S47, and resigned this charge, April 4, 1854.
He was installed pastor of the Rehoboth congregation,
Wyman, Louisa County, Iowa, December 14, 1854,
and resigned December 17, 1867. He was installed
pastor of the congregation of Vernon, Waukesha County,
Wisconsin, September 13, 1872, and resigned May 28,
1 878. He removed to Cameron, Clinton County, Missouri,
and labored under appointment of the Central B.'ard
of Missions, and also preached for two years gra:ui-
tiaisly to the colored people of that place. He was
installed pastor of the Jonathan's Creek congregation,
White Cottage, Muskingum County, Ohio, September
9, 1 886, where he is in charge. He was twice mar-
ried. First to Miss Juliett H. Willson, of Cincinnati,
Ohio, November 9, 1846- and second to Miss Elizabeth
Biggam, of New York City, New York, June 10, 1856.
He was honored with the degree of Doctor of Divinity
b_\- Iowa University in 1868.
WILLIAM WORK CARITHERS :
Son of Andrew T. and Mary (Reid) Carithers,
was born near Linton, Des Moines County, Iowa,
December 19, 1854. ■ He received his early education
in the Academy of Morning Sun, Iowa, and entered
<jene\-a College, where he tutored, and graduated in
i'^7S. He studied theology in the Allegheny Seminary,
a;-d was licensed by the Iowa Presbyter}-, April 13,
'■^Sj. He was ordained by the Pittsburgh Presbytery,
and installed pastor of the congregation of Wilkins-
454 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
burgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, June 20, 1883,
where he is in charge. He married Miss Ella M.
George, of Venice, Pennsylvania, May i, 1883.
JOHN FENTON CARLISLE :
Son of Rev. Samuel and Margaret M. (Fenton)
Carlisle, was born in the city of Newburgh, New York,
September 21,. 1858. He received his early education-
in the public schools, and also in the Banks Classical
.School of his native city, and graduated from Columbia
College in 1880. He studied theology in the Allegheny
Seminary, and was licensed by the New roi': Presby-
tery, May 16, 18S3. He was ordained by xie Pitts-
burgh Presbytery, and installed pastor of the congrega-
tion of New Alexandria, Westmoreland County, Penn-
sylvania, June 16, 1884, and resigned this charge,
January 26, 1888.
SAMUEL CARLISLE: ;
Son of Rev. Samuel and Letitia (Craig) Carlisle,
was born in Ballibay, County Monaghan, Ireland, May
4, 1828. His father was an eminent minister of the
Covenanter Church, and he was reared in the most
careful manner by a pious parentage. He received his
early education in the Coleraine Academy, and gradu-
ated from Belfast College in 1847. He studied theology
in the Seminary of Paisley, Scotland, and was licensed
by the Northern Presbytery, Ireland, May 4, 1848. In
the following spring he came to America, was ordained
by the New York Presb\-ter\-, and installed pastor of
the First congregation of Newburgh, New York,
November 15, 1849, where- he spent the remainder of
his life. On January 4, 1887, he was stricken with
1
SAMUEL CARLISLE.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 455
paralysis, which completely disabled his left side, and
laid him prostrate upon his bed. For a time his life
was in jeopardy, but in the spring he rallied, and was
able to walk out, attended church and preached once.
In order that he might be relieved from the excite-
ment of the meeting of Synod in Newburgh, he was
adrised to leave the city. Accordingly, accom.panied
by his wife, he repaired to Ocean Grove, New Jersey,
where he seemed to improve and where, everj-thing
was done for his comfort. But, as he expressed it,
"his work was done." A second stroke rendered iim
unconscious for four days, and he lay motionless until
his death, at Ocean Grove, New Jersey, July 3, 18S7.
His body was taken back to Newburgh and buried in
Cedar Hiil Cemetery. He married Miss Margaret M.
Fenton, of Newburgh, New York, May 10, 1853. He
was an able preacher of the gospel. He was a careful
Bible student, thoroughly conscientious in preparing for
the pulpit, and consecrated his whole life to the
service of his Master. His labors met with general
appreciation, and he fexerted an influence for good in
the community where he spent the whole of his
ministerial life. He possessed a good physical constitu-
tion, a clear and sonorous voice, and preached with a
seriousness and directness that never failed to impress
his hearers. He was pre-eminently a man of pra}-er.
He was fearless in attacking e\-il and prudent in
presenting Reformation principles. He identified himself
with every good work of the city and was held in
the highest esteem by his fellow citizens. The work
of preaching Christ he did conscientiousl}-, faithfull}-
456 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
and successfully. He was a public spirited man. He
was a Director of the Newburgh Bible Society, a
Manager of the Home of the Friendless, and prominent
in the local National Reform and Temperance move-
ments. Among his publications are a " Centennial
Sermon," preached at Washington's Headquarters, New-
burgh, 1876, pp. 20. "A History of the Reformed
Presbyterian Church of Newburgh, and a Characteristic
sketch of Dr. James R. Willson," 1885, pp. lO. He
was Moderator of the Synod of 1886. ,
JOHN FLE.\nNG CARSON : \
Son of William and Margaret (Fleming) Carson,
was born in the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,
January 28, i860. He received his early- education in
the public schools and in the West Philadelphia
Academy, and completed a special classical course in
the University of Pennsylvania. He studied theology
in the Allegheny Seminar)', and was licensed by the
Philadelphia Presbytery, April 28, 1884. He was ordained
by the New York Presbytery, and installed pastor of
the congregation of Brooklyn, New York, May 20, 1885,
where he is in charge. He married Miss Rebecca Mc-
Knight, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, February 9, 1886.
JAMES CHRISTIE, D. D. :
Son of Major James and Mary (Weygand) Christie,
was born in the cit)' of New York, New York, Feb-
ruary 20, 1786.* His father was a distinguished
Revolutionary officer, and his mother a saintly woman
abounding in deeds of chairty. The)- were exemplary 'ik
members of the Associate Reformed Church, with which
■Sketch by Rev. John Forsythe. D D,, Newburgh, N. Y.
-I
JAMES CHRISTIE. D. D.
^
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IX AMERICA. 457
he also connected in early life under the pastoral care
of the Rev. John M. Mason, D. D. He received a
careful religious training in the home, a thorough
literary education in the best schools of the city, and
graduated from Columbia College in 1806. He became
a prosperous merchant in New York City, and soon
afterwards connected with the Dutch Reformed Church.
In 1S12, he abandoned commercial life and resolved to
devote himself to the work of the gospel ministry. In
the autumn of 18 12, he began the study or ~;heoloo-v
in the Seminary of the Associate Reformed C lurch in
New York, under Dr. John M. Mason, as a student of
the Dutch Reformed Church, and was licensed bv the
Classis of New York, April 13, 181 5. He was ordained
by the Classis of Washington, and installed pastor of
the congregation of Union Village (now Greenwich),
Washington County, New York, November 18, 18 16.
In the spring of 181 8, he connected with the Associate
Reformed Church, and was installed pastor of the con-
gregation of Newburgh, New York, September 6, 1818.
While laboring in this charge he became intimatelr
associated with the Rev. James R. Willson, D. D.„
whose influence and arguments produced a chano-e irt
his former views, and he acceded to the communion of
the Covenanter Church, being received by the Northern
Presbyter\', October 12, 1 82 1. He was installed pastor
of the congregation of Albany, New York, June 12,
1S22. Here he founded the Albany Grammar Scliool.
which soon became a flourishing classical institution.
Me resigned the Albany congregation. May 17, 1830,
and devoted himself to teaching, and preached frequentl}^
458
HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
in Troy and Lansingburgh, New York. In the con-
troversy of 1833, he was in the hottest of the battle,
and stood firm and unyielding to the Covenanted cause
which he had espoused. He was installed pastor of the
First congregation of New York City, New York,
November 16, 1S36, and resigned this important charge
October 15, 1856, and accepted the chair of Systematic
Theology in the Allegheny Seminary, where he con-
tinued with great acceptance for two years. He was
deposed from the ministerial office and privile '^es in the
Covenanter Church, on a charge of immoralit/, b\- the
New York Presb\-tery, November 3, 1S58. He removed
to Brooklyn, New York, and was afterwards restored to
private membership in the Dutch Reformed Church, and
where he died, November 17, 1S63. He married Miss
Margaret Nicholson, of New York Cit>-, in 1807. He
was a profound theologian, a proficient linguist, a
thorough scientist, and an impressive evangelical preacher
-of the gospel. He was acknowledged as a scholar and
theologian on both sides of the Atlantic. He was a
prominent minister of the Church, deeply interested in
all her schemes and missionary operations, and held
many responsible positions, which he discharged with
abilitv and satisfaction. He published " Strictures upon
Dr. Mason's Plea for Sacramental Communion on Catholic.
Principles," 1821, pp. 212, which was after^vards repub-
lished in Europe with a commendatory preface by Dr.
McCrie, the biographer of John Knox. He was also
the author of many scientific and theological articles
published in the reviews and magazines of his day.
He was honored with the degree of Doctor of Divinity
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 459
by Jefferson College in 1855. He was Moderator of
the Synods of 182S and 1849.
ALEXANDER CLARKE, D. D. :
Son of William and Elizabeth (Craig) Clarke, was
born near Kilrea, County Londonderry, Ireland, July
I 'J. 1 793-* His parents were pious Covenanters and
he early embraced the principles of that Church, and
defended them successfully in several debates. After
passing through the accus'toiled rudimentary studies
in the classical school of Mr. iFerris, he entered Bel-
fast College, and graduated from Glasgow University,
Scotland, in 18 19. He was chosen by the Synod of
Ireland to go as a missionary to the North American
British Provinces, and for this purpose, after having
studied theology privately and at Paisley, Scotland,
was licensed and ordained, May 24, 1827. He arrived
in St. John, New Brunswick, August 23, 1827, arid,
after some explorations, in the following November,
selected Amherst, Nova Scotia, as the centre of mission-
ary operations. He travelled extensively through all
parts of the Maritime Provinces, and established some
fifteen mission stations. In 183 1, he was joined by the
Rev. William Sommerville, and they were instrumental
in bringing many souls to a saving knowledge of
Christ and to accept the principles of the Covenanter
Church. Desiring the liberty and privileges of citi-
zenship in Nova Scotia, Mr. Clarke, and all the con-
gregations he represented, became identified with the
New School branch of the Covenanter Church, October
[4, 1847, and were united to the General Synod of the
* Items furnished by the Rev. Nevin Woodside, Pittsburgh. Pa.
460 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
United States. He continued to labor in Amherst,
Nova Scotia, and the vicinity, until shortly before his
death, caused by general debility and old age, March
15, 1874. He married Miss Catharine McMillan, of
Belfast, Ireland, May 22, 1821. He was a sound theo-
logian, a true philanthropist, and an able soldier of
the Cross. He was highly esteemed by men who did
not agree with him in his religious beliefs, because of
his fearless proclamation of the truth as he accepted it. if.
He was a powerful controversialist. His mastcily irony, -.S
clear and logical deductions and unanswerable Scriptural ,'•.'
arguments, together with his wonderful memory, com- ';;
mand of language and versatility of thought, gave him ,)
a power over his opponents seldom surpassed. He '?ii
was a large well-built man, capable of undergoing- ^|
many hardships, and the type of a man adapted in
every way as a pioneer missionary. He was honored
with the degree of Doctor of Divinity by the Uni-
versity of Pennsylvania in 1856. He was Moderator of
the General Synod of 1856.
ROBERT CLYDE:
Son of Robert and Nancy (Harrison) Clyde, was
born in Dervock, County Antrim, Ireland, Ma\' 6, 1851.
His parents were members of the Presbyterian Church
and connected with the Covenanter Church in 1853.
He received his early education in the schools of his
native County. He came to America in 1865, and
settled in the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where, -^
in 1870, he connected with the Reformed Presbytery, ''■*■
and in 1874, he returned to the Covenanter Church.
He received his classical education under the direction
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 46 J
of Dr. Steele, under whom also he studied theology
one year, prosecuted his studies another year in the
New School Seminary, and two years in the Allegheny
Seminary, and was licensed by the Philadelphia Pres-
bytery, May 27, 1S79. He supplied generally through-
out the Church for several years. He was ordained
by the Iowa Presbytery, and installed pastor of the
PLUiota congregation, Canton, Fillmore County, Min-
nesota, February 12, 1886, where he is in charge.
He married Miss Bella Dougherty, of Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania, August 21, 1878.
EUSEBIUS McLEAN COLEMAN:
Son of John M. and Margaret (Brown) Coleman,
was born near Dayton, Armstrong County, Pennsyl-
vania, July ;, 1859. In early life his parents removed
to the neighboring vicinity of Elder's Ridge, Indiana
County, Pennsylvania, where he received his early
education in the Elder's Ridge Academy. He engaged
in teaching in South Buffalo, and: in the fall of 1880,
entered Geneva College, where he graduated in 1883,
He became Principal of the Normal Academy at Mc-
Kccsport, Pennsylvania, and at the same time studied
theology in the Allegheny Seminary, was licensed by
the Pittsburgh Presbytery, April 12, 1887, and preached
for some months in Canada. He was ordained by the
Rochester Presbytery, and installed pastor of the
Ramsey congregation, Almonte, Ontario, Canada, May
0. 1SS8, where he is in charge.
WILLIAM JOHN COLEMAN:
Son of John and Mary (Glass) Coleman, was born
in Lisbon, St. Lawrence Count\-, New York, Mav 12,.
462
HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
1S51. He received his preparatory course of literary-
training in the Academy of Ogdensburgh, New York,
and graduated from Geneva College in 1875. He'
studied theology in the Allegheny Seminary, and was
licensed by the Rochester Presbytery, April 15, 1878.
He was ordained by the Pittsburgh Presbytery, and
installed pastor of the Monongahela congregation, Mc-
Keesport, Pennsylvania, June 13, 1S79. and resigned
this charge April 12, 18S1. He accepted an appoint-
ment as Secretar\' of the National Reform Association,
July I, 1 88 1, and removed his residence to Beaver
Falls, Pennsylvania. He resigned this position, April
I, 1 886. He was installed pastor of the congregation
of Utica, Licking County, Ohio, April 15, 1886, and
resigned this charge, November 17, 18S7. He accepted
the chair of Political Science in Geneva College, Nov-
ember 29, 1887, whe :;o is engaged in teaching.
He married Miss Lizzie S. George, of Venice, ' Penn-
sylvania, May 29, 1S79. The pages of the Christian
Statesman and the Christiati NatioJi bear testimony to
his work as a lecturer, and he contributed an exposi-
tion of the Sabbath School lessons to the latter paper.
SAMUEL GEORGE CONNER :
Son of William and Nancy (George) Conner, was
born near Midw. • \'''a>hington County, Pennsylvania,
December 11, 1855. He received his early education
in the schools of Hickory, and graduated from Geneva
College in 1885. He studied theology in the Allegheny
Seminar)-, was licensed by the Pittsburgh Presbytery,
April II, 1888, and preached within the bounds of
the Pittsburgh Presbytery.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 463
EBEXEZER COOPER :
Son of John and xMary (Martin) Cooper, was born
in tlie Cliester District, South Carolina, August 8,
1795. Giving evidence of early piety, and having the
work of the ministry in view, he passed through the
academical course of study in the classical school of
Mr. John Orr, and graduated from South Carolina
College, Columbia, in 18 1 7. He studied theology in
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, under the direction of Rev.
S. B. Wylie, D. D., and was licensed by the Philadel-
phia Presbytery, May 4, 1822. He preached for several
years in the vacancies with general acceptance, and
tlc\oted much time to the societies in Tennessee and
S"uth Carolina. He was ordained by the Northern
I'rcsbx tery, June 18, 1828, and took charge of
Hephzibah congregation, Fayetteville, Lincoln County,
Tennessee. The congregation had called him, but he
refused to be installed pastor on account of the
pre\-alence of sla\'ery and the isolation from his minis-
terial brethren, and, in 1832, he and the majority of
thij congregation, removed to Fayette County, Indiana.
i>L!ring the division of the Church in 1833, he became
identified with the New School branch of the Cove-
nanter Church. He continued to preach in that body
to vacant congregations as his health would permit
for twenty years. In the spring of 1857, he removed
to Cedarville, Green County, Ohio, where he died of
<i:')lisy on the chest, November 13, 1858. He married
Mi-- Jane McMillan, of Chester, South Carorina, in
'■"■^o. He was a very mild and pleasing preacher.
He possessed a most kind and peaceful disposition,
and was held in high esteem for his integrity.
464
HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
DAVID HACKSTON COULTER:
Son of James and Mahala (Skeggs) Coulter, was-,
born in Coultersville, Randolph County, Illinois, March
15, 1833. He received his early education in the
school of his native village, and also in Sparta
Academy, and graduated from Geneva College in 1857.
He taught in Geneva College before and after his.
graduation for some time. He studied theology in the
Allegheny Seminary, and was licensed by the Illinois,
- Presbytery, June 28, 1S64. He was ordained by the/
Iowa Presbytery, and installed pastor of the congrega--
tion of Hopkinton, Delaware County, Iowa, April 18,.
1867, and resigned this charge, October 14, 1874. He
was installed pastor of the congregation of Newark,.
New Jersey, December 10, 1874, and resigned October
30, 1875, and accepted the chair of Natural Science ;
in Lenox College, Iowa. He was installed pastor of'
the congregation of Winchester, Jefferson County,_
Kansas. August 17, 1877, where he is in charge. He
married Miss Martha A. Forsythe, of Northwood,/
Ohio, July 10, 1856. ■ :
ALEXANDER CRAIGHEAD: ,
Son of Rev. Thomas and Margaret Craighead, was
born near Donegal, Ireland, March 18, 1707.* His father
was a Presbyterian minister, came to America in 1715,
and settled in Freetown, Massachusetts. In 1721, he,
with his parents, removed to New Jersey, thence, in
1724, to White Clay Creek, Delaware, and finally, in
1733, to Octorara, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. He
received his classical education under the direction of
*■ Craighead Geneali
Dr. Foote's Sketches of North Caroli
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IX AMERICA. 465
his father, under whom, also, he studied theology, and
was licensed by the Donegal Presbyten.- of the Pres-
byterian Church, October 16, 1734. He supplied "the
first congregation over the river," at Meeting House
Springs, two miles north of Carlisle, Pennsylvania, and
was the first minister to preach west of the Susque-
hanna river. He was ordained by the Donegal Pres-
b\-ter\-, and installed pastor of the Middle Octorara
congregation, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, November
20, 1735. He was an earnest fervid preacher, and a
zealous promoter of revivals. He was a great admirer
of Whitefield, and accompanied him upon some of his
tours. His zeal, however, was not always tempered with
prudence, and he contended that his ministerial brethren
were too liberal in their views and lax in the appli-
cation of discipline. He insisted upon new terms of
communion, which required parents, when they presented
their children for baptism, to adopt the Solemn League
and Covenant, as the Church across the Atlantic had
always done. He frequently absented himself from
Church courts because of the failure of his brethren to
adhere to the practices of the Church of his fathers,
and for this cause a complaint was lodged against him
in 1740, and the Presbytery met by appointment in
his church to investigate the charges. When the
members of the court came to the church, they found
him preaching from the text, " Let them alone, they
be blind leaders of the blind." In the report to Synod,
the Presbyten,- spoke of the sermon as a "continued
invective against Pharisee preachers, and the Presbytery
3s given over to judicial blindness and hardness." At
466 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
its close, the people and Presbytery were invited to- rijk
repair to " the tent " to hear his defence read. The- '"'
Presbytery declined to attend, and were proceeding to-
business in the church when such a tumult was raised
that they were compelled to withdraw. At the meeting-
the next day he appeared and read his protest, in
which he declined the jurisdiction of the Presbyte'ry,.
whereupon he was suspended for contumacy, "directing,.
however, that if he should signify his sorrow for his-
conduct to any member, that member should notify the
Moderator, who was to call the court together and take-
ofT the suspension." With an ardent love of personal
liberty and freedom of opinion, he was far in advance-
of his brethren; also, in his views on civil government. -
These " advanced views " he gave to the public in
pamphlet form, and attracted so much attention that: '■?
Thomas Cookston, one of his majesty's justices in 'hii
Lancaster County, had him arraigned for treason, and
laid the pamphlet, in the name of the Governor, before- ^'^^
the Synod of Philadelphia. Though the publication was-''^
anonymous, its authorship was very generally attributed ■■'^
to Mr. Craighead. The Synod unanimoush' agreed that - .^
the pamphlet was " full of treason and sedition," and ^^^:
made haste to declare their abhorrence of the paper, [aj-
and with it all principles and practices that tend to
destroy the civil and religious rights of mankind, or to- ^j
foment and encourage sedition or dissatisfaction with
the British government, or encourage anything that is
disloyal." At the meeting of Synod in May, 1741, the
Church was divided, and he went with the New
Brunswick part)-, but did not remain long with them,.
i
- PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 467
because they refused to acknowledge the vah'dity of the
Solemn League and Covenant sworn by the Church in.
Scotland. In 1742. he published his reasons for with-
drawing from the American Presbyterian Church ; the
chief of which was, that "neither the Synod nor the
Presbyteries had adopted the Westminster Standards as
a public act." and, in the fall of 1742, he joined the
languishing cause of the Covenanters. . They formed a
General Meeting, over whicn he presided, and he was-
instrumental in building them a church in Octorara.
In the fall of 1743, he gathered all the Covenanters of
Eastern Pennsylvania together and they renewed the
Covenants. He also opened up a correspondence with
the Reformed Presbytery of Scotland, and solicited
"helpers who might come and assist him to maintain
the principles of the Scottish Reformation." He, how-
ever, lacked stability. Before any Covenanter minister
could be induced to join him from Scotland, and
having labored with great acceptance among the scattered
societies for seven years, he returned to the Presbyterian
Church, and, in 1749, removed to the Cowpasture river,.
ii'. Augusta County, Virginia, where he enjoj-ed more
freedom in proclaiming his views of independence from
the British government. Here he remained among some
families who had removed from Octorara, and he
ministered to their spiritual wants for si.x years. In
1735, on account of the disturbed state of the country
by Indians, he crossed the Blue Ridge mountain? with
^ colony of his people, and settled on the Catawba
ri'.er. in what is now Mecklenberg Count)-, North
Carolina. He was installed pastor of the congregatioa
468 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
-of Rocky River and Sugar Creek, Mecklenberg County,
North Carolina, September 19, 1758. In this beautiful
and peaceful valley, the solitary minister between the
Yadkin and the Catawba, he passed the remainder of
his days. Here he freely imbued the minds of his
people with the idea of independence, whose hands and
hearts were in the trying scenes of the Revolution.
The members who formed the Convention at Charlotte, ,^
North Carolina, and framed the First Declaration of J{f:
Independence (Mecklenberg, May, 1/75), were all ''v,
members of the Churches -which he had founded and 'i'-
instructed, and incorporated the principles which he so.:""_
uncompromisingly advocated. He died at his home -^
within three miles of Charlotte, Mecklenberg County, .^j"*^
North Carolina, March 12, 1766, and was buried in the ''fJit
•old graveyard adjoining the church where he preached. :i^
Tradition says the two sassafras trees at the head andj^
foot of the grave, sprung from the two sticks upon ;?'
which the coffin was borne. ' i-^
JOHN CRAWFORD : ."|
Son of James and Jane (McAuley) Crawford, was -i^
born in Carncullough, County Antrim, Ireland, May 27, Vy_
1828. In early life he evinced decided evidence of a ;. .^
literary taste, and he was sent to the school in Dervock, ■/-,
where he received his preparatory training. In 1839, . r
he began the study of the languages in Derry Keva, ^-;
and continued them in Ballymoney. In 1845, he entered _;■
Belfast College, where he took several prizes for pro- '-J
ficiency, and engaged in teaching. In 1849, he entered -^
the College of Edinburgh, Scotland, where he attended ^.
-some classes and waited on the lectures of Dr. Cun- .'"
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 469
ningham, of the Free Church Seminary, on Systematic
Theology, and was for some time employed as a
missionary among the Papists in Edinburgh. He studied
theology in the Seminary of Paisley, Scotland, one
year, when his health failed. Following the advice of
physicians and friends, he emigrated to America, January
15, 1S52, and settled in the city of Philadelphia, Penn-
sylvania, whither his parents had preceeded him. He
resumed his theological studies under the direction of
Drs. J. M. Willson and S. O. Wylie, and was licensed
by the New York Presbyter)-, May 24, 1853. He was
ordained by the Philadelphia Presbytery, and installed
pastor of the congregation of Baltimore, Maryland,
November 15, 1853. A few weeks preceeding his death,
he contracted a cold resulting in a violent toothache,
at the time occasioning no alarm ; but the disease
extended rapidly to the lungs, causing congestion, from
which he died, at the residence of Mr. James Smith,
in Baltimore, Maryland, September 3, 1856, and was
buried in Philadelphia. He was unmarried. He possessed
a weak body but a strong mind. His voice was soft
.ind musical, his style dignified and chaste, and his
illustrations beautiful and appropriate. The chief and
most striking characteristic of his preaching was his
intense earnestness and evident sincerity. He lived in
view of death, and his preaching and pra\-ers were
.singularly characterized by consolatory- views of heaven..
He w-as a most kind and faithful pastor, and especially
interested in the young. He was a spiritually minded
man, and piety was a living principle in him. He
prayed as freely and involuntarily as he breathed. The
^^m
470 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
hearts of the pastor and people were closely knit together
in Christian love, and in his untimely death the con-
gregation lost an endeared pastor, and the Church a
most devoted and able minister of the gospel. At the
time of his death he was a member of the Board of
Foreign Missions.
SAMUEL WYLIE CRAWFORD, D. D. :
Son of Nathan and Margaret (VVyliej Crawford,
was born in the Chester District, South Carolina,
October 14, 1792. His parents were from Scotland
and died when he was quite young. In 1800, he was
brought by his uncle, the Rev. S. B. Wylie, D. D.,
to the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he
received his education in the public schools and the
University of Pennsylvania. In 18 14, he began the
study of medicine, but in a short time abandoned it
for that of theology. He studied theology in the
Philadelphia Seminary, and was lic-ensed by the Middle
Presbytery, April 10, 18 18. He preached with general
acceptance in the vacancies in the eastern part of the
Church, and also to the inmates of . the Walnut street
Prison, Eastern Penitentiary and House of Refuge in
the city of Philadelphia. He was ordained sine titulo
by the Northern Presbytery, at Duanesburgh, New
York, May 15, 1823, and was installed pastor of the
Conococheague congregation, Chambersburgh, Franklin
^ County, Pennsylvania, August 26, 1824. He soon
afterwards became Principal of the Chambersburgh
Academy, where he remained 'until April 10, 1831,
when he resigned both congregation and school,, and
accepted the position of Principal of the Academical
SAMUEL W. CRAWFORD, D. D.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 471
Department of the University of Pennsylvania. At the
division of the Church in August, 1S33, he became
identified with the New School branch of the Cove-
nanter Church. In 1835, he was installed pastor of
the Fairmount congregation of that body, in the
suburbs of Philadelphia, and resigned this pastorate in
1S46. He was installed pastor of the Fourth congrega-
tion of Philadelphia, August 17, 1S4S, and resigned
October 11, 1856, on account of impaired health. For
some time he was a teacher of theology in the
Philadelphia Seminary, supplied vacant pulpits, and
during the war of the rebellion was a chaplain in the
army. In iSoS, he retired to his country home near
Chambersburgh, Pennsylvania, and where he died, June
12, 1876. He possessed a splendid physique, of a
military bearing, and made an imposing appearance in
the pulpit. He was a man of scholarly attainments
and an earnest evangelical preacher of the gospel. He
was distinguished as a philanthropist and abounded in
deeds of charity. He was highly appreciated in all the
educational and pastoral charges which be held, and was
an influential member of Church courts. He married
Miss Jane Agnew, of New York City, New York,
August 28, 1821. Among his publications is a sermon
on "Creeds and Confessions," 1826, pp. 44. He was
honored with the degree of Doctor of Divinity by the
University of Indiana in 1844. He was Moderator of
the Synod of 1831, and the General Synod of 1863.
ALFRED DEAN CROWE:
Son of Samuel and Mar\- (Dean) Crowe, was born
near Glade Mills, Butler County, Pennsylvania, Decem-
472 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
ber I, 1848. He received a strict religious training in
the home, and pursued his literary studies in the
schools of his native County, and, in 1868, entered
Geneva College, where he graduated in 1874. He
studied theology in the Allegheny Seminary, and was
licensed by the Pittsburgh Presbytery, April 11, 1877.
He was ordained by the Philadelphia Presbytery, and
installed pastor of the congregation of Baltimore,
Maryland, October 10, 1878. He never possessed a
very robust constitution, and in the winter of 1881,
he contracted a severe cold which settled in his throat
and frequently prevented him from preaching. From
this time he began to decline and suffered from a
hemorrhage of the lungs in January, 1884. On account
of his failing health, he resigned the congregation,
August 12, 1884, and resorted to the cooler climate
of Western New York, where he improved to some
extent. In the autumn, however, it was very evident
that that fell disease, consumption, had fastened upon
him, and he died at the home of his father-in-law,
Mr. Abram Ernisse, in the city of Rochester, New
York, December 20, 1884. He married Miss Susie A.
Ernisse, of Rochester, New York, November 3, 1880.
He was a good preacher. His pulpit exhibitions were
carefully prepared, neatly arranged, and eloquently
delivered. He was a student of Philosophy in Johns
Hopkins University, and a constant reader of choice
literature. He was a vigilant pastor, guarded carefully
the walls of Zion, and the few years of his ministerial
labor in Baltimore have left their impress upon the
hearts of a devoted people.
^
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 473
SAMUEL JOHN CROWE:
Son of Samuel and Mary (Dean) Crowe, was born
near Glade Mills, Butler County, Pennsylvania, Septem-
ber I, 1S43. He received his early education in the
district schools, studied the languages under the
direction of the Rev. John Galbraith, and graduated
from Westminster College in 1866. He studied theo-
logy in the Allegheny Seminary one year, when he
was appointed Principal of Geneva College, September
I, 1867, which position he held for four years, most
of which time he continued his studies privately for
the ministry. He was licensed by the Pittsburgh Pres-
bytery, April 12, 1 87 1, and attended the Allegheny
Seminar}-- one more year. He was ordained by the
Pittsburgh Presbytery, and installed pastor of the con-
gregation of New Castle, Pennsylvania, May 21, 1872.
He was also installed pastor of the congregation of
Centreville, Mercer County, Pennsylvania, September
18, 1879, and he resigned these charges, April 12.
1 88 1. He was installed pastor of the congregation of
Brooklyn, New York, December 7, 188 r, and resigned
October 28, 1884. In the spring of 1885, he removed
to Warren, Ohio, where he was employed with the
Equitable Life Assurance Company, and preached as
his health would permit. He removed to New Brighton,
Pennsylvania, in the fall of 1S87, and accepted the
position of Financial Agent for Geneva College, and
supplied vacant pulpits. He married Miss Amanda R.
Geddes, of New Bedford, Pennsylvania, October 31, 1866.
JOHN CROZIER:
Son of John and Jane fCowser) Crozier, was born
near Smithheld, Fayette County, Pennsylvania, in 1802.
474 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
His parents were originally Presbyterians, and, in the
latter part of the past century, joined the Associate
Reformed Church, in which he was reared. With
great difficulty, and much self-denial, he obtained his
early education amid the toil of farm life, and in due
time entered the Western University of Pennsylvania,
where he graduated in 1S28. Largely through the
influence of family friends and his associations at col-
lege with professors and students, he espoused the
principles of the Covenanter Church, and resolved to
prepare for the ministry. He studied theology under
the direction of the Rev. John Black, D. D., of Pitts-
burgh, and was licensed by the Pittsburgh Presbytery,
April 7, 183 1, and preached with acceptance in the
vacancies for two years. He was ordained siyie cura
by the same Presbytery, as a Home Missionary, April
4, 1833. He was installed pastor of the united con-
gregations of Monongahela, Allegheny County, and
Canonsburgh, Washington County, Pennsylvania, May
12, 1834. He was released from the Canonsburgh
branch, October 9, 1842, and from Monongahela,
April 12, 1865. He removed to the city of Indiana-
polis, Indiana, where he built up a congregation and
remained in charge until May 25, 1870. He returned
to Elizabeth, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, where
he has since made his home and preached as his
health would permit. He was twice married. First to
Miss Anne Fletcher, of Baltimore, Maryland, January
19, 1836; and second to Miss Margaret H. Parkhill, of
Elizabeth, Pennsylvania, April 5, 1847. He has been
largely connected with the work of the Covenanter
i
JOHN CROZIER.
1
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 475
Church for over half a century, and published some
articles in the magazines of the Church. He was
Moderator of the Synod of 1861.
JOHN FLETCHER CROZIER:
Son of Rev. John and Anne (Fletcher) Crozier,
was bom in Elizabeth, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania,
•^ * * He received his early education in the schools
of his native County, and graduated from Westminster
College in 1S70. He studied theology in the Allegheny
Seminarv', and was licensed by the Pittsburgh Pres-
bytery, April 9, 1S73. He was ordained by the same
Presbytery, and installed pastor of the united con-
gregations of Rehoboth, Bear Run and Mahoning,
Marchand, Indiana County, Pennsylvania, November 18,
1S74, where he is in charge.
JOHN MCMILLAN CROZIER:
Son of Robert and Jane (Stott) Crozier, was born
in the city of Allegheny, Pennsylvania, February 29,
1S52. He passed through the accustomed studies in
the public schools, and graduated from the Western
L'niversity of Pennsylvania in 1871. He studied theo-
logy in the Allegheny Seminary, and was licensed by
the Pittsburgh Presbytery, April 15, [874. He itinerated
with much acceptance among the vacancies in this
country for several years, and visited the Churches in
Ireland and Scotland. He was ordained by the Phila-
delphia Presbytery, and installed pastor of the Third
congregation of the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,
Alay 6, iSSo, where he died very suddenly of inflam-
mation of the bowels, September 7, 1881. He was
unmarried. He was a young man possessing a robust
476
HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
and strong constitution ; a vigorous and well-cultivated
mind ; and was a fearless, practical and forcible preacher
of the gospel. He was bold to denounce sin in every
form, yet anxious to restore the repenting wanderer
to his privileges in the Church. He manifested a
true missionary spirit; encouraging the young to confess
Christ, and the old to prepare for the change that
awaits mankind. He was a kind pastor, peaceful and
cheerful in his disposition, prayerful in his labor of
love, and thoroughly devoted to the distinctive prin-
ciples of the Church.
JOHN CUTHBERTSON:
Was born near Ayr, Ayrshire, Scotland, April 3,
1718.* He was reared in the strictest manner by a
pious parentage, who were exemplary members of the
persecuted Church of Scotland. He received his early
training, preparatory to entering upon the work of the
ministry, from private instructors. He studied theo-
logy under the Rev. John McMillan, who, with Rev.
Thomas Nairn and ruling elders, constituted the
Reformed Presbytery of Scotland, August i, 1743, by
which court he was licensed, May 16, 1745. He was
ordained si7ie titido by the same court, at Braehead,
May 18, 1747, and labored among the scattered societies
of Scotland. He was Moderator of the Reformed Pres-
bytery in 1750, at which time, with Rev. Thomas
Cameron, he was sent as a missionary to the scattered
societies of Covenanters in Ireland. In the spring of
175 1, he was sent as a missionary to the Covenanters
in America, and landed at New. Castle, ©elaware,
•Principal items from his own diary.
Ik
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 477
August 5, 175 1, having been forty-six days at sea
from Derry Loch. He was the f^rst Covenanter minister
who came to America, and settled in Middle Octorara,
Lancaster County. Pennsylvania, the scene of most of
his labors, although he made extended missionary
tours upon horseback through New York, Vermont,
New Hampshire, Connecticut, New Jersey. Mar\-!and.
Virginia, and all parts of Pennsylvania as far west as
the Ohio river. In the winter of 1773, he was joined
by Revs. Matthew Linn and Alexander Dobbin, and
they organized the Reformed Presbytery of America,
at Paxtang, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, March 10,.
1774. He was then assigned to the Middle Octorara
charge, although he exercised a superintending control
over all the societies. With some others, July 2, 1777,
he swore allegiance to the cause of the Colonies, and
cast in his lot with those who were struggling to cast
off the British yoke in America. In the following
September, without consulting or informing the Reformed
Presbytery in Scotland, he began the conferences with
the Associate Church, which, after five years of agita-
tion,, culminated in the union of these two branches,
forming the Associate Reformed Church. The articles
were signed at Pequea, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania,
June 13, 1782, and the Synod was constituted in Philadel-
phia, November i, 1782. Many of the private members
of the Covenanter Church went with the ministers,
the faithful remnant resorting to the society meetings,
and for eight years or more were left without a min-
ister. Mr. Cuthbertson continued in charge of the
Octorara congregation until his release, March 20, 17S3,
478 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED . ;
when he took charge of the Associate Reformed con-
gregation of Lower Chanceford, York County, Penn-
sylvania, where he labored until his death, March lo,
1 79 1. The cause and circumstances of his death are
unknown. He was buried in the Lower Octorara grave-
yard connected with the church where Alexander
■Craighead preached. His gravestone bears the follow-
ing inscription : " Here lies the body of the Rev. John
Cuthbertson, who, after a labor of about forty years
in the ministry of the Gospel among the Dissenting
Covenanters of America, departed this life, lOth of
March, 1791, in the 75th year of his age. Psalm
112:6, The righteous shall be in everlasting remem-
brance." There are two mistakes in this inscription.
He was a Covenanter minister but thirty years ; and
he says more than once in his diary that he was bom
April 3, 171 8, making him nearly seventy-three years
-of age. He married Miss Sally Moore, near Philadel-
phia, Pennsylvania, February 25, 1756. He endured
inany hardships as a pioneer missionary. According to
. liis diary, during the thirty-nine years he was engaged
in active service, he preached on two thousand four
hundred and fifty-two days ; baptized one thousand eight
hundred and six children ; married two hundred and
forty couples ; rode on horseback seventy thousand miles,
■or nearly equal to three times around the world. And
this travelling was done in those days when there
were no roads or bridges. Blazed trees marked the
pathway, and horse and rider swam the swollen streams.
He rode through the unbroken forests, past the lair of
the wild beast and the wigwam of the savage ; under
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 479
the hot sun, through the pelting rain or drifting snow,
and often without the necessities of life. For all this
work, however, he was peculiarly adapted and provi-
dentially sustained. From the texts recorded in his
diary, it is evident that he was a forcible evangeli-
cal preacher, and a man of deep convictions and
fervent piety. As was too frequently the custom in
those days, however, he indulged occasionally too freely
in the glass, and at one time he was suspended for
four weeks for intemperance, and received a rebuke
from the Presbytery.
AVILLIAM McCONNELL DAUERTY :
Son of William J. and Margaret (Cowan) Dauerty,
was born near New Texas, Allegheny County, Penn-
s\-lvania, ^vlay li, 1S47. He received his preparatory
education in the Wilkinsburgh Academy, Newell Insti-
tute, Western University of Pennsylvania, and graduated
from the College of New Jersey, Princeton, in 1874.
He studied theology in the Allegheny Seminary, and
was licensed by the Pittsburgh Presbytery, April 9,
1S78. He preached for three years in the vacancies,
and engaged in clerical work in Pittsburgh, Penn-
sylvania. He was chosen to fill the chair of Latin
and Greek in Curry Institute and Union Business
College, Pittsburgh, November 10, 18S3, which position
he now occupies. He married Miss Rida A. Mullen,
of Baltimore, Maryland, December 31, 1885. He is
Superintendent of the Chinese School, and an officer
in the Pittsburgh Covenanter congregation.
JAMES MILLIGAN DICKSON, D. D. :
Son of Robert and Janet (Lenny) Dickson, was
born in Ryegate, Caledonia County, Vermont, February
48o HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
6, 183 1. After the usual rudimentary course in the
common schools, he studied the classics under the
direction of his pastor, the Rev. J. M. Beattie, . and
entered Peacham Academy. In the fall of 1849, he
entered Geneva College, where he remained until his
senior year, and graduated from Dartmouth College in
1853. He studied theology in the Northwood Seminary
one year, three years in the Union Seminary of New
York City, and a short term in the Allegheny
Seminary, and was licensed by the New York Presby- -^^
tery. May 20, 1857. He was ordained by the same ■^,-^^
Presbytery, and installed pastor of the congregation of "'^'■
Brooklyn, New York, November 18, 1857. He was \'!
released from this charge. May 20, 1862, when he- 'r'l'i]
connected with the Presbyterian Church, being received
by the Third Presbytery of New York. He was
installed pastor of the Sixth Presbyterian Church, of
Newark, New Jersey, October lO, 1862, and resigned
April 16, 1869. He was installed pastor of the Good-
will Presbyterian Church, Montgomery, Orange County,.
New York, September 12, 1869, and resigned this
charge, April 16, 1883. He connected with the Dutch
Reformed Church, and was installed pastor of the
Thirty-Fourth Street Dutch Reformed Church, New
York City, New York, May i, 1883, where he is in
charge. He married Miss Annott M. Nelson, of Rye-
gate, Vermont, April 7, 1858 ; and as his second wife.
Miss Helen A. West, of Brooklyn, New York. Septem-
ber 30, 1863. He was honored with the degree of
Doctor of Divinity by Drur>- College in 1884. He
published '-The Goodwill Memorial," 1880, pp. 160.
i
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 48 1
JOHN WALKINSHAW DILL:
Son of Richard and Esther (White) Dill, was born
near Kittanning, Armstrong County, Pennsylvania,
September 19, 1846. He received his early education
in the common schools, completed the course in the
Dayton Union Academy in 1S68, and graduated from
Westminster College in 1871. He taught in the
Academy of Lumber City, Pennsylvania, one year.
He studied theology in the Allegheny Seminary,
was licensed by the Pittsburgh Presbytery, April 14,
1S75, and labored in Minnesota two years under
appointment of the Central Board of Missions. He
was ordained by the Iowa Presbytery, March 20, 1878,
and installed pastor of the congregation of Elliota,
Fillmore County, Minnesota, April 26, 187S, and resigned
this charge, May 25, 1881. He was installed pastor
of Lind Grove congregation, Mediapolis, Des Moines
County, Iowa, July 6, 1881, and was released Septem-
ber 19, 1887. He accepted the Assistant Principalship
of Knox Academy, Selma, Alabama, October 10, 1887,
and became Principal, January I, 1888, where he is
engaged in teaching. He married Miss Maggie J.
Getty, of Kossuth, Iowa, January i, 1S80.
ALEXANDER DOBBIN:
Son of John Dobbin, a pious sailor, was born in
the city of Londonderry, Ireland, February 4, 174--*
His parentage was Scotch, and, imbued with the religious
spirit of the ancestors, early directed his mind towards
the Christian ministry. He studied the classics in his
native city, and in due time entered the L'niversity of
* Sprague's .-Annals. Dr. J. .\. Chancellor. Belfast, Ireland.
482
HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
Glasgow, Scotland, where he graduated in 1771. He-
attended the theological lectures also in Glasgow, and
resumed his studies privately under the direction of the
ministers in Ireland, and was licensed by the Reformed
Presbytery of Ireland, July 6, 1772. He was ordained
sine titulo by the same court, at Conlig, near New-
townards. County Down, Ireland, August 20, 1772, as a
missionary to the Covenanters in America. In company
with the Rev. Matthew Linn, he sailed from Londonderry
and landed in New Castle, Delaware, December 13,.
1773. He, with Revs. John Cuthbertson and Matthew-
Linn, constituted the Reformed Presbytery of America,,
at Paxtang, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, March 10,-
1774, at which time he was assigned to labor in the
Rock Creek (Gettysburg) congregation, Adams County, .
Pennsylvania. He was among the first and most desirous-
of the ministers to countenance the union of the
Associate and Covenanter bodies, and took a prominent
part in the conferences which resulted in the formation
of the Associate Reformed Church, November i, 1782.
He continued in charge of the Rock Creek congregation,.
or as many as went with him, and was also installed
for half-time in the Marsh Creek congregation, Sep-
tember 9, 17S5, and thus divided his time and continued
his labor until his death. In October, 1808, while on
his way to Gettysburg to preach, he ruptured a blood
vessel by coughing, and was unable to fill his
appointment. His disease settled into a quick con-
sumption, from which he died, at his home in Gettysburg,
Adams County, Pennsylvania, June i, 1809, and was
buried in the Marsh Creek graveyard. He was twice
I
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 485
married. First to Miss Isabella Gamble, of County
Down, Ireland, July, 1772; and second, to Mrs. Mary
(Irvin) Agnew, of Adams County. Pennsylvania, in 1801.
He was an interesting and instructive preacher of the
extemporaneous style. He was a distinguished linguist,
especially in Hebrew, and established in his own house
the first classical school west of the Susquehanna river.
More than sixty of his pupils became professional men,
and not less than twenty-hve entered the ministry.
Before the establishment of the Theological Seminary
of the Associate Reformed Church, he was the preceptor
for many years, and his services were of great value.
He was remarkably punctual at Church courts, where
his opinion was regarded, and he was honored with
the Moderatorship several times. He was a small man^
-^with a bright black eye, a large pointed nose, and was
by no means imposing in his appearance. He possessed
a strong and sonorous voice, and his gestures in the
pulpit^ were not always the most graceful. He dressed*
in knee pants and wore the wig. He was a very social
man, cheerful in his disposition, and his countenance-
continually wore a smile. He adapted himself to all
company, and his intercourse was much enjo\-ed for his
wit and good humor.
JOSIAH DODDS:
Son of John and Elizabeth (McKee) Dodds, was
born in Balliba\', County Monaghan, Ireland, March 3,
1S19. His parents came to America the following year
and settled near Lucesco, Westmoreland Count)-, Penn-
sylvania, and. in 1S29. removed to Butler County, in
the vicinitv of Bakerstown. Here he received his
484 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
^arly education, studied the classics under the Rev.
Hugh Walkinshaw, and graduated from the Western
University of Pennsylvania in 1842. He studied theol-'
ogy in the Allegheny and Cincinnati Seminaries, and
was licensed by the Pittsburgh Presbytery, April 13,
1846. He was ordained by the Lakes Presbytery,
and installed pastor of the united congregations of
Beech Woods, Preble County, Ohio, and Garrison,
Fayette County, Indiana, October 6, 1847, and resigned
this charge, October 10, 1865. He missionated in the
West for two years, principally in the station which
became the congregation of Winchester, Jefferson County,
Kansas, over which he was installed pastor, November
7, 1868, and was released, October 18, 1876. He
was installed pastor of the congregation of Sylvania,
Dade County, Missouri, May 9, 1878, where he is in
charge. He was thrice married. First to Miss Matilda
Oannon, of Greensburgh, Pennsylvania, June 28, 1847;
• second, to Miss Mary Alilligan, of Fayetteville, Indiana,
March 29, 1853; and third, to Miss Belle Torrence, of
jMorthwood, Ohio, August 12, 1857.
ROBERT JAMES DODDS, D. D. :
Son of Archibald and Margaret (Davison) Dodds,
was born near Freeport, Armstrong County, Penn-
sylvania, August 29, 1824. Possessed from his youth
with integrity of character and amiability of disposi-
tion he was dedicated to God for the work of the
ministry. At an early age he began his classical
studies under the direction of his pastor, the Rev.
Hugh Walkinshaw, and made such rapid progress and
proficiency in all the departments of literature taught
ROBERT J. DODDS, D. D.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IX AMERICA. 485
in a College, that he was recommended as sufficiently
advanced to begin the study of theology in the spring
of 1S44. He studied theology in the Allegheny and
Cincinnati Seminaries, and was licensed by the Pitts-
burgh Presbytery, June 21, 1S4S. At the meeting *of
Synod in 1S47, the Mission of Hayti was organized,
and he was chosen as a missionary for that foreign
field, for which purpose, he was ordained sine titulo
by the Pittsburgh' Presbytery, November 24, 184S. The
Mission, however, was soon afterwards abandoned,
he was not sent out, and he preached in the vacancies
for a few years. He was installed pastor of the
Rehoboth congregation, Stanton, Jefferson County,
Pennsylvania, June 18, 1852. He travelled extensively
in this field, 2nd was exposed to many inconveniences;
yet by his missionary spirit and zeal for the cause,
he built up a flourishing congregation of many branches.
At the meeting of Synod in 1856, the Syrian Mission
was established and he was unanimous!}- chosen as
one of the Missionaries. Accepting the appointment,
he was released from the congregation. May 24, 1856.
With the Rev. Joseph Beattie, their families and others,
he sailed for Syria, October 16, 1856. He first settled
in Damascus, where he learned the Arabic language,
and in October, 1S57, removed to Zahleh, a town at
the foot of Mount Lebanon. In May, 1858, he was
compelled to abandon the work in this place on
account of the threats and persecution of the bigoted
priesthood. Making a tour of exploration through
Northern Sj-ria, as far as Antioch, he passed through
Latakia, and, being favorably impressed with its loca-
486 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
tion, began to perfect arrangements for its occupation.
In the autumn of 1859, he removed thither, followed
by Dr. Beattie and others, where suitable buildings
\vere secured, and where he labored for eight years
with good success. An unexpected opening occurred
in Aleppo, and, the Mission deeming -^it advisable to
enter in and possess it. Dr. Dodds was appointed to
this field in May, 1867. Here he remained constantly
busied with the proper work of the Mission until his
death. During the summer of 1870, he visited the
Mission in Latakia, and while there suffered an attack
of fever. During a subsequent journey to Idlib, he
contracted a severe cold which adhered to him. In
the beginning of December following, he suffered from
a slight hemorrhage of the lungs, intensified by typhoid
fever, from which he died, at his home in Aleppo,
Syria, December 11, 1870. He was twice married.
First to Miss Amanda Cannon, of Greensburgh, Penn-
sylvania, January 2, 1849 ; and second to Miss Letitia
M. Dodds, of Valencia, Pennsylvania, August 12, 1856.
As a preacher, his sermons were rich in Scriptural
truth and illustration. He was not a popular orator
owing to a hesitancy in his speech, and he was more
spiritual than ornate; more thoughtful than rhetorical;
more anxious about conviction than elegance of style.
He was admirably adapted with every qualification for
a successful Missionar>-. He was a good classical
scholar, and made such proficiency in the study of the
Arabic tongue that he was able to preach a sermon in
that language in eighteen months after beginning the
study of it. He was a remarkably cheerful man, uniform
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 4S7
in his feelings and sympathetic in his disposition. His
intellectual character was marked with keen and
\igorous reasoning powers, a retentive memory, and
the ability to concentrate his ideas. Among his earlier
publications is, "A Reply to Morton on Psalmody,"
1S51, pp. 140. His writings are principally letters to
the Foreign Mission Board and are published in the
Church magazines. He translated the Shorter Catechism
into the Arabic language, and was engaged in writing
and translating other works for the use of the Mission.
He was honored with the degree of Doctor of Divinity
by Monmouth College in 1870. He was Moderator of
the Synod of 1866.
THOMAS DONNELLY:
Son of Thomas and Nancy (Moore) Donnelly, was
born near Donegal, County Donegal, Ireland, January 13,
1772.* In early life he evinced a strong desire for an
education, and after passing through the accustomed
studies in the schools of his native County, he entered
the University of Glasgow, Scotland, in the fall of 1788,
where he remained two years. He came to America
In the spring of 1791, and settled in the Chester
District, South Carolina. The following year he entered
Dickinson (College, where he graduated in 1794, and
returned to South Carolina, where he was engaged in
teaching. He studied theology under the direction of
the Rev. William King, and, in 179S, under the care of
the Reformed Presbytery, and was licensed b}- that
court, at Coldenham, Orange County, New York, June
24, 1799. He was assigned to labor in South Carolina,
* Sketch by Mr. Thomas Smith, Bloomington, Ind., in Sprague's .\nnals.
i:m
488 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
whither he returned, was ordained by a commission
of the Reformed Presbytery, and installed pastor of the
Rocky Creek congregation, Chester District, South
Carolina, March 3, 1801. Over this extensive field he
exercised pastoral functions, and frequently made tours
to the scattered societies of Covenanters in Tennessee,
North Carolina and Georgia. In 18 16, he was released
from a part of his first charge, 'and remained pastor of
what was known as the Brick Church. He often found
great difiRculty in applying the principles of the Church
in a slave country. His was often denominated "Mr.
Donnelly's congregation," afterwards the Bethesda con-
gregation, to which faithful one and adjacent societies,
he continued to preach and exercise pastoral oversight,
in accordance with the direction of Synod, the residue
of his life. The strong opposition of the Covenanter
Church to the institution of slavery caused many of
the members to migrate to the free States of Ohio,
Indiana and Illinois. He, however, felt the infirmities
of age rapidly creeping upon him, and, realizing his
inability to fully discharge the pastoral duties required
in a new congregation, remained in the South, and
continued to minister to the few scattered societies
which were the last of the Covenanters in the Carolinas.
In 1847, he suffered from a stroke of paralysis, which
affected both his mind and his body, from which he
never fully recovered. In the fall of the same year he
was prostrated with a bilious affection, from which he
died, at his home on Rocky Creek, Chester District,
South Carolina, November 27, 1S47. He married Miss
Agnes Smith, of Chester, South Carolina, March 6, 1801.
^
1
A^W^S
#
^^:
i'
j^^mJ^ ^^^^
/
^^^^^^^^^psbjj^'k; '•'-^?^B»b
. "^^^1
THOMAS DONNELLY.
1
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IX AMERICA. 489
He enjoyed the reputation of being a sound theologian
and a fine classical scholar. In his preaching he had
Sonne of the old Scotch-Irish sing song, but he never
gave sound for sense. He was a radical and decided
enemy to the whole system of human slavery, and
maintained the principles of the Church in their purity.
He possessed a large amount of generosity and nobleness
of heart, and was largely connected with the benevolent
societies of his country. He was a strict disciplinarian,
and he had few equals for strength of judgment in
managing judicial affairs in troublous times. He was
Moderator of the Synod of iSiS.
JAAIES DOUGLAS:
Son of John and Dorathy (Barwise) Douglas, was
born in Castle Douglas, Lanarkshire, Scotland, April
10, 1779.* He was blessed with a pious parentage
who instructed him in the principles of the Covenanter
Church, with which he connected in 1793, under the
pastoral care of the Rev. James Reid. With a view
to the work of the ministr>- he passed through the
accustomed rudimentary studies, and graduated from the
University of Glasgow, Scotland, in 1S07. He was
appointed as teacher of Greek in the University after
the death of the Professor of that language. He
studied theology in the Stirling Seminary, under the
direction of the Rev. John McMillan, and was licensed
by the Glasgow Presbytery, May 18, 18 13. He preached
with much acceptance for several years, recei\-ed calls,
but declined, having determined to come to America.
He came to America in September, iSiS, and settled
♦Principal items from his son, Mr. A. B. Douglas, Brooklyn, N. Y.
490 HISTO"RY OF THE REFORMED
in the city of New York, New York, where he was
engaged as a teacher in a classical school, and preached
as occasion was afforded. Some difficulties arising
between him and his ministerial brethren in that city,
which afterwards resulted in an exoneration from fault
of the, subject of this sketch, he was suspended by
their influence by the Northern Presbytery, April 17,
1S22, and pursued his vocation as a teacher. In the
fall of 1824, he received an invitation from the Scotch
people of Bovina, Delaware County, New York, to
come and preach to them, which he accepted, and
began his labors among them, April 15, 1825. The
difficulty now arose in dispensing the sacraments with-
out the formal act of ordination. The majority of the
people considered that as he had given trials for f.
ordination in Scotland, and they had been sustained, %
and as he possessed every other requisite, the imposi- >^
tion of hands, in the present circumstance, might be i^
■dispensed with. To remove all difficulties, however, the V^tj
people agreed to petition the True Reformed Dutch
Church for ordination, which request was granted^, and
he was formally set apart to the ministerial office by
that body, June 9, 1 831.* He continued to minister M
to the people of Bovina until he was restored, and
his ordination recognized as valid, by the New York
Presbytery, October 14, 1846. He was formally installed
pastor of the congregation of Bovina, Delaware County,
New York, November 3, 1847, where he continued to -J^
labor until his death, March 15, 1857. He was thrice
married. First to Miss Alice Thompson, July 6, 18 19;
* Bovina sessional records.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 49 1
second to Miss Mary Qua, October 18, 1827 ; thirci to
Miss Ann C. Duncan, November 16, 1842. He was
a fine classical scholar and possessed the qualifications of
a proficient and successful teacher. He was well versed
in the old theology, an earnest and profound preacher,
and his discourses were the fruit of mature study and
fervent prayer. He was a strict disciplinarian, guarded
carefully the walls of Zion, and rebuked wickedness
of every form. He was sympathetic to every trouble
and consolatary in the hour of bereavement. The
American Bible Society, the Bovina Temperance Society,
and other benevolent institutions and reform associa-
tions, found in him a firm and generous friend, and a
fearless and able advocate. Among his publications
are : " A Reply to an Anonymous Letter in the
Evangelical Witness" 1824, pp. 68. "An Address on
Temperance," delivered before the Bovina Temperance
Society, 1834; and a few magazine articles and con-
tributions to the local press.
HENRY EASSON:
Son of Henry and Jane (Bryce) Easson, was born
in Dunblane, Perthshire, Scotland, April 20, 1841.
The following year his parents came to America and
settled in the vicinity of Walton, Delaware County,
New York, where he received his early education.
He pursued his preparatory studies in the Delaware
Literary Institute, Franklin, New York, and nearly
completed the course in Union College. He studied
theology in the Allegheny Seminary, and, in the spring
of 1872, being chosen as a Missionary to Syria, he
was licensed and ordained sine titiilo by the Pittsburgh
492 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
Presbytery, October 12, 1872. He sailed, with his
family and others, for that foreign field, November 22,
1872, since which time he has been engaged in the
work of a Missionary in Latakia, Syria. He married
Miss Mary J. Beebe, of Schenectady, New York,
January 20, 1870. He visited the United States in
1882, and lectured throughout the Church and returned
to Syria. He translated the doctrinal part of the
Reformed Presbyterian Testimony into the Arabic
language for the use of the Mission Church in Syria.
THOMAS McCONNELL ELDER:
Son of Thomas and Mary (McConnell) Elder, was
born near New Alexandria, Westmoreland County, Penn-
sylvania, March 24, 1826. He received a good common
school education and began the study of the classics
under the direction of his pastor, the Rev. James '.M
Milligan, D. D.; and, in 1847, became Principal of '-^*
Loyal Hanna Institute of his native County. In 1851, -^
he became a teacher in Geneva Female Institute, it
Northwood, Ohio, and graduated from Geneva College
in 1854. He studied theology in the Northwood and
Allegheny Seminaries, and was licensed by the Pitts-
burgh Presbytery, April 21, 1858. He was ordained
by the same Presbytery, and installed pastor of the
Rehoboth congregation, Dayton, Armstrong County,
Pennsylvania, May li, 1S59. In 1862, he became
Principal of Dayton Union Academy, which became a
flourishing preparator>' school. In 1863, fae was
appoined by Synod to take charge of the Mission
among the Freedmen, at Fernandina, Florida, where , .^
he also served as Chaplain to the Eleventh Regiment ^
I
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IX AMERICA. 493-
of Maine Volunteers. In 1864, he was transferred to-
the Mission at Washington, D. C, where he remained
in charge one year. He returned to his congregation
and school in Dayton, which he resigned, April 10,
1866, and became Principal of the Dayton Soldiers-
Orphan School. In the fall of 1868, while witnessing
a game of base ball among the students, he was acci-
dently struck upon the head with one of the ball bats,
and so seriously injured that he was compelled to cease
preaching, and also resigned the school in 1S71. He
subsequently retired from all active service and became
interested in secular pursuits. He withdrew from the .
communion of the Covenanter Church, May 16, 1883.
He is editor of the Dayton Neivs, a local journal. He
married as his first wife. Miss Tirzah Mason, of New
Alexandria, Pennsylvania, September 14, 1848; and as
his second. Miss Mary P. Lindsay, of Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania, October 10, 1S54.
GEORGE MILTON ELLIOT: (Colored.)
Son of Winslow and Mary A. (Bowser) Elliotts
was bom near Isle of Wight."] Isle of Wight County,.
Virginia, June 4, 1849. In 1861, his parents removed
to Pickereltown, Logan County, Ohio, where he received
his early education, and graduated from Geneva College
in 1873. He studied theology in the Allegheny
Seminary, and was licensed by the Pittsburgh Presby-
tery, April 12, 1876. He was ordained by the same
Presbytery, August 21, 1877. and installed pastor of
the congregation of Selma, Alabama, December 14,
1877, where he is in charge. In 1876, he became
Principal of Knox Academy, Selma, Alabama, and
494 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
resigned this office, October 4, 1886, and devoted
himself to missionary work. He was twice married.
First to Aliss Sarah R. Miller, of Pittsburgh, Penn-
sylvania, June 19, 1878; second to Miss Hattie L.
Davis, of Selma, Alabama, April 21, 1885. In March,
1886, he became editor of the Guiditig Star, a weekly
and monthly paper, devoted to the moral and religious
welfare of the colored race.
EDWARD GRAHAM ELSEY : ^
Son of John H. and Susan (French) Elsey, was ''^
born in Reynoldsburgh, Franklin County, Ohio, March
22, 1S30. He received his early education in the schools
of that vicinity, and in Northwood, Ohio. He subse- /^
quently removed to California, Branch County, Michigan, r^
where he was engaged in farming and teaching for ^'^_
many years. Having an earnest desire to preach the ■^,
CTQspel, he removed to Northwood, Ohio, and resumed
his studies in Geneva College, graduating in 1870.
He studied theology in the Allegheny Seminary, and
was licensed by the Lakes Presbytery, April 14, 1873.
He was ordained by the Iowa Presbytery, and installed
pastor of the Rehoboth congregation, Wyman, Louisa
County, Iowa, August 14, 1874, and resigned this
charge, April 13, 1881. He was installed pastor of
Lake Reno congregation, Glenwood, Pope County,
Minnesota, July 17, 1882, where he is in charge. He
married Miss Phebe T. Dobbin, of West Hebron, New
York, October 19, 1861.
WILLIAM MORRISON ENGLES, D. D. :
Son of Silas and Anna (Patterson) Engles, was
bom in the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, October
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 495
12, 1797.* He received a liberal education in the
schools of his native city, and graduated from the
University of Pennsylvania in 181 5. He studied theo-
logy- in the Philadelphia Seminary, and was licensed
by the Middle Presbytery, October 21, 18 18. He
preached with much acceptance as a supply to the
mission stations of Wyoming and Mauch Chunk, Penn-
sylvania, for several months. He connected with the
Presbyterian Church, being received by the Presbytery
of Philadelphia, November 10, 1819, and preached to
the Old Scotch congregation, which became the Seventh
Presbyterian Church of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, over
which he Vv-as ordained and installed pastor, July 6,
1S20. A serious throat disease caused him to resign
this charge, September 4, 1834, and he became editor
of the Presbyterian, in which capacity he continued
until his death. In 1838, he was -appointed editor of
the Presbyterian Board of Publication, a position which
he discharged with great ability until his resignation
in 1863. He finally became a subject of heart disease,,
from which he died, at his residence in the city of
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, November 27, 1867. He
was a mild, instructive and thoroughly evangelical
preacher. His usefulness as an editor was very great.
His extensive reading of books of theology, and thor-
ough discrimination of works of science were largely
the means of the popularity and success of the Pres-
byterian Publishing House. He revised and abridged
many old works which found a ready sale. He was
the author of many tracts and books published anony-
* Presiyterian Historical Almanac, Vol. 10, p. 87.
496 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
mously. His "Sick Room Devotions" and "The Soldier's
Pocket Book," were especially valuable, and found a
large circulation at the time of the war of the rebellion.
He married Aliss Margaret Schott, of Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania, in 1822. He was honored with the degree
of Doctor of Divinity by Lafayette College in 1838.
He was Moderator of the General Assembly in 1840,
and Stated Clerk for many years.
GORDON THOMPSON EWING :
Son of John and Mary (Thompson) Ewing, was
born near Maghera, County Londonderry, Ireland, July
17, 1798.* His parents were members of the Anti-
Bounty Associate Church, and, being the only son,
was the object of peculiar parental solicitude. Having
completed his rudimentary education, he was placed
under the tuition of his pastor, the Rev. John Bryce,
and, in 18 16, he made a profession of his faith in the
Associate Church. In 18 18, he entered the College of
Belfast, Ireland, where he graduated with honor in
182 1. He came to America in the spring o^ 1822,
and landed in the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,
where he made the acquaintance of the Rev. Samuel
Wylie, and accompanied him to his home near Kas-
kaskia, Illinois, and opened a classical school. While
teaching in this place he espoused the principles of
the Covenanter Church, and began the study of theol-
ogy under the care of the Rev. Samuel Wylie. In
the fall of 1824, he resumed his studies in the Phila-
delphia Seminar}-, and was licensed by the Pittsburgh ^
Presbytery, May 9, 1825. He was ordained by the ^■
♦Principal items from a Sketch in Banna' of the Cmrnant, 1848.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 497
Pittsburgh Presbytery, and installed pastor of the con-
regation of Canonsburgh, Washington County, Pennsyl-
vania, October 23, 1827, and resigned this charge, May 16,
830, on account of impaired health. In the fall of
1830, he returned to Ireland, and, in the spring of
1S31, was called to the congregation of Londonderry;
but, as he thought of returning soon to America, he
did not accept it, but engaged as stated supply for
one year, which arrangement was repeated for eight
years. He was installed pastor of the congregation of
•Grange, Ireland, July 20, 1S40, and resigned, Novem-
ber 9, 1 84 1, when he returned to America. The Church
in America had passed through the division of August,
1833, and, after due consideration, he became identified
"ivith the New School branch of the Covenanter
■Church. He was installed pastor of the Second con-
gregation of Pittsburgh (situated in the suburb of
Ba\-ardstown), Pennsylvania, September 9, 1842, where
he continued until his death. Having fallen into the
weakness of Irish character, and being a constant su.'-
ferer from malaria for many years, atrophy ensued
with direful effects. In March, 1S4S, he embarked for
New Orleans, Louisiana, thence intending a coasting
voyage to New York, but his strength yielded to the
pressure of his disease, and he died on board the
steamer "General Pike," one hundred miles above New
Orleans, Louisiana, March 21, 1S48. He married Miss
Margaret Black, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, March 13,
1828. He possessed a solemn and imposing appear-
ance, and was a genial and pleasant companion. As
a preacher, he was interesting and instructive, and at
49« HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
times most • eloquent. He was a fluent speaker, a
proficient scholar, and his acquisitions were considerable
in theology and science. He was Moderator of the
General Synod in 1847.
DANIEL CARGILL PARIS:
Son of Rev. James and Nancy (Smith) Paris, was
born in Bloomington, Monroe County, Indiana, June 21,
1843. He received hi^ early education in the common
schools, and under the direction of his father, and
graduated from the University of Indiana in 1S63. He
was a teacher, for some time, in the Mission School at
Natchez, Mississippi. He studied theology in the
Allegheny Seminary, was licensed by the Illinois
Presbytery, April 21, 1869, and labored for two years
in Lake Reno and Round Prairie, Minnesota. He was
ordained by the New York Presbytery, and installed
pastor of the Barnet congregation. West Barnet, Cale-
donia County, Vermont, June 25, 1873, where he is in
charge. He married Miss Mary A. Russell, of Round
Prairie, Minnesota, November 15, 1870.
DAVID SMITH PARIS:
Son of Rev. James and Nancy (Smith) Paris, was
born in Bloomington, Monroe County, Indiana, November
II, 1S30. He received his early education in the
common schools, and under the direction of his dis-
tinguished father, and graduated from the University of
Indiana in 185 1. He studied theology privately during
the suspension of the Seminary, and was licensed by
the Illinois Presbytery, October 10, 1855. At the re-
organization of the Allegheny Seminary, in 1S56, he
attended one session. He was ordained by the Illinois-
DAVID S. FARIS
1
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 499
Presbytery, and installed pastor of the Bethel congre-
gation, Sparta, Randolph County, Illinois, October 7,
1857, where he is in charge. He was twice married.
First to Miss Jane McAfee, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,
May 8, 1861; and second, to Mrs. Hester (Edgar) Finley,
of Sparta, Illinois, March 30, 1871. He is the author
of a pamphlet, " A Defense of the Old School Cove-
nanters as Dissenters from the United States Consti-
tution," 1864, pp. 33, and many historical articles in the
magazines of the Church, bearing upon the history of
the Covenanters in South Carolina. He was Moderator
of the Synod of 18S3.
ISAIAH PARIS:
Son of Rev. James and Nancy (Smith) Paris, was
born in Bloomington, Monroe County, Indiana, April 25,
1846. He received his early literary training in the
schoojs of his native city, and graduated from the
University of Indiana in 1863, and was engaged in
teaching in Natchez, Mississippi. He studied theology
in the Allegheny Seminary, and was licensed by the
Illinois Presbytery, April 21, 1S69. He was ordained
by the Iowa Presbytery, and installed pastor of the
congregation of Walnut City. Appanoose County, Iowa,
September 21, 1870, and resigned this charge, May 23,
1877. He was installed pastor of the congregation of
Vernon, Waukesha County, Wisconsin, No\'ember 22,
1S78, where he is in charge. He was twice married.
First to Miss Anna M. Pauly, of Sparta, Illinois, March
29, 1871; and second, to Miss Julia McLaughlin, of
Vernon, Wisconsin, October 26, 1880.
SOO HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
JAMES PARIS:
Son of James and Mary A. (Becket) Paris, was
born near Chester, Chester District, South Carolina,
May 15, 1791.* His father died when he was very
young, and he was brought up by his aunt, Mrs. Agnes
Smith. He received a liberal common school education,
which prepared him for teaching, and by this means
he prepared himself for college, and graduated from
South Carolina College, Columbia, in 1S16. He immedi-
ately afterwards assumed the position of Principal of
the Academy of Pendleton, South Carolina, a flourishing
classical school patronized by John C. Calhoun, and in
which several congressmen and eminent legislators were
educated. He resigned the school in June, 1822, and
jdevoted himself to the study of theology, under the
direction of the Rev. Thomas Donnelly,^ and was licensed
by the Southern Presbytery, January 21, 1824. He "^OT
.attended one session in the Philadelphia Seminary, and _ft"
made an extended preaching tour through the South >^
and West. He was ordained by the Western Presbytery, .-^
and installed pastor of the congregation of Bloomington, ■'■^■
Monroe County, Indiana, November 22, 1827, where he .'"■*f
continued to labor until his death, from a stroke of
paralysis. May 20, 1855. He married Miss Nancy
Smith, of Chester, South Carolina, April 29, 1823. He
was a plain, didactic preacher, a logical reasoner, and a
sound theologian. He made no pretense at oratory,
and was unaffected in his pulpit manners. He was an
excellent scholar and especially proficient in mathe-
matics. He was born a reformer, and knew the evils
♦Principal items from his son, the Rev. D. S. Paris, Sparta, Illinois.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 50 1
of slavery from observation. He endeavored to have
the Legislature of South Carolina pass a law by which
benevolent slaveholders might free their slaves; but in
this he failed, and removed from the South that his
family might be free from the contaminating influence
of the accursed institution of human slavery. His house
was the home of the anti-slavery lecturer, and for
many years an important station upon the " Underground
Railroad." He was advanced in his views upon all
reforms, and took an early stand upon temperance. He
was a devout and pious man, peculiarly fond of religious
conversation, thoroughly devoted to the principles
of the Cliufch and the work of the ministry. In order
that he might glean in his Father's vineyard, he sacri-
ficed the fame and remuneration of the scholar and
teacher, and also gave four sons to the same work of
preaching the gospel of Christ.
JOHN CALVIN KNOX PARIS:
Son of James and Nancy (Smith) Paris, was born
in Bloomington, Monroe County, Indiana, April 11,
1S33. He received his early education in the common
schools, and under the direction of his father,
graduating from the University of Indiana in 1S53, and
engaged in teaching. He studied theology in the
Allegheny Seminary, and was licensed by the Pitts-
burgh Presbytery, April 18, 1S59. He attended the
Ohio Medical College, Cincinnati, Ohio, one session,
and preached generally throughout the Church. He
was appointed a Missionary to Natchez, Mississippi,
Pebruar}- 16, 1S64, where he remained in charge of
the Preedmen's Mission for over a year. He was
502 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
ordained by the Ohio Presbytery, and installed pastor
of the IMuskingum and Tomica congregation, Dresden,
Muskingum County, Ohio, December 6, 1865, and
resigned on account of impaired health, April 13, 1871.
He spent two years, principally in Colorado, in regain-
ing his health, and occasionally preached. He was installed
pastor of the congregation of Topsham, Orange County,
Vermont, December 2, 1874, where he is in charge.
He married Miss Elizabeth J. McKnight, of Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania, April 25, 1865.
JAMES :\IELVILLE PARIS:
Son of David and Elizabeth (Smith) Paris, was
born in Bloomington, Monroe County, Indiana, April
14, 1840. He received his early education in the
public schools, graduated from the University of
Indiana in 1862, and engaged in teaching. He studied
theology in the Allegheny Seminary, and was licensed
by the Illinois Presbytery, May 26, 1868. He was
ordained by the New York Presbytery, and installed
pastor of the congregation of Topsham, Orange County,
Vermont, September i, 1869, and resigned this charge.
May 22, 1S72. He was installed pastor of the Church
Hill congregation, Coultersville, Randolph County,
Illinois, June 19, 1873, and resigned May 30, 1884.
He was installed pastor of the congregation of New
Concord, Muskingum County, Ohio, July 3, 1884,
where he is in charge. He was twice married. First
to Miss Jennie Smith, of Bloomington, Indiana, October
15, 1868: and second to Miss Jennie Watson, of
Utica, Ohio, January 28, 1886.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IX AMERICA, 503
JAMES MELVILLE FINLEY:
Son of William and Elvira (Gault) Finley, was
born in Hill Prairie, Randolph County, Illinois, Septem-
ber 12, 1854. He received his early education in the
Plumb Creek school and Coultersville Academy of his
native County, and graduated from Geneva College in
1879. He studied theology in the Allegheny Seminary,
was licensed by the Illinois Presbytery,' April 12.
1S82, and preached generally throughout the Church.
He married Miss Mary E. Caskey. of Allegheny. Penn-
sylvania, March 28, 1 882. He has resided in Coulters-
ville, Illinois, and Allegheny. Pennsylvania, and is preach-
ing for the Presbyterian Church of New Sharon. Iowa.
JOHN FISHER:
Son of Robert and Jane (Porter) Fisher, was born
in Cremore, County Armagh. Ireland. October 10, 1797.
His parents were pious members of the Covenanter
Church, with which he also connected in early life,
and he was given the opportunity of attending the
best schools in that vicinity. He came to America
in June, 1820, and settled in Coldenham, Orange
County, New York, where he was soon engaged as\
teacher, and pursued his classical course in the
Montgomery Academy. He studied theology in the
Philadelphia Seminary, and was licensed by the Phila-
delphia Presbytery, April 16. 1828. He preached in
many of the vacancies and made an extended visit
among the Covenanters of South Carolina, who were
anxious for his settlement among them. He was
ordained by the Northern Presbytery, and installed
pastor of the united congregations of York. Livingston
504 HISTORY OK THE REFORMED
County, and Rochester, New York, July 2i, 183 1. He
resigned the Rochester branch, April 17, 1835, and
devoted his whole time to York, where he labored
with great diligence and success until his death. In
1843, that dangerous disease, bronchitis, began to
develop itself, and by its progress he was, for a time,
unable to perform his ministerial duties. In May, 1845,
he suffered from a severe hemorrhage of the lungs,
from which he died, at his home near York, New
York, July 22, 1845. He married Miss Catherine
Balfour, of York, New York, May 16, 183 1. He was
not what is now termed a finished scholar nor a
polished speaker, but he was a powerful preacher of
the gospel, and a zealous advocate of the principles
of the Covenanter Church. He was frequently absent
from the meetings of Synod, and for this cause was
not so well known throughout the Church as he
deserved to be. He was devoted to the spiritual
welfare of his own flock, and was a most tender and
faithful pastor. He was distinguished for his integrity
and uprightness of character, and was highly regarded
as a model man in the community. The anti-slavery
reform and the temperance cause found in him an
active worker and an efticient advocate. His position
was fully tested during the controversy and division
of the Church in August, 1833, when most of his
friends abandoned the Testimony, but his love for the
truth, and the attainments of the Reformation cause,
prevailed over all personal attachments, and he held
fast the profession of his faith without wavering.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA.
505
FINLEY MILLIGAN FOSTER :
Son of Samuel M. and Joan (Kyle) Foster was
born .n Cedarville. Green County, Ohio, December i
1S53. He received his early education in the schools
of h:s native village and in Geneva College, and
graduated from the University of Indiana in 1S76 He
studied theology in the Allegheny Seminar>-, and was
licensed by the Lakes Presbytery, April „, rSyg. He
was ordained by the same Presbytery, and installed
pastor of the congregation of Bellefontaine, Ohio May
13. 18S0, and was released from this charge, August
33, 1S87. He was installed pastor of the Third congre-
gation of the city of New York, New York, September
7. 1 887, where he is in charge. He married Miss
Salhe C. Nctr, of Bellefontaine, Ohio, Mav 30, 1883
He is the author of many articles published in the
Church magazines.
JAMES MITCHELL FOSTER:
Son of Samuel M. and Joan (Kyle) Foster, was
born m Cedarville, Green County, Ohio, September 22,
1850. He received the accustomed rudimentary training
m the schools of his native town, and graduated from
the University of Indiana in 1871. He studied theol-
ogy in the Allegheny Seminary, and was licensed bv
the Lakes Presbytery, April 12, 1876. He was ordained
by the same Presbytery, and installed pastor of the
congregation of Cincinnati, Ohio, December 27, 1877
and resigned this charge, April 13, 1886. He accepted
the position of Secretary of the National Reform Asso-
ciation, July I. 1 886, which position he now occupies.'
He married Miss Laura L. Turner, of Bldomington,
506 * HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
Indiana, September 24, 1878. He is a voluminous writer
upon various subjects, and contributes to the magazines
and papers of the Church.
JOHN FRENCH:
Son of John and Jane (Graham) French, was born
near Malone, Franklin County, New York, June 12,
181 5. In 1 8 16, his parents removed to Reynoldsburgh,
Franklin County, Ohio, where he received his early
education in the common schools. He was engaged in
teaching for many years in different parts of Ohio, and
attended Miami University a few sessions. He studied
theology privately, and in the Cincinnati Seminary, and
was licensed by the Lakes Presbytery, September 5,
1849. He was ordained by the same Presbytery, and
installed pastor of the Cedar Lake congregation, Cali-
fornia, Branch County, Michigan, September 23, 1850,
where he labored diligently until his death. About two
years before his decease his health began to decline,
and he asked to be relieved from his pastoral charge
on account of his inability to attend fully to all minis-
terial duties, but before this was done, he was released
by sudden death, from ulceration of the bowels, October
3, 1880. He married Miss Lydia Carithers, of California,
Michigan, December 5, 1850. He was a very large man,
of a commanding appearance, and an energetic speaker.
He was an earnest and instructive preacher, a genial
conversationalist, and a faithful pastor. He was univer-
sally beloved as an exemplary Christian, and in his
death the Church lost one of her worthy and esteemed
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. .507
JOHN CALVIN BOYD FRENCH :
Son of Rev. John and Lydia (Carithers) French,
was born in Cah'fornia, Branch County, Michigan, May
29. 1S5S, He received his early education in the schools
of his native County, and entered Geneva College in
1S73, where he remained two years. He engaged in
teaching in his native County for some time, and finally
resumed his studies in, and graduated from, Geneva
College in 18S3. He taught in the Normal Academy
of McKeesport, Pennsylvania, two years, and at the
same time studied theology in the Allegheny Seminary,
was licensed by the Pittsburgh Presbytery, April 14,
1886, and preached for a few months in Blanchard,
Iowa, and other parts of the Church. He was ordained
by the Rochester Presbytery, and installed pastor of
the congregation of Sterling, Cayuga County, New York,
January 12, 1888, where he is in charge. He married
^[iss Agnes M. Steele, of McKeesport, Pennsylvania,
August 13, 1885.
WILLIAM STEELE FULTON:
Son of James and Mary (Stewart) Fulton, was born
near Northwood, Logan County, Ohio, March 17, 1849.
He received his early education in the common schools,
and graduated from Geneva College in 1873. He studied
theology in the Allegheny Seminary, and was licensed
by the Lakes Presbytery, April 12, 1876. He was
ordained by the Ohio Presbytery, and installed pastor
of the Muskingum and Tomica congregation, Dresden,
Muskingum County, Ohio, December 5, 1877, and re-
signed this charge, April 11, 1S83, and removed to
Belle Centre, Ohio. He was installed pastor of the
'm
508 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
united congregations of Beulah and Eckley, Bostwick,
Webster County, Nebraska, ^larch 14, 1885, where he
is in charge. He married Miss Jennie L. French, of
California, Michigan, August 27, 1877.
FRANCIS GAILEY:
Was born in Killilastian, County Donegal, Ireland,.
March 14, 1802. His parents were poor but respect-
able members of the Covenanter Church. He came to-
America in 18 16, and settled in Orange County,.
New York, where he was employed upon a farm.
Naturally a bright and promising youth, he was induced
to study for the ministry by the Rev. J. R. Willson,
D. D., and pursued a literary course in the Academy
of Coldenham, New York. He studied theology privately
under the direction of Dr. J. R. Willson, and was licensed
by the Northern Presbytery, May 14, 1830. He
preached with great acceptance for a few years in the
vacancies throughout the eastern part of the Church,
and received several calls, none of which he would
accept, and hence never was ordained, although he
assumed ministerial functions. Feeling that he was
unfairly treated by his brethren in several ecclesiastical
transactions, he became embittered against the Church,
and, for disorderly conduct and using abusive language,
his license was cancelled, and he suspended by the
authority of Synod, October 6, 1838. He continued to-
•preach, however, and formed what was termed the
"Safety League." He began the publication of the
American Reformed Covenanter in 1839, a pamphlet
issued every two months, through which he e.x-pressed
his contempt for the Church and stigmatized her
JOHN GALBRAITH
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IX AMERICA. 509
ministry as " malignants." He claimed that he was the
true representative and only apostle of the Covenanters,
and that the whole body had made defection fron^•
the attainments of the Reformation. He made some
disciples in Baltimore, New York, and Southern Ohio,,
and re-baptized all his converts. He was soon shorn
of his influence, however, and his followers repented
and returned to the Church of their fathers. He was
a resident of the city of New York, New York, for
thirty-five years, where he died in Bellevue Hospital,
friendless and alone, May 21, 1872. ' He married Miss
Jane Wylie, of Baltimore, Maryland, July 9, 1S47.
He was a bright and intellectual man, a very accept-
able preacher, a forcible speaker and a racy author.
He was winnmg in his manners, but by no means
imposing in his personal appearance. He gave evidence
of holding a prominent position in the Church, had
he been possessed of the true Christian spirit, with
malice toward none and charity for all.
JOHN GALBRAITH:
Son of James and Margaret (AlcCIure) Galbraith,
was born in Edenmore, County Antrim, Ireland, April
6, 18 1 8. His parents were worthy members of the
Covenanter Church, and he received his early education
in the schools of his native land. He came to America,
April 6, 1832, and settled near Burgettstown, Washing-
ton County, Pennsylvania, where he continued his
studies, and graduated from the Western University
of Pennsylvania in 1838. He studied theology in the
Allegheny Seminary, and was licensed by the Pitts-
burgh Presbytery, June i, 1842. He v.-as ordained by
5Io HISTORY 0-F TH£ REFORMED
the same Presbytery, and installed pastor of the united
congregation of Union, Pine Creek and Lovejoy, Val-
encia, Butler County, Pennsylvania, June 29, 1843.
The congregation was divided, April 11, 1870, since
which time he continues pastor -of North Union, a
part of his original charge. He married Miss Sarah
Wylie, of Elizabeth, Pennsylvania, July ir, 1843. He
was Moderator of the Synod of 1874.
SAMUEL RENWICK GALBRAITH :
Son of Rev. John and Sarah (Wylie) Galbraith,
was born near t*alencia, Butler County, Pennsylvania,
August 25, 1844. He received his early literary train-
ing in the common schools, and under the direction
of his father, graduating from Westminster College
in 1 866. He studied theology in the Allegheny Semi- ■
nary, and was licensed by the Pittsburgh Presbytery,
April 13, 1869. He was ordained by the Rochester
Presbytery, and installed pastor of the congregation of
Sterling, Cayuga County, New York, July 7, 1 870.
At the meeting of Synod in May, 1871, he was chosen
to fill the vacancy in the Syrian Mission occasioned
by the death of Rev. R. J. Dodds, D. D. He accepted
the appointment, and resigned the pastoral charge of
Sterling, October 4, 1871. He, with other Missionaries,
embarked for Syria, November 4, 1871, and arrived in
Latakia early in January, 1872. With enthusiastic
devotion he began the study of the Arabic language,
in which he made rapid progress. He soon began to
suffer from severe headaclies, which were followed by
an attack of fever peculiar to that country. From
this sickness he rallied, and repaired to Beyrout, to
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 511
seek the bracino^ air of 'Sit. Lebanon. While in Beyrout
a relapse of the fever set in. with symptoms of
softening of the brain, from which he died, June 21,
1S72, and was buried in the Prussian Cemetery, under
the shadow of Mt. Lebanon, Syria. He married Miss
Anna Martin, of Lisbon Centre, New York, Septem-
ber 19. 1S71. He was a pleasing and impressive
preacher. By his accurate scholarship, studious habits,
manly independence and earnest Christian character,
he was eminently fitted for the work which he had
undertaken. His discourses were carefully prepared,
methodically arranged, and chaste in style. He was
faithfully and conscientiously engaged in duty when
his Master called him.
^L\TTHE\V AUGUSTINE GAULT :
Son of John and Martha (Adams) Gault, was born
in Coleraine, County Londonderr}-, Ireland, May 2,
1S45. In 1847, his parents came to America,
settled near Brockport, Monroe County, New York,
and in 1S52, they removed to Waukesha, Waukesha
County, Wisconsin. Here he connected with the Cove-
nanter Church, and received his early education,
■graduating from Monmouth College in 1870. He
studied theology in the Allegheny Seminary, and was
licensed by the Pittsburgh Presbytery, April 15, 1S74.
He was ordained by the Iowa Presbytery, installed
pastor of Lind Grove congregation, Mediapolis, Des
Moines County, Iowa, May 20, 1873, and resigned this
charge, October 4, 1S77. He became stated supply
to the Long Branch congregation, Blanchard, Page
County, Iowa, and was installed the pastor October r.
512 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED '--^
1880. He resigned this charge, October 25, 1882, since
which time he has been engaged as a Secretary of the
National Reform Association, with his residence in
Blanchard, Iowa. He married Miss Maggie P. Turner,
of Waukesha, Wisconsin, September 17, 1871. His
letters are printed in the Church magazines, and papers
of the National Reform Association.
SAMUEL MAXWELL GAYLEY:
Son of Andrew and Margaret (Crawfordj Gayley,
was born in Creevy, County Tyrone, Ireland, June 4,
1802.* His parents were Scotch Presbyterians, from
whom he received a strict religious education, and at ten
years of age began a classical course of study with the
ministry in view. In 1S14, he lost his father by death,
which event so frustrated his plans for the ministry that
he abandoned that idea and commenced the study of
medicine with Dr. Samuel Snodgrass of Castlederg. He
remained in this study over a year ; in the meantime
losing his devoted mother by death, his mind was
again turned to the ministry, and he resumed his classical
studies under the direction of the Rev. Andrew Maxwell,
where he remained over two years. He came to
America in May, 1823, and landed in the city of Phila-
delphia, Pennsylvania, an absolute stranger. He con-
nected with the Covenanter Church, soon afterwards
began the study of theology in the Philadelphia
Seminary, and was licensed by the Philadelphia Presby-
tery, April 4, 1828. He labored for some time as stated
supply at Conococheague, Pottsville and Mauch Chunk,
in Eastern Pennsylvania. In 1S31, he repaired to
* Preibvtcrian Historiial Almanac. Vol. 6.
HENRY H. GEORGE, D. D.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 513
Wilmington, Delaware, where he gathered a congrega-
tion, over which he was ordained by the Philadelphia
Presbytery and installed pastor, December 25, 1S32.
At the division of the Church in the following year, he
became identified with the New School branch of the
Covenanter Church, and took most of the congregation
with him into that body. He connected with the
Presbyterian Church, June 13, 1837, and was installed
pastor of the congregation of Rockland, Delaware,
where he remained si.xteen years, most of which time
he was Principal of a Classical School. In 1854, he
removed to Media, Pennsylvania, and founded Media
Classical Institute, which is still a flourishing school,
and remained its Principal until his death, December
19, 1862. He was a clear, logical, and interesting
preacher, with a great amount of missionary spirit. He
was a thorough classical scholar, and in his Schools he
educated a number of men who became eminent in
Church and State. He wrote largely for the press and
educational monthlies, and by correspondence with
legislators was efficient in procuring the improved
S}-stem of common school education.
HENRY GEORGE, D. D. :
Son of Henry and Maria fDolman) George, was
born in Cumberland, Muskingum County, Ohio, February
20, 1S33. In 1839, his parents removed to Locust
Grove, Adams County, Ohio, where he received his
early education in the common schools, graduating
from Geneva College in 1853. He became a Tutor of
Greek in this institution, and, in 1S56, Professor of
Greek. He studied theology in the Northwood and
514 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED f^
Allegheny Seminaries, and was licensed by the Lakes
Presbytery, June 4, 1857. He was ordained by the
same Presbytery, and installed pastor of the united
congregations of Cedarville, Green County, and Cincin-
nati, Ohio, June 23, 1858. He resigned the Cedarville
branch, August 4, 1S66, the Cincinnati charge, August
18, 1872, and accepted the Presidency of Geneva
College, which position he now occupies. In addition
to his collegiate duties, he was installed pastor of the
congregation of Rushsylvania, Logan Count}-, Ohio,-
May 3, 1878, and resigned May 18, 1880. In the fall
of 1880, Geneva College was removed from Northwood,
Ohio, to Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, whither he
removed, and^ it is largely through his personal efforts
that the institution enjoys its present prosperity. He
married Miss Sarah Brown, of Cincinnati, Ohio, Decem-
ber 27, 1864. Among his numerous publications in
the interests of Reformation, is an " Address on Secret
Societies," 1872, pp. 40. He was honored with the
degree of Doctor of Divinity by the Ohio Central
College in 1874. He was Moderator of the Synod of 1871.
ROBERT JAMES GEORGE:
Son of John and Jane (Slater) George, was born
near Venice, Washington County, Pennsylvania, July 15,
1844. He received his early education in the High
School of Hickory, attended the Academy of Dayton,
Pennsylvania, one year, and graduated from West-
minster College in 1S66: He studied theology in the
Allegheny Seminary, and was licensed by the Pittsburgh
Presbyter>-, April 13, 1869. He was ordained by the
same Presbytery, and installed pastor of the Poland and
r
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 515
North Jackson congregation, Canfield, Mahoning Count)-,
Ohio, May 19, 1870, and resigned this charge, April 14,.
1S75. He was installed pastor of the congregation of
Beaver Fails, Pennsylvania, June 15, 1S75, where he is
in charge. He married Miss Maggie R. Hamilton, of
Putne\-ville, Pennsylvania, October 28, 1S68. He was
instrumental in locating and building up Geneva College
in its present site, and is the Secretary of its Board
and that of the Superintendents of the Theological
Seminary. In the fall of 1SS6, he was appointed
temporary Professor of Theology in the Allegheny
Seminary as successor to the late Rev. J. R. W. Sloane,
D. D., and, in the spring of 18S7, was elected by
S\-nod as Professor of Systematic Theology, but
declined that honor to remain with his congregation.
SAMUEL ALEXANDER GEORGE:
Son of Michael and Hannah (Hutcheson) George,
was born in Locust Grove, Adams County, Ohio,
September 28, 1851. In early life his parents removed
to Rushsylvania, Logan County, Ohio, where he received
his early education in the public schools, graduating
from Geneva College in 1S73. He studied theolog}-
in the Allegheny Seminary, was licensed by the
Lakes Presbytery, April 12, 1876, and labored as a
i^Iissionary in Mansfield, Ohio, and built up that con-
gregation. He was ordained by the Ohio Presbytery,
and installed pastor of the congregation of Mansfield,
Ohio, November 20, 1878, where he is in charge. He
married Miss Jemima Blackwood, of Rose Point.
Pennsylvania, September 2, 1875.
5l6 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
WILLIAM FINNEY GEORGE :
Son of Alexander and Martha (Finney) George, was
torn near Venice, Washington County, Pennsylvania,
November 19, 1821. He acquired the basis of a classical
•education in the schools of his native County, and
graduated from Franklin College in 1845. ^^i 1846, he
became Professor of Languages in Muskingum College,
where he remained two years. He studied theology in
the Cincinnati and Northwood Seminaries one year each,
and, in 1850, accepted the Presidency of Geneva College. :
He continued his theological studies in the Northwood
:Seminary, was licensed by the Lakes Presbytery,
April 24, 185 1, and, in the following winter, resigned
his position in the College that he might devote him-
self to the work of the ministry. He wa^ ordained by
the Lakes Presbytery, at Utica, Ohio, May 12, 1853,
.and installed pastor of the congregation of Macedon,
Mercer County, Ohio, September 26, 1853, resigning
this charge on account of impaired health, April 20,
1858. He was installed pastor' of the Church Hill con- '
gregation, Coultersville, Randolph County, Illinois, March
5, i860, and resigned May 17, 187 1. He was installed
pastor of the congregation of Staunton, Macoupin County,
Illinois, Alay 13, 1872, where he labored under many
trials of body and mind, until he was taken away in
death, by that wasting disease — consumption, April 14,
1S80. He married Miss Martha Speer, of New Concord,
■Ohio, September 2, 1847. He was an earnest and
interesting preacher, and a kind and attentive pastor.
He was a scholar of considerable ability and possessed
an aptness to teach. With a large family in a new
.-t^V'
JOHN GIBSON.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 517
country, he had a good many difficulties to contend
with, and in addition to his ministerial work, taught
school with marked success, and practiced medicine with
much usefulness. He was a public-spirited man, took
an active part in Church courts, ably advocated the
reforms of his day, and was closely attached to the
principles of the Covenanter Church.
JOHN GIBSON:
Son of Rev. William and Rebecca (Mitchell) Gib-
son, was born in Ballymena, County Antrim, Ireland,
August 14, 1791. He came with his parents to America
in 1797, and settled in the city of Philadelphia, Penn-
sylvania; and. in 1799, removed to Ryegate, Caledonia
County, Vermont. He received a very careful religious
training from his distinguished parents, pursued his
classical studies under the direction of his father, and
attended the University of Vermont. He studied
theology in the Philadelphia Seminary, was licensed
by the Middle Presbytery, May 19, 1S17, and preached
in Western Pennsylvania and Ohio for one year. He
was ordained by the ^Middle Presbytery, and installed
pastor of the congregation of Baltimore, Maryland,
December 15, i8i3. He built up a flourishing con-
gregation in this city, and also conducted a classical
school, in which the sons of the best families in the
city were educated. At the division of the Church
in August, 1833, he went out, but did not formally
connect, with the New School branch of the Cove-
nanter Church. He joined the Presbyterian Church, being
received by the Presbyter}- of Baltimore, October 10,
1S33, and took the great majority of the 'congregation
'^i»y^
518 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED , ■
with him. He preached in Baltimore a short time
without any charge. In 1834, he committed forgery
to meet the monetary obligations contracted by an
extravagant family, for which cause he was apprehended,
but being a minister he was allowed his freedom pro-
vided he immediately left the State never to return.*
He went to the West, and supplied vacant pulpits and
taught school for many years. In 1858, he was stated
supply at Belleville, Illinois; in 1S62, at Mt. Vernon;
and in 1S66, he removed to Sparta, Illinois. In 1868,
he went to Cincinnati, Ohio, and soon afterwards
retired to the home of his brother, the Rev. W. J.
Gibson, D. D., at Duncansville, Blair County, Pennsyl-
vania, where he died, June 3, 1869. He married Miss
Elizabeth Jamieson, of Baltimore, Maryland, in 1821.
He was a forcible and interesting preacher, and in
his earlier years very popular. He was a proficient
classical scholar, and an apt and successful teacher. He '
possessed considerable ability, was a kind and social
man, but rather liberal in his views. He was Moderator
of the Synod of 182 1. "'.,';
ROBERT GIBSON: , '
Son of Rev. William and Rebecca (Mitchell)
Gibson, was born in Ballymena, County Antrim, Ireland,
October i, 1793. His parents came to America in
1797, settled in the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,
and, in 1799, removed to Ryegate, Caledonia County,
Vermont. Here he received his rudimentary training
in the common schools, and, with the ministry in view, •
pursued the classics under the direction of his distin-
* Facts from some Baltimore parishioners.
ROBERT GIBSON.
I
5:
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IX AMERICA. 519
guished father, and became an excellent scholar. He
studied theology in the Philadelphia Seminar}-, was
licensed by the Middle Presbytery, June 5, 181 S, and
his first pulpit efforts awakened more than ordinary
attention. He was ordained by the Pittsburgh Presby-
tery, and installed pastor of the Little Beaver congre-
gation. New Galilee, Beaver County, Pennsylvania,
September 6, 18 19. Large audiences gathered from all
parts of the country to hear him whenever he was
announced to conduct a preaching service, and, by his
faithful and eloquent presentation of the gospel, the
congregation flourished. In this new and extensive
field he travelled much, and was subjected to great
exposure in reaching the various places of preaching;
and he contracted an insipient disease of the lungs,
necessitating a change, and he resigned this charge,
October 16, 1830. He was installed pastor of the
Second congregation of the cit\- of New York, New
York, May iS, 1831. Here his ministrations were
hailed with large and appreciative audiences three
times a Sabbath, and the congregation grew in
numbers and practical godliness. At the division of
the Church in August, 1833, he was in the midst of
the controversy, and although sorely tried, stood faith-
ful to the Covenanted Testimon\-. In 1S34, his health
again began to decline, and, in 1S36, he visited his
old home among the evergreen hills of Vermont, but,
''■n account of the frequency of his preaching among
ills admirers and old acquaintances, his health was not
improved. In the spring of 1837, he made a visit to
his native land and other parts of Europe, where the
520 HISTORY OK THE REFORMED
people received him gladly. He returned the same
autumn not much benefitted, and gradually declined
with that fatal disease, consumption, until his death,
at his residence in the city of New York, New York,
December 22, 1837. He was twice married. His first
wife was Miss Mary A. Harvey, of Philadelphia, Penn-
sylvania, 1817; the second. Miss Mary A. Lindsay, of
the same city, 1827. He is justly ranked among the
most eloquent and popular preachers of the Covenanter
Church. His appearance was prepossessing ; above the
medium in height, of dark complexion, and of an open
and agreeable countenance. He- had a splendid voice,
soft in melody, flexible in tone, distinct in articula-
tion, and a manner that attracted the masses of the
people. While he may not .be ranked among the
profound theologians, yet his mode of thinking, his
manner of address, and his forms of expression were
all in sympathy with the popular mind. He was bold,
faithful and magnanimous in declaring the truth of
God, and in rebuking all error and vice. He was
peculiarly zealous and successful in the maintenance of
the Calvinistic system against the Arminian errors and
Hopkinsian subtleties. Opposition but increased his
ardor and added fresh vigor to his enlightened zeal,
and his powers of persuasion were peculiarly effective.
He took a prominent part in all Church work, and
was among the number of sterling integrity who main-
tained the principles of the Church in their purity.
In 1832, he became an associate editor of the Anwi-icaii
Protestant Vmdicator, a weekly paper published in New
York, and devoted to the cause of Protestantism against
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IX AMERICA. 52 1
Roman Catholicism. He also published three ably
written pamphlets in vindication of the position of the
Old School Covenanter Church during- the controversy
of I S3 3, which are unanswerable. He was Moderator
of the Synod of 1834.
WILLIAM GIBSON:
Son of Robert and Susannah (McWhirr) Gibson, was
born near Knockbracken, County Down, Ireland, July i,
1753. His parents were members of the Presbyterian'
Church, but on account of the departure of that body
from the attainments of the Reformation, he connected
with the Covenanter Church in early life. He passed
through the accustomed routine of studies in the national
schools, and under private instructors, and graduated
from the University of Glasgow, Scotland, in 1775. He
studied theology in Edinburgh, and privately, and was
licensed by the Reformed Presbyter}' of Ireland, May
19, 1781. He preached with great acceptance in the
vacancies for a few years, and was ordained by the
Reformed Presbytery, and installed pastor of the united
congregations of Kellswater and CuUybackey, County
Antrim, Ireland, April 17, 1787. His labors were
signally blessed by the gathering of a large congre-
gation, and in his fidelity to truth, and the doctrine of
Christ's Headship over the Church, he rendered himself
obnoxious to a tyrannical government. His ardent love
for personal liberty led him to encourage those asso-
ciations formed in Ireland to throw off the British
\oke. The Insurrection of 1797 marked a trying period
in the histor}.- of Ireland, and the Covenanters were
often suspected by governmental agents as countenancing
522 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
the association of " United Irishmen." During this
rebellion, the oath of allegiance was required, but the
Covenanters refused to take it. A magistrate living in
the vicinity of Mr. Gibson's congregation, administered
the oath to two men who waited upon his ministrations,
and one of them remarked that Mr. Gibson would
censure them for what they had done. This observation
reached the ear of the magistrate, who declared with
•a profane oath, that Mr. Gibson should either take the
oath of allegiance or his life should go for it. This
was the reason he found an asylum, with hundreds of
others, in America, and not because he was a member
of the " United Irishmen." According to his own testi-
mony he never was a member of that association.*
He fled for safety to America, and landed in the city
of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, October i8, 1797, and
resided, with his family, in this city nearly two years.
He supplied the small societies of Covenanters in
Philadelphia, Coldenham, New York, and in Vermont.
He, with the Rev. James McKinney and ruling elders,
constituted the Reformed Presbytery of America, at
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, May, 1798. He was installed
pastor of the congregation centering in Ryegate, Cale-
donia County, Vermont, July 10, 1799. This field was
very extensive and in a severely cold and uncultivated
section of country, but his labors were accompanied
with manifest tokens of the Divine blessing. The con-
gregation became divided into several branches, and he
resigned the charge, April 13, 18 15. He was installed
pastor of the congregation of Canonsburgh, Washington
* American R,form,d
1
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 523
County. Pennsylvania, October 23, 1S17, and resigned on
account of the infirmities of age, May 27, 1826. He
took charge of the congregation of Paterson, New-
Jersey, for several years. In May, 1834, he removed
to the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he
resided two years. During the controversy and division
of the Church in August, 1833, he remained among the
faithful brethren who held the principles of the Cove-
nanter Church as they have always been applied. In
1S36, he removed to the city of New York, New York,
and supplied the pufpit of his son, the Rev. Robert
Gibson, who was in feeble health. In the summer of
1S38, disease and the extreme infirmities of age rendered
him unable to sustain himself under the fatigue of the
usual pulpit labors, and he gradually declined until his
death, at his home in the city of New York, New York,
October 15, 1838. Although in his eighty-fifth year,
he preached twice upon the Sabbath, and his reason and
memory were unimpaired. He married Miss Rebecca
Mitchell, of Londonderry County, Ireland, in 1788. He
was a well-read theologian and a fine classical scholar.
His discourses were distinguished for soundness of
doctrine. Scriptural illustration, and practical application.
He was not a brilliant speaker and yet a most instruc-
tive preacher. He was especially interesting upon sacra-
mental occasions, when it was evident that he had
drunk deeply at the fountain of Divine truth, and he
dispensed the waters of life with a copiousness and
richness of sanctified thought seldom surpassed. He
\^as a large, fine-looking man, venerable and imposing
in his appearance. He was the honest and upright
~m
524 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
man in all his transactions; naturally benevolent in
disposition, warm and unchanging in his friendships,
and void of anything like dissimulation. He effected
little as an author. He published a pamphlet in the
form of a dialogue concerning the Calvinistic doctrine
of the Atonement against Hopkinsiariism, 1S02, pp. 80;
also a sermon, " When the Enemy shall come in like a
Flood," 1803, pp. 47. He was Moderator of the first
Synod of-iSog, and also in 1816 and 1832.
JONATHAN GILL:
Son of John and Jane (Shaw) Gill, was bom near
Huntingdon, Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania, August
9, 1777. His childhood and youth were characterized
by many of the deprivations of a new country, and
with difficulty he obtained the rudiments of an educa-
tion, and engaged in teaching. After some time he
resumed his studies in the Canonsburgh Academy, and
graduated from Jefferson College in 18 10. He studied
theology in the Philadelphia Seminary, and was licensed
by the Middle Presbytery,* May 9, 18 14. He was
ordained by the Western Presbytery, and installed
pastor of the united congregations of Xenia and
Massie's Creek, Green County, Ohio, May 14, 18 16,
and resigned this charge, April 6, 1S23. He was
installed pastor of the Brookland congregation,
including Puckety and Thompson's Run societies,
Lucesco, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, October
20, 1823. At the division of the Church in August,
1833, he became identified with the New School branch
of the Covenanter Church, and the pastoral relation
was dissolved. He was restored, October 16, 1834,
PRESBVTERIAX CHURCH IN AMERICA. 525
but soon returned to that body, and his name was
stricken from the roll by the authority of Synod,
October 7, 1836. In 1835, he became Professor of
Languages in the Western University of Pennsylvania,
and subsequently Principal of an Academy. He con-
nected with the Associate Reformed Church, being
received by the Monongahela Presbyter>' of that bod>v
May 24, 1840. He died of pneumonia, at his home
in the vicinity of the city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania,
April 20, 1846. He married Miss Rachael M. Steen,
of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1815. He was an
acceptable preacher, a proficient scholar, and a success-
ful teacher, to which latter profession he mostly devoted
his energies. He distinguished himself as a linguist in
the translation of the Hebrew Bible, which is considered
an excellent work.
WILLIAM JOHN GILLESPIE:
Son of John and Sarah (Gillespie) Gillespie, was
born in Ballynahinch, County Down, Ireland, October
3, 1841. His parents were members of the Seceder
Church, and sent him to 'the classical school of
Wishaw, Scotland, where he received his early educa-
tion. He came to America, May 14, 1857, and set-
tled in Newburgh, New York, where he resumed his
studies, and connected with the Covenanter Church.
In 1862, with a view to the ministry, he entered
Westminster College, where he graduated in 1866.
He studied theology in the Allegheny Seminary,
was licensed by the Pittsburgh Presbyter)-, April 15,
1 868, and labored in Minnesota for some time. He
was ordained by the Illinois Presbytery, and installed
326 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
pastor of the Old Bethel congregation, Sparta, Randolph
County, Illinois, October 13, 1869. He connected with f-
the United Presbyterian Church, being received by the --•-;
Southern Illinois Presbytery, August 6, 1870. He was '-J^
installed pastor of the congregation of Sparta, Illinois, .-,/
September 11, 1870, and resigned August 14, 1877.' :^
He was installed pastor of the Charles Street con- •''.
gregation. New York City, New York, August 30, . ' '.^
1877, and resigned June 16, 1879. He was installed -y,
pastor of the congregation of Jordan's Grove, Randolph -..■",'■'
County, Illinois, December 16, 1879, and resigned -fr
October 24, 18S2. He was installed pastor of the ;.;,
Union congregation, Sparta, Illinois, January iS, 1883, ..■'';
and resigned May 31, 1886. He took charge of a -'*
Mission enterprise in Leavenworth, Kansas, June 5, '-'7
1886, and is Chaplain of the National Home for -v-
Disabled Volunteer Soldiers. He married Miss Jennie ^(-.^
Wier, of Sparta, Illinois, October i, 1872. 7.-
WILLIAM MELANCTHON GLASGOW: 3
Son of Moses T. and Martha W. (Thompson) Glas- -■:■.
gow, was born in Northwood, Logan County, Ohio,
July I, 1856. The following year his parents removed
to Belle Centre, Ohio, where he received his' early ;J
education in the public schools. In March, 1872, he ■'
was employed in connection with the Cincinnati Daily
Star, and, in 1874, was agent and reporter for the
same paper in Dayton, Ohio. He resumed his studies ■',
in Geneva College, where he graduated in 1880, and •'
was employed in Boston, Massachusetts, for two years.
He studied theology in the Allegheny Seminary, was
licensed by the Pittsburgh Presbytery, April 9, 1884,
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 527
and made a tour of the British Maritime Provinces.
He was ordained by the Philadelphia Presbytery, and
installed pastor of the congregation of Baltimore,
Marj-land, November 26, 18S5, where he is in charge.
He was an editor of the College Cabinet two years,
beginning with its establishment in 1878. He published
the "History of the Reformed Presbyterian Church in
America," 1S8S.
DAVID GRAHAM:
Son of Thomas and Mary (De Witt) Graham, was
born in Coleraine, County Londonderry, Ireland, Sep-
tember 8, 1779.* He received his preparatory literary
course in the schools of his native County, and graduated
from the University of Glasgow, Scotland, in 1799. He
studied theology in the Seminary of Paisley, Scotland,
and was licensed by the Reformed Presbytery of Ireland,
March 9, 1804. He was ordained by the same court,
and installed pastor of the congregation of Magherafelt,
Gounty Londonderry, Ireland, October 16, 1805. Be-
coming embarrassed in some worldly affairs he went to
London, England, in 1S07, and during his absence in
that city he was deposed from the ministerial office,
by the Reformed Presbytery of Ireland, for abandoning
his charge and for mistreating his people. t He came
to America, February 8, 180S, and settled in the city
of New York, New York, where he was engaged as a
teacher of the languages. He made application for
admittance into the Covenanter Church and for the
exercise of his ministerial functions. After a full con-
* Principal items from his sod, Hon. John Graham, New York City.
t Minutes of Synod, 1S09, p. 33.
528 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
fession of his conduct in Ireland, and renewing his
pledges of fidelity to the Church, he was restored by
the Northern Presbytery, at Milton, Northumberland
County, Pennsylvania, August 12, 1809. He preached
with great acceptance in the vacancies, and, in 18 10,
was called to the congregation of Canonsburgh, Penn-
sylvania, and accepted the call. Before his installation,
however, he was arraigned by the Middle Presbyterj- for
"withdrawing his profession of repentance, and employing
his ministry to the injury of the Church." His trial
was held in the Court House in the city of Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania, in August, 181 1, and lasted eight days,
attracting a large crowd of eager spectators from the
country congregations, and many of the legal profession
in the city. His fine address and persuasive eloquence
drew to himself the sympathy of a numerous con-
stituency, and the impression deepened that he was
persecuted by the jealous spirit of his brethren whose
known abilities as divines were far below his acqui-
sitions. The charges, however, were all proven, where-
upon he declined the authority of the court, and
was deposed by the Middle Presbytery, August 20, iSii.
With a number of followers he became identified with
the Seceder Church, and preached for some time in
Washington and Butler Counties, Pennsylvania. His
preaching became too orthodox for them, when he advo-
cated with unanswerable arguments and overwhelming
eloquence that " Christ reigned as Mediator from the
roofless heavens to the bottomless hell." Many of his
followers returned to the Church of their fathers and
the rest abandoned him. In 18 18, he returned to New
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 529
York City, and began the study of law with Thomas
Addis Emmett, one of the most distinguished members
of the metropolitan bar, and he was admitted to the
practice of law, November 9, 1820. He soon rose into
prominence and became one of the leading lawyers in
the city, as well as an influential member of the
Lafayette Avenue Dutch Reformed Church. He was
engaged as counsel, in 1S33, in pleading for the property
of the Covenanter Church. In the later years of his
life he returned somewhat to intemperate habits, and
died very suddenly of dysentery-, at his home in the
city of New York, New York, September 13, 1S39. He
married Miss Mary Hazleton, of Londonderry, Ireland,
March 16, 1 807. He was a fine classical scholar, a
clear logician, and a most interesting and eloquent
preacher. For many years he conducted a class in
Hebrew, composed principally of clergymen, in New
York. As a lawyer, he stood in the front rank, par-
ticularly as an advocate, and was remarkable for his
powers of cross-examination. He was rather below the
medium in height, corpulent, of a pleasing address arud
courteous manner. He published " A Treatise on the
Law of New Trials," 1S34, a standard work and still
an authority.
JOHN GRAHAM:
Son of Hugh and Maria (Williams) Graham, was
born in the cit}' of New York, New York, May 14,
1857. In early life his parents removed to the city
of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he received his
early education in the public schools, and attended the
University of Pennsylvania two years. He studied
53° HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
theology in the Allegheny Seminar}-, and was licenseJ
by the Philadelphia Presbytery, May 6, 1880. He also-
graduated from the National School of Elocution and
Oratory, Philadelphia, June 8, 1881. He was ordained
by the Rochester Presbytery, and installed pastor of the
congregation of Rochester, New York, June 22, 1881,.
where he is in charge. He married Miss Emma Mehaffay,
of Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, September 9, 1880.
WILLIAM GRAHAM:
Son of John and Dorathy (Martin) Graham, was-
born near Ballibay, County Monaghan, Ireland, July 7,.
1826. He received his early education in the schools-
of his native County, came to America, December I,
1847, and settled in the city of New York, New York,,
where he was engaged in business for many years.
With the ministry in view, he resumed his classical
studies, graduating from the University of the City
of New York in 1859. He studied theology at the
same time under the direction of the Rev. Andrew
Stevenson, D. D., and was licensed by the New York
Presbytery, November i, 1859. He was ordained by
the same Presbytery, installed pastor of the First con-
gregation of Boston, Massachusetts, July 11, i860,
where he is in charge. He was married twice. First
to Miss Elizabeth Bell, of New York City, March 26,
1856; and second to Miss Mary A. Dickson, of Rye-
gate, Vermont, December 3, 1S62.
DAVID GREGG:
Son of David and Mary (Rafferty) Gregg, was
born in the city of Allegheny, Pennsylvania, March
25, 1845. He received his early education in the-
DAVID GREGG.
J
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IX AMERICA. 53 r
public schools and in Westminster College of his
native city, graduating from Jefferson College in 1865.
He studied theology in the Allegheny Seminary, and
was licensed by the Pittsburgh Presbytery, April 15,
1868. He was ordained by the Xew York Presbyter)-,
and installed pastor of the Third congregation of the
city of New York, New York, February 23, 1S70, and
resigned this charge, October 2S, 18S5. He was re-
installed pastor, December 6, 1885, and released
January 25, 1S87. He connected with the Congrega-
tional Church, and was installed pastor of the Park
street Church, Boston, Massachusetts. Februar\- 16,
1S87, where he is in charge. He married Miss Katie
Ethridge, of Rome, New York, October 12, 1870. He
was an editor of Oiir Bajincr from 1874 until 1SS7 ;
and contributed an exposition of the Sabbath School
lessons to the Christian Statesi7ian for several years.
He was Moderator of the Synod of 1882.
THOMAS CATHCART GUTHRIE, D. D. :
Son of Hugh and Margaret (Cathcart) Guthrie,
was born near Broughshane. County Antrim, Ireland,-
August 7, 1796. He was trained in the strictest
manner by a Covenanter parentage, and united with
the Church in 1813, then under the pastoral charge of
the Rev. W. J. St^vely, D. D., of Kellswater con-
gregation. He came to America in 18 17, for his
health, and settled near the city of Pittsburgh, Penn-
sylvania, where he spent some time in recuperation.
He resumed his studies in the Pittsburgh Academy,
graduating from the Western University of Penn-
sylvania in 1823. He' studied theology in the Phila-
332 HISTORV OF THE REFORMED
delphia Seminary, and was licensed by the Pittsburgh
Presbytery, April 14, 1825. He was ordained by the
■same Presbyter}-, and installed pastor of the united
congregation of Pine Creek, Union and Camp Run,
centering about Bakerstown, Allegheny County, Penn-
sylvania, April 26, 1S26. At the division of the Church
in August, 1833, he became identified with the New
.School branch of the Covenanter ChurcTi, and remained
pastor of a portion of his former flock, until his
resignation, May 23, 1S55. During this year he went
to Chicago, Illinois, and was about to remove his
family to that city, when he was attacked with
malarial fever, and returned to his former home. He
was installed pastor of the congregation of Mount
Pleasant, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, a part of
his original charge, June 9, 1856. He, and the con-
gregation, connected with the United Presbyterian ,, ,^
•Church, October 10, 1859. He resigned this charge, ->i^
May .24, 1864, and spent the residue of his life in
supplying pulpits as his health would permit. In 1874,
he removed to Sparta, Randolph County, Illinois, where
he died, March 22, 1876. He married Miss Elizabeth
■Caskey, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, December 30,
1828, as his first wife; second, Mrs. Nancy (Gilleland)
McLean, of Bakerstown, Pennsylvania, January 26, 1837 ;
and third. Miss Mary Faun, of Allegheny City, Penn-
sylvania, June I, 1849. He was an earnest and
instructive preacher, and an attentive pastor. He was a
proficient classical scholar and well-read in science and
philosophy. His intellectual powers were considerable,
and he possessed a most vivid imagination. He was
M
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 533
honored with the degree of Doctor of Divinity by
Franklin College in 1843. He was Moderator of the
General Synod of 1844.
JOSEPH HAAHLTOxN':
Son of Joseph and Susannah (Logan) Hamilton,
was born in Belraugh, County Londonderry, Ireland,
June 13, 1S42. He received the rudiments of an educa-
tion in the national schools, began the classics under
the Rev. James Bryce, attended the Belfast Academy,
and graduated from Queen's College in i86r. He
studied theology in the Belfast Seminary, and was
licensed by the Northern Presbytery, Ireland, January
30, 1866. He was ordained by the same court, and
installed pastor of the congregation of Garvagh, County
Londonderry', Ireland, November 7, 1867, and he
resigned this charge, October 14, 1872. He came to
America the following spring, and was received by the
Rochester Presbytery, May 30, 1873. He supplied
vacancies throughout the Church generally, but especially
the Canadian societies of the Rochester Presbytery.
While preaching in West Hebron, Washington County,
New York, he was reckoned heretical in his teaching
in the case of the man said to be possessed of an
unclean spirit ; in which discourse he denied the per-
sonality of the Devil. After a statement of his beliefs
relative to the subject, which were deemed subversive
to the teachings of the Scriptures and the Church, he
was suspended by the Rochester Presbytery, October
5, 1875. He preached as opportunity afforded, with-
out any ecclesiastical connection, and taught public and
select schools in different parts of the country for
534 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
several years. He removed to the city of Allegheny,
Pennsylvania, where for many years he was employed
as an agent for several publishing houses, and engaged
in selling religious and wholesome literature. In June,
1886, he became a teacher in the Naval Academy at
Oxford, Maryland, where he remained some time.
THOMAS HANNA, D. D. :
Was born near Kilmarnock, Ayershire, Scotland,
August 14, 1806. His parents were exemplary mem-
bers of the Covenanter Church, from ' whom he received
the best training. He received the elements of an
excellent education, and graduated from the University
of Glasgow, Scotland, in 1832. He studied theology
in the Paisley Seminary-, was licensed by the Glas-
gow Presbytery, March 4, 1835, and preached with
much acceptance in the vacancies of Scotland for six
years. He came to America in the summer of 1841,
and was received as a licentiate, by Synod, October 6,
1841. He was ordained by the Southern Presbytery,
and installed pastor of the Conococheague congrega-
tion, Fayetteville, Franklin County, Pennsylvania, Decem-
ber 8, 1842, and resigned this charge, October 29,
1844, and was stated supply at Wilkinsburgh, Penn-
sylvania, in 1850. He was installed pastor of the
Slippery Rock and Camp Run congregation. Rose
Point, Lawrence County, Pennsylvania, November 17,
1852, and resigned this charge, October 29, 1S61.
For many years he resided in Allegheny City, Penn-
sylvania, and occasionally preached. He connected
with the United Presbyterian Church, being received
by the Stamford Presbytery of that body, October lO,
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 535
1872, and he removed to Williamsford, Ontario, Canada,
where he preached as opportunity afforded. Here he
died of an acute form of inflammation of the lungs,
June 7, 18S1, and was buried in the Presbyterian
graveyard at Chatsworth, Canada. He was thrice mar-
ried. First to Mrs. Elizabeth (Mowry) AlcCracken,
of Allegheny, Pennsylvania ; second to Miss Margaret
Sproull, of the same city ; and third to Miss Kate
McGilvray, of Wellsville, Ohio. He was a theologiar^
and scholar of no ordinary attainments, an acceptable:
preacher and a devoted student of the Bible. In the
later years of his life he became eccentric, and his
mind weakened. During his residence in Canada he
conducted religious services in his own house, and in
such places as the people would gather to hear him.
RUTHER HARGRAVE :
Son of John and Mary (Cranston) Hargrave, was
born in Madrid, St. Lawrence County, New York, Sep-
tember 3, 1855. He received his early education in the
Academy of Potsdam, New York, and graduated from
Union College in 1882. He studied theology- in the
Alleghen\- Seminary, was licensed by the Rochester
Presbytery, March 26, 1885, and labored in Bamesville
and Moncton, New Brunswick, for several months. He
was ordained by the Lakes Presbytery, and installed
pastor of the L^nited Miami congregation, Northwood,
Logan County, Ohio, May 27, 1886, where he is in
charge. He married Miss Eliza A. Ballantine, of Lisbon
Centre, New York, September 15, 1S86.
HUGH HAWTHORNE:
Son of John and Mary (Graham) Hawthorne, was
born in Kilkinamurr>-, County Down, Ireland, June 17,
536
HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
1805.* His parents were consistent members of- the.
Covenanter Church, and early directed his mind towards
the Christian ministry. After passing through the accus-
tomed studies in the national schools, he pursued the
classics under the direction of his pastor, the Rev.
John Stewart, and graduated from Belfast Academical
Institution in 1828. He studied theology in Belfast, and
in the Seminary of Paisley, Scotland; came to America
in May, 1830, finished the course under the Rev. S. B.
Wylie, D. D., of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and was
licensed by the Philadelphia Presbytery, May 17, 183 1.
He preached in the vacancies with general acceptance
for three years. He connected with the Dutch Re-
formed Church, November 8, 1834, and preached that
winter in the vacant pulpits of Albany, New York, and
in the summer of 1835, supplied vacancies in the city
of New York and vicinity. He was drowned while
bathing in a river in New York, July 16, 1836, and a
monument is erected to his memory. He was an
acceptable preacher, a kind and social man, and was
held in high esteem by those to whom he ministered.
JOHN HAWTHORNE:
Son of John and IVIary (Graham) Hawthorne, was
born in Kilkinamurry, County Down, Ireland, December
7, 1795. He was reared in the strictest manner by a
Covenanter parentage distinguished for faithfulness to
the cause of the Reformation. He received his early
education in the national schools and under private
instructors, and graduated from the Ro}-al Academical
Institution of Belfast, Ireland, in 1S18. He studied
♦Communications from Ireland
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 537
theology in the Seminary of Paisley, Scotland, and was
licensed by the Northern Presbytery, Ireland, March 10,
1S21. He was ordained by the Western Presbytery,
and installed pastor of the congregation of Bellenon,
County Armagh, Ireland, June 6, 1S22, and resigned
July 17, 1846. In April, 1847, he sailed, with his family,
for America, and died of a fever, in quarantine at
Quebec, Canada, May 14, 1847. His intention was to
first settle among relatives and friends in Muskingum
County, Ohio, and to spend the residue of his life in
preaching in America. The Pittsburgh Presbytery for-
warded a letter of condolence to the widow and fatherless
children. He married Miss Ann E. Boggs, of Ballylane,
Ireland, in 1823. He was a laborious and successful
minister of the gospel, and regarded as a sound theo-
logian, an instructive preacher and a pious Christian.
The Church in this country anticipated the accession
of an able minister.
JOSEPH HENDERSON:
Was bom in Penpont, Dumfries Shire, Scotland,
November 16, 1S02. His mind was early directed
towards the ministry, and after passing through the
preparatory course of study, was graduated from the
University of Glasgow, Scotland, in 1824. He studied
theology in the Paisley Seminary, and was licensed by
the Paisley Presbytery, March 17, 1S27. He was
ordained by the Western Presbytery, and installed pastor
of the congregation of Ayr, Scotland, September 8, 1830,
and was released from this charge, April 16, 1844, on
account of intemperate habits. He came to America
in the spring of 1S49, and, after a full statement of
538 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED ■;
his case, confession of his wrong, and promise of
reformation, he was restored by the New York Pres-
bytery, October 3, 1849. He preached with acceptance
for a few years in the vacancies, especially in the
Canadian societies, and taught in Walden, New York.
While preaching in Hamilton, Canada, he forsook the
cause he had espoused, and connected with the Free
Church of Canada, April 11, 1854. He preached in that
city and other parts of the Dominion, and died in
Hamilton, Canada, August 10, 1S72. He married Miss
Elizabeth Gould, of Edinburgh, Scotland, in 182S. He
was a preacher of considerable ability, but vacillating.
He was instrumental in gathering many scattered
members into societies. He was -Moderator of the
Scottish Synod of 1841.
JAMES RENWICK HILL, M. D. :
Son of James and Mary (Kinnier) Hill, was born
near Stanton, Jefferson County, Pennsylvania, March 26,
1842. He received his preparatory course of study in
the Brookville Academy, finished the course in the
Elder's Ridge Academy, and graduated from West-
minster College in 1869. He studied theology in the
Allegheny Seminary, and was licensed by the Pitts-
burgh Presbytery, April 12, 1871. He was ordained
by the Lakes Presbytery, installed pastor of the
congregation of Southfield, Oakland County, Michigan,
May 10, 1872, and resigned this charge, May 22, 1876,
and missionated in other parts of Michigan. He was
installed pastor of the congregation of St. Louis,
Missouri, September 28, 1877, resigned, April 15, 1885,
and removed to Utica, Ohio, and for some time he
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 539
was engaged in supplying vacancies. He connected with
tlie Presbyterian Church, being received by the Zanes-
ville Presbytery, and was installed pastor of the con-
gregation of Pataskala, Licking County, Ohio, July 21,
1887, where he is in charge. He married Miss Maggie
A. Kirkpatrick, of Utica, Ohio, May 2^, iSjO. He
received the degree of Doctor of Medicine from the
Homeopathic Aledical College of Missouri in 1885.
Among his publications are, "The Man of the Future,"
1S80, pp. 40. "True Temperance, and the Conditions
of its Success," 1882, pp. 43.
JOHN HOLMES:
Son of John and Margaret (Galbraith) Holmes, was
born in Ryegate, Caledonia County, Vermont, May 14,
1 801. His parents came from Scotland and were
among the first Covenanters in New England. He
was carefully trained by a pious parentage, and, being
lame and unable to work upon the farm, was the
object of peculiar parental solicitude, and devoted him-
self to study with the gospel ministry in view. He
received a liberal education in the common schools,
studied the classics under the direction of his pastor,
the Rev. James Milligan, D. D., and attended the
University of Vermont. He studied theology in the
Seminary of Andover, Massachusetts, where he graduated,
September 11, 1833. He was licensed by the Northern
Presbytery, May 19, 1834, and he preached generally
throughout the Church for eight years. In 1S42, he
bought a farm near Jordan's Grove, Randolph County,
Illinois, which his family cultivated, and he engaged
most of his time in teaching school. Here he died,
540 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
of pneumonia and er\-sipelas, January 19, 1854. He
married Miss Jennie C. Elder, of Coultersville, Illinois,
June 8, 1842. He was a scholar of considerable ability
and a very successful teacher. He was unappreciated
as a preacher on account of his eccentric mannerisms,
peculiar voice, and inelegant style of delivery. When
he became warmed up in his discourse, he was very
energetic in gesticulation, and exceedingly high in the
tone of the voice. His manners and peculiar style of
preaching were not in harmony with the popular mind,
and he frequently offended his hearers. He was a
fearless advocate for the cause of the slave, and an
efficient agent upon the "Underground Railroad," when
it was exceedingly unpopular and often dangerous
to hold such a position. He was honest and upright
in all his dealings, and was held in high esteem as -^ij
a citizen. In the later years of his life he manifested ^^<^
little or no attachment for the Church, although a
believer in the Christian religion, and died in faith.
JOHN HOOD:
Son of Archibald and Mary (Kirkpatrick) Hood,
was born near Oakdale, Washington County, Illinois,
November li, 1837. He received his early education in
the schools of his native County, graduating from the
University of Indiana in 1862. He entered the union
army, where he endured many hardships upon the
battle field and in cruel prison life. He studied
theology in the Allegheny Seminary, and was licensed
b}- the Illinois Presbytery, April 21, 1869. He con-
nected with the Presbyterian Church, being received
by the Alton Presbytery of that body, and by this
■'-li?
PRESBVTERIA.Y CHURCH IX AMERICA. 541
court ordained and installed pastor of the congrega^
tion of Sparta, Randolph County, Illinois, June 17,
1869, and resigned this charge, April 11, 1878. He
was installed pastor of the congregation of Cedar
Rapids, Iowa, October 16, 1878, and resigned in 1885,
and is State Agent for the American Bible Society,
with his residence in that city. He married Miss
Mary A. E. Gault, of Sparta, Illinois, April 25, 1871.
JOSEPH HUNTER:
Son of Alexander and Betsy (Anderson) Hunter,
was born in Freeport, Armstrong County, Pennsylvania,
August 25, 1 8 16. His parents were among the early
Covenanters of that section, and in his infancv removed
into Westmoreland County, were he was reared under
the pastoral c^re of the Rev. John Cannon. His pre-
paratory course of study was pursued under the
direction of the Rev. Jonathan Gill, subsequently
under the Rev. Hugh Walkinshaw, and he graduated
from Duquesne College in 1847. He studied theology
in the (Cincinnati Seminar}', and was licensed by the
Pittsburgh Presbytery, April 16, 1S50. He was ordained
by the same Presbytery, and installed pastor of the
congregation of Wilkinsburgh and Deer Creek, Allegheny
County, Pennsylvania, April 13, 1852. The Deer Creek
branch was subsequently dropped, and he continued at
Wilkinsburgh until impaired health caused him to
resign this charge, September 23, 1882. His health
declined under an affection of the heart, which caused
a dilatation of that organ, aggravated by pneumonia,
causing his death, at his residence in Wilkinsburgh,
Pennsylvania, January 6, 18S4. He married Miss Mary
542 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
A. Dennison, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, June 21,
1852. He was in many respects a popular preacher, ,''/^--'
and well known throughout the Church. His style '-^
was earnest and impressive.; his disposition genial, his • 4'r
manner social, and he was in these respects peculiarly v-^^;
fitted for the pastoral office which he discharged with
faithfulness. He was a devout and pious man, but
not demonstrative in regard to religious experience.
JOSIAH JAMES HUSTON :
Son of John and Susannah (Craig) Huston, was born
near Glenwood, Fayette County, Indiana, Alay 15, 1858.
In 1S65, his parents removed to Roscoe, Des Moioes
County, Iowa, where he received his early education.
He attended the High School of Morning Sun, finished
the course in the Academy of Washington, Iowa, in
1879, and graduated from Monmouth College in 1881.
He studied theology in the Allegheny Seminary, was
licensed by the Iowa Presbytery, April 9, 1884, and '.-t'*
preached in the West and other parts of the Church.
He was ordained by the Lakes Presbytery, and installed
pastor of the congregation of Belle Centre, Logan -hk
County, Ohio, April 30, 1886, and also of Rushsylvania,
same County, July 30, 1886. He resigned the Rushsyl-
vania branch, April 9, t888, and, with Belle Centre,
supplies Bellefontaine. He married Miss Bella W.
Maginness, of Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, March 15, 1887.
ROBERT HUTCHESON:
Son of James and Sarah (Martin) Hutcheson, was
born near Loughgilly, County Armagh, Ireland, April
24, 18 10. His parents were members of the Secession ^^.
Church, and he received his early education in the .'.-
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 543
schools of his native country. He came to America in
the spring of 1S29, and settled near Cambridge,
Guernsey County, Ohio, where he connected with the
Covenanter Church, under the pastoral care of the Rev.
William Sloane. He pursued his classical studies under
the care of his pastor, and, in 1S36, repaired to West-
moreland County, Pennsylvania, where he resumed them
under the direction of the Rev. Hugh Walkinshaw.
He studied theology in the Allegheny Seminary, and
was licensed by the Pittsburgh Presbyter>-, .May 8, 1859.
He was ordained sine tittilo by the same Presbytery,' as
a Home Missionary, September 10, 1841. He was
installed pastor of the congregation of Brush Creek,
Adams County, Ohio, September 29, 1S42, where he
labored faithfully, until the congregation was so reduced
by emigration, that he resigned the charge, May 21,
1 8 56. He soon afterwards removed to Bremer County,
Iowa, and served the Church as a Home Missionary for
several years. He was instrumental in building up the
congregation of Grove Hill, Bremer County, Iowa, over
which he was installed pastor, April 17, 1S63, and was
released. May 8, 1867, remaining stated supply for
two years. In 1869, he repaired to the new stations of
the \orth-West Mission, and was stated supply respec-
tively at Elliota, Lake Reno, and Round Prairie,
Minnesota, for several years. In 1878, his health began
to fail, and he removed to Washington, Iowa, where he
died of general debility, April i, 1880. He was twice
married. First to Miss Jane Walkinshaw, of Lucesco,
Pennsylvania, in 1840; and second, to Mrs. Jane C.
(Coulter) Andrews, of Princeton, Illinois, November 15,
544
HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
1865. He was an interesting and instructive preacher,
but not a pleasing speaker. He was an excellent
classical scholar, a close thinker, a natural logician,
active in Church courts, faithful in the discharge of
pastoral duties, and a most earnest and sincere Christian.
He was a strict disciplinarian, and bore constant testi-
mony against the evils of the State and the innovations
of the Church. He contributed able articles to Mc-
Clintock and Strong's Eiicyclopedia, and essays, in the
form of critical exegesis, to the magazines of the Church.
JACOUB JERRIDINIA:
Son of Salloom Feyad and Helana (Korani) Jer-
ridinia, was born in Showifat, Lebanon, Syria, March
17, 1837. By trade he was a soapmaker, and labored
in his native town. In October, 1870, he became
converted to the Christian religion, and attended the
American Mission Schools at Showifat and Obey. He
became a teacher in connection with the School at
Antioch and Suadea, and subsequently repaired to
Latakia. Here he studied theology under the direction
of the Rev. Joseph Beattie, D. D., and was licensed to
preach the gospel by the Commission of the Syrian
Mission, March i, 1882. He married Miss Helana
Corani, of Showifat, Syria, September 15, 1885. Since
1882, he has been engaged in teaching and preaching
principally in connection with the Mission at Suadea.
ARCHIBALD JOHNSTON:
Son of Gavin and Elizabeth (Hunter) Johnston,
was born in Truro, Nova Scotia, August 16, 1793.*
His parents were sturdy Covenanters from Hamilton,
* Principal
from Rev. Dr. David Steele, Sr., Philadelphi
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 545
Scotland. They removed from Nova Scotia in 1805,
and settled in Lancaster, Lancaster County, Penn-
sylvania, where he received his early education and
engaged in the printing business. In 1808, he
abandoned secular pursuits and began studies prepara-
tory to the Christian ministry, in the Canonsburgh
Academy, graduating from Jefferson College in 18 13.
He studied theology in the Philadelphia Seminary, and
was licensed by the Middle Presbyterv', April 9, 18 17.
He visited Nova Scotia during the summer of 1817,
and, after returning in the fall, supplied vacancies in
the East for a few months. His health becoming
impaired, he retired to the home of his parents, who
were then living near Chillicothe, Ohio. In March,
1S18, he became stated supply to the congregation of
Cincinnati, Ohio, where he died of consumption, Octo-
ber 26, 18 18, while yet a licentiate. Upon his death
bed he married Miss Fannie Ferguson, of Cincinnati,
Ohio, October, 181S, as she wanted to be his widow.
He was a young man of great mental power. His
discourses were characterized by a classical accuracy
of expression, high poetical imagination, and replete
with evangelical truth that at once bespoke a soul
possessed of a deep and strong current of religious
feeling. His graphic power was remarkable. His de-
scriptions were those of a master, and appealed to the
heart and conscience with such magnetic power that
the attention of the auditor was completely enchained.
Dr. Alexander IMcLeod said, "The time for the
millennium has not come, and the world cannot stand
before Archibald Johnston." Dr. John Black said,
546 HISTORV OF THE REFORMED
" Archibald Johnston was the most accomplished orator
ever licensed in the Covenanter Church." He published
a poem entitled "The Mariner," in 1817, which was
composed while on his tour to Nova Scotia. He was-
directed by the Synod of 18 17, to write an article
for the Testimony upon Messiah's Headship, which he
entitled "Regnum Lapidis, or The Kingdom of the
Stone." For some unaccountable reason it was not
published. His father found a copy of the original
article long after the death of the author, and printed
it in the Contending Witness, Xenia, Ohio, in 1S41.
ARCHIBALD WARRISTON JOHNSTON, M. D. :
Son of Samuel P. and Eleanor (Thomson) Johnston,,
was born near Hopedale, Harrison County, Ohio,
November 26, 1844. His parents removed to Belle
Centre, Logan Count}-, Ohio, in 1851, where he
received his preparatory education in Geneva College,,
graduating from the University of Indiana in 1S64,
He studied theology in the Allegheny Seminary, and
was licensed by the Lakes Presbyter>-, April 19, 1S67.-
He was ordained by the New York Presbytery, and
installed pastor of the congregation of Craftsbun.v
Orleans County, Vermont, August 5, 186S, and resigned,
this charge, October 31, 1S71. He removed to the cit\'
of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and entered upon the
study of medicine in Jefferson Medical College, and took
the first honor of his class. He is a practicing physi-
cian in that city and preaches occasionally. He married'
Miss Mary A. Willson, of Allegheny Cit\-, Pennsylvania,.
April 20, 1869. He received the degree of Doctor of
Medicine from Jefferson Medical College in 1875.
JOHN B. JOHNSTON. D. D.
PRESBVTERIAX CHURCH IX AMERICA. 547
JOHN BLACK JOHNSTON, D. D. :
Son of Nathan and Mary (Black) Johnston, was-
born near Clarksburgh, Indiana County, Pennsylvania,.
March 13, 1802. His parents were consistent members
of the Seceder Church. They removed to Hopedale^
Harrison County, Ohio, in 1805, where they connected
with the Covenanter Church under the ministry of the
Rev. Robert Wallace, and were prominent members in
the Greenfield congregation, now extinct. He received
his early training in the schools of this vicinity, and^
in 1S23, began his classical studies in Jei^erson College,.
and graduated from Franklin College in 1829. He studied
theology under the direction of the Rev. John Blacky
D. D., of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and was licensed
by the Pittsburgh Presbytery, October 3, 1832. He
was ordained by the Ohio Presbytery, and installed
pastor of the Miami congregation, Northwood, Logan
County, Ohio, June 10, 1834. In 1841, he opened a
classical school in his own house, which grew into-
Geneva College in 1848. In 1851, he also founded
the Geneva Female Seminary, and erected the buildings-
for both these institutions. He was Principal of the
College from 1848 to 1850, and Professor of Theology
from 1852 until 1856. He resigned all his charges^
and connected with the United Presbyterian Church,
being received by the Sidney Presbytery, November
10, 1S5S. He was installed pastor of the congrega-
tion of St. Clairsville, Ohio, May 17, 1859, where he
continued to labor until impaired health caused him to
resign the charge, June 9, 1874. In 1870, he was
appointed Postmaster at St. Clairsville, and resigned
548 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
this office in iSSi. His health gradually declined until
Tiis death, at his home in St. Clairsville, Ohio, October j:'
24, 18S2. He was twice married. His first wife was
Miss Sarah Bruce, of New Athens, Ohio, April 29, -^
182S; and his second, ?*Iiss Elizabeth Boyd, of Chero- '
kee, Ohio, November 2, 1841. He was a man of "'
marked ability, of indomitable courage, and unceasing 7'
in his efforts to establish Christian education within ';
the reach of all. He was a profound theologian, an '"
apt teacher, and a proficient scholar. As a preacher ;■.;
of the gospel, a writer in the magazines, a lecturer -:;
on reforms, a public debater, and member of Church '^
•courts, he was deservedly in high repute, and dis- .
•charged many important offices with acceptance. He .7
was a fearless advocate of the cause of the slave, and -|
was a distinguished conductor on the "Underground J
Railroad." He was not only a pioneer in the estab- Ir
lishment of the literary institution of the Church, but J^
in the work of the Foreign Mission as well. In 1846, *?''
Tie was sent to Hayti by Synod, to explore that Island •-•
.as a probable field for missionary operations, and was '
prominently connected with work in this direction. He
was piously attached to the principles of the Cove-
nanter Church, and only left her communion on account
•of internal dissentions which frequently mar the fel-
lowship of brethern. He never fully abandoned the
Covenanted cause, and was held in high esteem by the
•Church in which he closed his earthly career. He
was honored with the degree of Doctor of Divinity
"by Fl-anklin College in 1S69. Among his many able
.and valuable publications are "The Signs of the -
1
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 549
Times," 1858, pp. 2j. "Psalmody," 1868, pp. 172.
"The Prayer Meeting," 1870, pp. 260. He was Modera-
tor of the Synod of 1845.
JOSIAH MELAXCTHON JOHNSTON :
Son of James H. and^ Mary (Hemphill) Johnston,
^\•as born near New Alexandria, Westmoreland County,
Pennsylvania, September 12, 1830. His parents were
exemplary members of the Covenanter Church, from
whom he received the best of religious instruction.
After receiving the rudiments of a liberal education, he
entered Geneva College, where he graduated in 1S54.
He studied theology in the Associate Reformed Seminary,
and also in the Covenanter Seminary of Allegheny,
Pennsylvania, and was licensed by the Pittsburgh Pres-
bytery, April 21, 1858. He was ordained by the
Rochester Presbytery, and installed pastor of the con-
gregation of Syracuse, New York, May 13, 1859. He
was appointed by Synod, September 9, 1865, to take
charge of the Freedmen's Mission in Natchez, Mississ-
ippi. He resigned the Syracuse congregation and the
Natchez Mission, August 17, 1866, and became Principal
of the Mission School in Washington, District of
Columbia. Here he taught and preached among the
colored people until his resignation. May 27, 1870. He
was installed pastor of the congregation of Parnassus,
Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, June 15, 1871, and
resigned January 3, 1873. He connected with the
United Presbyterian Church, and was installed pastor of
the Central congregation of Allegheny City, Pennsyl-
vania, January 10, 1873, and resigned, June 16, 1S74.
He was installed pastor of the Fifth congregation of
5SO HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, November 19, 1874, and re-
signed, October 16, 1878. He was installed pastor of
the congregation of Morning Sun, Preble County, Ohio, ■;-
April I, 1879, where he died of a fever, July 3, 1881.
He married Miss Emily C. Jameson, of Belle Centre, '-
Ohio, June l, 1854. He was a very popular preacher,
easy in his manner, and fluent in his speech. He
possessed the power to enchain the attention of an
audience, not so much by the matter of his discourse, '\
cis by his happy style and eloquent delivery. ■'■"
JAMES RENWICK JOHNSTON :
Son of Nathan and Mary (Hunter) Johnston, was ,-',
born in Truro, Nova Scotia, March 24, 1800, while his ,^;
parents were on their way from Scotland to the United 'jg
States.* In 1805, his parents removed to Pennsylvania, S';
where he received his early ecfucation, and graduated ''}^^
from Jefferson College in 1822. He studied theology "^^
in the Philadelphia Seminary, and was licensed by the ' w
Philadelphia Presbytery, May 24, 1824. He was ordained ..:
by the Northern Presbytery, installed pastor of the j;
congregation of Newburgh, New York, September 16, v
1825, resigned this charge, October 17, 1829, and
connected with the Presbyterian Church. In 1830, he ,
went to Mobile, Alabama, where he was a pastor for ;
four years. He was installed pastor of the congregation '
of Goshen, Orange County, New York, May 21, 1835, ";
and resigned this charge in 184O, being without .?
charge for four years. He was installed pastor of the -'.
congregation of Hamptonburgh, Washington County, ,^
New York, October 8, 1844, and resigned in 1849. In .^
'Principally from Pnsbytiriaji Historical Almanac, Vol. S, p. 119.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 55 1
1854, he removed to the city of Philadelphia, Pennsyl-
vania, and preached as frequently as his health would
permit. In 1862, he removed to Burlington, New
Jersey, where he died of general debility, June 16, 1865.
He married Miss Margaret A. McLeod, of New York,
New York, June 8, 1827. He was a man of superior
mind and cultivation, and few possessed more of the
elements of the true ministerial character. He was
devout and courteous, and adapted himself and his
discourses to the circumstances of his people. He lived
a life of usefulness, was patient under long and severe
personal affliction, and died in peace with God and men
when his work was done.
LEWIS JOHNSTON: (COLORED.)
Son of Lewis and Jane (Brunson) Johnston, was
born in the city of Allegheny, Pennsylvania, December
II, 1847. His parents were members of the Covenanter
Church then under the pastoral care of Rev. Thomas
Sproull, and, in 1853, removed to Temperanceville, a
suburb of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and, in 1858, to
Blairsville, Pennsylvania, where he was employed in the
coal mines, and attended the common schools as oppor-
tunity was afforded. In 1864, he entered the Union
army, where he remained until the close of the war.
In the summer of 1865, he returned to Blairsville and
resumed his work as a miner. Soon afterwards he
began his classical studies under Dr. A. M. Milligan, of
New Alexandria, with the ministry in view. In 1867,
he entered Geneva College, where he graduated in 1870.
He studied theology in the Allegheny Seminary, and
was licensed by the Pittsburgh Presbytery, April S,
552 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
1873. He was ordained sine iitnlo by the same Pres-
bytery, October 14, 1S74, as a Missionary among the
Freedmen at Selma, Alabama. He built up the
flourishing school which ^is now Knox xA.cademy, and was
installed pastor of the congregation of Selma, Alabama,
May 21, 1875. He was suspended from the exercise of
the ministerial office and privileges in the Church,
November 14, 1876. He soon aftenvards went to Little
Rock, Arkansas, where he taught school for many years.
In 1882, he turned his attention to the land agency,
was clerk in the court, and employed in a newspaper
office. He was restored to the exercise of his minis-
terial functions by the Pine Bluff Presbytery of the
Presbyterian Church, May 24, 1883, engaged in
mission work, and began the publication of the Pi7ie
Bluff Reformer. Since March I, 1886, he is engaged in
organizing Schools and Churches throughout the destitute
portions of Arkansas. He married Miss Mercy A.
Taborn, of Marysville, Ohio, March 2, 1870. He was
the first colored Covenanter minister ever ordained.
NATHAN MCMILLAN JOHNSTON:
Son of Samuel P. and Eleanor (Thomson) Johns-
ton, was bom near Hopedale, Harrison County, Ohio-
March 23, 1S32. He received his early education in
the schools of his native Count}', and, in 185 1, removed
to Belle Centre, Logan County, Ohio. He resumed his
studies in Geneva College, and, in the fall of 1858,
entered the University of Michigan. He studied theo-
logy in the Allegheny Seminary, and was licensed by
the Pittsburgh Presbytery, April 14, 1863. He was
ordained by the sam.e Presbytery, installed pastor
■M
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 553
of the Little Beaver congregation, New Galilee, Beaver
County, Pennsylvania, April 14, 1864, and resigned this
charge, June 3, 1886. He was installed pastor of the
congregation of Eskridge, Wabaunsee County, Kansas,
August 4, 1886, where he is in charge, and lectures
in the interests of the National Reform Association.
He married Miss Annie J. Harnmond, of St. Clairsville,
Ohio, August 4, 1857.
NATHAN ROBINSON JOHNSTON:
Son of Nathan and Mary (Blacky Johnston, was
born near Hopedale, Harrison County, Ohio, October
8, 1820. He received his early education in Richmond
Academy, pursued the classical course in Miami Uni-
versity, and graduated from Franklin College in 1843.
For two years he was Principal of the Academy of
St. Clairsville, Ohio. In the fall of 1845, he began
the study of theology in the Cincinnati Seminary, where
he continued three sessions. In 1848, he was editor
of the Free Press, an anti-slavery paper, published in
New Concord, Ohio. In the fall of 1849, he resumed
his theological studies in the Northwood Seminary, and
was licensed by the Lakes Presbytery, April 29, 1850.
He was ordained b\- the New York Presbytery, and
installed pastor of the congregatiisn of Topsham, Orange
County, Vermont, November 10, 1852. In 1863, he
was appointed by Synod as a Missionary to the con-
trabands of Port Royal, South Carolina. He resigned
the Topsham congregation, May 16, 1865, and removed
to Northwood, Ohio, where he -resuscitated Geneva
College, and was the Principal of that institution for
two years. In the spring of 1867, he opened an
534 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
Academy in New Castle, Pennsylvania, and subse-
quently in Blairsville and New Brighton. In 1 871, he
was chosen a Professor in Geneva College, but resigned
May 28, 1872, and became a Home Missionary irr
EUiota, and other parts of Minnesota. In 1875, he went
to California, and opened a Mission School among the
Chinese at Oakland, where he has built up a con- _
gregation, is a contributor to several papers, and is
actively engaged in the work of evangelizing the
Chinese of the Pacific coast. He married Miss Rosa- .
mond Rodgers, of Albany, Vermont, March i, 1861.
ROBERT JOHNSON:
Son of Robert and Margaret (Anderson) Johnson,
was born in KiUygore, County Antrim, Ireland, Novem-
ber 17, 1810. He received the rudiments of a classical
education under the direction of his pastor, the Rev.
Clarke Houston, D. D., graduating from the Belfast
Academical Institution in 1836, with the honorary
degree of Master of Arts. He studied theology in the
Seminary of Paisley, Scotland, and was licensed by the
Northern Presbytery, Ireland, May 17, 1 8 39. He was
ordained by a Commission of the Irish Synod, and
installed pastor of the mission congregation of Man-
chester, England, August 4, 1842, and resigned this
charge, April 9, 1849. The same spring he came to
America, and was received by Synod, May 23, 1849.
He was installed pastor of the congregation of Toronto,
Canada, November 4, 1852, and resigned, April 10,
1859. He was installed pastor of the congregation of
Vernon, Waukesha County, Wisconsin, November 7,
J859, and resigned this charge, December 17, 1867.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 555
He was installed pastor of the congregation of
Kossuth, Des Moines County, Iowa, January 7, 1868,
and resigned on account of seriously impaired health,
July 27, 1S75. For several years he suffered from
nephritic, and with intervals of partial cessation of
extreme pain, his disease continued until it took an
acute form, from which he died, at his home near
Kossuth, Iowa, July 27, 1879. He never married. He
was a man of excellent attainments both in literature
and theology. He was able and eloquent as a preacher,
warm>-hearted and genial as a friend, pious and devout
as a Christian. He was thoroughly indoctrinated in
the gospel, took great delight in the sacred tradi-
tions of a martyred ancestry.' and earnestly defended
the principles and testimony of the Covenanter Church.
He was a bold witness against the abounding evils of
the day. While preaching in Toronto, Canada, he
delivered a course of lectures to crowded houses
against the Roman Catholic Church. Bishop Char-
bonnel denounced him in the Cathedral as a black
heretic, worse than Satan, and warned the people
against going to hear the "Villifier of the Holy
-Mother Church." The enraged priests at Rome sent
him threatening letters, among others one with the
picture of a coffin with a black seal, and under it the
words, " /lie Jacet." The Protestants of the city held
him in high esteem as the champion for truth. His
principal publications are, "The Absurdities of the
Popish Dogma of the Immaculate Conception," 1855,
pp. 73, and ■• Instrumental Music in Public Worship,"
1S71, pp. 80.
^m
556 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
-'i?
SAMUEL DELLMORE JOHNSTON:
Son of Rev. Nathan M. and Annie J. (Hammond)
Johnston, was born near Belle Centre, Logan County,
Ohio, April 17, 1862. His parents removed to New
Galilee, Beaver County, Pennsylvania, in 1S64, where
he received his early education in the public schools.
In the fall of 1877, he entered Geneva College, where
he remained two years. He resumed his studies in,'
and graduated from, Geneva College in 1884. He
studied theology in the Allegheny Seminary, was
licensed by the Pittsburgh Presbytery, April 12, 1887,
and preached for si.x months in Houlton, Maine. He
was an editor of the College Cabinet two years beginning
in 1882.
WILLIAM POLLOCK JOHNSTON:
Son of Samuel P. and Eleanor (Thomson) Johnston,
was born near Hopedale, Harrison County, Ohio,
January 26, 1839. He received his early education in
this vicinity, and, in 18 51, removed to Belle Centre,
Logan County, Ohio. He entered Geneva College,
where he remained until his senior year, graduating
from Jefferson College in 1858. He studied theology
in the Allegheny Seminary, and was licensed by the
Lakes Presbytery, May 22, 1862. He was ordained by
the Philadelphia Presbytery, installed pastor of the
congregation of Baltimore, Maryland, August 4, 1864,
and resigned this charge, July 13, 1873. He was
installed pastor of the congregation of Washington,
Iowa, October 10, 1873, and, in the fall of 1879,
■was chosen Principal of the Washington Academy.
He .resigned these charges, August 4, 1881, and
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IX AMERICA. 557"
in Geneva College, Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, and sub-
sequently was appointed college pastor, which positions
he now occupies. He married Miss Clara D. Anderson,
of Washington, Iowa, June 17, 1874. He is a con-
tributor to the Gfitt-i'a Cabinet.
JOHN KELL:
Son of John and Jane (Morton) Kell, was born near
Rocky Creek, Chester District, South Carolina, October
19, 1772.* Among the notable events of his childhood-
was the fact that his mother hid him and his little
brother in the bushes, lest they would be burned with
the house by the British soldiers. His youthful days
were spent in labor upon his father's farm, and, in 1790,.
he began preparatory studies, with the ministry in view,
in the classical school of Mr. John Orr. In 1801, he
crossed the ocean and entered the University of Glas-
gow, Scotland, where he graduated in 1805. He studied
theology in the Seminary of Stirling, Scotland, under the
Rev. John McMillan, and, after visiting Ireland, returned
to America in the fall of 180S. He was licensed by
the Middle Presbytery, June 18, 1809, and was assigned
to preach among the scattered societies in the West
and South. He was ordained sine titido by the Southern
Presbytery, December 4, 181 1, and missionated for four
years in South Carolina, Tennessee, and in parts of
Ohio, Indiana and Illinois. He was installed pastor of
the Beech Woods congregation, Morning Sun, Preble
County, Ohio, April 3, 18 16, and resigned this charge,
October 6, 1819. He was installed pastor of the con-
* Sprague's .\nnals. ....
5 58 HISTOKV OF THE REFORMED
gregation of Princeton, Gibson County, Indiana, June 21,
1820. At the division of the Church in August, 1833,
he became identified with the New School branch of
the Covenanter Church, and remained pastor of a portion
of his former flock, until his resignation, September 24,
1838. He spent the residue of his life in preaching in
vacancies as his health would permit, and died of an
.affection of the heart, at his home in Princeton,
Indiana, November 6, 1842. He married Miss Jane
Hartin, of Beech Woods, Ohio, November lO, iSii. In
person he was large and portly, and in his youth was
■quite an athlete. He was a good scholar, and an
instructive preacher. He was not an eloquent speaker,
but there was an unction about his preaching that
never failed to make an impression. His life was
largely that of a Missionary, and to his untiring minis-
trations many congregations owe their existence. He
constantly realized the responsibilities of the ministerial
ofifice, and discarded all books but the Bible, from the
rich treasures of which he fed the people. He was a
dauntless pioneer of the West, engaged in visiting
lonely societies and families in the depths of the then
wilderness, and brought to them the glad tidings of
salvation. He was Moderator of the Synod of 18 12.
GEORGE KENNEDY:
Son of Rev. James and Eliza (Conn) Kennedy,
* * * He came to New York in 1870, and gradu-
ated from Columbia College in 1874. He studied theo-
logy in the Allegheny Seminary, and was licensed by
the New York Presbytery, May 16, 1877. He was
ordained by the Lakes Presbytery, installed pastor of the
JAMES KENNEDY,
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 559
United Miami congregation, Northwood, Logan County,
Ohio, May 23, 1878, and resigned this charge, June
15, 1SS2. He accepted the chair of Greek in Geneva
College, September 9, 1882, which position he now
occupies. He is an occasional contributor to the Genevan
and Church magazines, and is College librarian.
JAMES KENNEDY:
Son of George and Mary (Paul) Kennedy, was
born near Bonn, County Londonderry, Ireland, August
15, 181S. He received his early training in the classi-
cal school of the Rev. James Bryce, and graduated from
the Belfast Academical Institution in 1S40. He studied
theolog}' in the Seminary of Paisley, Scotland, and was
licensed by the Northern Presbytery, Ireland, May 10,
1S42. He was ordained by the Western Presbytery,
and installed pastor of the united congregations of
Broadlane and Drimbolg, Newtonlimavady, County
Londonderry, Ireland, May 18, 1843, and resigned this
charge, August 2, 1870. He came to America the
same summer, and was installed pastor of the Fourth con-
gregation of New York City, New York, November
13, 1870, where he is in charge. He married Miss Eliza
Conn, of Coleraine, Ireland, May 9, 1848. He published
"Tekel," 1858, pp. 40. "Assurance of Grace and Sal-
vation," 1S77, pp. 48. He contributed a series of articles
on "The Spiritual Senses" to Our Banner, 1878, and
an e.xposition of the Sabbath School Lessons to the
Christian Nation, 1885, and many other articles in the
Church papers and magazines. He was Moderator of
the Irish Synod in 1846, and of the American Synod
in 1873.
560 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
JOSHUA KENNEDY, D. D. :
Son of James and Catharine (Cannon) Kennedy, was
born in Newtonlimavady, County Londonderry, Ireland,. ^
August 22, 181 5. He came with his parents to- ;.'^
America in 1823, and settled near Shady Grove,
Franklin County, Pennsylvania, where he received his
early education in the Green Castle Academy, and
graduated from Union College in 1841. He studied
theology in the Allegheny Seminary, and was licensed
by the Illinois Presbytery, May 12, 1844. He was
ordained by the New York Presbytery, and installed
pastor of the Conococheague congregation, Fayetteville,.
Franklin County, Pennsylvania, November 5, 1845. ^^l
1852, he established the Fayetteville Academy, which,
was a flourishing school for many years. He resigned \^
these charges, May i, i860, and during, the war of
the rebellion was a Missionary and Chaplain in
Fernandina, Florida, and other parts of the South.
He was installed pastor of the congregation of Bovina,.
Delaware County, New York, January 11, 1865, and
resigned this charge on account of seriously impaired
health, May 20, 18S5. In the fall of 1885, he removed
to Green Castle, Pennsylvania, where he is living in
infirm health. He married Miss Mary J. Bell, of
Carlisle, Pennsylvania, October 8, 1847.
ALEXANDER KILPATRICK:
Son of Daniel and Mary (McCaughan) Kilpatrick,.
was born in Bloomington, Monroe County, Indiana,
January 20, 1847. His father was a member of the
Presbyterian Church, and the family removed to Linton,.
Des Moines County, Iowa, in the fall of 1852, and r^i
I
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 56 1
connected with the Covenanter Church. He received
his early education in the Morning Sun Academy,
Iowa, also in Monmouth College, graduating from
the University of Indiana in 1871, and taught school
in Kansas one year. He studied theology in the
Allegheny Seminary, and was licensed by the Pitts-
burgh Presbytery, April 14, 1S73. He was ordained
by the same Presbytery, and installed pastor of the
united congregations of Pine Creek and Union, Valencia,
Butler County, Pennsylvania, May 17, 1876, where he
is in charge. He married Miss Ella Davidson, of
Valencia, Pennsylvania, September 4, 1877.
WILLIAM KING:
Was born in Donegal, Donegal County, Ireland, Janu-
ary 6, 1747.* He received a liberal education in the schools
■of his native town, and graduated from the University
of Glasgow, Scotland, in 1782. He studied theology in
the Seminary of Stirling, Scotland, and privately, being
■licensed by the Reformed Presbytery of Scotland,
March 16, 1784, and preached in Coleraine, County
Londonderry, Ireland, for seven years. He was ordained
sine titidn by the Reformed Presbytery of Scotland, at
Wishaw, June 4, 1792, as a Missionary to America,
sailing from Greenock for Charleston, South Car-
olina, in the brig "Samuel," July 10, 1792, and, in the
fall of this year, settled in the Chester District, South
Carolina. In 1793, he made a tour among the societies
of Covenanters in the North and East, returned to
South Carolina, and took charge of the Beaver Dam
congregation in the spring of 1794- He labored, how-
* Communications from Ireland.
562' HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
ever, among all the societies in the Carolinas, and^
for the greater part of his time, was alone in the
work. He faithfully discharged all the duties encumbent
upon him by the Scottish Presbytery, and insisted
upon the people freeing themselves from the sin of
slavery. He was invited to meet a Committee from
the North to organize the Reformed Presbytery in
Alexandria, Virginia, in May, 1798, but on account of
serious illness he was not permitted to meet his
brethren, and died at his home in the Chester Dis-
trict, South Carolina, August 24, 1798. He married
Miss Nancy Neil, of Chester, South Carolina, September,
1794. He was a most amiable and peaceful man ; a
faithful and instructive preacher ; a scholar of con-
siderable ability and well acquainted with the science
of theology. He was a true Christian and a Cove-
nanter of undaunting courage and sterling integrity.
WASHINGTON ROBERT LAIRD :
Son of Robert W. and Harriet M. (Angier) Laird,,
was born in Danville, Caledonia County, Vermont, April
22, 1855. He received his early education in the
common schools, and in the Academy of Mclndoes-
Falls, Vermont, graduating from Geneva College in.
1876. He studied theology in the Allegheny Seminary .-
and was licensed by the New York Presbyten,', May 27,
1879. He was ordained by the New York Presbyterj-,
installed pastor of the congregation of St. Johns-
bury, Vermont, June 15, 18S0, and resigned May I,
1888. He was installed pastor of the congregation of
New Castle, Pennsylvania, May 8, 1888, where he is
in charge. He married Miss Fannie E. Hadfield, of
Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, August 23, 1877.
;.^
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IX AMERICA. 565
JA:MES ROSS LATLMER :
Son of Samuel and Margaret (Smith) Latimer, was-
born in Bloomington, Monroe County, Indiana, July 14,
185 1. He received his early education in the common
schools of his native city, and graduated from the
University of Indiana in 1873. He studied theology in
the Allegheny Seminary two years, and taught Greek
in Geneva College; resumed his studies in the Allegheny
Seminary, and was licensed by the Lakes Presb\-ter}v
April 10, 187S. He was ordained by the Ohio Pres-
b}-tery, and installed pastor of the congregation of
Londonderry, Guernsey Count}', Ohio, May 19, iSSo, and
of the congregation of North Salem, same County,.
October 10, 1880. He resigned these charges. May 27,.
1882. He was installed pastor of the Hebron congre-
gation, Idana, Clay County, Kansas, August 18, 18S2,-
where he is in charge. He married Miss Mary E^
Copeland, of Clay Centre, Kansas, April 16, 1883.
JAMES REID LAWSON :
Son of James and Elizabeth (Reid) Lawson, was
born in Rathfriland, County Down, Ireland, Ma\- 23,.
1S20. He received his early education in the schools
of his native vicinity, and graduated from the Belfast
Academical Institution in 1S41. He studied theology in
the Seminary of Paisley, Scotland, and was licensed by
the Southern Presbytery, Ireland, March 4, 1845. He
was ordained sine aira by the same Presbytery, Sep-
tember 18, 1S45, as a Missionary to the British North
American Provinces. He arrived in St. John, New
Brunswick, the same fall, and, after visiting different
parts of the Maritime Provinces, settled in South Stream,.
564 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
now Barnesville, Kings County, New Brunswick, in the
spring of 1846, when there were only two Covenanters
in that vicinity. Here he labored faithfully for ten '
years, and gathered a congregation, which he resigned
October 17, 1856. He was installed pastor of the con-
gregation of Boston, Massachusetts, November 20, 1856,
and resigned, October 22, 1857. He returned to Barnes-
ville, New Brunswick, where he continued to labor until
partial paralysis caused his resignation, April 12, 1882,
and he is infirm health. He married Miss Margaret
Hastings, of St. John, New Brunswick, July I, 1851. In
May, 1880, he began the publication of the Advocate,
3. monthly religious magazine. Among his published
writings are: "The Character of Joseph, or The Young
Man's Model," 1855, pp. 21. "The Millennium," 1864,
pp. 24. " Correspondence on Psalmody with the Editor
■of the St. John Telegraph" 1880, pp. 42. "The British
Elective Franchise," 1884, pp. 22, two editions.
MATTHEW LINN:
Son of Matthew Linn, was born at Corkermaine,
near Cairn Castle, County Antrim, Ireland, August 10,
1 73 1.* He was of Scotch parentage and a tiller of the
soil. Brought up in the strictest manner by a Cove-
nanter parentage, he received a careful religious training,
and the elements of an education in the schools of that
vicinity and under private instructors. In the spring of
1757, he was ordained a ruling elder, and the same fall
entered the University of Glasgow, Scotland, where he
graduated in 1760. He studied theology with the min- .
isters of the Presbytery, and was licensed by the
* Sprague's .-Annals. Communications from Ireland.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IX AMERICA. 565
Reformed Presbytery of Scotland, July 16, 1761. He
was ordained at the organization of the Reformed Pres-
bytery of Ireland, at Vow, and installed pastor of the
societies of Bannside, Limavady and Aghadowey, County
Londonderry, Ireland, August 21, 1763. After ten years
of faithful labor in his native country, he was appointed
to accompany Rev. Alexander Dobbin as a Missionary to
America, and arrived in New Castle, Delaware, December
13, 1773. He, with Revs. John Cuthbertson and Alex-
ander Dobbin, organized the Reformed Presbytery of
America, at Paxtang, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania,
March 10, 1774, at which time he was assigned to
preach to the Churches of Paxtang, Dauphin County,
and Stoney Ridge, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.
He abandoned the Covenanted cause and went into the
Associate Reformed Church at its formation, November i,
1782. In 1783, he removed to Franklin County, Penn-
sylvania, where he became pastor of the united congre-
gations of Green Castle, Chambersburg, West Conoco-
cheague and the Great Cove. In 1797, he was thrown
from his horse, and so seriously injured that he became
unfit for ministerial duty, dnd resigned his charges,
March 13, 1798. He died from a disease brought on
by his injuries, at his home near Green Castle, Franklin
County, Pennsylvania, April 21, 1800, and was buried in
the old graveyard at Brown's Mills. He married a
cousin of Robert Fulton, of steamboat fame. Miss
Jennett Fulton, of County Antrim, Ireland, in 1769.
He was large and corpulent in person, comely in his
appearance, and winning in his manners. He was a
laborious student all his life. He was an eloquent
35
S66 HISTORV OF THE REFORMED
speaker, and large audiences had their attention aston-
ishingly rivited for hours, while with marked ability he
unfolded the truths of the gospel. In private life he
was an ornament to the Christian religion, and recom-
mended the doctrines he so powerfully proclaimed by
the silent energy of an eminently holy and exemplary life.
JOHN LITTLE:
Son of James and Esther (Allen) Little, was born
in Ouley, County Down, Ireland, June 17, 1823. His
parents were active and exemplary members of the
Covenanter Church, by whom he was religiously
instructed and dedicated to God for the gospel
ministry. He received his preparatory literary studies
in the schools of Rathfriland, graduating from the
Belfast Academical Institution in 1843. He studied
theology in the Seminary of Paisley, Scotland, and was
licensed by the Southern Presbytery, Ireland, March 8,
1848. The same fall he came to America, was ordained
by the New York Presbytery, and installed pastor of
the Third congregation of New York City, New York,
June 5, 1849. For causing defection and abandoning
his charge, he was suspended by the New York Presby-
tery, April 20, 1852. He connected with the Presbyterian
Church, and was received by the Presbytery of the City
of New York, February 9, 1853. He preached but a
short time, when, becoming despondent, he sickened
and died in great distress, January 2, 1855. He never
married. He was a diligent student, a clear and logical
reasoner, an interesting and eloquent preacher. Being
of a genial and open-hearted disposition, of an ambi-
tious turn of mind, he was lead away from the faith
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 567
of the Covenanter Church by a false knowledge of
himself and the persuasion of a few admiring followers.
JAMES LOVE:
Son of David and Eleanor (Stevenson) Love, was
born in Strasburgh, Franklin County, Pennsylvania,
January 29, 1799. In the fall of 1800, his parents
removed to Washington County, Pennsylvania, where
he pursued his studies in the common schools and
prepared himself for teaching, which vocation he
followed for many years. He soon afterwards began
the study of the classics with a view to the ministry
under the direction of Rev. Samuel Ralston, D. D., a.
Presbyterian minister. In the fall of 1835, he began
the stud}' of theology under the direction of Rev.
Thomas Sproull in Allegheny, Pennsylvania, and was
licensed by the Pittsburgh Presbytery, April 10, 1838.
He was ordained by the same Presbytery, and installed
pastor of the united congregations of Greenfield and
Londonderry, Guernsey County, Ohio, June 27, 1S39.
His field of labor here was very extensive, including
the mission stations of McMahon's Creek, thirty-si.x
miles distant, and Steubenville, forty-five miles from
his home, and these wearisome journeys were made
upon horseback through all kinds of weather. He
resigned the Greenfield branch, May 11, 1847, ^rid the
Londonderry charge, October 6, 1S64. In the spring
of 1865, he removed to Monroe County, Iowa, and
began a mission station with eight members, which
soon grew into a congregation. He was installed
pastor of this, the Albia congregation, now Hickory
Grove, Avery, Monroe County, Iowa, May 16, 1866,
568 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
and resigned on account of impaired health and old
age, September 13, 1881. He removed to Morning
Sun, Louisa Count}', Iowa, where he lived in retire-
ment until his death of old age, November 12, i886.'
He was twice married. First to Miss Jeanette Glenn,
of Franklin County, Pennsylvania, in 1823 ; and second,
to Miss Susan French, of California, Michigan, in 1868.
He was a strong and valiant soldier of the Cross,
endured many hardships and suffered many depriva-
tions in proclaiming the gospel in new settlements.
He possessed a large physique, a robust constitution,
and retained his mental powers unimpaired until his
death. He was a good classical scholar, a sound
theologian and a forcible preacher.
ROBERT LUSK:
Son of William and Elizabeth (Holliday) Lusk, was
born near the city of Londonderry, Ireland, March 8,
1781.* He came with his parents to America in 1792,
and settled in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. In
early life he manifested a thirst for knowledge, which
could not be gained very extensively in the primitive
schools of his adopted neighborhood, and, in 1804, he
repaired to the Academy of Greensburgh, Pennsyl-
vania, where he received his preparatory course of
study, and graduated from Jefferson College in 1810.
He studied theology in the Philadelphia Seminary,
and was licensed by the Middle Presbytery, May 9,
1 8 14. He was ordained by the same Presbytery, and
installed pastor of the Conococheague congregation,
Chambersburgh, Franklin County, Pennsylvania, June 16,
PRESBYTERIAN- CHURCH IN AMERICA. 569
1S16, and resigned this charge, October 15, 1823. He
was installed pastor of the congregation of Walnut
Ridge, Washington County, Indiana, October 7, 1824.
Upon the charge of having defrauded a neighbor, he
was suspended by the authority of Synod, August 10,
1825. These weighty charges were thoroughly investi-
gated by a Commission of Synod, and he was restored
to his ministerial functions, October 15, 1854, and
re-installed pastor of Walnut Ridge, May 9, 1835. He
left -the communion of the Church, June 24, 1S40, and
joined the Reformed Presbyterv-, and his name was
stricken from the roll by the authority of Synod,
September iS, 1840. He preached in the vicinity of
his home as often as his health would permit, and
died of erysipelas, December 14, 1845. He was twice
married. First to Miss Margaret Thomson, of Cono-
cocheague, Pennsylvania, in 1816; and second, to Miss
]Mary Reid, of Walnut Ridge, Indiana, in 1824. He
was not considered a pleasing speaker, yet he was a
very instructive preacher and gifted in prayer. His
literary acquisitions were both general and accurate,
and he was a reputable scholar in science and medicine.
In his pulpit e.xhibitions he had a style peculiarly his
own, and aimed to "speak by punctuation and para-
graphs." He was a diligent student of prophecy, and
in this connection noted carefully the events of Provi-
dence. He published "Characteristics of the Witness-
ing Church," and "Characteristics of Surrounding Com-
munities," in the Contftiding Witness, 1843. He was
Moderator of the Synod of 1817.
570 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
JOHN LYND:
Son of Andrew and Rosa (Gilmore) Lynd, was
born in Knockaduff, County Londonderry, Ireland,
March 24, 1850. He received his preparatory course
of literary training in the Aghadoey Classical School,
and in the Coleraine Academy, graduating with honor
from Magee College in 1871. He studied theology
two sessions in Magee College, and one session in the
Belfast Seminary. He came to America in April, 1873,
and was licensed by the New York Presbytery, M;*y 20,
1873. He was ordained by the Philadelphia Presbytery,
installed pastor of the congregation of Baltimore,
Maryland, December 4, 1873, resigned this charge,
November 6, 1877, and accepted the chair of Greek
and English Literature in Geneva College, Northwood,
Ohio. He was also installed pastor of the congrega-
tion of Belle Centre, Logan County, Ohio, January 5,
1879. He resigned the professorate at the removal of
the College, May 26, 1880, was installed pastor of
the congregation of Rushsylvania, Logan County, Ohio,
August 12, 1880, and resigned these united charges,
April 14, 1885. He returned to Ireland in May, 1885,
and was installed pastor of the Ballylaggan congrega-
tion, Ballymoney, County Antrim, Ireland, June 5, 1885,
where he is in charge. He married Miss Belle Purvis,
of Baltimore, Maryland, April 8, 1875. He was
Moderator of the Irish Synod of 1886.
CAMPBELL MADDEN, M. D. :
Was born in Coleraine, County Londonderry,
Ireland, September 8, 1795.* He received his early
* Communications from Ireland. Sprague's Annals.
1
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 57 1
education in the Coleraine Academy, graduating from
the University of Glasgow, Scotland, in 1816. He
studied theQlog>' privateh-, and was licensed by the
Northern Presbytery, Ireland, June i, 18 19. He came to
America in the fall of 1820, and settled in the Chester
District, South Carolina. Having studied medicine in
Glasgow, Scotland, for several sessions, he resumed his
course in the College of Physicians and Surgeons, , in
Lexington, Kentucky, and finished the prescribed course
with, first honors. He returned to South Carolina, was
ordained by the Southern Presbytery, and installed
pastor of the Beaver Dam congregation, Chester
District, Tune 18, 1822, where he preached and practiced
medicine until his early decease. He possessed a fine
ph\-sical constitution, but he was not cautious of the
Southern climate, and, being constantly e.xposed to all
kinds of weather in the performance of his professional
duties, he was attacked with fever and ague, followed
by repeated and severe hemorrhages of the lungs, from
which he died, at his home in the Chester District,
South 'Carolina, August 12, 1S28. He married Miss
-Margaret Cathcart, of Chester, South Carolina, in 1821.
He was a very useful man and an acceptable preacher
of the gospel. He possessed a mind of considerable
Culture, and his reasoning was clear and logical. His
voice was feeble, but he spoke with such distinctness
and pathos that he never failed to interest and instruct
his hearers. Modesty was a notable trait of his
character, and he only failed to boldly denounce the
evils of slavery more frequently than he did because
he felt he was a stranger in this land. He received
5/2 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
the degree of Doctor of Medicine from the College of
Physicians and Surgeons, Lexington, Kentucky, in 1821.
DANIEL CARGILL MARTIN:
Son of John and Margaret (Dodds) Martin, was
born near Eastbrook, Lawrence County, Pennsylvania,
November 15, 1841. He received his preparatory course
of study in what is now Grove City College, graduating
from Westminster College in 186S. He studied
theology in the Allegheny Seminary, was licensed by
the Pittsburgh Presbytery, April 12, 1870, and, under
appointment of the Central Board of Missions, he spent
some time in exploring the Pacific coast from San
Jose, California, to Vancouver's Island, gathering
scattered Covenanters into societies. He was ordained
by the Illinois Presbytery, installed pastor of the con-
gregation of Princeton, Gibson County, Indiana,
November 7, 1872, and resigned this charge, April 12,
1888. He is residing at Pine Creek Station, near the
city of Allegheny, Pennsylvania. He married Miss
Lucretia Mott Mcintosh, of Allegheny City, Pennsyl-
vania, September 22, 1869.
WILLIAM MARTIN:
Son of David Martin, was born at Ballyspollen,
near Ballykelley, County Londonderry, Ireland, May 16,
1729.* In 1750, he entered the University of Glasgow,
Scotland, where he graduated in 1753- He studied
theology under the direction of the Rev. John McMillan,
and was licensed by the Reformed Presbytery of
Scotland, October 10, 1756. He was the first Covenanter
minister ordained in Ireland, this act taking place at Vow,
♦Communications from Ireland. Irish Testimony.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IX AMERICA. 573.
on the lower Bann, and he was installed pastor of the
societies centering in Ballymoney, County Antrim, Ireland,.
July 13, 1757. In 1760, the societies were divided into-
two congregations, separated by the river, he chosing
Kcllswater congregation, and lived for many years in
I^angor. He came to America with a colony of his
people in \-~2, and settled on Rocky Creek, Chester
District, South Carolina, where he bought a tract of
land one mile square, and his people took up bounty
land. He was the first Covenanter minister settled in
the South. In 1774, his people built a church two-
miles east of Catholic, where he preached, and was
dismissed in 1777. on account of intemperate habits.
His adherents built another church near by, which was
burnt by the British in 1780. He suffered many
annoyances from the British and Tories, and taught his
people to fight for their liberty as Americans. In the
spring of 1 78 1, he went to Mecklenberg, North
Carolina, on account of the disturbed state of the
country in the Chester District, and, after the surrender
of Lord Cornwallis at Yorktown, October 9, 1781, he
returned to South Carolina, and resumed his charge around
Catholic. In 1785, he was again dismissed for his
conduct, and his services became unacceptable to the
people. In 1793, he was restored to his privileges, and
was made a member of the Committee of the Reformed
Presbytery of Scotland, with Revs. King and McGarragh,
to judicially manage the affairs of the Church in
America. He continued to preach at the Jackson's
Creek Church, Wolf Pen or Wolf Pit Meeting-House,
W'innsboro, and at private houses in all the settlements
574 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
between Statesville, North Carolina, and Louisville,
■Georgia. Co-incident with his good preaching he con-
tinued his bad habit until the meeting of the Reformed
Presbytery of America, when seven charges were brought
against him, among which were habitual drinking and
the holding of slaves, and he was deposed from the
ministerial office by that court, March 12, iSoi.* He
-did not cease preaching, however, until shortly before
his death. He sold all his land, and made over his
•effects to his relatives. He died of a fever, brought on
by an injury received by falling from his horse, October
25, 1806, and he was buried in a small graveyard near
his cabin. He was married three times, but the names
of his wives are unknown. He was a large, fine-looking
man, a proficient scholar, an eloquent preacher, and an
able divine.
DAVID MCALLISTER, D. D., LL. D. :
Son of David and ?>Iary A. (Scott) McAllister, was
born in the city of New York, New York, August 25,
1835. He received his early education in the public
schools and learned the printing business. Resuming
his studies under the direction of the Rev. J. B.
Williams, of White Lake, New York, he graduated from
Union College in 1S60. He studied theology in the
Allegheny Seminary, and one session in the Union
Seminary, New York,, being licensed by the New
York Presbytery, May 20, 1863. He was ordained by
the same Presbytery, and installed pastor of the con-
gregation of Walton, Delaware County, New York,
December 16, 1863, and resigned, September 6, 1871,
♦Minutes of Reformed PresbyteTy.
DAVID McAllister, d. d., l. l. d.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 575
and accepted the appointment of Secretary of the
National Reform Association, in which capacity he was
employed four years. He was re-installed pastor of
Walton, June 23, 1875, and resigned, October 24, 1883,
and accepted the chair of Political Science and History
in Geneva College, Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania. He
resigned this professorate, and was installed pastor of the
congregation of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, October 21,
18S7, where he is in charge. He married Miss Mary
A. King, of New York City, New York, November 25,
1S63. He was one of the founders and an editor of
the Christian Sta/esma>t since 1867; Vice President of
Geneva College four years; Treasurer of the National
Reform Association; Member of the Board of Superin-
tendents of the Theological Seminary, and also of the
Foreign Mission. Among his numerous publications the
most note-worthy are : " The National Reform Manual,"
1 87 1. "Christianity and Civil Government," 1888, pp.
400. He was honored with the degree of Doctor of
Divinity by Muskingum College in 1S84, and that of
D'jctor of Laws by Franklin College in 1884. He was
Moderator of the Synod of 1880.
JOHN McAULEY:
Son of Daniel and Martha (Davis) McAuley, was
born near Wytheville, Wythe County, Virginia, January
6, 1S07.* His grandparents came from Scotland, in
1774, as members of the Mecklenberg Colony, and
-'■rtled near Charlotte, North Carolina. His father was
.111 elder in the Presbyterian Church, the family
b-ing brought up in that faith, and returned to North
*Rev. Robert Bruce in Associate Presl'ytirian.
5/6 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
Carolina in 1819. . He received his early education in
Charlotte, North Carolina, attended the High School of
Christiansburgh, Virginia, and graduated from Green-
ville College, Tennessee, in 1833. While at College
his outspoken condemnations of the institution of
slavery would have prevented him from receiving a
diploma, had not the President insisted that it would,
seriously injure the College to deny the degree to one
whose scholarship was so high and satisfactorily attained.
In the fall of 1833, he began the study of theology
in the Presbyterian Seminary of South Hanover, Indi-
ana, and finished the course in the spring of 1836.
He did not see his way clear to remain in the Pres-
byterian Church, and was received into the Associate
Reformed Church, and licensed by the Miami Presby-
tery of that body, November 16, 1836. He was
ordained by the Allegheny Presbytery, and installed
pastor of the united congregations of Jefferson, Upper
Piney and Cherry Run, Sligo, Clarion County, Penn-
sylvania, July 14, 1838. He resigned Jefferson and
Upper Piney in 1841, and devoted his whole time to
Cherry Run, where he labored nearly thirty years.
He, and his congregation, refused to go into the United
Presbyterian Church in 1858, and he remained in the
residuary Associate Reformed Church. Not being fully
satisfied with this Church on the subject of civil
government, he was suspended for insubordination, by
the Clarion Presbytery, September 11, 1867. After a
full statement of his beliefs, he connected with the
Covenanter Church, being received by the Pittsburgh
Presbytery, December 31, 1867. At the time of the
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 577
taking of the Covenant in 1871, he became dissatis-
fied with the bond and some of the modes of procedure,
and left the communion of the Covenanter Church,
May I, 1873. He next connected with the Reformed
Presbytery, May 17, 1873, and was associated with the
Rev. Dr. David Steele, Sr., until his death. His
disease was a complicated parah'sis, affecting both
mind and body, causing a sore trial to his family and
friends, from which he died, at his home in Sligo,
Clarion County, Pennsylvania, August i6, 1883, and
was buried in the old graveyard of Rimersburgh, near
the scene of his labors. He married Miss Elizabeth
Reed, of South Hanover, Indiana, February 8, 1838.
He was a good man, a faithful pastor, and an instruc-
tive preacher.
GEORGE ROBB McBURNEY :
Son of J. R. and Elizabeth K. (Robb) McBurney,
was born near Venice, Washington County, Pennsyl-
vania, February i, 1862. He received his early educa-
tion in Ingleside Academy, and graduated from Geneva
College in 1885. He studied theology in the Allegheny
Seminary, was licensed by the Pittsburgh Presbj-ter}-,
April II, 1888, and preached within the bounds of the
Pittsburgh Presbytery.
JOH\ MCCARTNEY:
Son of William and Isabella (McCreary) McCartney,
was born near Cambridge, Guernsey County, Ohio,
July 13, 1828. He received his early education in
Mi;-kingum College, graduating from Jefferson College
in 1S51. In the fall of 185 1, he became Principal of
the Academy of West Carlisle, Ohio. In 1S52, he
578 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
was editor of the Literary Cabhtct, published in Zanes- ■
vilie, Ohio, and in 1S54, became Principal of the High
School of that city. In 1855, he was called to the '
professorship of Mathematics in Muskingum College.
He studied theology one year in the Allegheny
Seminary^, two years in Glasgow, Scotland, another '
year in the Allegheny Seminary, and was licensed by
the Pittsburgh Presbytery, April 21, i860. He was
ordained by the Lakes Presbytery, installed pastor of
the First Miami congregation, Northwood, Logan ■
County, Ohio, November 12, 1861, and resigned this
charge, September i, 1875. In 1864, he was among'
the philanthropists who revived Geneva College, and .
threw her doors open for the education of the colored
race, and visited this and other lands in procuring". '.
means to sustain the institution. In 1870, he was-' ,
chosen a professor in Geneva College, and, in 1872, "i,
appointed to the chair of Natural Science. He spent :.
two years abroad, and resumed his position, which he '•
occupied in the same institution at Beaver Falls, Penn-
sylvania, until the fall of 1887, when he was assigned
to Natural Histor>'. He married Miss Catharine Robert-
son, of Glasgow, Scotland, August 11, 1868. Largely
through his personal exertions, Geneva College enjoys -
its endowment fund and physical laboratory. In
December, 1887, he went to California, under appoint-
ment of the Central Board of Missions, and spent
some time in collecting together scattered Covenanters.
DANIEL MCCLELLAND:
Was born in Boveragh, County Londonderrjv
Ireland, in 1736.* He received his early education in
•Communications from Ireland. Cuthbertson's Diary.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IX AMERICA. 579.
this vicinity, and came to America. He returned to-
Ireland, where he began the study of theology, and was
licensed by the Reformed Presbytery of Scotland,.
December 21, 1763. He was allowed to visit relations
in Ireland, among whom he preached for some little
time. He was ordained siyie titiilo by the Reformed
Presbytery of Ireland, at Laymore, near Ballymena,.
July 13, 1765. He came to America as a Missionary
in the spring of 1766, and settled among the scattered
Covenanters in Connecticut. The Rev. John Cuthbertson
says in his diary that Mr. McClelland assisted him at
the dispensation of the Lord's Supper at Octorara^
Pennsylvania, April 10, 1766. He also assisted at
many other communions, and preached on different
occasions. He assisted Mr. Cuthbertson again at
Octorara, May 31, 1767, but his services were neither
satisfactory to him nor acceptable to the people. He
continued to preach to the scattered societies in
Eastern Pennsylvania, until the spring of 1768, when
he returned to New England. The remaining events
of his life are unknown, but it is probable that he
drifted away from the Church.
ALBERT WITSIUS McCLURKIN :
Son of Rev. Dr. Hugh P. and Jane (Orr) McClurkin,.
was born in New Concord, Muskingum County, Ohio,
January i, 1S64. He received his early education in
Muskingum College, and graduated from Geneva College
i:i 1S84. He taught school in Wahoo, Nebraska, one
}"car. He studied theology in the Allegheny Seminary,.
was licensed by the Kansas Presbytery, April 3, iSSS^
and preached in Quinter, Kansas, for some months.
5 So HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
^
HUGH PARK McCLURKIN, D. D. :
Son of John and Elizabeth (Park) McCIurkin, was
born near Rocky Creek, Chester District, South Carolina,
November 6, 182 1. His parents were among the early
Covenanters of the South, and removed from that
country on account of slavery, in the fall of 1833, and
settled near Sparta, Randolph County, Illinois. He
received his early education in the schools of his native
and adopted countries, and graduated from Duquesne
College in 1845. He studied theology in the Cincin-
nati Seminary, and was licensed by the Lakes Pres-"
bytery, April 20, 1848. He was ordained by the
Pittsburgh Presbytery, and installed pastor of the Salt
Creek congregation (now New Concord), New Concord,
Muskingum County, Ohio, October 15, 1850, and resigned ' |
this charge, October 8, 1856. He was re-installed pastor,
December 2, 1858, and resigned, October 4, 1882. He';
was installed pastor of the congregation o^ Wahoo,
Saunders County, Nebraska, February 29, 1884, where he
is in charge. He married Miss Jane Orr, of Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania, January 17, 1843. He was for many years
a Trustee of Muskingum College, and President pro
tan of that institution for two years, beginning in 1859.
He was honored with the degree of Doctor of Divinity
by Muskingum College in 1879. He was Moderator of
the Synod of 1868.
JOHN JOHNSTON McCLURKIN:
Son of John and Elizabeth (Park) McCIurkin, was
born near Rocky Creek, Chester District, South Caro-
lina, June 6, 18 1 3. He received his early education
in the schools of his native district, and entered South
HUGH P. McCLURKIN, D. D.
1
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 58 1
Carolina College, Columbia, where he remained until
his junior year. In the fail of 1S33, he removed to
Sparta, Randolph County, Illinois, and the following-
year resumed his studies, and graduated from the
University of Indiana in 1836. He studied theology
privately under the direction of Revs. Samuel Mc-
Kinney and William Sloane, was licensed by the
Illinois Presbytery, April 6, 1841, and attended the
Allegheny Seminary one session. He was ordained by
the Illinois Presbytery, and installed pastor of the
united congregations of Princeton, Gibson County, and
Walnut Ridge, Washington County, Indiana, June 2,
1S43. He was released from Princeton, May 22, 1849,
and from Walnut Ridge, April 10, 185 1. He preached
for two years in Southern Illinois as a Missionary,
and also among the New School Covenanters and
Associate Reformed brethern. He was installed pastor
of the united congregations of Springfield, Greenville
and Sandy Lake, Balm, Mercer County, Pennsylvania,
September 8, 1854, and resigned this charge, October
14, 1873, and filled appointments for seven years. He
was installed pastor of the Garrison congregation,
Glenwood, Fayette County, Indiana, August 14, 1880,
and resigned March 13, 1884. In 1885, he became
stated supply to the congregation of Clarksburgh,
Indiana County, Pennsylvania, where he is in charge.
He was married four times. First to Miss S. A. Wad-_
i-ilc, of Princeton, Indiana, July 29, 1839; second to
Miss Maria Ferguson, of Walnut Ridge, Indiana, Octo-
ber 16, 1843 ; third to Mrs. Maria (Patton) Stevenson,
582 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
of Sparta. Illinois. June lo. 1852 ; and fourth to Miss
L. J. Ewing, of Bloomington, Indiana, April 5, 188 1.
JOHN KNOX McCLURKIN. D. D. :
Son of Rev. J. J. and Maria S. (Patton) Stevenson
McClurkin, was born in Sparta. Randolph County,
Illinois, November 23, 1853. The next year his parents
removed to Balm, Mercer County, Pennsylvania, where
he received his early education, and graduated from
Westminster College in 1873. He taught in that insti-
tution one year, and in the fall of 1S74, accepted the
chair of Greek in Geneva College, Northwood. Ohio. In
the fall of 1875, he accepted the chair of Greek in
Westminster College, and, in 1883, was elected President
of Westminster College; and, although declining the
honor, he was the acting President for one year. He
studied theology in the Princeton and Allegheny Semi-
naries, and was licensed by the Pittsburgh Presbytery, \^J^i^
April 12, 1 88 1. He was ordained by the Philadelphia
Presbytery, installed pastor of the Second congregation
of the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, October 9,
1884, and resigned this charge, August 25, 1887,
accepting the chair of Systematic Theology in the
Allegheny Seminary, where he is in charge. He was
honored with the degree of Doctor of Divinity by
Westminster College in 1887.
SAMUEL RUTHERFORD McCLURKIN: .iv
Son of Thomas and Martha (Kirkpatrick) McClurkin,
was born near Oakdale, Washington County, Illinois,
September 12, 184S. He received his early education
in the common school.^;, and attended respectively,
Sparta Academy, Monmouth College, Iowa Univ-ersfty,
■-^
^
i^
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IX AMERICA. 5^3
and graduated from Westminster College in 1S72. He
studied theology in the Allegheny Seminary, and was
licensed by the Illinois Presbytery, May 26, 1875. He
was ordained by the Ohio Presbytery, and installed
pastor of the Middle Wheeling congregation, Roney's
Point, Ohio County, West Virginia, September 14, 1876,
where he is in charge. He married !Miss Jennie M.
Ferguson, of Brownsville, Ohio, October 24, 1878.
THADDEUS ZWINGLE McCLURKIX :
Son of Rev. Dr. H. P. and Jane (Orr) McClurkin,
was born in Norwich, Muskingum County, Ohio, January
31, 1853. He received his early education in the public
schools, and m Muskingum College, graduating from
Westminster College in 1875. He studied theolog}- in
the Allegheny Seminary, and was licensed by the Ohio
Presbytery, April 2, 1 879. He preached generally
throughout the States and the British Provinces. He
connected with the Presbyterian Church, November 10,
1S84, and preached respectively in Duncannon, Pennsyl-
vania, Beaver Dam and Minneapolis, Minnesota, and
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He married Mrs. Laura L.
Coverleigh, of Duncannon, Pennsylvania, March 25, 1885.
THOMAS McCONNELL :
Son of Thomas and Jane (McConnell) McConnell,
was born in Portglenone, County Antrim, Ireland, . April
27, 18 19. He enjoyed the advantages of an early
religious training in the home, and under the pastoral
care of the Rev. James Smyth. He came to America in
1S37, 3n<^ settled in the city of Alleghen\-, Pennsylvania.
He resumed his classical studies under the care of the
Rev. Hugh Walkinshaw, and graduated from Duquesne
584 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
College in 1847. Having studied theology privately, and
in the Cincinnati Seminary, he was licensed by the
Pittsburgh Presbytery, October 27, 1847. He preached
with general acceptance in the vacancies for about one
year, when seriously impaired health caused him to
cease. In 1849, he removed to West Elizabeth, Alle-
gheny County, Pennsylvania, but on account of an
affection of the throat he was seldom able to preach.
His disease gradually assumed a pulmonary type, causing
hemorrhages of the lungs, from which he died at his
home in West Elizabeth, Pennsylvania, May 3, 1850.
He married Miss Mary J. Anderson, of Canonsburgh,
Pennsylvania, February 10, 1848. He was possessed of
an amiable disposition, a consistent and uniform char-
acter, and was strongly attached to the principles of
the Covenanter Church. From the ability, piety and
consecration which he manifested, high expectations of
great usefulness in the ministry were entertained, and
he was peculiarly fitted for occupying a prominent
position in the Church.
JOSEPH MCCRACKEN:
Son of William and Elizabeth (Hood) McCracken,
was born in Rathfriland, County Down, Ireland, October
21, 1825. He came with his parents to America in
1832, and settled near York, Livingston County, New
York, where he received his early education. He pur-
sued his preparatory classical course in Temple Hill
Academy, and graduated from Union College in 1848.
He went abroad the following year, and studied theology
in the Seminaries of Paisley and Edinburgh, Scotland, , 'J
and was licensed by the Rochester Presbytery, May 13
'':Jz
JOSEPH McCRACKEN.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 585
1S53. He was ordained by the Illinois Presbytery at
Linton, Iowa, October 29, 1856, and installed pastor of
the congregation of Clarinda, Page County, Iowa, July 6,
1S57, and resigned, this charge, October 16, 1858. He
was installed pastor of the congregation of St. Louis,
:\Iissouri, October 14, 1859, and resigned, September 2,
1S74. He accepted the chair of Mathematics in Geneva
College, Xorthwood, Ohio, and resigned. May 26, 1877.
He was installed pastor of the Southfield congregation,
Birmingham, Oakland County, ;\Iichigan, June 15, 1878,
where he is in charge. He married Miss Harriet H.
Rowan, of Argyle, New York, September 15, 1857. He
was Moderator of the Synod of 1S73.
ROBERT HOUSTON McCREADY :
Son of Robert and Margaret (Houston) McCready,
was born in the city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, July
12, 1853. He received his early education in the
public schools, studied privately under Rev. Dr. J. R.
\V. Sloane, attended Geneva College until his senior
year, graduating from the Western University of Penn-
sylvania in 1879. He studied theology in the
.-Vllegheny Seminary, with short terms at Yale Theo-
logical School and Union Seminary, New York, was
licensed by the Pittsburgh Presbyter>-, April 11, 1882,
and spent some time in the British Maritime Provinces
and vacancies of the Church. He was ordained by
the New York Presb}-tery, installed pastor of the
congregation of Coldenham, Orange County, New York,
March 6, 1884, and resigned May 22, 18S8. He
connected with the Presbyterian Church, being received
by the Presbytery qf the City of New York. He
586
HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
was installed pastor of the Prospect Hill Presby-
terian Church. New York City, May 28, 1888, where
he is in charge.
BOYD McCULLOUGH:
Son of William B. and Mary (Moffett) McCuIlough,
was born in Rathfriland, County Down, Ireland, March
25, 1825. He came with his parents to America in
1832, and settled in Beech Woods, Jefferson County,
Pennsylvania, where he received his early education in
the common schools. He studied the classics under
the direction of the Rev. James Milligan, D. D.,
graduating from Duquesne College in 1848. He studied
theology in the Cincinnati and Northwood Seminaries,
and was licensed by the Lakes Presbytery, April 16,
1852. He was ordained by the same Presbytery,
installed pastor of the united congregations of Novi,
Oakland County, and Detroit, Michigan, September 19,
1855, and resigned this charge, May 14, 1871. He
made a lecturing and preaching tour throughout' Great
Britain and Ireland, and returned in the fall of 1872,
preaching as a supply for three years. He con-
nected with the United Presbyterian Church, August
13, 1875, and was stated supply at Caledonia,
Minnesota, and Pepin, Wisconsin, for eight years. In
the summer of 1SS6, he removed to Beech Tree,
Pennsylvania, where he engaged in supplying vacant
pulpits. He was twice married. First to Miss Julia
A. Johnston, of Northwood, Ohio, November 19, 1850;
and second to Mrs. Emily C. (Jameson) Johnston, of
Belle Centre, Ohio, December 8, 1885. He contributed
a series of articles to the National Era, in 18 58, qnd
I
I
PRESBVTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 587
on •• Bible Characters " to the ^Michigan Farmer, in
1S61. He is the author of a book of poems entitled
••The Shamrock," 18S2, pp. 192.
JAMES McGOVVAN McDONALD, D. D. :
Son of John and Martha (Marshall) McDonald,
■Aas born near Winnsboro, Fairfield District, South
Carolina, November 3, 1823. His parents removed
from that country in 1S37, on account of the prevalence
of slavery, and settled near Sparta, Randolph County,
Illinois. He was an only child and his father died
shortly after arriving in Illinois. He took charge of
the farm, and pursued his studies under the direction
of his pastor, the Rev. James Wallace, and also under
iiis uncles, Dr. Robert and Adam Marshall, and became
a most proficient scholar, although he never attended
an Academy or College. He studied theology in the
Cincinnati and Northwood Seminaries, and was licensed
by the Lakes Presbytery-, April 29, 1850. He was
ordained by the Illinois Presbytery, and installed pastor
of Sharon congregation, Linton, Des Moines County,
Iowa, May 17, 185 1, and resigned this charge on
:iccount of failing health, June 19, 1S72. For many
\ cars he was troubled with a spasmodic cough, which
turned into a pulmonary affection, producing a dis-
organization of the lungs, from which disease he died
at his home near Linton, Iowa, September 9, 1S72.
He married Miss Elizabeth Orr, April 16, 1849. He
was an eloquent, fearless and earnest preacher, and
his discourses were always well prepared. He was
endowed With a most excellent memory, a quick and
discriminating perception, and in an argument he was
588 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
almost invincible. He was a fine classical sch6lar, a
sound theologian, and a logical reasoner. He took
great delight in debate, and frequently lectured upon
the distinctive principles of the Covenanter Church.
Among his writings are: "The Dominion of Christ,"
1848. "Capital Punishment," 1851. "Infant Baptism,"
.1852. "Review of Parker's Infant Baptism," 1853.
"The Perfect Law of Libert)'," i860, and other articles
published in the Church magazines. He was honored
with the degree of Doctor of Divinity by Monmouth
College in 1868.
ALEXANDER McDOWELL :
Was born in Coleraine, County Londonderry, Ire-
land, in 1727.* He came to America in early life,
with his parents, who were strict Scotch Presbyterians,
and settled in Eastern Connecticut. He received his
early education in the schools of the new settlement
and under private teachers, and graduated from
Harvard College in 1748. He studied theology privately,
and was licensed to preach in the spring of 1752. ■
He was ordained and installed pastor of the Presby-
terian congregation of Colerain, Franklin County, Massa-
chusetts, September 28, 1753, and was dismissed in
1759, because he insisted on a strict adherence to the
Solemn League and Covenant and other usages of the
Church of Scotland. He then associated himself with
the Covenanter societies in Massachusetts and Con-
necticut, and through his instrumentality they were
gathered together and erected a log meeting house
near Pelham. Little else is known of Mr. McDowell.
* Partiadly from Webster's History of Presbyterian Church. Cuthbert-
son's Diary.
m
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 589
The Rev. John Cuthbertson says in his diary that "on
October 28, 1759, he preached in the meeting house
at Pelham, Massachussetts, and that Alexander Mc-
Dowell came thirty miles from his home east of the
Connecticut river to meet him, took him to his home,
treated him with true Christian hospitality, and that
in all points they agreed in doctrine and had much.
Christian fellowship." Two years later Mr. McDowell
made a preaching tour to the scattered Covenanters
in New York and Eastern Pennsylvania, and frequently
accompanied Mr. Cuthbertson on his preaching tours.
He assisted at a communion at Rock Creek, (Gettys-
burgh) Adams County, Pennsylvania, October 4, 1761,
and on October 12, 1761, this congregation made out
a unanimous call for Mr. McDowell. He declined their
invitation, however, and, in December, 1761, returned
to Connecticut, and nothing more is known of him,
JAMES McDonald mcelhinney:
Son of Joseph and Nancy (McClure) McElhinney^
was born near Linton, Des Moines Count}', Iowa,
October 22, 1858. He received his early education in
the schools of St. Louis, Missouri ; and, in the fall
of 1876, entered Geneva College, where he remained
three years, graduating from Monmouth College in 188 1,
He was a teacher and Principal of the Academy of
Morning Sun, Iowa, for two years. He studied theo-
logy in the Allegheny Seminary-, was licensed by the
Iowa Presbytery, April 7, 1S86, and labored for six
months in Superior, Nebraska, and Holmwood, Kansas.
He accepted the appointment of a Missionan.- in the
city of New York, May i, 1SS7, where he is employed.
590 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
DAVID McFALL: ',:
Son of James and Ann (Dunlap) McFall, was born :-"
-near Dervock, County Antrim, Ireland, March 12, 1846.';-^
He received his early education in the schools of
Coleraine, Ireland, came to America in 1867, and "■•'J
settled in the city of Allegheny, Pennsylvania. He
soon afterwards resumed his studies, and graduated from
Westminster College in 1869. He studied theology at
the same time in the Allegheny Seminary, and was
licensed by the Pittsburgh Presbytery, April 12, 1870.
He was ordained by the same Presbytery, installed
pastor of the congregation of Oil City, Pennsylvania,
May 18, 1S71, and resigned this charge, 'April 8,
1873. He was installed pastor of the Second con-
gregation of Boston, Massachusetts, July 11, 1873,
where he is in charge. He married Miss Clara B.
Milligan, of Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, October 16,
1873. He has published numerous articles in the
Church magazines, contributed an exposition of the
Sabbath School Lessons to the Christian Statesman,
lectured in the. interests of the National Christian
Association, and is Chaplain in the Cambridge Prison.
THOMAS McFALL:
Son of James and Ann (Dunlap) McFall, was born
near Dervock, County Antrim, Ireland, August 23,
1848. He received his early education in the schools
of his native country, came to America in 1867, and
settled in the city of Allegheny, Pennsylvania. He
received his preparatory studies in Westminster College,
graduating from Geneva College in 1875. He was
employed upon the Christian Statesman in Philadelphia,
:3i
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 59 1
rennsylvania, one year. He studied theology in the
Allegheny Seminary, and was licensed by the Pitts-
burgh Presbytery, April 8, 1879. He was ordained by
the New Brunswick and Nova Scotia Presbyterj', and
installed pastor of the united congregations of Corn-
uallis and Horton, Somerset, Kings County, Nova
Scotia, August 25, 1881. The Horton branch was
dropped, June 3, 18S6, and he continues in charge of
Cornwallis. He married Miss Anna iVI. Lyons-, of
Philadelphia/ Pennsylvania, September 16, 1879.
ARMOUR McFARLAND :
Son of Patrick and Eliza (Knox) McFarland, was
born near Cookstown, County Tyrone, Ireland, March
S. 1S08. He received his early education in the
■fchools of his native country, and graduated with the
honorary degree of Master of Arts from the University
of Glasgow, Scotland, in 1828. He studied theology
in the Seminary of Paisley, Scotland, and was licensed
b_\- the Western Presbytery, Ireland, October 21, 1830.
He came to America in May, 183 1, settled in West
licdford, Coshocton County, Ohio, and engaged in
l-i/caching. He was ordained by the Ohio Presbytery,
installed pastor of the congregation of Utica, Licking
County, Ohio, October 5, 1837, and also of Jonathan's
Creek, Muskingum County, Ohio, October 6, 1S47.
He resigned the Utica branch, May 23, 1S55, and
«.le\-oted his whole time to Jonathan's Creek, to which
was added the charge of Middle Wheeling, West
\":rginia, April 4, 1866. He resigned Middle Wheeling,
-\|)ril 12, 1873, and Jonathan's Creek, April 12, 1876,
":'. account of impaired health, and retired to his
592 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
country residence near Zanesville, Ohio, where he is
living in the infirmities of age. He married Miss
Sarah McCune, of Utica, Ohio, March 22, 1842.
ARMOUR JAMES McFARLAND :
Son of James and Martha (McNichol) McFarland^
was born in West Bedford, Coshocton County, Ohio^
September 18, 1836. He received his early education
in the West Bedford Academy, entered Geneva College^
where he remained until his senior year, and graduated
from Miami University in 1858. He studied theology
in the Allegheny Seminary, and was licensed by the
Pittsburgh Presbytery, April 2, 1S61. He was ordained
by the same Presbytery, installed pastor of the Salem
congregation, Stanton, Jefferson County, Pennsylvania,
February 5, 1862, and resigned this charge, April II,
1882. He was installed pastor of the congregation of
St. John, New Brunswick, August 4, 1882, where he is
in charge. He was twice married. First to Miss
Matilda Gregg, of Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, April
29, 1862; and second, to Miss Mary C. Crozier, of
Elizabeth, Pennsylvania, October 18, 1866.
JOSEPH McFARLAND:
Son of James and Martha (McNichol) McFarland,
was born in West Bedford, Coshocton County, Ohio,
June 18, 1839. He received his early education in the
West Bedford Academy, entered Geneva College, where
he remained until his junior year, and graduated from
Miajni University in 1859. He studied theology in the
Allegheny Seminary two years, and engaged in farming
three years. He resumed his studies in the Allegheny
Seminary, and was licensed by the Pittsburgh Presby-
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 593
tery, May 33, 1867. After preaching a few months, he
abandoned the work. In the fall of 1868, he removed
to Dallas County, Iowa, where he engaged in farming.
In the spring of 1876, he returned East, and settled
upon a farm near Stanton, Jefferson County, Pennsyl-
vania, where he is residing. He married Miss Mary J.
Crawford, of Dresden, Ohio, September 3, 1S6S. He was
elected an elder in the Salem congregation, April 9,
187S, and is actively engaged in Sabbath School work.
AVILLIAM McFARLAND :
Son of James and Martha (McNichol) McFarland,
was born in West Bedford, Coshocton County, Ohio,
November 5, 1844. He received his early education in
the West Bedford Academy, and graduated from
Washington and Jefferson College in 1868. He studied
theology in the Allegheny Seminary, and was licensed
by the Pittsburgh Presbytery, April 12, 1870. He was
ordained by the Rochester Presbytery, and installed
pastor of the Lisbon congregation, Flackville, St.
Lawrence County, New York, May 11, 1871, where he
IS in charge. He married Miss Martha E. McClure, of
Oil City, Pennsylvania, October 4, 1S71.
JAMES McFEETERS:
Son of Thomas and Mary (Fletcher) McFeeters,
was born in Raphoe, County Donegal, Ireland, January i,
1848. In 1850, his parents came to America and
settled in Jamestown, Mercer County, Pennsylvania,
where he received his early education in the Adams-
ville Academy, graduating from Westminster College in
1S70. He studied theology in the Allegheny Seminary,
and was licensed by the Pittsburgh Presbytery, April 8,
594 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
1873. He was ordained by the same Presbytery, and^
installed pastor of the united congregations of Manchester
and Parnassus, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, June
19, 1874; the Brookland congregation being added^
November 16, 18S6, where he is in charge. He married.
Miss Nannie C. Dill, of Wyman, Iowa, February 25,
1875. He is editor of the Young Folk's department of
the Christia?i Statesynan since 1883; contributes an
exposition of the Sabbath School Lessons to the same
paper since 1885; is editor of "Old Arm Chair" in
the Christian Nation since 1884; the Temperance depart-
ment of the St. Louis Midland since 1884; and many
articles in the magazines of the Church. He is President
of the Board of Trustees of Geneva College.
JAMES McGARRAGH:
Was born in Donaghadee, County Down, Ireland,
July, 1752.* He received the rudiments of an excellent
education in the schools of his native County, and
graduated from the University of Glasgow, Scotland, /
in 1 78 1. He studied theology one year under the
direction of the Rev. William Stavely, also in Scot-
land, and was licensed by the Reformed Presbytery of
Scotland, at Bready, County Londonderry, Ireland,
August 20, 1783. He preached with much acceptance
to the scattered societies throughout Ulster for several
years. In 1789, there arose a theological discussion
between the Seceders and Covenanters in reference to
the. civil relations. The subject had long afforded a
fruitful topic for debate, and the aid of the press had
frequently been used in the discussion. The adherents
from Ireland.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 595
of the two parties assembled in the vicinity of Balli-
bay to hear a viva voce discussion of its merits. On
the side of the Seceders appeared the Rev. John
Rixlgers, who had challenged the first Covenanter
minister that came into the district ; and the first
n^.inister comin^ into the neighborhood was Mr. James
McGarragh, then a licentiate. On a platform erected
in the open air, not far from the meeting-house of
Cahans, and in the presence of an immense crowd of
auditors, these two disputants discussed this point of
polemic theology at great length. Immediately in front
of Mr. 'Rodgers stood- a goodly pile of books, ta
v.hich he occasionally appealed in confirmation of his
statements ; but Mr. McGarragh scorned the aid of
such auxiliaries and exhibited no volume but one — the
English Bible. The advocate of the Covenanters was
b_\- no means deficient either in self-possession or
volubility of speech ; and as the Seceders had recently
accepted Regimn Dcmjiin, he did not neglect a topic
which afforded such scope for his powers of declama-
ti'^n and argument. The discussion, however, produced
" ' practical change of opinion, as the two parties now
adliered more firmly than ever to the principles which
each had previousl)- professed.* Receiving urgent
requests from the Covenanters in South Carolina to
come to that country, he decided to accept their call,
and was ordained at Bready, August 28, 17S9. Late
in the fall of 1790, he sailed from Belfast for Charles-
t' n. South Carolina, and after a very tedious and
-tormy passage arrived on the Southern shore of the
* Keid's History of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland.
396 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
United States of America. In the spring of 1791, he'
settled on the north side of the Beaver Dam, a branch
•of the Rocky Creek congregation, Chester District,
South Carolina. His most excellent wife, Miss Eliza-
beth Clark, of County Down, Ireland, to whom he had
been married some time before leaving his native land,
died soon after his arrival in this country, and the
second time he married an intemperate and worthless
woman, who was his housekeeper, and who lead him
to fall into intemperate habits, for which conduct he
was suspended by the Committee, June 24, 1795.* He
■was deposed from the ministerial office by the RTeformed
Presbytery, February 5, 180 1, but was afterwards
restored to private membership. He taught school and
-cultivated a small farm for a livelihood, died in great
despondency, September 6, 18 16, and was buried in
Paul's graveyard, near Mount Prospect, Chester District,
South Carolina. He was a proficient scholar, an apt
teacher, and a very acceptable preacher.
CHARLES BROWN McKEE :
Son of James and Agnes (Morrow) McKee, was
born near Elder's Ridge, Indiana County, Pennsylvania,
March 28, 1792. He received his early education in
.the neighboring Academy of Greensburgh, also in a
classical school in Philadelphia, and attended the Uni-
versity of Pennsylvania. He studied theology in the
Philadelphia Seminary, and under the direction of the
Rev. S. B. Wylie, D. D., and was licensed by the
Philadelphia Presbytery, December 28, 1S19. He was
•ordained by the Pittsburgh Presbytery, installed pastor
»Rev. D. S. Faris in R. P. i'. C, 1876, p. 51.
CHARLES B. McKEE.
L
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 59/
of the Brush Creek congregation, Chillicothe, Ohio,
August 7, 1 82 1, and resigned, September 10, 1822.
He accepted the chair of Languages in Cincinnati
College, was installed pastor of the congregation of
Cincinnati, Ohio, November 18, 1822, and resigned,
October 17, 1831. He soon afterwards removed to the
cit\- of Rochester, New York, where he opened a
ciassical school and preached as occasion was afforded.
He was installed pastor of the congregation of Rochester,
New York, May 14, 1S37, and resigned, August 29,
1S42. In 1844, he removed to the city of Baltimore,
Maryland, where he opened a flourishing classical
^chool, and was stated supply to the congregation for
t'AO years. He was installed pastor of the congrega-
tion of Baltimore, Maryland, December 2, 1S46, and
was released, December 4, 1852, when he connected
with the Presbyterian Church. He built up the Twelfth
Presbyterian Church of that city, and was the
pastor for five years. In 1 8 58, he took charge of the
Presbyterian Church at Lewinsville, Virginia, where he
Labored until the rebels occupied that country in 1861.
His sentiments and sympathies being wholly with the
North, he found it necessary to resign the charge.
He removed to the city of Washington, D C, where
he accepted an appointment in the War Department.
This position he discharged with ability and acceptance,
until stricken with paralysis at his desk, and, in three
Jays thereafter died, at his home in Georgetown, D. C,
Jane 5, 1866. He was twice married. First to Miss
Julia H. Snyder, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Januar>'
3r, 1821 ; and second to Miss Hannah Adams, of
598 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
Rochester, New York, June lo, 1841. He was a most
excellent and finished scholar, and was well known as
a teacher of the classics. He was thoroughly versed
in the ancient languages and biblical literature, and
possessed rare capabilities for imparting instruction.
As a preacher, he was most interesting and instruc-
tive, and at times quite eloquent. During his residence
in Washington he preached much in the hospitals and
camps of the soldiers, and also to the refugees who
flocked around the city during the war of the rebellion.
He made application for re-admission into the Cove-
nanter Church, but died before his request could be
acted upon by a constituted court. Among his pub-
lications are: "An Analysis and Defence of the
Doctrines of the Westminster Confession of Faith,"
1832; "The Hopkinsian Heresy," 1841 ; "Anti-Deacon,"
1843. He was Moderator of the Synod of 1841. v
DAVID McKEE:
Son of David and Jane (Smith) McKee, was bom
near Ballibay, County Monaghan, Ireland, April 10, 182 1.
He received his early education in his native country,
came to America in 1836, and settled in Crawford
County, Pennsylvania. He resumed his studies in the
Mercer Academy, and graduated from Jefferson College
in 1847. He studied theology in the Cincinnati Semi-
nary, and privately, and was licensed by the Pittsburgh
Presbytery, April 9, 185 1. He was a Professor of Greek
in Westminster College, two years. He was ordained
by the Philadelphia Presbytery, installed pastor of the
Fourth congregation of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, July 5'
1854, and resigned this charge, August 4, 1859. He
DAVID McKEE.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 599
was installed pastor of the congregation of Clarinda,
Page County, Iowa, September 20, 1862, where he is in
charge. He married Miss Mary E. Gregg, of Allegheny
City, Pennsylvania, September 3, 1S56. He was Mode-
rator of the Synod of 1S85.
JOSEPH ANDERSON McKEE :
Son of John A. and Eleanor (Anderson) McKee,
was born near Lucesco, Westmoreland County, Penn-
sylvania, February 6, 1838. In early life his parentis
removed to the city of Allegheny, Pennsylvania, where
he received his early education in the public schools,
and graduated from Westminster College in 1867. He
connected with the United Presbyterian Church, studied
theology in their Allegheny Seminary, and was licensed
by the Allegheny Presbytery of that body. May 13,
1S69. He preached for two years and returned to the
Covenanter Church, being received as a licentiate by
the Pittsburgh Presbytery, April 11, 1871. He died
from a relapse of typhoid fever, at the home of his
father, in Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, September 2,
1 87 1. He was unmarried. Owing to the delicate state
of his health he was not permitted to preach in many
of the vacancies, but his efforts gave abundant evidence
that, had he been spared, he would have become a
useful and devoted minister.
ROBERT McKEE :
Was born in Ahoghill, County Antrim, Ireland,
'^^^y 13. I/QS- In early life he came to America, and
settled in the city of New York, New York, where he
received the best of an education in the public schools,
and also in a private classical school. He engaged in
6oo HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
teaching, with marked success, for many years. He '^'
studied theology in the Philadelphia Seminary, and was •
licensed by the Northern Presbytery, August 9, 1825. ■.•■
He was stated supply to the congregation of Fayette- "■
ville, Lincoln County, Tennessee, for some time. While
in Nashville, Tennessee, he connected with the free
mason lodge, for which cause he was suspended. After ,'.
confessing his guilt, and abandoning the unfruitful works
of darkness, he was restored by the Northern Presbytery, '_
October 10, 1828. He was ordained by the same Pres- ■-'
bytery, and installed pastor of the united congregations "
of Lansingburgh and Troy, New York, December 29, '
1S30, where he remained pastor for over four years. -.
He connected with the Presbyterian Church, being V
received by the Presbytery of Albany, May 16, 1835. ■■.'
He preached for some time in the Eighth Presbyterian '.'
Church in Albany, New York, but devoted himself %
principally to teaching. He died in Albany, New York, ■_
July 13, 1840. He married Miss Hannah Thomson, of
Conococheague, Pennsylvania, in 1820. He was a very •
acceptable preacher, but in the latter days of his life
his mind became impaired, and he was often very -
eccentric and peculiar in his manners. . '■
JAMES McKINNEY: ■' '
Son of Robert and Elizabeth (Mclntyre) McKinney,
was born in Cookstown, County Tyrone, Ireland,
November 16, 1759.* After pursuing his preparatory
studies in the schools of his native County, he entered
the University of Glasgow, Scotland, where he gradu-
ated in 1778. He remained a few years longer in
*Sprague'3 Annals.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IX AMERICA. 6oi
Glasgow, and took a full course in medicine and
theology, and was licensed by the Reformed Presbytery
of Ireland, May 19, 1783. He was ordained by the
same court, and installed ^Dastor of the congregation
of Kirkhills or Dervock, County Antrim, Ireland,
(October 4, 1783. This charge was very extensive, and
embraced the north-west portion of the County Antrim,
and a large part of Derry. Here he labored faithfully
for about ten years, and was known as a bold and
fearless advocate of the rights of God and men. He
deeply sympathized with the oppressed at the time of
the Irish rebellion, and, although he did not belong
to the society of "United Irishmen," yet he was
charged with influencing and encouraging them to
throw off th<= British yoke. The true cause of his
leaving his native land was his sermon on the "Rights
of God." This was denounced as treasonable by the
secret spies of the British government. An indictment
was found against him, and he, being feared by the
government, and an object of jealousy, they determined
to seize and imprison him. He was providentially
away from home when the soldiers came to arrest
mm. and as bail on a charge of treason could not be
accepted, he escaped to America in the summer of
1793- He travelled as a Missionary to all the scattered
Covenanters from Vermont to the Carolinas, and organ-
ized many congregations. He received his family from
Ireland in 1797, and resided in Philadelphia, Penn-
sylvania. He, with the Rev. William Gibson and ruling
ei'icrs, constituted the Reformed Presbytery of America,
at Philadelphia, May, 1798. At this time he took
602 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
charge of the united congregations of Galway and
Duanesburgh, New York, and also preached in other
societies adjacent. In November, 1800, he, with the
Rev. S. B. Wylie, constituted a Committee of the
Reformed Presbytery to visit the Churches throughout
the South to abolish slavery from the pale of the
Covenanter Church. He resigned the charge at Duanes-
burgh, New York, April 4, 1802, and accepted the
call to ' the congregation of Rocky Creek. Chester
District, South Carolina, whither he removed, died in
a few months thereafter, away from his family,
September 16, 1802, and was buried in the old
graveyard on Rocky Creek. He married Miss Mary
Mitchell, of County Londonderry, Ireland, in 17S4.
For scholarship and eloquence combined he was not
only the greatest man in the Covenanter Church in
his day, but he was a great man among the men of
that age. He lived in revolutionary times, and he was
an ardent lover of civil and religious liberty. His
sermons were a continuous stream of thought ; and for
grandeur of conception and impressiveness of delivery,
such displays of eloquence were seldom heard. His
diction was clear and copious, abounding in brilliant
figures. He seemed to catch inspiration from the
■working of his mind upon divine truth, and then his
keen perception and vivid imagination produced in
energetic language an effect that was inexpressibly
powerful upon his audience. He was a very kind
and social man, and devoted to the spiritually of his
people. He was courteous to his brethren and remark-
ably submissive to the authority of the Church court.
:M
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 603
If at any time he was advised of a tresspass on
decorum, he would say to the presiding officer, "You
are right ; I am a friend of good order, and bow to
\-our authority." He had his trials and hardships in a
new country. "In the place of his residence the help
needed in the labors of the field could not always,
c\'en for wages, be obtained. In such cases he did
not withhold his own hand. In his forest clearing,
amidst the half burnt logs, in company with his hired
man, he might be seen putting forth the strength of
his muscular frame at the heaviest end of a log. But
near by were the implements of the scholar and the
man of reflection — the paper, the inkstand and the
quill, and the table was the stump of the newly felled
tree ; and while the hired man was resting a momeqt
from the common toils, Mr. McKinney was at his rude
table making a record of his thoughts — those deep
meditations on the rights of God, of Christ, of the
Church, and of Humanity. Thus in the charcoaled
field, with his frame blackened with its dust, the soul
of this great man was roaming abroad among the
works of Divinity, his mind winging its way to heaven,
and the whole being was in constant communication
with God." An eminent divine said, "I have met with
many considerable, and some great, men, but not one
equal to James McKinney." Another says, "He is
like Leviathan — made without fear." Such are the
testimonies of men on both sides of the Atlantic to
the character of the "Great McKinney," who, when
lie came to die, and was amidst the pains of dissolu-
tion in a strange country, said as his last words:
604 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
"Now is the time to have the anchor cast within
the vail," and he fell asleep. The only specimen of
his writings extant is his "Rights of God," 1797, pp.
68, and the second edition emitted by the Rev. Robert
Gibson in 1833. The other portions of the con-
templated work were the "Rights of Christ as
Mediator," "Rights of the Church," and the "Rights
of Men." Most of this manuscript was prepared for
the press, but was lost about the time of his death.
ROBERT McKINNEY:
Son of Robert and Eleanor (McGeorge) McKin-
ney, was born near Ogle, Butler County, Pennsylvania,
December 10, 1846. He received the elements of an
education in the common and select schools of that
neighborhood, attended Westminster College one year,
and graduated from Geneva College in 1874. He
studied theology in the Allegheny Seminary, and
was licensed by the Pittsburgh Presbytery, April 11,
1877. During the summer of 1877, he contracted a
severe cold while on a preaching tour, which settled
upon his lungs and produced hemorrhages. Upon
resuming his studies in the Seminary in the fall, his
health gave way, and he repaired to Florida for
recuperation. The hemorrhages returning, his brother
went to bring him home, and succeeded in reaching the
home of his brother-in-law, Mr. Pierce, in Bellevue,
Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, where he died of
consumption, July 4, 1878, and was buried in the old
graveyard of Pine Creek, amidst the dust of his kindred.
He married Miss Hamie E. Gray, of Brownsdale,
Pennsylvania, September 6, 1877. He was a large and
M
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 6o5'.
well-developed man, with intellectual talents and con-
versational powers which gave great promise of use-
fulness in the ministry.
SAMUEL McKINNEY:
Son of Samuel and Margaret (Findley) McKinney,
and nephew of the Rev. James McKinney, was born
in Galway, County Galway, Ireland, March lo, 1807.*
He came with his parents to America in 181 3, and
settled in Hawkins County, Tennessee, where his
youth was spent upon a farm. He attended the com-
mon schools and studied under private instructors,
graduating from the University of Pennsylvania in
1S32. He studied theology under the care of the Rev.
S. B. Wylie, at Philadelphia, was licensed by the
Northern Presbytery, June 10, 1832, and preached with,
great acceptance in the vacancies for a few years. He
was ordained by the Ohio Presbytery, installed pastor
of the Elkhorn congregation, Oakdale, Washington
County, Illinois, April 15, 1835, and resigned this
charge. May 24, 1840, and accepted a professorate in
Denmark College, Tennessee. In 1843, he was chosea
President of West Tennessee College, and the following
year connected with the Presbyterian Church. In 1850,
he was elected President of Austin College. Huntsville,
Texas, whither he removed, and continued to hold
this office until impaired health caused his resignation
in 1875. He then retired from active duty, and died
of dysentery, at his home in Huntsville, Texas, Nov-
ember 27, 1879. He married Miss Nancy W. Todd,
rif Oakdale, Illinois, July 4, 1836. He was a most
♦ MS. from bis son, Hod. A. T. McKinney. Huntsville. Texas.
6o6
HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
acceptable preacher, and a man mighty in the Scrip-
tures. He preached occasionally in the South, but was
■distinguished as a teacher, in which occupation he held
a high rank both as to accurate scholarship and suc-
cessful management.
WILLIAM McKINNEY:
Son of Robert and Margaret (Criswell) McKinney,
-was born near Ogle, Butler County, Pennsylvania,
March 4, 1 841. He received his early education in the
•common schools, and Westminster College, attending
Yale College for some time. He studied theology in
the Allegheny Seminary, and was licensed by the Pitts-
burgh Presbytery, April 12, 1876. He took charge of
the newly organized Mission School in Camden, Ala-
bama, January I, 1877, but this field was abandoned
in April, 1878. In 1S79, he was stated supply at
Lake Reno and Round Prairie, Minnesota, and, in
1881, at Saline Ridge, Kansag. Subsequently he sup-
plied in other parts of the Church. He was twice mar-
ried. First to Miss Myra McKee, of Allegheny, Penn-
sylvania, September 10, 1875; and second to -Miss
Lillie J. Gray, of Waukesha, Wisconsin, December 17,
1879. He preaches occasionally, and is engaged in
farming near Myoma, Pennsylvania.
JAMES McLACHLANE :
Was born in the city of Glasgow, Scotland, June 14,
1798. His parents were pious members of the Secession
Church, with which body he also connected in early
life. He received the best of an education in the schools
of his native city, and graduated from the University
of Glasgow in 1822. He studied theology in the Perth
.5
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 607
Seminary, under the direction of the eminent Dr. Taylor,
of the old Burgher section of the Secession Church,
and was licensed by the Glasgow Presbytery of that
body, April 19, 1826. He was ordained sine cura by
the same court, November 16, 1826, and in the spring
of 1827, went out to the Cape of Good Hope, to labor
as a Missionary in the Caffraria region, under the
auspices of the London Missionary Society. He returned
to his native land the following year on account of the
serious illness of his wife. In 1829, he received the
appointment of Chaplain to the Seamen's Chapel,
Glasgow, Scotland, which office he held for four years.
He connected with the Covenanter Church, May 24,
I S3 3. In the summer of the same year he came to
Canada West, as a Missionary under the Synod of
Scotland, and labored principally in Ramsey, Carleton
Place and Perth. He took charge of the congregations
of Ramsey and Perth, August 29, 1837, and continued
in this pastoral relation for eighteen years. He was
installed pastor of the congregation of Lisbon, St.
Lawrence County, New York, July 16, 1856, where he
continued to labor until his death, caused by an affection
<if the heart, November 19, 1864. He was twice married.
First to Miss Jane Campbell, in 1825; and second, to
AHss Christiana Hamilton, in 1833, both of Glasgow,
Scotland. He was a devoted soldier of the Cross, and
bore many hardships in presenting the gospel in new fields.
He shrunk from no toil, however arduous, and most
cheerfully performed every Christian duty. He was a
very quiet, unassuming, and humble Christian, avoiding
the very appearance of pomp or pride, and took his
6o8 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
chiefest joy in silent meditation with his Saviour.
While he was well-read in theology and the Puritan
Divines, yet he had no taste for general reading and
avoided public life. His discourses were carefully
written and committed to memory before delivery. He
was an acceptable speaker, but by no means eloquent.
ALEXANDER McLEOD, D. D. :
Son of Rev. Niel and Margaret (McLean) McLeod,
was born at Ardcrisinish, in the Isle of Mull, Scotland,
June 12, 1774.* His father was a distinguished minister
of the Presbyterian Church of Scotland, whose parish
embraced the famous Island of lona, where Columba
preached the pure gospel more than twelve centuries
before him. The subject of this sketch, from his earliest
years, evinced' an earnest desire to be a preacher of
the gospel. Being deprived of both his pious parents
in early life, he was cast largely upon his own resources.
He received the elements of an excellent classical
education in his native Mull, and pursued them further
in the parish school of Bracadila, in the Isle of Skye.
At the age of eighteen he resolved to push his fortune
in the New World, and came to America by the way
of Liverpool, England, in the spring of 1792. Soon
after his arrival in the city of New York, he ascended
the Hudson to Albany, thence to Schenectady, New
York, where, in the fall, he was employed as a teacher
of Greek among a society of his own people. At the
establishment of Union College, he became a student,
and graduated with honor in 1798. Having connected
with the Covenanter Church at Princetown, New York,
*Sprague's Annals. Memoir by Dr. S. B. Wylie.
1
ALEXANDER McLEOD D. D.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 609
under the eminent Rev. James McKinney, he studied
theology under his direction, and was licensed by the
Reformed Presb\'tery, at Coldenham, New York, June 24,
1799. In the fall of 1800, he was called to the pastorate
of Coldenham and New York, but he declined to accept
it on the plea that there were slave-holders among
those who signed his call. The matter was taken before
the Presbytery, which court enacted, without a dissenting
voice, that " no slaveholder should be allowed the com-
munion of the Church." After this deliverance he
accepted the calls, and was ordained and installed pastor
of the united congregations of Coldenham, Orange
County, and New York City, New York, July 6, 1801.
He was released from the Coldenham branch, September
8, 1803, and devoted his labors to the rapidly growing
congregation in New York City. He soon became
known for his remarkable powers as a writer and
preacher, and took his place in the front rank of the
scholars and preachers of his day. He was called by
several denominations, and sought after by different
institutions of learning, but he declined all these honors
to remain among the devoted flock of his own gathering.
In 1 8 16, he went to Washington to aid in the organi-
zation of the American Colonization Society, and wrote
its constitution. In 1824, he suffered fr,om inflammation
of the lungs, which was caused by e.xposure amid his
manifold toils and excessive duties. In 1830, he visited
Europe for his health, and returned much improved.
During his absence he was elected Professor of Theology,
and editor of a monthly magazine about to be estab-
lished by the Covenanter Church. He accepted these
6io
HISTORY OK THE REFORMED
appointments, heard classes in theology, and edited,
the American CJiristiaJi Expositor, until his death. He'
died of heart disease, at his residence in New York
City, New York, February 17, 1833. He married Missel
Maria A. Agnew, of New York City, New York, Sep-''
tember 16, 1805. He was possessed of superior mentaL,
endowments, the gifts of a learned man, and the graces--
of an eloquent preacher. He was a profound theologian,'
a distinguished metaphysician, and a clear logician. He
was a lucid expositor of divine truth; close in his defi-
nitions, clear in his explanations, vigorous in his argu-
ments, and practical in his applications. In labors he
was abundant. Three discourses every Sabbath, an
evening lecture every week, and the accustomed cate-
chetical duties and pastoral visits occupied his time.
He loved to preach, and he possessed the power to-
enchain the attention of an audience, and to bring con-';
viction to the heart. He was the efficient patron, if
not the originator, of various charitable institutions, and
had no small honor in connection with the American
Colonization Society, the New York Society for the
Instruction of the Deaf and Dumb, and the American
Society for Ameliorating the Condition of the Jews.
He was a profuse writer, and as an author the following
are among his publications extant : " Negro Slavery
Unjustifiable," 1802. " Messiah, Governor of the Nations
of the Earth," 1803. "Ecclesiastical Catechism," 1807,
twelve editions. "Lectures upon the Prophecies of the
Revelation," 1814, four editions. "View of the Late
War," 181 5, two editions. "The Life and Power of
True Godliness," 18 16, si.x editions. He also wrote
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 6ir
" Reformation Principles Exhibited," and most of the
" Historical Part of the Reformed Presbyterian Testi-
mony," and the " Book of Discipline." He edited the
American Christian Expositor, a monthly, two voIumes,^
1830 — 1832. He contributed largely to the Christian
-Magazine, Evangelical Witness, Evangelical Guardian and
Rcviezi', and other religious magazines and papers. He
edited the "Larger Catechism with Proofs," the first
book stereotyped in America. He was honored with
the degree of Doctor of Divinity by Middleburg College
in 1809. He was Moderator of the Synod of 18 14.
JOHN NIEL McLEOD, D. D. :
Son of Rev. Dr. Alexander and Maria A. (Agnew)
McLeod, was born in the city of New York, New
York, October 11, 1 806. He received a careful religious
training in the home of his distinguished parents, a
liberal education in the classical school of Mr. John
Borland, and graduated from Columbia College in 1826.
He studied theology in the Philadelphia Seminary, and
was licensed by the Northern Presbytery, August 4,.
1 828. He was ordained by the same Presbyter\',
installed pastor of the united congregations of Galway,.
Saratoga County, and Broad Albin, Fulton County,
New York, December 29, 1829, and resigned this
charge, June 19, 1832. He was installed pastor, as
his father's successor, of the First congregation of New
York City, New York, January 14, 1833. At the
division of the Church in August, 1833, he became
identified with the New School branch of the Cove-
nanter Church, and remained pastor of a portion of
his former flock, until his death, of paralysis of the
•6 1 2 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
lieart, at his residence in New York City, April 27,
1874. He married Miss Margaret Wylie, of Phila-
delphia, Pennsylvania, June 13, 1830. He was a man '*''
-of fine personal appearance, of commanding dignity, *;
and earnest piety. He was an interesting preacher of the ;;
Scottish type, and well-read upon all subjects pertain- ;*;
ing to the ministerial office. In 185 1, he was chosen ''
Professor of Theology in his Church, and held this - '
-office for many years. In 1862, he became Chaplain '-^a
of the Eighty-fourth New York regiment during the Tv*
war of the rebellion. He was known in New York as -V"
a philanthropist, and was a member of the American . '
Bible Society, Chairman of the Revision Committee, .'_
Vice-President of the American Colonization Society, •'
-also of the Society for the Amelioration of the Con- '
■dition of the Jews, and other charitable and benevolent
-associations. He was an editor of the Banfier of the ■ -j
Cross, and wrote largely for the press and Church "•:
magazines. He was honored with the degree of Doc-
tor of Divinity by Dickinson College in 1846. He
was Moderator of the General Synods of 1836 and *
1869, and was Stated Clerk for many years.
ALGERNON SYDNEY McMASTER, D. D. :
Son of Rev. Dr. Gilbert and Jane (Brown) Mc-
Master, was born in Mercer, Mercer County, Penn-
sylvania, November 17, iSo^.* The following year
his parents removed to Duanesburgh, New York, where
he received a thorough literary education in the com-
mon schools and under the direction of his father, and
graduated from Union College in 1827. He studied
♦Memorial Sermon by Dr. J. S. Grimes, Letonia, Ohio, 1S82.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 613
theology under the care of his father, and the Rev.
S. B. Wylie, D. D., in Philadelphia, and was licensed
b\- the Western Presbytery, January 3, 1833. He was
ordained by the same Presbytery, and installed pastor
of the united congregations of Galway and Schenectady,
X-w York, April 4, 1833. At the division of the
Church in August, 1833, he became identified with tlie
New School branch of the Covenanter Church, and
remained pastor of the majority of his former charge
for five years. He connected with the Presbyterian
Church, June S, 1838, and was installed pastor of the
Fourth congregation of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where
he remained four years. He was installed pastor of
the congregation of Westfield, Lawrence County, Penn-
sylvania, April 12, 1843, 'and resigned November 9,
1S54. He was installed pastor of the congregation of
Poland, Mahoning County, Ohio, December 10, 1854,
and resigned May 23, 1878, on account of impaired
health, and where he died of general debility, Sep-
tember 30, 1882. He married Miss Elizabeth Chase,
of Chatham, New York, June 6, 1833. He ^vas an
able and learned theologian. His ripe scholarship, and
his clear logical mind, filled with a wealth of Scrip-
tural knowledge, made him an able expositor of truth.
His preaching was practical and edifying, his reading
of Scripture peculiarly solemn and effecting, and his
prayers were remarkable for their fervor and appro-
priateness. He took great delight in catechising the
children, and was an attentive pastor to all his flock.
As a presbyter, he was thoroughly versed in Church
polity, and his influence was felt in the courts where
6l4 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
^
vi
he was heard with marked attention. He was honored
with the degree of Doctor of Divinity by Washing-
ton College in 1857.
ERASMUS DARWIN McMASTER, D. D., LL. D.:
Son of Rev. Dr. Gilbert and Jane (Brown) .Mc-
Master, was born in Mercer, Mercer County, Pennsyl-
vania, February 4, 1806.* In 1808, his parents
removed to Duanesburgh, New York, where he was
carefully trained in religious duties and literary studies
by his father, graduating from Union College in 1827.
He studied theology under the care of his father, was
licensed by the Northern Presbytery, June 16, 1829,
and preached in the vacancies a year. He connected
with the Presbyterian Church, being received by the
Albany Presbytery, October 18, 1830. He was ordained
by the same Presbytery, installed pastor of the con-
gregation of Ballston, New York, February 13, 1831,
and resigned this charge, April 24, 1838. This was
his only pastoral charge. He was inaugurated President
of Hanover College, Indiana, November 7, 1838, where
he continued in office for six years. He was inau-
gurated President of Miami University, Ohio, August
13, 1845, and resigned, August 9, 1849. The same
fall he accepted the professorship of Systematic Theo-
logy in the Presbyterian Seminary of New Albany,
Indiana, and was forced to abandon the office in
1858, because he was in favor of the abolition of
human slavery, which system the Presbyterian Church
heartily endorsed. It was in the General Assembly
which met in Indianapolis, Indiana, May 30, 1859, that
* Pnsdyteriati Historical Almanac, Vol. g, p. lyi
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 01$
he made his celebrated speech on the motion to post-
pone the election of Professors of Theology in the
Chicago Seminary, because this question of slavery was
agitating the minds of the public, and the Assembly
had not the courage to come out in favor of aboli-
tion. For several years he lived in comparative
retirement at Monticello, Indiana. He removed to the
home of his brother, the Rev. A. S. McMaster, D. D.,
in Poland, Ohio, where he resided three years. In the
spring of 1 866, he was unanimously elected professor
of Systematic Theology in the North West Seminary,
of Chicago, Illinois, where he was inaugurated with
great demonstration, September lO, iS66. Soon after-
wards he was prostrated with a severe attack of
pneumonia, from which he died very suddenly, in
Chicago, Illinois, December lo, 1866, and was' buried,
according to his wish, in the family burying ground
near Xenia, Ohio. He never married. He was con-
fessedly one of the great men of the Presb\'terian
Church in America. Endowed by nature with the
noblest powers of intellect, blessed with the greatest
advantage of receiving a thorough education, and early
possessed with the grace of the Holy Spirit, he was
enabled at an early period of his life to take a high
position in the Church. As a scholar, theologian and
preacher, he was of the first rank. He never forgot
his early training in the Covenanter Church, and
frequently made reference to the principles of that
Church as the guide of his actions. He was a life-
long and consistent opponent of the whole system of
. human slavery, and, for the holding of this high
6l6 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
position, frequently brought odium upon himself. His
rare powers, profound humility, independence of thought,
convictions of right, affectionate sympathy and Christian
philanthrophy, marked him as one of the noblest
servants of Christ. He was honored with the degree
of Doctor of Divinity by Union College in 1841, and
that of Doctor of Laws by Miami University in 1864.
GILBERT McMASTER, M. D., D. D. :
Son of James and Mary (Crawford) McMaster,
was born in Saintfield, County Down, Ireland, February
13. 1778.* He received every opportunity of acquiring
an education in his native land, came with his parents
to America in 1791, and settled in Franklin County,
Pennsylvania. He pursued a liberal course of study in
the Franklin Academy, under the superintendence of
the celebrated James Ross, LL. D. In 1798, he was
engaged as a teacher in Shippensburgh, Pennsylvania,
and soon afterwards entered Jefferson Academy at
Canonsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he finished the
course in 1802, just before the establishment of Jeffer-
son College. He then began the study of medicine,
finished the course in 1805, and settled as a physician
in Mercer, Pennsylvania. In 1807, Drs. Alexander
McLeod and S. B. Wylie sought an interview with
him at Pittsburgh, and informed him that the Presby-
tery of which they were members had resolved to
exercise their authority in persuading him to yield his
scruples and enter upon the work of the ministry. In
this case he recognized the voice of Providence, and he
obeyed. Having studied theology a year or so under
•Sprague's Annals. Presbyterian Historical Almanac, Vol. 5, P- 38?-
ILBERT McMASTER, D. D.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 617
the Rev. John McMillan, of Canonsburgh, and having
read extensively the best theological writers, he was,
after a close examination, licensed by the Reformed
Presbytery, October 7, 1807. He was ordained by the
Northern Committee of the same court, and installed
pastor of the united congregations of Galway and
Duanesburgh, New York, August 8, 1808. He was
released from the Galway branch, May 10, iSiS, and
devoted his whole time to Duanesburgh, which became
a flourishing congregation. At the division of the .
Church in August, 1833, he became identified with
the New School branch of the Covenanter Church, and
remained pastor of the majority of his former con-
gregation, until his resignation April 17, 1840. He
was installed pastor of the congregation of Princeton,
Gibson County, Indiana, May 5, 1840, and resigned
this charge on account of ill health, March 31, 1846.
From this time until his death he lived with his son,
the Rev. Dc. E. D. McMaster, at Oxford, Ohio, and
in 1849, in New Albany, Indiana, where he died,
March 17, 1854, and was buried in the old family
graveyard near Xenia, Ohio. He married Miss Jane
Brown, of Canonsburgh, Pennsylvania, June 13, 1803.
As a preacher he was distinguished for the clearness
of his method, the fullness of his expositions, the
soundness of his doctrine, and the appropriateness of
his application. He had a dignified and commanding
appearance, but his speaking was not animated, and
his style of delivery often faulty. He required the
clcse and protracted attention of his audience, but he
richly rewarded them for their patience. The cast of
6l8 HISTOKV OF THE REFORMED
his intellectual character disposed him to delight in
general and comprehensive principles, and the bearing
of these upon the great interests of man and the
kingdom of Christ, rather than in minute details. His
ideas of the Church were broad and catholic. He was
a man of great magnanimity, at once genial and
generous, and he held a position of prominence in the
Church to which he was attached. He was a learned-
and voluminous writer upon various subjects. Among-
.his most valuable publications extant are the follow-
ing: "Duty of Nations," 1810. "An Essay in Defence
of some Fundamental Doctrines of Christianity," 1815,
an octavo volume. "The Shorter Catechism Analyzed,
with Proofs," 18 15, three editions. "An Apology for
the Book of Psalms, in Five Letters," 1818, four
editions. /'The Moral Character of Civil Government:
Considered with Reference to the Political Institutions
of 'the United States, fn Four Letters," 1832. "A
Brief Inquiry into the Civil Relations of Reformed
Presbyterians according to their Judicative Acts," 1833.
" Speech in Illustration of a Report on the Doctrine
-of Civil Government," 1835. "Thoughts on the Union
of the Church," 1846. "The Upright Man in Life
and Death," a sermon at the funeral of the Rev. Dr.
S. B. Wylie, 1852. He published many other articles
of minor importance in the magazines and papers of
his day. He was honored with the degree of Doctor
of Divinity by Union College in 1828. He was
Moderator of the Synods of 1811 and 1827, and of
.the General Synod of 185 1. " '
PKESBVTERIAX CHURCH IX AMERICA. 619
JOHN McMASTER. D. D. :
Son of Hugh and Eleanor (Barr) McMaster, was
born in Donegon, County Antrim, Ireland, March i,
1S08.* He came with his parents to America in 181 1,
and settled in the city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania,
where they connected with the Covenanter congrega-
tion under the care of the Rev. John Black. He
received his preparatory studies in the public schools,
and in the Pittsburgh Academy, graduating from the
Western University of Pennsylvania in 1S27. He
studied theology under his pastor, the Rev. John Black,
D. D., was licensed by the Pittsburgh Presbytery,
April 8, 1S30, and he visited the West and South
during that year. He was ordained by the Western
Presbytery, and installed pastor of the congregation of
Schenectady, New York, January 26, 1832. At the
division of the Church in August, 1833, he became
identified with the New School branch of the Cove-
nanter Church, and remained pastor of a portion of
his former charge until his release, April 16, 1837.
He was installed pastor of the congregation of Walnut
Hill, Marion County, Illinois, November 4, 1S37, and
resigned, April 13, 1S46. He was installed pastor of
the congregation of Princeton, Gibson County, Indiana,
June 4, 1846, and continued in this relation until he
and the congregation went into the United Presby-
terian Church, August 30, 1870. The congregation
then became known as the Second Church ; and, by
the consolidation of the First and Second Churches,
April 16, 1874, he was pastor of the First United
* Communications from his family.
620 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
Presbyterian congregation of Princeton, until his death,
by apoplexy of the brain, July II, 1874. He was
thrice married. First to Miss Joanette McMaster, of
Duanesburgh, New York, November 15, 1832; second
to Miss Mary Milburn, of Walnut Hill, Illinois, March
22, 1 841 ; and third to Miss Margaret Sterne, of
Princeton, Indiana, June 5, 1S62. He was a good
scholar and in many respects a great preacher. He
was a good conversationalist, exceedingly jovial and
humorous. He was always interesting in his discourses,
and whether in the pulpit or upon the platform, his
influence was on the side of righteousness. He took
a deep interest in public affairs, and was a zealous
advocate of thorough Christian education. He was
highly regarded as a preacher, pastor, and citizen, and
earnestly desired the unity of the Church of Christ.
He was honored with the degree of Doctor of Divinity
by Jefferson College in 1864. He was Moderator of
the General Synods of 1845 and 1866.
GAVIN MCMILLAN:
Son of Hugh and Jane (Harvey) McMillan, was
bom in Dervock, County Antrim, Ireland, February 6,
1787.* He came with his parents to America in
August of the same year, and settled in the' Chester
District, South Carolina, where his father was an
honored elder in the Rocky Creek congregation. Jn
1 8 10, he began his studies, with the ministry in view,
under the direction of his pastor, the Rev. Thomas
Donnelly, and also in the Classical School of Mr. John
Orr, graduating with honor from South Carolina Col-
* Reformed Presbyterian Advocate, 1S67, p. loS.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 62 r
lege, Columbia, in 18 17. He studied theology under-
the direction of the Rev. S. B. Wylie, D. D., in Phila-
delphia, was licensed by the Philadelphia Presbytery,.
October 13, 1821, and missionated in the South and
West. He was ordained by -the Pittsburgh Presbytery,,
and installed pastor of the Beech Woods congregation.
Morning Sun, Preble County, Ohio, May 7, 1823. At
the division of the Church in August, 1833, he hesi-
tated about the step his brethren were taking, but
finally became identified with the New School branch
of the Covenanter Church. He remained pastor of a.
portion of his former charge until his death, caused,
by an inflammation of the kidneys, at his home in^
Morning Sun, Ohio, January 25, 1867. He married-
Miss Rosanna Reynolds, of Ryegate, Vermont, February'
4, 1824. He was a didactic and practical preacher.
He was neither a finished speaker, nor did his dis-
courses display much rhetoric, but his utterances were
warm and full of impassioned sentiment. The spiritu-
ally minded heard him gladly, for he came to them
with his Bible and his heart full of truth and love
for perishing souls. He was a man distinguished for
prayer, and was warmly attached to Reformation'
principles. He deeply regretted the breach in the
Church, and frequently sought to heal it. In all the
relations which he sustained, he was affectionate,,
laborious, and faithful. He was Moderator of the
General Synods of 1839 and 1861.
HUGH McMillan, d. d. :
Son of Hugh and Jane (Harvey) McMillan, was
born in the Chester District, South Carolina, Februarys
■62 2 HISTORY OF THE REFORiMED
S, 1794.* He received his early classical education in
the school of Mr. John Orr, and graduated with first
honor from the University of Pennsylvania in 18 18..
He was Professor of Languages in South Carolina
College, Columbia, one year ; but, having devoted him-
self to the work of the ministry, he returned to the
study of theology under the direction of the Rev. S.
B. Wylie, D. D., in Philadelphia, was licensed by the
Philadelphia Presbytery, April 4, 1820, and for two.
years served the Church as a Missionary in the new
settlements in the West and South. He was ordained
by the Southern Presbytery, and installed pastor of the
Rocky Creek congregation, Chester District, South
Carolina, June 18, 1822. He soon afterwards opened
an Academy in the old "Brick Church." Owing to
his views on slavery and the position which the Cove-
nanter Church had taken on the question, 'he proposed
to his congregation to remove to one of the free
States. With this end in view, he visited Southern
Ohio, in the spring of 1828, and soon afterwards
received a call from the united congregations of Xenia
and Massie's Creek, Green County, Ohio, over which
he was installed pastor, September 7, 1S29. Many of
his former flock joined him in Ohio, and, in 1830, he
■opened an Academy in Xenia. At the division of the
Church in August, 1833, ^'"^ became identified with the
New School branch of the Covenanter Church, and
the great majority of the congregation remained with
him. In 1850, he resigned the Xenia branch, and
continued pastor of Massie's Creek, until his death,
* .\V«i<j (OhioJ Torchlighl, October 17, 1860.
\
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 623
caused by lung fever, at Cedarville, Ohio, October 9,
[S60. He married Miss Mary A. McClurg, of Browns-
town, Pennsylvania, in 182 1. He was a distinguished
classical scholar and engaged in teaching most of his
life. No less proficient was he in theology, being
a preceptor in this department for many years. He
was a preacher of recognized power and influence, and
was largely connected with the literary and benevolent
institutions of the Church. The success of the Bible
cause in the County in which he lived may well be
attributed to his indefatigable labors. He was highly
regarded by all classes as a public-spirited man, and
one thoroughly interested in any cause that would con-
duce to the welfare of humanity. He was honored
'.vith the degree of Doctor of Divinity by Miami
University in 1S57. He was Moderator of the General
Synod .of 1833.
WILLIAM WILLSON McMILLAN :
Son of John and Elizabeth (Morrow) McMillan, was
born in Selma, Dallas County, Alabama, May 13, 1S27.
His parents were originally from South Carolina, and
■settled in Sharon, Noble County, Ohio, where he received
his early education, and graduated from the L-niversity
of Indiana in 1853. He studied theology in the Alle-
gheny Seminary, and was licensed by the Pittsburgh
Presbytery, April 18, 1859. He was ordained by the
Philadelphia Presbytery, installed pastor of the congre-
L^ation of Baltimore, Maryland, December 26, 1859, and
resigned this charge. May 5, 1863. He labored three
) cars in the far West as a Missionary. He was installed
pastor of the united congregations of Olathe and
624 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
Pleasant Ridge, Johnston County, Kansas, March lo,
1866. He resigned the Pleasant Ridge branch, May 6,
1873, and Olathe, October 14, 1885. He is engaged in
gathering scattered Covenanters into societies, by appoint-
ment of the Central Board of Missions, with his resi--
dence in Olathe, Kansas. He married Miss Mary A.
McMunn, of Sharon, Ohio, November 22, 1859.
JOSEPH WYLIE McNAUGHER:
Son of Samuel and Jane (Steele) McNaugher, was
born in the city of Allegheny, Pennsylvania, January 14,
1861. He received his early education in the schools
of his native city, also in Newell Institute, Pittsburgh,
graduating from Geneva College in 1882, and engaged
in business with his father one year. He studied
theology in the Allegheny Seminary, and was licensed
by the Pittsburgh Presbytery, April 14, 1886. He soon
afterwards went abroad, and spent the summer in Europe.
In good health he sailed homeward, and took cold upon
the sea, causing inflammation of the bowels, from which
he died, on the vessel " City of Rome," within two days
of the New York harbor, September 8, 1886, his body
being brought home and interred in the Allegheny
Cemetery. He was an excellent scholar, of studious
habits, a sincere and pious Christian, and the upright
man in all his ways. He began the work of the
ministry with the right motive, and gave abundant
evidence of becoming an acceptable and faithful minister.
He was an editor of the College Cabinet two years,
beginning in 1880, and the efficient librarian of the
Theological Seminary.
■i
DAVID METHENY, M. D.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 625
DAVID METHENY, M. D. :
Son of Joseph and Jane (Sterrett) Metheny, was
born near New Galilee, Beaver County, Pennsylvania,
October 16, 1836. His parents died when he was in
infancy, and he lived with his grandmother Metheny
until he was fifteen years old. In 185 1, he found a
home with his uncle, Dr. S. A. Sterrett, of Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania, where he received a liberal education in
the public schools and Allegheny City College. He
studied medicine under the direction of Dr. S. A.
Sterrett, and settled as a physician in the city of
Allegheny, Pennsylvania. In the spring of 1S64, he was
chosen by Synod as a medical Missionary to Syria, and
for this work he was ordained a ruling elder by the
session of the Pittsburgh and Allegheny congregation,
October 24, 1864. He, with others, sailed for Syria,
November 2, 1864, where he labored at Latakia, and
places adjacent, for nine years. In the spring of 1873,
he visited America, was licensed and ordained by the
Pittsburgh Presbytery, September 10, 1873, returned to
Syria the same fall, and continued his work in the
vicinity of Latakia for ten years. He established the
Tarsus Mission, at Mersine, Asia Minor, December 28,
1SS3, where he is now laboring. He was twice married.
First to Miss Emeline Gregg, of Allegheny City, Penn-
sylvania, April 29, 1862; and second, to Miss Mary E.
Dodds, of Latakia, Syria, December 10, 1877. His
writings are principally letters to the Board of Foreign
Missions, and are published in the Church magazines.
He was Moderator of the Synod of 1879.
626 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
JOHN MIDDLETON:
Son of William and Catharine (McArthur) Middleton,
was born in Johnstown, Fulton County, New York,
January 31, 181 1. His parents were members of the'
Presbyterian Church, with which body he also connected
in early life. His childhood and youth were spent upon
his father's farm, and his education was obtained as he
had opportunity. He connected with the Covenanter
Church in 1831. In 1835, he began classical studies
with the ministry in view, and graduated from Jefferson
College in 1839. He studied theology privately, also
in the Allegheny Seminary, and was licensed by the
Western Presbytery, May 15, 1842. He was ordained
by the Rochester Presbytery, installed pastor of the
congregation of Lisbon, St. Lawrence County, New
York, February 8, 1844, and resigned this charge, April
II, 1854. He was installed pastor of the Second con-
gregation of Perth, Canada, October 19, 1S54, and
resigned, April 11, 1856. He was installed pastor of
the Third congregation of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,
November 18, 1856, and resigned this charge, IVIay 17,
1862. He was installed pastor of the congregation of
Staunton, Macoupin County, Illinois, May 23, 1865, and
resigned this charge on account of failing health,.
August 9, 1870. From this time until his death he
was almost constantly confined to the sick room, by a
severe wasting disease, from which he died, at Staunton,
Illinois, September 14, 1872. He married Miss Sibella
Galbraith, of Burgettstown, Pennsylvania, September 29,
1839. He never possessed a robust constitution, and he
suffered greatly from the rigor of the cold northern
A. McLEOD MILLIGAN, D. D.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 627
winters of New York and Canada. He was a plain^
practical preacher, and made no attempt at orator)' or
eloquence. He was studious in his habits, took constant
delight in searching the Scriptures, was a tender and
affectionate pastor, and a pious and conscientious Christian.
ALEXANDER McLEOD MILLIGAN, D. D. :
Son of Rev. Dr. James and Mary (Trumbull)
Milligan, was born in Ryegate^ Caledonia County,
Vermont, April 6, 1S22.* Dedicated from his birth for
the work of the gospel ministry, at a very early age'
he began classical studies under the direction of his
father. He entered Craftsbury Academy to prepare for
College, but on account of the removal of his parents,
in 1839, to New Alexandria, Pennsylvania, his plans
were frustrated, and he began teaching school near
Blairsville, Pennsylvania. In 1841, he resumed his studies
in the Western University of Pennsylvania, and graduated
from Duquesne College in 1843. He studied theology
in the Allegheny and Cincinnati Seminaries, and was
licensed by the Pittsburgh Presbyter)-, April 14, 1847.
He was ordained by the same Presbytery, and installed
pastor of the united congregations of New Alexandria
and Greensburgh, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania,
No\-ember 24, 184S, where he labored as his' father's
successor until his resignation, October 4, 1853. He
was installed pastor of the Third congregation of
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, December 8, 1S53, and
resigned this charge, October 14, 1855. He was installed
pastor of the united congregations of New Alexandria,
Greensburgh and Clarksburgh, Pennsylvania, May 6, 1856,-
* Memorial Volume.
•628 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
1
and resigned these charges, April lO, 1866. He was ■
installed pastor of the congregation of Pittsburgh, Penn-
rsylvania. May 14, 1866, where, by his rare powers as a
preacher, he built up one of the largest and most
influential congregations in the body, over which he
remained pastor until his death. His life was in jeopardy
in 1874, by reason of a dangerous tumor; and he was
restored from this critical condition in answer to prayer.
His health began to fail in the spring of 1884, having
•spent a part of the previous winter teaching in the
Theological Seminary in addition to his pastoral duties.
In November, 1884, he repaired to the milder climate
•of Southern California, to spend the winter. Disappointed
in the return of health, he turned his face homeward
to die among his kindred and friends, but departed this
life upon the overland train soon after it entered the
wilds of Wyoming Territory, May 7, 1885. His body
was enbalmed in Cheyenne, and brought home and
"buried in the Bellevue Cemetery, Allegheny, in the
presence of a concourse of sorrowing people. His disease
was known as Addison's disease of the kidneys. He
was twice married. First to Miss Ellen Snodgrass,
June 24, 1847; and second, to Miss Belle A. Stewart,
August 24, 1 87 1, both of New Alexandria, Pennsylvania.
He was a great and good man. In personal appearance
he was large and commanding, and his well cultivated
mind was filled with varied and useful knowledge,
gathered by close study and careful reading. He was
an eloquent and magnetic speaker. His voice was
musical, fle.xible, and powerful, and he often enchained
the attention of an audience for hours when he was
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 629
aroused upon such subjects as the cause of the slave
or the rights of Christ as King of nations. He was a
laborious, prudent, and affectionate pastor, devoted to the
spiritual welfare of his flock. He was thoroughly in
s\Tnpathy with the distinctive principles of the Covenanter
Church, and fearlessly denounced the evils of society
and the corruptions in high places. He did yeoman
service as an abolitionist, received a good share of its
reproachful honor, and wrote a consolatory letter to
John Brown, in 1859, while he was incarcerated at
Charlestown, Virginia. He was a leader in all reforms,
especially the cause of National Reformation, in the
interests of which he constantly preached and lectured.
He was heard in Church courts with marked attention,
and, as a public-spirited man, was prominent in the
Church's work in all departments. He was a member
of all the Mission Boards, as well as of the College
and Seminary. The success of the establishment and
endowment of Geneva College at Beaver Falls, Penn-
sylvania, was largely due to his personal exertions. He
was a preacher rather than a writer, yet the pages of
the Church magazines and the CIn-istiaii Statesman con-
tain many of his contributions. He was honored with
the degree of Doctor of Divinity by Washington and
Jefferson College in 1872. He was Moderator of the
Synod of 1863.
ALEXANDER McLEOD MILLIGAN :
Son of Rev. Dr. A. ^f. and Ellen (Snodgrass)
IMilligan, was born in the city of Philadelphia, Penn-
sylvania, September 14, 1854. In 1S56, his parents
removed to New Alexandria, Pennsylvania, and, in 1866,
630 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
to Allegheny, Pennsylvania, where he received his early
education in the public schools. He pursued his classi-
cal course in Geneva College, and also in Wheaton
College, graduating from Geneva College in 1880. He
studied theology in the Allegheny Seminary, was licensed
by the Pittsburgh Presbytery, April 9, 1884, and has
made preaching tours through the British Maritime
Provinces, Canada, and the States.
EZRA McLEOD MILLIGAN :
Son of Rev. John C. K. and Rachael (Farrington)
Milligan, was born in the city of New York, Sep-
tember 9, 1858. He received his early education in
the schools of his native city, attended Geneva Col-
lege, studied privately under his father, and engaged
in business in New York for several years. He studied
theology in the Allegheny Seminary^ was licensed by
the Pittsburgh Presbytery, April 11, 1888, and preached
in La Junta, Colorado, for some months.
JAMES MILLIGAN, D. D.:
Son of John and Margaret (Milligan) Milliken,
was born in Dalmellington, Ayershire, Scotland, August
7, 1785.* In early life he had very poor health and
was supposed to be in consumption. His parents were
members of the Established Church of Scotland, with
which he also connected in 1799. His boyhood and
youth were spent upon the moor in the duties of a
shepherd boy, and he recited the classics to a private
instructor twice a week. He came to America in 1801,
and settled in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, where
he engaged in selling general merchandise. He was
* Presbyterian Historical Almanac, Vol. 5, p. 398.
JAMES MILLIGAN, D. D.
PREbBYTERIAN CHURCH IX AMERICA. 63 1
not satisfied with other Presbyterian Churches, and, after
hearing the Rev. John Black preach and explain the
principles of the Covenanter Church, he joined this
body in 1S05. He soon afterwards abandoned secular
pursuits and began his classical studies in Jefferson
College. In 1806, he opened an Academy in Greens-
burgh, Pennsylvania, which he taught but a short time,
when he resumed his studies, and graduated with
honor from Jefferson College in 1809. He became a
teacher of the Languages in the Universit)- of Penn-
sylvania, also studied theology in the Philadelphia
Seminary, and was licensed by the Northern Presb}--
tery, April 4, 18 1 1. He was ordained by the same
Presbytery, installed pastor of the congregation of
Coldenham, Orange County, New York, June lO, 18 12,
and resigned this charge, April 17, 18 17. He was
installed pastor of the congregation of Ryegate, Cal-
edonia County, Vermont, September 26, 1S17, and
resigned the charge, May 17, 1839. He was installed
pastor of the congregation of New Alexandria, Penn-
s)-lvania, November 23, 1839, which he resigned, April
16, 1848. He was installed pastor of the Bethel con-
gregation, Sparta, Randolph County, Illinois, October
14, 1848, and resigned, May 24, 1855. He resided
with his sons in Southfield, Michigan, and New Alex-
andria, Pennsylvania, for several }-ears, and made mis-
sionary tours through different parts of the Church.
He died at the home of his son, the Rev. J. S. T.
Milligan, at Southfield, Michigan, of rheumatic paraly-
sis, January 2, 1862. He married Miss Mar)- Trum-
bull, of Ryegate, Vermont, in 1S20. He was an earnest
632 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
and practical preacher, a distinguished linguist, a strict
disciplinarian, and remarkably gifted in prayer. He
was early in the field as a lecturer on slavery and
temperance, and with fearlessness and success defeated
the errors in doctrine taught throughout New England
during his residence in that country. His labors in
behalf of the slave were not confined to his Church,
but he travelled all over the East awakening the
sympathies of philanthropists, and exposing the com-
plicity of the nation in this sin. He was the first
to introduce the office of the deacon, and the practice
of continuous singing in the Covenanter Church, which
improvements brought him into many sharp controversies
with his brethren. He suffered many hardships in
dispensing gospel ordinances throughout the Ne^v Eng-
land States and Canada, and made many extended
preaching tours on horseback. Among his publications
are: "A Defence of Infant Baptism," 1812. "A Nar-
rative of the Secession Controversy in Vermont," 1823.
"Grace and Free Agency," 1826. "Prospects of a
True Christian in a Sinful World," 1827. He was
honored with the degree of Doctor of Divinity by
Muskingum College in 1850. He was Moderator of
the Synod of 1825.
JOHN CALVIN KNOX MILLIGAN :
Son of Rev. Dr. James and Mary (Trumbull)
Milligan, was born in Ryegate, Caledonia County,
Vermont, February i, 1829. In 1839, his parents
removed to New Alexandria, Pennsylvania, where he
received his early education in the common schools,
and under the direction of his father. He studied the
1
.^;»5^
JOHN C. K. MILLIGA^
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 633
classics in Allegheny, Pennsylvania, under the care of
Mr. William A. Acheson, graduating from the Western
University of Pennsylvania in 1848. He studied theo-
logy one year in the Cincinnati Seminary, and, in the
spring of 1849, became Principal of Geneva College,
and Professor of Mathematics. At the same time he
studied theology in the Northwood Seminary, and was
licensed by the Lakes Presbytery, April 16, 1S52.
He was ordained by the same Presbytery at Utica,
Ohio, May 12, 1S53, installed co-pastor of the First
Miami congregation, Northwood, Ohio, July i, 1S33,
and resigned the professorate and congregation, April
20, 1858. He was installed pastor of the First con-
gregation of New York, New York, June 16, 1858,
where he is in charge. He married Miss Rachael W.
Farrington, of Newburgh, New York, October 3, 1854.
He is largely connected with the missionary and
educational interests of the Church, and ,has been
Chairman of the Board of Superintendents of the
Theological Seminary for several years. He established,
and is editor of. Our Banner, since 1874. He was
Moderator of the Synod of 1870.
JAMES RENWICK JOHNSTON MILLIGAN :
Son of Rev. J. S. T. and Jane T. (Johnston)
Milligan, was born in Southfield, Oakland County,.
Michigan, August 9, 1855. He received his early
education in the public schools of Birmingham, Michi-
gan. In 1S73, he entered Geneva College, where he
remained two years, and engaged in teaching. In
1S76, he resumed his studies in, and graduated from,
Geneva College in 1880, and was employed in Boston,
634 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
Massachusetts, for two years. He studied theology in
the Allegheny Seminary, was licensed by the Pitts-
burgh Presbytery, April 9, 18S4, and preached in
Kansas and Nebraska for some months. He was
ordained by the Pittsburgh Presbytery, and installed
pastor of the congregation of the city of Allegheny,
Pennsylvania, October 15, 1885, where he is in charge.
He was an editor of the College Cabinet in 1880.
JAMES SAURIN TURRETIN MILLIGAN :
Son of Rev. Dr. James and Mary (Trumbull)
Milligan, was born in Ryegate, Caledonia County,
Vermont, August 26, 1826. He received his early
education in the schools of his native village, and, in
1839, his parents removed to New Alexandria, Penn-
sylvania, where he continued his classical studies under
the direction of his father. In 1848, he began the
study of theology in the Cincinnati Seminary, and, in
1849, took charge of the Grammar department of
Geneva College, graduating from this institution in
1852. He at the same time pursued his theological
studies in the Northwood Seminary, and was licensed
by the Lakes Presbytery, April 16, 1852. He was
ordained by the same Presbytery, installed pastor of
the congregation of Southfield, Oakland County, Michi-
gan, November 11, 1853, and resigned this charge,
April II, 1 87 1. He was installed pastor of the con-
gregation of North Cedar, Jackson County, Kansas,
October 8, 1872, where he is in charge. He married
Miss Jane T. Johnston, of Belle Centre, Ohio, June
16, 1853. In 1855, he was appointed to lecture upon
■''Bible Politics," and spent some time as the first
WILLIAM MILROY.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 635
National Reform lecturer. In 1864, he organized the
Mission among the contrabands at Washington, D. C.
He has published many articles in the magazines
and papers of the Church.
OSSAWATTOMIE BROWN MILLIGAN :
Son of Rev. Dr. A. M. and Ellen (Snodgrass)
Milligan, was born in New Alexandria, Westmoreland
County, Pennsylvania, November 4, 1S61. In 1866,
his parents removed to the city of Allegheny, Penn-
sylvania, where he received his early education in the
public schools, also in Newell Institute, Pittsburgh,
graduating from Geneva College in 1883. He studied
theology in the Allegheny Seminary, and was licensed
by the Pittsburgh Presbytery, April 14, 1886. He was
ordained by the New York Presbytery, and installed
pastor of the congregation of Bovina, Delaware County,
New York, June 22, 18S7, where he is in charge.
WILLIAM MILROY :
Son of James and Mary (Mcjerrow) Milroy, was
born in York, Livingston County, New York, December
23, 1S20. His parents were from Scotland, and early
dedicated him for the work of the ministry. In early
life he was sent to Scotland, where he laid the found-
ation of a thorough and accurate classical education
in the Academy of Wigton, and returning to America,
graduated from Union College in 1846. He studied
theology in the Cincinnati Seminary, and under the
care of the Rev. Samuel Bowden, being licensed by
the Rochester Presbytery, June 10, 185 1. He was
ordained by the Lakes Presbytery, and installed pastor
of the Second Miami congregation, Northwood, Logan
636 HISTORV OF THE REFORMED
County, Ohio, October 12, 1854, where he spent the
residue of his life. In 1870, he added to his pastorate
the labors of Professor of Latin in Geneva College,
which undoubtedly overtasked his strength, as he was
not possessed of a robust constitution. In the fall of
1876, he was attacked with acute pleurisy, accompanied
by extreme nausea, from which disease he died, at his
home in Northwood, Ohio, November 15, 1876. He
married Miss Isabella McCracken, of York, New York,
October 6, 1854. He was a profound theologian and a
most proficient classical scholar. He was not an
attractive preacher, but he excelled in clear logic, com-
plete exposition, and comprehensive treatment of the
doctrines of grace and salvation. His blameless life,
practical wisdom, and sagacious prudence gained to him
the confidence and respect of all. He was a faithful
pastor, an efficient teacher, and conscientiously regular
in all his duties. He was heard with attention in
Church courts, where his interpretations of Church
polity conduced to the peaceful settlement of all
questions. He was unambitious, and his retiring dispo-
sition prevented him from being as widely known as
many others of less renown. He was Moderator of the
Synod of 1872.
WILLIAM MILROY:
Son of James and Elizabeth (McGill) Milroy, was
born in Freugh, Wigtonshire, Scotland, June 18, 1832.
He received his preparatory classical education in the
Academy of Newton-Stewart, Scotland, and, in 1853,
came to America, settling in Ontario, Canada. He soon
afterwards resumed his studies, and graduated from the
fi^
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 637
University of Toronto in 1858. He studied theology
in the Allegheny Seminary, was licensed by the Pitts-
burgh Presbytery, April 3, 1S61, and returned to Scotland
the same fall. He was ordained by the Presbytery of
Dumfries, and installed pastor of the congregation of
Penpont, Scotland, August 7, 1862, where he remained
in charge for fourteen years. In 1876, he, and most of
the congregation, left the Covenanter Church and con-
nected with the Free Church of Scotland, in which
body he is an honored minister. Among his publications
are: "Unity of the Church," 1864, pp. 28. "Con-
science," 1866, pp. 24. "A Scottish Communion," 1S82,
pp. 212, and some magazine articles. He was Mode-
rator of the Synod of the Free Church of Scotland in 1878.
WILLIAM Mccracken milroy, b. d. :
Son of Rev. William and Isabella (McCracken)
Milroy, was born in Northwood, Logan County, Ohio,
August 25, 1855. He received his early education in
the school of his native village, and graduated from
Geneva College in 1877. In 1875, he was Tutor of
Latin in Geneva College, and, in 1877, was made
Professor of Latin as his father's successor. In 1879,
he entered the Allegheny Seminary where he studied
theology two years, and graduated from the Yale
Divinity School in 1882. He studied another year in
the Allegheny Seminary, and was licensed by the Lakes
Presbytery, April 10, 18S3. In the fall of 1883, he
took up graduate work in the Union Seminary, New
York City, and supplied the congregation of Brooklyn,
New York, for several months. In 1884, he taught
Greek in Westminster College, and, in 18S5, entered the
63S HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
Philological department of Johns Hopkins University,
and is in charge of the Mission of the Central Pres-
byterian Church, Baltimore, Maryland. He received the ;
degree of Bachelor of Divinity from Yale Seminary in
1882, and will receive that of Doctor of Philosophy
from Johns Hopkins University in 1888.
ANDREW MONTGOMERY :
Son of James and Mary (Francie) Montgomery,
was born in Conner, County Antrim, Ireland, July 2,
1824. He received his early education in his native
land, came to America in March, 1846, and settled
in New York City, New York. He resumed his studies
in that city, and graduated from Geneva College in
1853. He studied theology at the same time in the
Northwood Seminary, also under the Rev. Dr. James
Christie, of New York, and was licensed by the New
York Presbytery, November 9, 1854. He preached
generally throughout the Church for eight years. He
connected with the Presbyterian Church, being received
by the Columbia Presbytery of that body, June 10,
1862. He preached throughout the State of New York,
and as stated supply to the Congregational Church of
Jefferson, Schoharie County, New York, for several
years. In 1868, he was stated supply to the Presby-
terian Church of Jewett, New York, and, in 1873,
preached in Connecticut. In May, 1880, he went to
Minnesota, and preached in many of the vacancies
in that State, holding ecclesiastical communion in the
Congregational Church. He suffered from a stroke of
paralysis, and retired to the city of Minneapolis,
Minnesota, where he is residing in enfeebled health.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 639
He married Miss Mar>- C. ^very, of Jefferson, New
York, in 1864.
ROBERT CAMERON MONTGOMERY:
Son of James and Margaret (AJlen) Montgomery,
was born in Pardoe, Mercer County, Pennsylvania, June
16, 1S56. He received his early education in what is
now . Grove City College, and graduated from West-
minster College in 1S78. He studied theology in the
Allegheny Seminary, and was licensed by the Pitts-
burgh Presbytery, April 13, iSSi. He was ordained by
the Philadelphia Presbytery, and installed pastor of the
Third congregation of the city of Philadelphia, Penn-
sylvania, March 27, 1S83, where he is in charge.
JOSEPH WASHINGTON MORTON:
Son of William and Hannah TSlemmons) Morton,
was born near Rose Point, Lawrence County, Pennsyl-
vania, January 3, 182 1. His parents were members of
the Presbyterian Church, with which body he connected
in 1837. He received his early education in the schools
of the neighborhood, studied the classics privately
under the direction of Thomas Mehard and Ethan A.
Stewart, and, in 1839, entered Beaver Academy,
graduating from Brighton Institute in 1841. He stu-
died theology in the Western Seminary at Allegheny,
Pennsylvania, was licensed by the Beaver Presbytery,
.April 13, 1843, and was stated supply at Freedom
and Concord, Pennsylvania, for two years. Chiefly on
account of the refusal of the Presbyterian Church to
testify against the sinful institution of human slavery,
he left her communion, and connected with the Cove-
nanter Church, being received as a licentiate by the
640 HISTORY OK THE REFORMED
Pittsburgh Presbytery, May 29, 1845. He was ordained
by the same Presbytery, installed pastor of the united
congregations of Little Beaver, Jackson and West
Greenville, centering hear New Galilee, Beaver County,
Pennsylvania, November 27, 1845, and resigned this
charge, June 3, 1847. At the meeting of Synod in
1847, he was unanimously chosen as a Missionary to
the newly organized Mission in the Island of Hayti,
where he labored diligently for nearly two years.
Coming in contact with the Missionary of the Seventh
Day Baptist Church of Port au Prince, he changed
his principles in reference to the Christian Sabbath,
and became convinced that it was his duty to keep
the seventh day of the week as the Christian Sabbath.
He returned to the United States to Uy his case
before Synod, and was put upon trial for "denying
the divine authority of the Christian Sabbath;" and, as
the fact was not denied, he was suspended from the
ministry and privileges in the Covenanter Church, by
the authority of Synod, May 29, 1849. He soon after-
wards connected with the Seventh Day Baptist Church,
and began teaching in De Ruyter, Madison County,
New York. He was pastor and teacher respectively
in Plainfield, New Jersey, New York City, Vineland,
New Jersey, and Ashaway, Rhode Island. ■ He was
pastor of the Seventh Day Baptist Church of Marlboro,
New Jersey, for eight years ; of Westerly and Paw-
tucket, Rhode Island, for two years ; and for some
length of time was engaged in secular pursuits in
Vineland, New Jersey. In 1885, he became General
Missionary of the Seventh Day Baptist Society, labor-'
•i?*'
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 64 1
ing in Illinois and Wisconsin, with his headquarters in
Chicago, Illinois, and his residence in Milton, Wiscon-
sin. He was twice married. First to Miss Mary J.
Curry, of Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, May i, 1844; and
second to Miss jane C. Bond, of Milton, Wisconsin,
September 17, 1885. Among his publications are:
-The P.salter," 1847. " Le Catechism Abrege," 1848.
"Vindication of the True Sabbath," 1850.
JAMES NEILL:
Son of Matthew and Jane (Black) Neill, was born
in Aghadoey, County Londonderry, Ireland. March 16,
iSii. He received his early education in that city
under the direction of the Rev. J. P. Sweeney,
graduating from the University of Glasgow, -Scotland,
in 1840, having studied theology one year in the
Paisley Seminary. He came to America in Alay, 1840,
resumed his studies in the Allegheny Seminary, and
Avas licensed by the Pittsburgh Presbytery, April 7,
1842. He was ordained by the Lakes Presbytery,
installed pastor of the congregation of Southfield, Oak-
land County, Michigan, May 18, 1843, and resigned
this charge, October 6, 185 1. He soon afterwards
removed to Iowa, where he was employed for many
years in the vacant congregations and mission stations.
The exposure which he was required to endure in a
new country and among scattered societies, caused
inflammatory rheumatism, which completely wrecked
his physical frame, and the last ten years of his life
were spent in intense bodily suffering. While he was
excluded frofn the active work of the ministry by this
<iiTiiction, and to a great measure from social inter-
642 HISTORY OF THE REFORxMED . ^
course with his brethren, yet his mind lost none of
its power, and he always manifested an interest in
the work of the Church. He died from this painful
disease, at his home in Hopkinton, Iowa, January 15,
1880. He married Miss Emeline McCartney, of Nor- '
wich, Ohio, May 30, 1843. He was a plain but
earnest preacher of the gospel. He lost no opportunity
to oppose looseness of discipline, and to controvert all
forms of unbelief. • .^
WILLIAM NEILL: ■ " > 't^^
Was born in Garvagh, County Londonderry,
Ireland, June 16, 1801. His parents were members of
the Secession Church, and when he was quite young,
came to America and settled in the vicinity of Far-
mington, Belmont County, Ohio, where they were
under the pastoral care of the Rev. Alexander McCoy.'
He received his early education in this County, and
attended Franklin College for several years. He
studied theology under the direction of the Rev,
Alexander McCoy, of West Virginia, and was licensed
by the Reformed Dissenting Presbytery, May 13, 1829.
He was ordained by the same court, April 19, 1831,.
and installed pastor of the societies of Three Ridges^
Short Creek and Forks of Wheeling, in West Vir-
ginia, and Miller's Run in Washington County,
Pennsylvania, October 18, 183 1, where he preached
for eight years. He was received into the Covenanter
Church, by the Western Subordinate Synod, October
14, 1839, and labored for ten years in the vacancies
of the Church. He joined the Associate Reformed
Church, being received by the Chartiers Presbytery of
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 645
that body, September 5, 1S49. He afterwards lost his
mind, was confined in an asylum in West Virginia
for several years, and died, May 14, 1862. He was a
man of considerable ability and theological education,
but so eccentric that he was unappreciated as a preacher.
JAMES ROBERT NEWELL, PH. D. :
Son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Gregg) Newell, was
born in the city of Belfast, Ireland, March 3, 1831. He
received his early education in the public schools of his
native city, and graduated from Queen's College in 1S49.
He came to America in the spring of 1S50, and was
employed as a teacher in a classical school in Baltimore,
Maryland. In 1S53, he was chosen to a professorship
in Westminster College, Allegheny City, Pennsylvania,
where he taught for eight years. In 1 861, he became
Professor of Languages in Allegheny City College, and
subsequently founded Newell Institute, Pittsburgh, which
became a flourishing preparatory and classical school.
He studied theology in the Allegheny Seminarv", and
was licensed by the Pittsburgh Presbyten.-, ]VIay 23,
1S67. He seldom preached beyond the vicinity of
Pittsburgh, but devoted himself to teaching. He con-
nected with the Presbyterian Church in 1S71, and soon
afterwards was chosen President of Mt. Auburn Female
Seminary, Cincinnati, Ohio, where he died very suddenly
of apoplexy, November 8, 1874. He married INIiss
Christiana W. Sproull, of Allegheny City, Pennsylvania,
July 22, 1856. He was an acceptable preacher, but best
known as a teacher. He was a fine classical scholar,
well-read in educational matters, and possessed to a
remarkable degree the gifts of imparting instruction.
•644 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
He was honored with the degree of Doctor of Phi-
losophy by Washington and Jefferson College in 1871.
JOHN NEWELL, D. D. :
Son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Gregg) Newell, was
born in the city of Belfast, Ireland, August 18, 1824.
He received his early education in the public schools
of his native city, and graduated with honor from the
Belfast Academical Institution in 1S45. He studied
theology in the Seminary of Paisley, Scotland, and "was
licensed by the Eastern Presbytery, Ireland, October 9,
1849. The following spring he came to America, was
■ordained by the Rochester Presbytery, installed pastor
of the congregation of Syracuse, New York, May 7,
185 1, and resigned this charge, May 26, 1853. In the
fall of 1853, he accepted the Presidency of Westminster
College, Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, where he remained
in charge for seven years. In i860, he resigned this
position and returned, with his family, to Ireland. ' He
was installed pastor of the congregation of Newtonards,
County Down, Ireland, May 8, 1 861, and resigned this
congregation May 10, 1867. He was installed pastor of
the congregation of Manchester, England, October 14,
1867, where he was pastor three years. He returned
to the United States in May, 1871, taught in Newell
Institute, Pittsburgh, and also preached in the vacancies
adjacent. He died at his residence in Wilkinsburgh,
Pennsylvania, of pericarditis, complicated with pneumonia,
September 20, 1875. He married Miss Harriet Finlay,
■of Buffalo, New York, May 20, 185 1. Gifted with mental
endowments above the ordinary, and possessing a
thorough classical education, he was a finished scholar
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 645
and a successful teacher. He was a teacher rather than
a preacher. He was, however, a well-read theologian,
and his sermons were finished discourses and well pre-
pared. His delivery was mild, but there was an unction
and pathos in his voice that never failed to interest
his hearers. Having travelled much, and stored his
mind with useful knowledge, he was well posted in
general information. He was honored with the degree
of Doctor of Divinity by an institution in Baltimore,
Maryland, in 1857. Among his publications are: "The
Higher Law," 185 1, pp. 39- "The Royal Priesthood of
Messiah," 185S, pp. 20, He was Moderator of the
Synod of Ireland in 1862.
ROBERT GAMBLE ORR :
Son of Robert and Elizabeth (Gamble) Orr, was
born in Donascallion, County Londonderry, Ireland, July
8, 1787.* He attended the schools of his neighbor-
hood, and entered the University of Glasgow, Scotland,
where he graduated in 18 10. He studied theology in
the Seminary of Stirling, Scotland, and was licensed
by the Western Presbytery, Ireland, March 16, 1813.
He was ordained by the Northern Presbytery, installed
pastor of the united congregations of Dumboc and
Ballyrashane, Ireland, August 31, 18x5, and was released
from this charge, at the request of the congregation,
July 26, 1820. He came to America in 1832, and,
at the division of the Church in August, 1833, became
identified with the New School branch of the Cove-
nanter Church. He preached for some time at Ogdens-
burgh. New York. He died of mortification arising
646 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
from an injury received in one of his feet, at Pater-
son, New Jersey, June 12, 1835. From the experiences
through which he passed, it is evident that he was
not highly regarded as a preacher.
JAMES PATTON:
Son of Joseph and Margaret (Kingston) Patton, was
born in Sparta, Randolph County, Illinois, April 11,
1855. He received his early education in the High
School of his native town, and graduated from Mon-
mouth College in 1883. He studied theologj' in the
Allegheny Seminar}-, was licensed by the Illinois Pres-
bytery, April 14, 1 886, preached for a few months in
the British Provinces, and other parts of the Church.
THOMAS PATTON:
Son of Joseph and Margaret (Kingston) Patton,
was born in Sparta, Randolph County, Illinois, Decem-
ber 19, 1852. He received his early education in the
High School of his native town, and, in 1873, entered
Geneva College, where he remained two years, and
engaged in teaching near his home. In 1877, he
resumed his studies in Westminster College, and grad-
uated from Monmouth College in 1880. He studied
theology in the Allegheny Seminary, was licensed by
the Illinois Presbytery, April li, 1883, and labored in
Kansas, Nebraska, Minnesota, and the British Provinces.
He was ordained by the New Brunswick and Nova
Scotia Presbytery, and installed pastor of the congrega-
tion of Barnesville, Kings County, New Brunswick,
May 26, 1887, where he is in charge. He married
Miss Anna Carithers, of Linton, Iowa, June 10, 1885.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 647
JAMES LOUGHRIDGE PINKERTON : '
Son of Samuel and Mary (Warnock) Pinkertod,
was bom near West Hebron, Washington County, New
York, March 28, 1849. In 1S51, his parents removed
to Waupaca, Wisconsin, where he connected with the
Vernon congregation, and entered Monmouth College,
where he graduated in 1873. He studied theology in
the Allegheny Seminary, and was licensed by the
Pittsburgh Presbytery, April 12, 1876. In 1877, while
supplying the Mission at Suffolk, Virginia, he was
prostrated by a severe attack of fever, affecting both
body and mind. He retired to his home near Wau-
paca, Wisconsin, for some time, made an extended
tour through Europe, and returned much improved
after several years of rest. He was ordained by the
Pittsburgh Presbytery, installed pastor of the congrega-
tion of New Alexandria, Westmoreland County, Penn-
sylvania, May 17, 1881, and resigned on account of
enfeebled health, October 9, 1883, since which time
he has retired from all active service, and is residing
near Waupaca, Wisconsin.
WILLIAM ALEXANDER PINKERTON:
Son of Samuel and Margaret J. (Smith) Pinkerton,
was born near Clarinda, Page County, Iowa, January
I, 1861. He received his preparatory education in the
High School of Clarinda, graduating from Amity
College in 18S2, and engaged in teaching one year.
He studied theolog}- in the Allegheny Seminary, was
licensed by the Kansas Presbytery, April 4, 18S7, and
preached a few months in Burdett, Kansas, and other
localities. He married Miss Alice E. Whitehead, of
Allegheny, Pennsylvania, December 22, 1887.
648 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED-
JAMES THOMSON POLLOCK:
Son of William and Fannie R. (Thomson) Pollock,
was born near Leesville, Carroll County, Ohio, August 14,
1835. His parents were worthy members of the Cove-
nanter Church, and removed to- Belle Centre, Logan
County, Ohio, in 1847. He received his early education
in Geneva College, graduating in 1856. He studied
theology two years in the Associate Seminary at Xenia,
Ohio, two years in the Allegheny Seminary, and was
licensed by the Lakes Presbytery, April iS, i860. He
was ordained by the New York Presbytery, and installed
pastor of the congregation of Bovina, Delaware County,
New York, July 11, 1861. He connected with the
United Presbyterian Church, being received by the
Wheeling Presbytery of that body, March 10, 1864.
He was commissioned, July 14, 1864, to labor in the
South among the soldiers, and was Chaplain of the
Eighth Indiana regiment, during the war of the
rebellion. In the summer of 1865, he returned North,
supplied vacancies, and connected with the Presbyterian.
Church, September 17, 1S66. He was installed pastor
of the congregation of Osborn, Ohio, May 2, 1867, and
has held charges respectively in Monroeville, Tiffin,
Maumee City, Bucyrus, Utica, and is now pastor of
the Presbyterian Church of Madisonville, Hamilton
County, Ohio. He married Miss Elizabeth A. Andrews,
of Dayton, Ohio, June 12, 1867.
HUGH WALKINSHAW REED:
Son of Rev. Robert and Mary (Walkinshaw) Reed,
was, born near Lucesco, Westmoreland County, Penn-
sylvania, July 26, 1855. He received his early educa-
I
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IX AMERICA. 649
tion in the schools of his native County, graduating
from Geneva College in 1878. He studied theology
in the Allegheny Seminary, and was licensed by the
Pittsburgh Presbytery, April 13, 188 1. He was ordained
by the New York. Presbytery, installed pastor of the
congregation of Ryegate, Caledonia County, Vermont,
January 19, 1883, and resigned this charge, September
21, 1886. He was chosen Principal of Knox Academy,
Selma, Alabama, October 4, 1886, where he taught
and preached until Januar>- i, 1SS8. He was installed
pastor of the congregation of Youngstown, Ohio, May
4, 1888, where he is in charge. He was twice
married. First to Miss I. Emma Robeson, of Dresden,.
Ohio, March 29, 1881 ; and second, to Miss Alice B.
Miller, of Ryegate, Vermont, November 23, 1886.
ROBERT REED:
Son of Robert and Mary (Gibson) Reed, was
born near Brandywine Manor. Chester County, Penn-
sylvania, June 13, 182 1. His parents soon afterwards
removed to the city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania,
thence to Mifflin, near Pittsburgh, and finally to Lon-
donderry, Guernsey County, Ohio. He received his
early education in Madison College, graduating from
Muskingum College in 184S. He studied theology in
the Cincinnati and Northwood Seminaries, and was
licensed by the Lakes Presbytery, April 16, 1852.
He was ordained by the Pittsburgh Presbytery, installed
pastor of the united congregations of Brookland and
North Washington, Lucesco, Westmoreland County,
Pennsylvania, June 21, 1854, and resigned, April I'l,
1882. In May, 18S4, he became stated supply to the
650 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
Monongahela congregation, Elizabeth, Pennsylvania,
where he preached until shortly before his death. He
was troubled with kidney disease for several years,
resulting in sciatica and blood poisoning, which caused
extreme suffering, and from which he died, at his
home near Lucesco, Pennsylvania, October 31, 1886.
He married Miss Mary Walkinshaw, of Lucesco,
Pennsylvania, September 16, 1854. He was an earnest
preacher of the gospel and strongly attached to the
distinctive _principles of the Covenanter Church. He
was of a quiet and diffident disposition, never making
himself prominent, but he was candid and decided in
his opinions, and unswerving in his conviction-s of truth
and uprightness. He was highly esteemed as a good
Presbyter, a faithful pastor, and an exemplary Christian.
HOBERT CAMERON REED:
Son of Rev. Robert and Mary (Walkinshaw) Reed,
.■was born near Lucesco, Westmoreland County, Penn-
.•sylvania, April 25, i860. He received his early edu-
cation in that vicinity, graduating from Geneva College
in ' 1885. He studied theology in the Allegheny
Seminary, was licensed by the Pittsburgh Presbytery,
April II, 18S8, and preached within the bounds
of that Presbytery.
DANIEL REID:
Son of Allan and Margaret (Millar) Reid, was
born in Cedarville, Green County, Ohio, March 22,
1834. In early life his natural diffidence and timidity
were so great, that his godly parents feared he would
be prevented from prosecuting his studies for the
ministry, to which they had dedicated him. In 1846,
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 65 1
his parents removed to Harper, Logan County, Ohio,
and he was the first student to enter Geneva College
at its organization, from which institution he graduated
in 1855. The next year he began the study of
theology in the Associate Seminary at Xenia, Ohio,
the following three years pursuing his course in the
Allegheny Seminary, and was licensed by the Lakes
Presbytery, April 18, i860. He was ordained by the
Pittsburgh Presbytery, and installed pastor of the Oil
Creek congregation, Titusville, Crawford County, Penn-
sylvania, December 19, 1S61, where he remained in
charge until his death. This field of labor was ver>'
extensive, and he was constantly exposed to all kinds
of weather. Here he labored diligently for his Master,
until prostrated by pneumonia, followed by a malignant
typhoid fever, from which he died, at his home near
Titusville, Pennsylvania, March 31, 1875. He married
Miss Agnes Wright, of Titusville, Pennsylvania, January
22, 1863. He was an earnest, instructive and evangeli-
cal preacher of the gospel. He was especially
distinguished for his conscientiousness, humility, and
piety. He was not an eloquent preacher, but he gave
a sound and interesting presentation of divine truth,
and was firm in his attachment to the principles of
the Church. . His reser\-ed and timid disposition
prevented him from holding a prominent position
in the Church.
JAMES REID :
Was born in the parish of Shotts, Scotland, August
12, 1750.* He received the rudiments of an education
* Riforiiud Fres/yUrian, Vol. 3, p. 1S7.
652 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED :, ^
in the schools of his native parish, and graduated from ■■•■
Edinburgh College in 1776. He studied theology in the .'
Seminary of Stirling, Scotland, and was licensed by the .."^
Reformed Presbytery of Scotland, April 27, 1780. He ''■■,
was ordained by the same court, and installed pastor •
of the united congregations of Wigtown and Kirkcud- •'
bright, Scotland, July 10, 1783. It was during this .
period that the few faithful Covenanters in America
were deprived of all their ministr>' by defection, and j
made urgent application to the Reformed Presbytery of .i
Scotland for ministerial assistance. After much serious .,
deliberation, Mr. Reid accepted the appointment to
visit America, and left Scotland, August 4, 1789. He
visited all the Covenanter societies from New York to
the Carolinas, organized many congregations, and dis- ;
pensed the sacraments. He returned to Scotland, July "T-
16, 1790. He resumed his labors with renewed diligence '?,
among his flock, which was soon afterwards reduced -by
the Stranraer society being organized into a separate
congregation, and he continued in charge of Newton-
Stewart, Whithorn and Castle Douglas. In 1825, in
consequence of a decision of the Synod to erase the
particular mention of the Auchensaugh renovation of
the Covenants from the terms of communion, he
regarded it a departure from the Testimony, and with-
drew, with a few followers, from the communion of the
Reformed Presbyterian Church, and maintained a separate
standing. In the spring of 1828, he removed to the
city of Glasgow, Scotland, where he resided with his
daughter, Mrs. Stewart, continued to preach to a few
people until old age caused his strength to fail, and
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 65 J
where he died of a severe illness, November 4, 1837,
He married Miss Helen Bland, of Anworth, Scotland,
December 26, 1786. He was a good man, full of the
Holy Ghost and of faith. Notwithstanding the checkered
career of his life, and the unfavorable circumstances for
study, he was an acceptable and edifying preacher, and
did not fail to raise his voice against personal and
national evils. He was distinguished for his gravity of
deportment, kindliness of manner, and regularity in the
performance of religious duties. During his last days
his eyesight failed him, yet he desired to have his books
beside him, from which others read to him, imparting
subjects for meditation and prayer. Among his publi-
cations extant are : " The Lives of the Westminster
Divines," in two volumes. "The Divinity of Christ,"
1792, pp. 60. "The Incarnation," 1794. PP- 68.
JOHN REILLY:
Was bom in Ballibay, County Monaghan, Ireland,
August 7, 1780.* He came to America in October,
1797, and settled in the city of Philadelphia, Pennsyl-
vania, where he prosecuted his studies for becoming a
teacher. In due time he entered upon his chosen
vocation in Darby and Frankford. near Philadelphia. He
was ordained a ruling elder in Dr. Wylie's congregation,
August 5, iSoi, and continued in this office until he
entered upon the work of the ministry. Being deemed
qualified, he entered upon the study of theology under
the Rev. Dr. S. B. Wylie, and was licensed by the
Middle Presb\-tery, May 24, 1S09. He preached with
great acceptance throughout the vacancies, and also in
•Spragues .\nnals.
6S4 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
South Carolina, for three years. He was ordained stju
titido by the Middle Presbytery, February 23, 18 13, and
sent as a Missionary to South Carolina. He was
installed pastor of the united congregations of Beaver
Dam in Chester District, and Wateree in Fairfield
District, South Carolina, October 8, 181 3, where he
labored the remainder of his life. He died of a bilious
fever, at his home in Beaver Dam, South Carolina,
August 27, 1820. He married Miss Jane Weir, of
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1806. He was a plain,
practical, and instructive preacher, and was popular
among all classes of people. He was distinguished for
his gentleness and kindness, being very attentive to the
young. He was bold to speak against the evils of
Church and State, and denounced with special severity
the practice of holding slaves as chattels.
JOHN RICE:
Son of Samuel C. and Susan (Kessen) Rice, was
born in Paisley, Scotland, February 23, 1824. He
received his early education in the private school of
Mr. J. K. Chalmers, and in the Grammar School of
William Hunter, LL. D., graduating from the University
of Glasgow, Scotland, in 1844. He studied theology in
the Paisley Seminary, was licensed by the Paisley Pres-
bytery, July 4, 184S, and preached for a few years in
Scotland. He came to America in the spring of 1853,
and preached one year, principally in the vacancies of
the State of New York. He connected with the Pres-
byterian Church, being received by the Ohio Presbytery
of that body, October 21, 1S54. He was ordained by
the Saltsburgh Presbytery, and installed pastor of the
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 655
united congregations of Harmony, Mechanicsville and
Union, Indiana County, Pennsylvania, in 1856, where he
remained eight years. He was installed, in 1864, over
the united congregations of Fairfield, Milledgeville and
Sandy Lake, Mercer County, Pennsylvania, and remained
nine years. In 1S73, he took charge of the united
congregations of Bethel, Onslow, Wayne and Scotch
Grove, Jones County, Iowa, resigning in 1881, when he
retired from active service, and is living upon his farm
near Scotch Grove, Iowa. He was married twice. First
to Miss Jessie H. Mowatt, of S\-racuse, New York, in
1S54; and second, to Miss Louisa M. Diven, of Penn
Run, Pennsylvania, in 1S57.
THOMAS PLANTS ROBB :
Son of George and Jane (George) Robb, was born
near Venice, Washington County, Pennsylvania, April 5,
1843. He received a liberal education in the common
schools of his native County, finished the course in the
Dayton Union Academy in 1866, and graduated from
Muskingum College in 1867. He studied theology in
the Allegheny Seminary, and was licensed by the Pitts-
burgh Presbytery, April 12, 1870. He was ordained by
the Lakes Presbytery, installed pastor of the Garrison
congregation, Glenwood, Fa\-ette County, Indiana, May
16, 1 87 1, and resigned this charge, April 12, 1S74. He
was installed pastor of the Sharon congregation, Linton,
Des ;Moine.^ County, Iowa, July 6, 1874, where he is in
charge. He married Miss Catharine Marshall, of Dayton,
Penns\-lvania, October 16, 1872.
WILLIAM LOUIS ROBERTS, D. D. :
Son of John and Mary (Smith) Roberts, was born
near Franklin, Pendleton County, Virginia, (now in
656 HISTORY .OF THE REFORMED
I
West Virginia) June 27, 1798. His parents were mem-
bers of the Associate Reformed Church, and removed ;
to Canonsburgh, Pennsylvania, in 1 804, where he i
received his early education. He pursued his prepara- 1
tory course in the Academy of Bedford, Pennsylvania, 1
and graduated from Jefferson College in .1820. He j
received the appointment as cadet in the United States ■^
Military Academy at West Point, New York, but was
finally persuaded to abandon military aspirations by
the Rev. Dr. J. R. Willson and connected with the
Covenanter Church. He studied theology under the
direction of the Rev. Dr. J. R. Willson at Coldenham,
New York, and was licensed by the Northern Presby-
tery, September 11, 1822. He was ordained by the
same Presbytery, installed pastor of the congregation of
Paterson, New Jersey, May 19, 1824, and resigned
this charge, December 18, 1825. He was installed
pastor of the united congregations of Clyde, Galen, ]
Caledonia and York, New York, November 16, 1826,
and resigned these societies, October 6, 1830. He -,
was installed pastor of the congregation of Baltimore, ;
Maryland, January 15, 1835, ^"d was released, October ^
9, 1837. He was installed pastor of the united con- i
gregations of Clyde and Sterling, New York, October t
19, 1837, and resigned this charge. May 26, 1855. He .j
removed to Hopkinton, Delaware County, Iowa, and j
was stated supply to the newly organized congrega- j
tion of that place for five years, being installed pastor, i
May 9, i860, where he remained until his very sud- j
den death of heart disease, December 7, 1864. He j
was twice married. First to Miss Margaret Milliken, j
" ■-
•;
'^ .
\
M^
%.
tc
-^w'^^
W-
J- f^'-
fer
WILLIAM L. ROBERTS. D. D.
L
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 657
■of Walden, New York, in 1821; and second to Miss
Anna Acheson, of New York City, New York, in
1830. He was a learned, eloquent and earnest preacher
of the gospel. By many he was regarded as one of
the great preachers of the Covenanter Church, and
was known to a large circle of professional men as
a public-spirited minister. He was a keen controver-
sialist and a great debater. He was held in high esteem
by those who differed from his sentiments, for his
■candid opinions and unwavering tenacity to Bible
principles of government. He was a talented author,
a forcible writer, and did much with his voice and
pen to strengthen the members of the Church in her
distinctive principles. Among his writings extant are:
"Submission to the Powers that Be," 1828, pp. 140.
^'The Higher Law," 185 1, pp. 32. "The Reformed
Presbyterian Catechism," 1853, pp. 188. He was
honored with the degree of Doctor of Divinity by
Jefferson College in 1846. He was Moderator of the
Synod of 1853.
SAMUEL ROBINSON:
Son of John and Sarah (McElroy) Robinson, was
born near Dervock, County Antrim, Ireland, in 1780.*
He was brought up under the pastoral care of the
Rev. James McKinney. He came to America in 1791,
and settled in the Chester District, South Carolina,
where he received his early education, and entered the
Philadelphia Academy. He studied theology in the Phila-
delphia Seminary, was licensed by the Middle Presby-
tery, May 9, 18 14, and preached with great acceptance
''Communications from relatives and acquaii
v^
TOkV O'-- THE «EFO:<Mtr
:•; ;i.c '- .■ :.'; .'.v.d West fcr S(.\-crrJ years. He. was
■r. {.•:;'... i '.>• th-,. Western Prosbytcry, in-tai i j
<.r t.':-: congrcLTUion of Cincinnati, Oliio. Oc i >
I?- .S ".nd, for constant intcmpcrritc habits, w, eJ
:.y ;:■,.• -amc coLirt, August 2C. iSci. He \ r
■v-::r:: restored in tiie Associate Rckrn-cd C rl
;■.(■ V'- 1 ■•-■•-! -IS a siippi>- to the Second Presb\t2r -h
.;t C;n-c:':nati. Ohio. He connected with t %
Scho -1 Covcna:itvr C!u;rch, preached in Cincir a > I,
frKCjuendy lectured in tlie Mechanic's Inst i r-
died a reformed n-'.an, at the hon-.e of hi } f^
near Ox.'ord, Prebie County, Ohio. August , ,1^
He was tiirice married. First to Miss M?rgare '
of Philadelpliia. Pennsy'\-ania ; secona to an int
woman who Vv'as the cause of his trouble ; a
to Mrs. Camp, r.j Cincinrati, Ohio, ivho wa
.'■.jrkcr in th.e Met'i'.odist Church. He was a
- C'-!".!nand:ng appearance, a popular pri ch
..-1 c-'oc'.icnt fectu:er. He was a well-read h
proricicnt in Biblical literature, possessing a n i
stcred with useful knov. ledge, and was lit
engaged as a lecturer as well as a prcaciier
MOSES ROXFA' :
Son wt jam'.s and Jane (]\rcVv'hirtor} K t
h\.r\. near Canonsburgh. Washington Count}- P
va:\a, ."-eptember 20. tSc4.^ I'lis parents v.-er>, c^
frcrr. a Im'g' line of Covenanter anccsrr}-, nt
frst K'.rt'j-rcnt in America was in Soutli C
wher.e trad.ti.T.i says thc\- prospered. Tluir pr
being so antagi^nistic to the institution of
■■■MS. r.^oir.
?on, Hon. J. B. f^A-?)-. Philacs'rhia Fa
4l:
jm
MOSES RONEY.
y
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 659
slavery, they left their home in the South and
emigrated to Western Pennsylvania — then the " great
wilderness West." Here they made a new home,
building a house (still standing) from logs cut in the
forest and hewn into shape by the immediate ancestors
of Moses Roney. His parents were most exemplary
members of the Covenanter Church, who gave him a
strict religious training and instilled into his mind
those principles of civil and religious liberty which
bore fruit throughout the whole of his after life. In
18 iS, he entered Canonsburgh Academy, and graduated
with first honors from Jefferson College in 1823.
Soon afterwards he left his home with a parental
blessing, and as his outfit with which to begin the
battle of life — a horse, saddle, bridle and the saddle-
bags of the day. Turning his face eastward he rode
to Baltimore, Maryland, where he sold his travelling
outfit, and taught in a classical school for two years,
during which time he was a member of the Baltimore
congregation. He then repaired to Coldenham, New
York, where he studied theology under the direction
of the Rev. Dr. J. R. Willson, and was licensed by
the Pittsburgh . Presbytery, June S, 1829. He was
ordained by the Northern Presbytery, and installed
pastor of the congregation of Newburgh, New York,
June 8, 1830. He was chosen by Synod as the editor
3f the Reformed Presbyterian, and continued as
ditor of that magazine from its first issue in
March, 1837, ""til his death, with the exception
3f the year 1848, when he , was ^n the South,
■n 1843, he contracted a severe cold while engaged
•66o HISTORY OF THE REFORMED I
in his untiring efforts in behalf of his congregation
and the people by whom he was surrounded. The
immediate cause of it was his pastoral visits, on one
of which occasions he was going homeward in mid-
winter from an overheated room whither he had been
summoned on an errand of charity, and was kept out
in the cold winter air until morning in returning.
This reception of cold was followed by an inflam-
mation of the lungs and hemorrhages, but he continued
actively engaged in his pastoral duties. During this
period the bold spirit of his ancestors came to the •
front, and he became a recognized, though quiet,
leader of the abolitionists of the neighborhood, enter- .1
taining at his house, when hotels were closed against j
them, the leaders in the movement. It is related of '■;
Tiim that upon one occasion when an anti-slavery meeting ^1
was to be held in his church at which he was to ■■-
be present, a number of his fellow-citizens called upon V
him and warned him of his danger. With the courage
that always distinguished him, after thanking them, he
Avent to the meeting, and it is said his personal
presence prevented an outbreak which threatened to be
serious, as he was held in high esteem by those
-who differed from his political as well as religious
views. In 1847, his disease had made such rapid pro-
gress that he was advised by his physicians to spend
the winter in a warmer climate. Unwilling to leave
his post of duty, he went to Baltimore and consulted
one of the most eminent physicians of that city, who
had been his friend in earlier years. Acting upon his
advice he immediately went 'to Aikin, South Caro- f
PRESBVTEKIAX CHURCH IN AMERICA. 66 1
lina, to which place also he returned the fol-
lowing winter. Being thus compelled to abandon pas-
toral duties, he resigned the Newburgh' congregation,
October lo, 1848. In the summer of 1849, he
accepted the Presidency of Westminster College,
Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, and removed his family
to that city, where he continued to labor, until his
death by consumption, July 3, 1854, and was buried in
the old graveyard of Coldenham, New York. He married
Miss Elizabeth F. Beattie, of Coldenham, New York,
in 1S31, whose mother was descended from the famous
Belknap family of that region. He was one of the
most fascinating pulpit orators of his day. He was
eloquent both in sentiment and expression, and possessed
a full loud voice. His whole bearing was intellectual,
and one calculated to carry influence and dignity into
every department of Church work. As a teacher in
Baltimore, pastor and editor in Newburgh, professor and
editor in Allegheny, his voice and his pen were always
iised to their full extent in the furtherance of truth and'
righteousness. While many differed with him in senti-
ment, none ever doubted his sincerity. His was a master
mind. Endowed as his birthright with the sense of true
honor, and possessing an unyielding devotion and
unwavering attachment to the distinctive principles of
the Covenanter Church, he lived as he died, in the
full belief that no less, to the Covenanters of Scotland
than to the Puritans of England, America owed her
manifold blessings of civil and religious liberty. Religi-
ously he was so strong in his deep-rooted conviction
of the truth of the principles, that when the ordeal
662 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
came through which the Church passed in 1833, he
was the leader who called together those who held
intact the testimony of the Church. He was Moderator
of the Synod of 1843.
THOMAS ALEXANDER RUSK :
Son of Thomas and Mary (Westby) Rusk, was born
in the city of New York, New York, December 16,
1859. He received his early education in the public
schools, and in the Columbia Grammar School, gradu-
ating from Columbia College in 1880. He studied
theology' two years in the Allegheny Seminary, and
engaged in clerical work in New York. In the fall of
1883, he resumed his studies in the Union Seminary,
New York, where he graduated in May," 1885. He was
licensed by the New York Presbyter}', May 20, 1885,
and preached in New Brunswick, and other parts of
the Church.
WILLIAM LLOYD CUMMINGS SAMSON:
Son of Henry F. and Isabella M. (McKenery)
Samson, was born in Wyman, Louisa County, Iowa,
December 31, 1863. His parents removed to Washing-
ton, Iowa, in 1S81, where he received his early
education in the Washington Academy, graduating
from Geneva College in 1885. He studied theology in
the Allegheny Seminary, was licensed by the Iowa
Presbytery, April 4, 18S8, and preached in Houlton,
Maine, for some time.
DAVID SCOTT: ' -•.
Son of William and Margaret (Gregg) Scott, was
born in Pollockshaws, near Glasgow, Scotland, July 17,
1794. In very early life he entered upon a thorough ,
M
DAVID SCOTT.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. Ot>3
classical course of study, graduating from the University
- of Glasgow, Scotland, in 1S20, having spent two years
in the study of medicine. He studied theology in the
Paislej- Seminar}-, was licensed by the Glasgow Presby-
tery, June 10, 1S24, and preached and taught in his
native land for five }'ears. He came to America in
the spring of 1829, and preached with much acceptance
for three years. He was ordained sine tihdo by the
- Southern Presb)-tery, as a Home Missionary, November
I, 1S32, and visited many of the Mission Stations.
He was installed pastor of the congregation of Albany,
■ Kew York, June 7, 1S36, and resigned this charge,
"May 8, 1842. He was installed pastor of the con-
' gregation of Rochester, New York, July 11, 1844, and
.- was released, July 19, 1862. With the exception of
'r the winter of 1866, when he taught in the Allegheny
;^. Theological Seminar)-, he labored within the bounds of
r? the Rochester Presbytery the remainder of his life.
" He w-as long afflicted with asthma, but died of an
affection of the heart, at his home in Rochester, New
'.York, March 29, 1871. He married Miss Eliza Walker,
1' of New York City, May 13, 1833. He was an unas-
suming preacher and made no display, but excelled
in clear logic and lucid expositions. His discourses
were characterized by a faultless arrangement, appro-
priate Scriptural illustrations, and were the fruit of
careful stud)-. He was a learned man and a most
instructive preacher, never allowing any affair to
interfere with his pulpit preparation. He was a man
f of sound judgment, wise legislation, and well acquainted
^with the history of the Church. During the controversy
#•■
664
HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
of 1833, he Stood firmly to the principles of the
Church, advocated fearlessly their truth and practica-
bility, and succeeded in vindicating the Church against
the attacks of her ablest opponents. He was \er}-
punctual in his attendance upon Church courts, was
never absent from a meeting of Synod, and but once
from Presbytery, "during the forty years of his ministiy.
He was a proficient historian, and wrote many historical
and controversial articles for the magazines of the
Church. Among his publications are: "A Calm
Examination of Dr.. Gilbert McMaster's 'Civil Govern-
ment,'" 1832, pp. 44. "An Exposure of Dr. Gilbert
McMaster's 'Brief Inquiry,'" 1833, pp. 28. "Extract
of the Minutes of the Division of 1833," 1833, pp.
38. "Distinctive Principles," 1841, pp. 324. "Argu-
ment on the Church," 1854, pp. 60. "Narrative of
the Division of 1833," 1863, pp. 28, and a few minor
pamphlets. He was Moderator of the Synods of
1840 and 1851.
GEORGE SCOTT, D. D. :
Son of William and Agnes (Henry) Scott, was born
in Crevah, County Monaghan, Ireland, Jul)' 26, 1S05.*
In early life he began the study of the classics under
the direction of the Rev. Samuel Carlisle, and subsc-
quentl}' under Rev. Thomas Cathcart. He came to
America in 1822, and soon afterwards settled in the
city of Philadelphia, where he opened a classical school,
and recited in the advanced studies to the Rev. Dr. S.
B. Wylie. He studied theology under the direction of
the Rev. S. B. Wylie, D. D., was licensed by the
from the family.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA.
665
Philadelphia Presb}-ter\-, April 14, 1830, and made an
extensive tour through the South and West. He was
ordained b\' the Pittsburgh Presbytery, and installed
pastor of the Little Beaver congregation, New Galilee,
Beaver County, Pennsylvania, April 19, 1831. At the
division of the Church in August, 1833, he became
identified with the New School branch of the Covenanter
Church, and remained pastor of a portion of his former
charge, which was known as the Darlington congre-
gation, where he remained until his resignation, October
10, 1S65. For five \'ears he preached in the vacancies
as his health would permit. He connected with the
Presbyterian Church, October 7, 1868, and, in 1878,
removed to New Brighton, Penns}-lvania, where he was
honorably retired from active service, ■ and where he
died, December 16, 188 1. He was thrice married. First
to Miss Mary Brown, of Greensburgh, Penns\'lvania,
June 18, 1832; second, to Miss Duisa A. Forbes, of
Peter.sburgh, Ohio, November 28, 1S43; and third, to
Mrs. Maria C. Lindsley, of New York City, May 20,
1873. He was an interesting evangelical preacher of
the gospel, and his pulpit exhibitions were profoundly
solemn and frequently eloquent. He was a faithful and
successful pastor, a pious and sincere Christian. He was
long connected with Darlington Academy, and promi-
> nenth' connected with the literarj' and missionarj'
'^operations of his denomination. He was honored with
the degree of Doctor of Divinit}- by Monmouth College
ill 1864. He was Moderator of the General S)-nod in 1852.
WALTER MOFFAT SHANKS:
Son of Samuel and Agnes (Rea) Shanks, was born
in Oule)-, County Down, Ireland, October 12, 1842. In
666 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
early life he came to America, and settled in the city
of New York, where he was cast upon his own resources.
By incessant toil and prudent management he obtained
his rudimentaay education in night schools, attended the
free night school at Cooper Union, and graduated from
Lafayette College in 1873. He studied theology in the
Allegheny Seminar)-, and was licensed by the New York
Presbyter}-, May 17, 1876. For five years he preached
as stated supply at Detroit and Fairgrove, Michigan,
and other parts of the Church. In the fall of 18S1, he
went to Scotland, where he was stated supply at
Douglas Water. He held the view that the Covenanted
work of Reformation, and the National and Solemn
League and Covenant, have authority and obligation
above all the renovations that have been made, and
that the present Covenanter Church has followed defec-
tion. For these and other reasons he was suspended
by the Synod of Scotland, March 6, 1S83. After a
careful examination of his peculiar beliefs, and finding
nothing subversive to the position or interests of the
Church, he was restored, December 5, 1S83, and has
ibeen laboring in the congregation of Lanark, Scotland.
He married Miss Isabella G. McQueen, of West Hebron,
New York, January i, 1878. Among his publications
are: "Infant Baptism," "The Divine Ordinance of
Praise," " Catholic Union," and "This Blessed Union and
Conjunction," _all of which are in tract form.
BYRON MELANCTHON SHARP:
Son of James and Mary (Thompson) Sharp, "-i*
born near New Galilee, Beaver County, Penns}-lvania,
February 17, 1853. His parents were members of the
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 667
■\ssociate Church, and he connected with the Cove-
nanter Church in 1S77. ^^ received his early educa-
tion in the schools of his native village, also in the
Darlington Academy, and graduated from Westminster
College in 1S79. He taught in the Academy of Frank-
fort Springs, and was employed b}- a mercantile agency
two years. He studied theology in the Allegheny
Seminary, was licensed by the Pittsburgh Presbytery,
April 9, 18S4, and preached in the Maritime Provinces
and in the Mission Stations of the West. He was
^ ordained b\- the Kansas Presbvterv, and installed pastor
t
of the Long Branch congregation, Blanchard, Page
County, Iowa, October 13, 1887, where he is in charge,
g ROBERT JAMES SHARPE :
Son of John and Sarah (Simpson) Sharpe, was bom
m Ahoghill, County Antrim. Ireland, December 11,
1835. He came with his parents to America in early
life, and settled near Mahoning, Indiana County, Penn-
sylvania, where he received his early education, and
graduated from Allegheny City College in 1861. He
studied theology in the Allegheny Seminary, and was
licensed by the Pittsburgh Presbytery, April 12, 1S65.
He was ordained by the Philadelphia Presbytery,
mstalled pastor of the Third congregation of the city
of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, April 6, 1866, and resigned
this charge, April 10, 1S79. He removed to Eliza-
beth, and subsequentl}' to Allegheny, Pennsylvania,
and supplied throughout diffeient parts of the Church
for six years. He was suspended by the Pittsburgh
Presbytery, December 22, 18S5. He was partially
restored, April 12, 1S87, allowed to preach by invita-
668 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
tion, and is residing in Elizabeth, Pennsj'lvania. He
married Miss Martha J. Withrow, of Elizabeth, Penn-
sylvania, May 5, 1859.
DAVID JAMISON SHAW: ,
Son of James and Susannah (Patterson) Shaw, was
born in Knockbracken, County Down, Ireland, Ma}-
14, 1821. He received his early education in the city
of Belfast, Ireland, came to America in 1832, and
settled near New Alexandria, Pennsylvania. He soon
afterwards resumed his studies in the neighboring
Academy of Elder's Ridge, and graduated from Gene\-a
College in 1853. He studied theology at the same
time in the Northwood Seminary, and was licensed by
the Lakes Presbyterj-, April 12, 1854. He was ordained
by the Illinois Presbyterj', and installed pastor of the
congregation of Bloomington, Monroe County, Indiana,
May 22, 1856, where he is in charge. He married
Miss Martha J. Hartin, of Belle Centre, Ohio, No-
vember 13, 1854.
JAMES WILLIAM SHAW:
Son of William and IMartha (Gormley) Shaw, was
born near Ardstraw, County T)Tone, Ireland, No-
vember 6, 1S12. He received his early education
in that vicinit)', came to America in 1824, and
settled in West Hebron, Washington County, New
York, where he continued his education in the com-
mon schools. In 1837, he entered the Coldenhani
Academy, and subsequently attended Lafa)'ette College.
He studied theology in the Coldenham and Allegheny-
Seminaries, and was licensed by the Southern Presb}--
tery, April 11, 1843. He was ordained bj- the New
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IX AMERICA.
669-
York Presbyter}-, and installed pastor of the congrega-
tion of Coldenham, Orange County, New York, May
29, 1844, and resigned this his onl\- charge on account
of impaired health, October 26, 18S1. He preached
occasionally as his health would permit, and died at
his home near Coldenham, Xew York, of a complicated
kidney disease, November 27, 1886. He was twice
married. First to Miss Margaret J. Burnside, of Pitts-
burgh, Pennsj'h-ania, February'' 28, 1S43; ^'^d .'^econd
to Miss Elizabeth M. Finley, of Little Britain, New
York, Jul}- I, 1845. He was a man of considerable
natural ability, of an acute and logical mind, of a
lie: keen perception, and a fond student of nature. As a
r.- preacher he was sound and instructive; a man of \
unbending conviction in regard to divine truth, and
ever preached the gospel in its purity whether the-
subject was popular or not. He was conscientiously
devoted to the work of the Master, and piousl}^
attached to Reformation principles. He was retired in
his disposition, and for this reason was not so well
known in the Church as he deserved to be. His
many contributions to the magazines were alwa}'s-
spirited and interesting. He also published a few
sermons, among which are: "Attachment to Zion.""
"Our Banner set up." "The Sufferings and Glor}- of Christ."
SAMUEL GORMLEY SHAW:
Son of Rev. J. W. and Elizabeth M. (Finley)
Shaw, was born in Coldenham, Orange Count}-, New
York, November 20, 1854. He received his early
education in the schools of that vicinity, also in the
Newburgh Classical Institute, graduating from Columbia
■670 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
College in iSSo. He studied theologj' in the Alle-
gheny Seminary, was licensed by the New York Pres-
bytery, May 16, 1S83, and was a supply at Barnes-
ville, New Brunswick, for several months. He was
ordained by the New York Presbytery, and installed
pastor of the congregation of Walton, Delaware County,
New York, July 8, 1884, where he is in charge. He
married Miss Sadie J. Hilton, of Newburgh, New York,
February il, 1885.
ROBERT SHIELDS:
Son of Alexander and Agnes (Young) Shields,
Avas born in Glover, Orleans County, Vermont, Septem-
ber 30, 1827. He attended the common schools in
his native County and the Craftsbury Academy,-
graduating from Geneva College in 1855. He studied
theology at the same time in the Northwood Seminar}-,
and was licensed by the Lakes Presbytery, May 17,
1S55. . He travelled as a licentiate throughout different
parts of the Church for several years, .and, in 1S5S,
became a teacher in Geneva College. In 1862, he was
sent as a Home Missionary to Fernandina, Florida, to
minister to the spiritual wants of the oppressed con-
trabands. In 1S63, he labored among the soldiers'
camps at Little Rock, Arkansas, and, in 1864, was
em.ployed in the Freedmen's Mission in Washington,
D. C. He was ordained by the Rochester Presb)tcr\-,
and installed pastor of the Ramsey congregation,
Almonte, Ontario, Canada, July 13, 1865, where he
labored until his death, by heart disease, August 2S,
1883. He married Miss Elizabeth Waddell, of Almonte.
Canada, March 26, 1866. He was afflicted from Ins
m:^
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 67I
youth with a severe catarrhal trouble, which affected
his general health and hindered his powers as a
preacher. He was an intellectual man with a strong
mind and a weak body. His sermons were carefully
prepared, always clear and concise, and delivered with
earnestness and spiritual unction. He was a wise and
faithful pastor, a modest and pious Christian. He was
a reputable botonist, having turned his attention some-
what to geology, and was at home among the flowers
and rocks. He was so conscious of his entire depend-
ence upon the God of all mercies, that he gave every
fifth dollar he possessed to the Lord. He published
some historical articles in the magazines of the Church,
and printed a few pamphlets, among which are: "The
Watchman's Word," 1873. "Tribute to Cassar," 1874.
WILLIAM SLATER:
Son of James and Martha (Thompson) Slater, was
born near Noblestown, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania,
August 25, 181 3. He received his early education in
the schools of that vicinity, and while working at the
tailor's trade, continued his studies, graduating from
the Western Uni\-ersity of Pennsylvania in 1840. He
studied theology in the Allegheny Seminar}-, and was
.licensed b\- the Pittsburgh Presb\-tery, June i, 1842.
He was ordained by the same Presbytery, and installed
pastor of the Miller's Run congregation, Venice,
Washington County, Pennsylvania, May 24, 1843,
resigned this charge, April 13, 1887, and is living near
Venice, Pennsylvania. He married Miss Margaret McCoy,
■ of Rone\-'s Point, West Virginia, February 25, 1851.
672 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
JAMES RENWICK WILLSON SLOAXE, D. D. :
Son of Rev. William and Mary (McNeice) Sloane,
was born in Topsham, Orange County, Vermont, May
29, 1823. From his earliest childhood his habits were
characterized b\- seriousness and a fondness for books.
In 1829, his parents removed from New England and
settled near Greenfield, Ohio, where he attended the
district school, and began the study of the classics
under the direction of his distinguished father, with
whom, also, he taught an Academy in Cadiz, Ohio. In
1840, his parents again removed and settled in Oakdaie,
Washington Count}-, Illinois, where, in 1841, he con-
nected with the Covenanter Church. In due time he
entered Jefferson College, where he distinguished him-
self as a scholar and speaker, and graduated with first
honor in 1847. He soon afterwards went to Hopkins-
ville, Kentucky, as a teacher, but his sentiments on the
question of human slaver\-, and the condition of affairs
in the South, caused him to turn his face Northward.
In March, 1848, he became President of Richmond
College, in Eastern Ohio, where he remained three years,
and, in March, 1852, was inaugurated President of
Geneva College, Northwood, Ohio. By extensive reading,
and thorough training under his father in the science
of theology, he was received as a candidate for the
ministry, and licensed by the Lakes Presb\-tery, October
20, 1852. He was ordained by the Lakes Presbytery,
and installed pastor of the congregation of Rushs_\l-
vania, Logan County, Ohio, January 13, 1S55. The
accumulated duties of teacher and pastor were cheerfull}'
borne and successfulK" performed. Having been carl)'
JAMES R. W. SLOANE, D. D.
mr'
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 673
-dedicated by his parents, and possessing an earnest
<iesire to preach the gospel, and devote himself wholly
to the work of the ministr}-, he resigned the Presidency
of Geneva College, and the pastorate of the Rushsyl-
vania congregation, May 21, 1856. He was installed
pastor of the Third congregation of the city of New
York, New York, May 26, 1856. Here he won a
national reputation as an evangelical preacher and a
fearless advocate for the cause of the slave. He resigned
this charge in New York, October 27, 1868, and
accepted a professorship in the Theological Seminary of
Allegheny, Pennsylvania, where the residue of his life
was spent in training a ministry for the Covenanter
■Church. In addition to his duties in the Seminary, he
accepted the pastorate of the congregation of Allegheny,
Pennsj-lvania, June 6, 1877, ^^'^ resigned this charge,
May 31, 1884, on account of impaired health. During
the winters of his last years he was frequently laid
aside by illness, and his physical system gradually
declined. On the evening previous to his very sudden
death, he retired in comparative good health, and was
hTv, found dead in his bed at his residence in Allegheny,
Tennsylvania, on the morning of March 6, 18S6. His
j?. disease pro\'ed to be an affection of the heart. He was
"buried in the Bellevue Cemetery, near his former home,
-and beside his life-long companion. Dr. A. M. Milligan.
He was thrice married. First to Miss Margaret A. W.
^'-Milligan, of Eden, Illinois, October 23, 1849; second to
^T^iss Margaret C. McLaren, of Geneva, New York,
^May 4, 1858; and third to Miss Frances B. Swanwick,
n^o{ Warriston, Illinois, January 17, 1865. Dr. Sloane was
6/4 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
a profound theologian and a great preacher. He pos-
sessed a fine physical constitution, a dignified and
commanding appearance, and a deep, voluminous, flexible
voice, which at once mastered his audience the moment
he began to speak. During the dark days and discussion
of slaver>' in New York, his verj- appearance on the
platform would quell a mob which the police could not
silence. His preaching was highly evangelical and
Calvinistic. His manner was clear and concise, usualh-
doctrinal and exhortatorj-, and always forcible and im-
pressive. He was neither imaginative nor passionate,
for he was so well informed, and so sufificiently learned,
that he needed not to turn aside for flowery illustrations.
He was habitually conscious of the .=;acredness and
responsibility of the ministerial office, and considered it
no small honor to speak for God to men. He was a
thorough Covenanter, and piously devoted to the prin-
ciples of the Reformation. The cause of National
Reform was very dear to his heart, and often at great
sacrifices, and expenditure of husbanded strength, he
would go and speak in behalf of this great movement.
In sla\'ery times he was a champion for the cause of
the oppressed. Upon the platform with Phillips,
Garrison, Cheever, and Beecher, he was no less dis-
tinguished for his powerful eloquence and convincing
arguments. Upon the great Christian principles of the
Bible in relation to civil government he rose to a height
that was truly majestic, his invincible logic and burn-
ing eloquence enrapturing the audiences he addressed.
He was a fine classical scholar, and a most successful
teacher. He had an extensive acquaintance with books.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 075.
■_, and was well versed in science and theology. While
he was humble and tender, he was also courageous and
firm. His heart was as broad as humanit}-. Out of the
fulness of his heart, and his lo\'e for sinners, he preached
the gospel of Jesus to dying men. His life was
blameless and free from guile or unmanliness. He wa&_
a good conversationalist. His classical taste gave a
form to his sentiments which made his conversation as
graceful as it was edif\-ing. He had natural humor,,
but the disposition to indulge in it was generally
repressed. His conversation was upon subjects which
^ invited discussion, and upon themes of momentous-
• import. He was alwa}'s willing to consider the new,
while maintaining attachment to the old, and was free
from unreasonable prejudice. He was much interested
, in the cause of education; and the claims of Geneva
j^. College and the Theological Seminary received much of
|,^hi5 attention. In Church courts he was heard with
marked attention, for his opinion was regarded of value.
With dignity he possessed humilit)-; with gravity, sim-
plicity; with candor, integrity; with modesty, boldness.
After all he was human, and a brother man. He repre-
sented the Church in several ecclesiastical courts and
councils. He was largely connected with the public
work of the Church, and was regarded as a represen-
tative man. He did not effect much as an author, but
his greatest works have been written upon human hearts,
',-^-and published in the lives of his people. His principal
^writings will be found in the "Life and Work of J. R_
*'W. Sloane, D. D.," 18SS, pp. 440. He was honored
fi with the degree of Doctor of Divinity by Westminster-
College in 1S69. He was Moderator of the Synod of 1867,
•676
HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
WILLIAM SLOANE :
Son of William and Jane (Robinson) Sloane, was
liorn near Larne, County Antrim, Ireland, May 12,
17S7.* He was peculiarly studious, apt to learn, and
pursued the reading and study of the "Scottish Divines"
with pleasure at ten years of age. He attended the
schools of his native parish and finished the course in
the Larne Academy in 1808. For nine years he was
■engaged in teaching, and also acquired extensive
knowledge of literature and theolog)-. He came to
America in 1817, studied theology under the direction
of the Rev. Dr. J. R. Willson, of Coldenham, New
York, and was licensed by the Northern Presbjtery,
April 4, 1820. He was ordained by the same Pres-
bytery, installed pastor of the congregation of Top-
sham, Orange County, Vermont, October 14, 1820, and
resigned this charge, April 17, 1829. He was installed
pastor of the united congregations of Greenfield and
Londonderry, Ohio, November 16, 1829, and resigned,
•October 23, 183S. He was installed pastor of the
Elkhorn congregation, Oakdale, Illinois, September 13,
1840, and resigned this charge on account of seriously
impaired health, May 9, 1858. During the last five
}-ears of his life he preached occasionally as his health
would permit. Although in comparativel}' good hcalili
the previous day, he was found dead in his bed on the
morning of December 3, 1863. He married Miss Mary
McNeice, of Carmany, Ireland, in 18 16. He was not
\\-iiat is termed a popular preacher, for he was neitlicr
.a rhetorician nor an orator, but he was always heard
^ R. P. d~ C, 1865, p. 184. Life and Work of Dr. J. R. W. Sloane.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA.
6-J7
i
^\■ith great pleasure by the spiritually minded. His
style was concise, perspicuous and forcible ; generally
argumentative and illustrative. His great excellence in
preaching consisted in a clear and honest presentation
of the truth, followed by a happy application. His
knowledge of the classics was extensive, and he was
well read in theology, often giving instructions to
young men preparing for the ministry. He was mighty
in the Scriptures, and his prodigious memory assisted
him greatly in his pulpit exercises. He was an ardent
abolitionist, and a fearless advocate for the cause of
the slave. He was frequently drawn into controversy
upon the Arminian and Universalist heresies while
preaching in New England, and did valiant service in
exposing the unfruitful works of secret societies. He
did not take a prominent part in Church courts, but
was regarded as a faithful minister of Christ and
piously devoted to the principles of the Covenanter ChurCh.
ELLSWORTH MONTGOMERY SMITH:
Son of Robert J. and Mary (Carson) Smith, was
' born in the city of St. Louis, I\Iissouri, April i8,
1862. In early life his parents removed to Staunton,
Macoupin County, Illinois, where he received his early
.'education, and graduated from Geneva College in 1883.
\He studied theology in the Allegheny Seminar}-, was
• licensed by the Pittsburgh Presbytery, April 14, 1886,
.and labored in Maine and New Brunswick. He was
;j ordained by the Illinois Presbytery, and installed pastor
',of the united congregations of Staunton, Illinois, May
,'12, 1887, and St. Louis, Missouri, May 16, 1887, where
iiJie is in charge. He was an editor of the College
Cabinet, two years, beginning in 18S1. 42
6yS HISTORY OK THE REFORMED
JOHN CALVIN SMITH:
Son of Thomas and Jane (Curry) Smith, was born
in Bloomington, Monroe County, Indiana, October 29,
1 83 1. He received his early education in the schools
of his native city, graduating from the University of
Indiana in 1851. He taught in the Academy of
Bedford, Indiana, one year, and in the Model School
connected with the University of Indiana, two years.
In 1855, he taught Mathematics and Natural Science
in Geneva College, Northwood, Ohio, and filled this
position three years. He studied theology in the
Allegheny Seminar}', and was licensed by the Lakes
'Presbytery, May 22, 1862. He was ordained by the
Pittsburgh Presbytery, and installed pastor of the
Slippery Rock congregation. Rose Point, Lawrence
County, Pennsylvania, April 16, 1863, where he is in
charge. He married Miss Sarah McCartney, of Belle-
fontaine, Ohio, August 9, 1855. He has published
many articles in the magazines of the Church, and
spoken upon the reforms of the day.
ROBERT McGOWAN SOMMERVILLE :
Son of Rev. William and Sarah B. (Dickie) Som-
fnerville, was born in Grand Pre, Nova Scotia, October
14, 1837. He received his early education under the
direction of his father, and graduated from Ouecn'.s
University, Belfast, Ireland, in i860. He .= tudiLd
theology at the same time in the Belfast Seminar}-,
and was licensed b}' the Eastern Presb}tery, Ireland,
Januar}- 3, 1861. He returned to America the same
spring, was ordained by the New Brunswick and Nova
Scotia Presb}'ter}% and installed co-pastor with his
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 679
father of the united congregations of Horton and Corn-
; wallis, Nova Scotia, October 16, 1S61. He was released
from the Cornwallis branch in 1S62, and soon after-
wards built a church in Wolfville, where he preached
\^ for many \-ears. In 1866, he was also chosen Inspector
> of Schools for Kings County, Nova Scotia, and resigned
•.■■ all these charges, Noverhber 13, 1873, and came to
t-. the States. He was stated supply at Cincinnati, Ohio,
-rV one year, and to the Second congregation of New
:;; York City for six months. He was installed pastor
I of the Second congregation of New York Cit\\
«;' December 14, 1875, where he is in charge. He
!" married Miss Elizabeth Chipman, of Cornwallis, Nova
:j, Scotia, September 13, 1865. He is Corresponding
"ji- Secretary of the Board of Foreign Missions, Assistant
>,; Clerk of Sjmod, and, since January, 1887, editor of
^; the Herald of Mission A'ews.
^ WILLIAM SOMMERVILLE:
'^ Son of William and Jane (Kirk) Sommerville, was
;y born in Ballyroney, County Down, Ireland, July i,
;^^: iSoo.* He began the study of the classics with Rev.
;^v/ John Stewart, and continued them under the direc-
"J-.^ tion of Rev. David -McKee, graduating with honor
i^^'._, from the University of Glasgow, Scotland, in 1820.
!^^_ He soon afterwards began the study of theology in
the Seminary of Paisley, Scotland, and was licensed
by the Southern Presbytery, Ireland, December 5, 1826.
if. He was ordained sitie titulo by the Southern Presb\'ter>-,
Ireland, May 31, 1S31, as a Missionary to the British
^»y North American Provinces, and sailed for St. John,
♦ Memoir by Rev. A. M. Stavely, 1878.
680 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
New Brunswick, August l6, 1831. After visiting dif-
ferent parts of the Maritime Provinces, he finally
settled in the beautiful and fertile Cornwallis Valley,
in Nova Scotia. Here his labors were devoted to
Presbyterians generally, until other laborers came into
the field, and then the lines were drawn more
closely and soon confined to the Covenanter societies.
The Presbyterians of Grand Pre agreed to sing the
Psalms of David and conform to other peculiar usages
of the Covenanter Church, and he became pastor of
this congregation, May 16, 1833. Two years later a
society sprung up in West Cornwallis, and desired a
part of his time, which was granted, and he was
installed pastor of this branch, May 9, 1835, and from
this date to that of his death, he was pastor of the
united congregations of Horton and Cornwallis, Nova
Scotia. After a labor of fort}'-seven years as a pioneer
missionary in this region, he died at his home in
Somerset, Kings County, Nova Scotia, September 2S,
1878. He was twice married. First to Miss Sarah B.
Dickie, of Amherst, Nova Scotia, in 1S32; and second
to Mrs. Jane E. (Caldwell) Woodworth, of Grand Pre,
Nova Scotia, September, 1854. His bodily vigor,
mental endowments, and manly intrepidity fitted him
peculiarly for missionary work. His abilities were those
of a powerful evangelical preacher, and a resolute
defender of Scripture doctrine. His genial spirit and
earnest benevolence attracted many to the acceptance
of the Covenanter faith. He met and measured spiritual
weapons with all opponents of different denominations.
His controversies were principally with the Baptists
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 68 1 .
and their mode of applying water in the sacrament of
baptism ; and with other denominations for the exclusive
use of the Psalms of David as a matter of praise in
divine worship. He was a gifted controversialist, and
his pen was seldom at rest. During at least twenty
years of his pastoral labors he was engaged in teach-
ing school. He visited his native country in 1840 and
in 1858. Among his publications are: "Dissertation on
the Nature and Administration of the Ordinance of
Baptism," in two parts, two editions, 1S45 and 1866.
pp. 319. "Exclusive Use of the Psalms of David in
Worship," 1855, pp. 189. "Rule of Faith," 1859, pp.
28. "Southern Slavery not founded on Scripture War-
rant," 1865, pp. 26. "Social Position of the Came-
ronians," 1868, pp. 40. "Baptismal Immersion not of
God," 1876, pp. ■/"]. He also - delivered a course of
lectures before the Protestant Alliance of Nova Scotia,
at Halifax, in 1858.
JAMES ALEXANDER SPEER :
Son of Robert and Sarah (Jamison) Speer, was
born in New Concord, Muskingum County, Ohio, Feb-
ruary 27, 1842. He received his early education in
the schools of his native town, and entered Muskingum
College in 1861. When the war of the rebellion broke
out, he served in the army two }-ears. In the fall of
1866, he became Principal of the Academ\- of Ontario,
Ohio, and the following year taught in Muskingum
College, where he graduated in 1S68. He studied theo-
logy in the Allegheny Seminar)', was licensed by the
Pittsburgh Presbytery, April 8, 1873, and labored for
some time in the West. He was ordained by the
HISTORY OF THE R-EFORWED
New York Presbytery, and installed pastor of the con-
gregation of West Hebron, Washington County, New
York, July 28, 1875, where he is in charge. He mar-
ried Miss Nettie J. Black, of Allegheny City, Penn-
sylvania, December 27, 1876.
JOHN WALLACE SPROULL :
Son of Rev. Dr. Thomas and Magdalene (Wallace)
Sproull, was born in the city of Allegheny, Pennsyl-
vania, January 17, 1839. He received his early educa-
tion in the public schools and in Westminster College
of his native city, graduating from Jefferson College in
1858. He taught for some time in the Academ.ies of
Neilsburgh and Fayetteville, Pennsylvania. He studied
theology in the Allegheny Seminary, and was licensed
by the Pittsburgh Presbytery, April 14, 1863. He was
xjrdained by the same Presbytery, installed pastor of
4he Monongahela congregation, Elizabeth, Alleghen\-
County, Pennsylvania, April 10, 1866, and resigned
this charge, April 11, 1871. He was installed pastor
of the Central congregation of Allegheny City, Penn-
sylvania, April 24, 1 871, where he is in charge.
He married Miss Anna M. Stewart, of New Alex-
andria, Pennsylvania, June 26, 1879. He has been
an editor of the Reforvied Presbyterian and Covenanter
since 1868; is a member of the Central Board of
Missions, and Stated Clerk of Synod.
ROBERT DUNLAP SPROULL:
Son of Rev. Dr. Thomas and Magdalene (Wallace)
Sproull, was born in the city of Allegheny, Pennsyl-
vania. » * * He received his early education in the
public schools and Westminster College of his native
THOMAS SPROULL,DD,L.L,D.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 683
city, graduating from Jefferson College in 1857. He
studied theology in the Allegheny Seminary, and . was
licensed by the Pittsburgh Presbyterj', April 3, 1861.
He was ordained by the Rochester Presbytery, installed
pastor of the congregation of Rochester, New York,
May 14, 1863, and resigned this charge, October 6,
1880. He connected with the Presbyterian Church, being
received by the Rochester Presbytery of that body,
October 25, 1880, and preached in Cincinnati, Ohio, for
some time. He took charge of the First Presbyterian
Church of Providence, Rhode Island, January 16, 1883,
resigned, January 14, 1886, and removed to Philadelphia.
He was installed pastor of the Noble Street Presbyterian
Church, Brooklyn, New York, October 14, 1S86, where
he is in charge. He married Miss Margaret 'A. Mc-
Gormley, of Rochester, New York, April 19, 1S64.
THOMAS SPROULL, D. D., LL. D. :
Son of Robert and Mary (Dunlap) Sproull, was born
near Lucesco, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, Sep-,
tember 15, 1803. He received his early education in a
private Academy, and graduated from the Western
University of Pennsylvania in 1829. He studied theology
under the direction of the Rev. Dr. John Black of
Pittsburgh, and was liceni.d by the Pittsburgh Pres-
bytery, April 4, 1832. He was ordained sine cura by
the same Presb}-tery, as, a Home Missionary, April 4,
1833. He was installed pastor of the congregation of
Pittsburgh and Allegheny, Pennsylvania, May 12, 1834,
which became the Allegheny congregation, October 17,
1865, and continued in this charge until October 13,
S'-^ 1868. In 1838, he was chosen Professor of Theology
684
HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
in the Allegheny Seminar}-, and resigned in 1845. He
was re-elected to the professorship in 1856; made Pro-
fessor Emeritus in 1874, and continues to hear a class
in pastoral theology. He was editor of the Christiaft
Wittiess, an anti-slavery paper, two }'ears, and also of
the Reformed Presbyterian from 1855 until its consoli-
dation with the Covenanter in 1863, and an editor of
the Refori7ied Presbyterian and Covenanter until 1S74.
He has been actively connected with the missionary
and educational institutions of the Church for over half
a century. Besides his editorial work he published :
"Duty of Social Covenanting," 1841, pp. 34. "Endless
Punishment," 1856, pp. 64. "Augur and his Pupils,"
1 861, pp. 19. "Christianity and the Commonwealth,"
1S62, pp. 17. "Our Testimony," 1865, pp. 19. "The
Loyal Archite," 1875, PP- 30- . "Conditions of a Suc-
cessful Pastorate," 1880, pp. .12. "Prelections on Theol-
ogy," two editions, 1882, pp. 455. He also published a
series of articles on the early history of the Reformed
Presbyterian Church in America. He married Miss
Magdalene Wallace, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, July i,
1834. He was honored with the degree of Doctor of
Divinity by Westminster College in 1S57, and that of
Doctor of Laws by tl:. Western University of Penns}'l-
vania in 1886. He was Moderator of the Synod of 1S47.
THOMAS ALEXANDER SPROULL :
Son of Rev. Dr. Thomas and Magdalene (Wallace)
Sproull, was born in the cit}- of Allegheny, Penns\'l-
vania, October 13, 1S42. His preparatory literary
studies were pursued in the public schools and in
Westminster College of his native cit\', graduating
PRESBVTErUAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 685.
from Jefferson College in 1863. He studied theology
in the Allegheny Seminar}-, and was licensed by the
Pittsburgh Presbytery, 'May 23, 1867. He' was ordained
by the same Presbytery, and installed pastor of the
congregation of New Alexandria, Westmoreland County,
Pennsylvania, June 17, 1868, where he continued to^
labor until his last illness. His general health, and
especially his voice, gave wa}- some three }-ears before
his death, and he spent a summer in Colorado with
great benefit. He resumed his work, but his weakness
returning, in November, 1877, he repaired to the
milder climate of Florida. This change, however,,
brought no relief, but more suffering in the form of
a malignant fever, from which he died, in Gainesville,.
Florida, April 8, 1878, and he was buried in the old
grave)-ard of New Alexandria. He married Miss Emma
Stewart, of New Ale.xandria, Pennsylvania, May 20,
1869. He was a plain, solemn, impressive preacher,
and made no displaj- or attempts at orator\'. He
knew the Scriptures from his \'outh, and he experienced
the power of the gospel of Christ which he touchingly
presented to others. He was an unselfish and consci-
entious Christian, a most e.xemplary pastor, kind to the
afflicted, and attentive to the aged. His whole course
in life was that of genuine integrity of character, a
consecrated devotion to the work of the ministry', and
a faithful maintenance of the principles of the Church.
THOMAS CARGILL SPROULL :
Son of Thomas and Margaret (Dodds) Sproull,.
^^'was born near Brownsdale, Butler County, Penns\'lvania,
October 29, 1840. He received bis earh- education ia
_i
686 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
the schools of that vicinity, and engaged in teaching.
He resumed his studies in Allegheny City College,
taught several terms, and graduated from Westminster
College in 1868. He studied theology in the Allegheny
Seminary, and was, licensed by the Pittsburgh Presby-
tery, April 12, 1870. He was ordained by the same
Presbyterj', installed pastor of the Monongahela con-
gregation, Elizabeth, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania,
October 3, 1871, and resigned May 26, 1876. He
was installed pastor of the united congregations of
Poland and North Jackson, Mahoning County, Ohio,
July 18, 1876, and resigned April 8, 1879. He was
installed pastor of the congregation of CedarviUe, Green
County, Ohio, June 10, 1S81, where he is in charge,
and lectures in the interests of the National Reform
Association. He married Miss Agnes S. Lowry, of
New Alexandria, Pennsylvania, November 8, 1871.
WILLIAM SPROULL:
Son of Thomas and Margaret (Dodds) Sproull,
was born near Brownsdale, Butler County, Pennsj-l-
vania, February 4, 1S48. He received his early
education in that vicinity, and graduated from Geneva
College in 1874. He engaged in teaching near his
home, one year. He studied theology in the Allegheny
Seminary, was licensed by the Pittsburgh Presbyter)-,
April 9, 1878, and supplied the pulpit of Cornwalli';,
Nova Scotia, for several months. He was ordained
sine titulo by the Pittsburgh Presbytery, October 14.
1879, as a Missionary to Syria. He sailed for that
foreign field, November 6, 1S79, and was engaged in
preaching and teaching in connection with the Latakia
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 687
1\Iission for over six years. He returned to the United
States in June, 1886, and spent one year lecturing; in
the interests of fhe ForeigTi Missio-n. He resigned his
.connection with the Mission, June 3, ■ 1887, and is
supplying vacancies throughout the Church, with his
residence in Mars, Pennsylvania. He married Miss Ella
Campbell, of Bakerstown, Pennsylvania, October 23, 1879.
ALEXANDER McLEOD STAVELY :
^.- Son of Rev. Dr. W. J. and Jane (Adams) Stavely,
was born in Corke\', Count)' Antrim, Ireland, June 19,
1816. His father was a distinguished Covenanter
minister, under whom he received a careful training in
religion and general literature. He began his classical
studies in the Belfast Academy, attended Belfast College
two years, and graduated from the University of Edin-
burgh, Scotland, in 1835. He studied theology two
sessions under Dr. Thomas Chalmers, the remaining
course in the Seminary of Paisley, Scotland, and was
licensed by the Northern Presbytery, Ireland, March 16,
1839. He was ordained sine titulo by the same court,
jNIay 12, 1 84 1, as a Missionary to St. John, New Bruns-
wick. He came to this field in August, 1841, took
charge of the congregation in St. John, laboring here and
among the adjacent societies for thirty-eight years. He
resigned this charge, June 16, 1879, and returned, to his
native land, where' he preached in the vacancies for
five years. He was installed pastor of the congregation
of Ballyclare and Larne, County Antrim, Ireland,
December 10, 1S84, where he is in charge. He married
Miss Margaret Cameron, of St. John, New Brunswick,
April 21, 1852. Among his writings are the following:
688
HISTORY OF THE REFORMED"
" The Perpetuity of the Gospel." " Redeeming the Time."
"The Historical Position of the Covenanter Church."
"Life and Times of John Knox." "The Supremacy of
the Bible." V Memoir of the Rev. William Sommer-
ville." He was Moderator of the Irish S3'nod in 1880.
DAVID STEELE, D. D. :
Son of David and Sarah (Gailey) Steele, was born
in Upper Creevaugh, . County Donegal, Ireland, Novem-
ber 2, 1803.* He received his early education in the
private and night schools of the vicinity, and labored
upon the farm until his sixteenth year. In 1820, he
entered the Academy of Londonderry, where he pursued
the regular course of study for three years. He came
to America in 1824, settled in Huntingdon, Pennsyl-
vania, where he was engaged as a clerk in his uncle's
store, and also prosecuted his classical studies. In the
spring of 1825, he was engaged as a teacher in the
Academy, of Ebensburgh, Pennsylvania, and the next
year entered the Western University of Pennsylvania,
graduating in 1827. He studied theology under the
direction of the Rev. Dr. John Black at Pittsburgh,
and was licensed by the Pittsburgh Presbytery, April
8, 1830. He was ordained by the Ohio Presbyter}',
installed pastor of the congregation of Brush Creek,
Adams County, Ohio, June 6, 1831, where he continued
as pastor for nine years. He withdrew, with a few-
followers, from the Covenanter Church, and organized
the Reformed Presbytery, June 24, 1840. He remained
in Adams County, Ohio, and preached to a few-
adherents until 1859, when he removed to Hill Prairie,
■ Autobiography and Reminiscences, 18S3.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 689
Illinois. In October, 1S66, he removed to Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania, where he was engaged in preaching to
a small congregation of his people and established a
theological school. In 1S85, he removed to Galesburgh,
Illinois, and in the fall of 1886, returned to Phila-
delphia, where he died of old age and from the effects
of a slight stroke of para!)-sis, June 29, 1S87. He
married Miss Eliza Johnston, of Chillicothe, Ohio, May
4, 1831. He was a learned and powerful preacher of
the gospel, an adept in ancient languages, and an
independent thinker. He held that the members of the
■Covenanter Church had departed from the attainments
-of the Reformation, especiall)- in the matter of "vol-
untary associations." He spent the most of his life
visiting the isolated families adhering to him, and
-centured the Church of his fathers for defection. It
is regretted that he spent, what might have been a
most useful life, in an isolated Church connection. He
was a great controversialist, and manifested inflexibility
■of character. He died in the belief that the principles
Avhich he held and propagated would one day triumph
in the earth. He edited the Co7itending Witness, a bi-
monthly, published at Xenia, Ohio, for many )-ears.
He also edited the Reformation Advocate, which was
subsequently known as the O^-iginal Covenanter, from
March, 1874, until 1884. Among his other publications
are: "Supplement to Act, Declaration and Testimony
of the Reformed Presbyterian Church," 1S58. "The
Two Witnesses," 1859. "Notes on the Apocalypse,"
1S70. "Reminiscences: Historical and Biographical,"
1883. Previous to 1S40, he was largely connected with
690
HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
the literary and theological institutions of the Church, -
and was stated Qerk of Synod for several years. He
was honored with the degree of Doctor of Divinity by
the Western University of Pennsylvania in 1S84.
SAMUEL STERRETT:
Son of Joseph and Ann (Morrison) Sterrett, was
born near Norwich, Muskingum County, Ohio, March
II, 1S17. In early life he commenced the elementar\-
classics under the direction of his pastor, the Rev.
Robert Wallace, and entered upon a regular course of
study in Franklin College, where he graduated in 1840.
He studied theology in the Allegheny and Cincinnati
Seminaries, his course being interrupted by impaired
health, and was licensed by the Pittsburgh Presbytery,
April 14, 1847. He was ordained by the same Pres-
bytery, and installed pastor of the united congregations
of Little Beaver, Pennsylvania, and Poland and North
Jackson, Ohio, June 21, 1848. In 1S60, the charge
was divided, and he remained pastor of Poland and
North Jackson, Ohio, until his resignation, October 7,
1867. He was installed pastor of the congregation of
Cedarville, Green County, Ohio, May 16, 1S68, where
he died very suddenly, from an affection of the stomach,
October 20, 187 1. He married twice. First to Miss-
Elizabeth Kernohan, of Londonderry', Ohio, October 14,
1845; and second, to Miss Elizabeth McGeorge, of
New Galilee, Pennsylvania, May 21, i860. He was
not an attractive speaker, but a sound theologian, and
one remarkably versed in the doctrines of the Bible.
He excelled* in pastoral work, where his kind and
amiable disposition won many to an attendance upon
SAMUEL STERRETT.
ANDREW STEVENSON, D. D.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 69 1
divine services and to embrace the principles he so-
faithfully advocated. He was highly regarded as a
minister, Presb\'ter, and Christian, by all his brethren.
He was Moderator of the Synod of 1857.
ANDREW STEVENSON, D. D.:
Son of John and Isabella (Brown) Stevenson, was
born in Ballibay, Count}- Monaghan, Ireland, Januarj- lO,
1 8 10. His early life was full of trials and hardships.
By the death of his godly father in 1S18, the family
was left in straightened circumstances, and, having-
acquired sufficient knowledge, he began to teach a
? private school in the neighborhood. By constant teaching-
and hard study he educated himself, and frequently
;, recited to the Rev. J. P. Sweeny. In 1S31, he was
a. chosen by the Irish Synod as a Catechist to accompany
./the Rev. William Sommerville to the British North
."American Provinces. He accepted this appointment, and
^ missionated for two years, principally among the societies
rt'of New Brunswick. In 1833, he came to the city of
Philadelphia, Pennsj-lvania, where he opened a classical
school, and conducted it successfully for several years.
He studied theology privately under Revs. Drs. J. R.
Willson and James Christie, and was licensed by the
Southern Presbyter}', May 15, 1839. He was ordained
by the same Presb}-ter}', and installed pastor of the
Second congregation of the city of New York, November
14, 1S39, where he continued to labor with marked
success until impaired health caused him to retire from
active duty as emeritus pastor. May 17, 1875. The
; illness which terminated his life was of long duration
and intense suffering. He was almost entirel}' prevented
•692 HISTORY OK THE REFORMED
from attending the public ordinances for the last two
years of his life. After various attacks of pneumonia,
his disease assumed a chronic form, combined with senile
bronchitis, from which he died, at his residence in the
■city of New York, June 24, 1881. He married Miss
Anna M. Willson, of Coldenham, New York, February'
10, 1840. He was a man of fine personal appearance,
possessing the power of attracting others to him, and
impressing his individuality upon them. He was not
regarded as an eloquent preacher, but a clear, cogent,
and conscientious imparter of divine truth, whose dis-
courses were practical, and forcibl}' applied. He was an
■organizer. This is where his great success lay. He
.always found something for every one to do. He took
a great interest in emigrants coming from the sister
Churches beyond the ocean, frequently finding them
•employment, and by his kindness and attention gathered
them into the Church. He was closely attached to
Covenanter principles, and freely and fearlessly pro-
■claimed them from the pulpit. His influence and power
in the Church will long be remembered, notwithstanding
he was frequently drawn into earnest debate with his
"brethren. He was long and actively connected with the
Board of Foreign Missions, and other benevolent asso-
ciations. He was honored with the degree of Doctor
of Divinity by the University of the City of New York
in 1865. He was Moderator of the Synod of 1869.
HUGH STEVENSON:
Son of Thomas and Mary (Bigum) Stevenson, was
born near Port Norris, County Armagh, Ireland, Octo-
ber 10, 1808. His parents were members of the Pres-
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 693
byterian Church. The}' came to America in 1820, and,
after a short settlement near Erie, Pennsylvania, removed
to New Concord, Muskingum Count)-, Ohio, where they
connected with the Covenanter Church. In early life
he gave evidence of possessing a good mind and evinced
a desire for an education. He made considerable pro-
gress in the schools of his adopted community, and
graduated from Franklin College in 1836. He studied
theology privately under the direction of the Rev.
William Sloane, and \\-as licensed by the Pittsburgh
Presbj^ery, May 8, 1839. He was ordained by the
^ Western Presbytery at Northwood, Ohio, July 13, 1S40,
_tYf and installed pastor of the Bethel congregation, Sparta,
5V, Randolph County, Illinois, August 16, 1S40, where he
'.^;. faithfully labored until his untimely death. His last
;sf illness was protracted from the preceeding year with
'• inflammatory rheumatism, followed b\' a bilious fever,
■S from which he died, at his home in Sparta, Illinois,
May 15, 1846. He married Miss Maria Patton, of
y- Cadiz, Ohio, June 10, 1837. He may not be regarded
'-■ as a great preacher, but he possessed a clear mind,
sound judgment, and an affable manner, which attracted
attention and rendered his services both acceptable
and valuable. He was of a cheerful disposition, con-
scientious in the performance of dut}-, and closely
attached to the principles of the Church, which he
i^' made prominent in all his ministrations.
^' SAMUEL McCUTCHEN STEVENSON :
^:. Son of Archibald and Isabella (McCutchen) Steven-
>■ son, was born near New Concord, Muskingum County,
L. Ohio, February 3, 1829. He received his early education
694
HISTORY OK THE REFORMED
in the public schools and graduated from Muskingum
College in 1S56. In the fall of 1856, he became Princi-
pal of the Schools at Adamsville, Ohio, where he was
engaged in teaching for three years. He studied theo-
logj- in the Allegheny Seminary, and was licensed by
the Pittsburgh Presbytery, April 14, 1863. He was
appointed by S\-nod as a Missionary to the North-
West, and spent a year in Iowa, Wisconsin and Min-
nesota, gathering scattered Covenanters into societies.
He was ordained by the Iowa Presbytery, October 5,
1864, installed pastor of the congregation of Washing-
ton, Iowa, February 15, 1865, and resigned this charge.
October 4, 187 1. He missionated and taught in Clay
Centre, Clay County, Kansas, for three years. He was
installed pastor of the Tabor congregation, Idana, Clay
County, Kansas, October 30, 1874, where he is in
charge and engaged in teaching. He married Miss
Aurilla M. Elliot, of Adamsville, Ohio, March 23, 1S5S.
THOMAS PATTON STEVENSON, D. D. :
Son of Rev. Hugh and Maria (Patton) Stevenson,
was born in Cadiz, Harrison County, Ohio, April 2,
1838. In 1840, his parents removed to Sparta, Illinois,
where he received his early education, graduating from
Muskingum College in 1856. He studied theolog>- one
}-ear in the Allegheny Seminary, and was Professor of
Languages in Muskingum College for two years. Hc
resumed his studies in the Allegheny Seminar}- in
1859, and was licensed by the Pittsburgh Presbyter}-,
April 9, 1862. He was ordained by the Philadelphia
Presbytery, and installed pastor of the First congregation
of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, May 5, 1863, where he
THOMAS P. STEVENSON, D. D.
L
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 695
IS in charge. He married Miss Mary E. McClurkin,
of New Concord, Ohio, May 17, 1862. In 1S67, he
became one of the editors of the Christian Statesman ;
was an organizer of the National Reform Association,
and the Corresponding Secretary since the organization.
He has for many years been a member of the Board
of Foreign Missions, of the Superintendents of the
Theological Seminary, of the Corporators of Geneva
College, and of numerous important Committees, and
lectures upon the great questions of reform. He was
honored with the degree of Doctor of Divinity by
Muskingum College in 1872. He was Moderator of the
Synod of 1881.
JAMES SPEER STEWART:
Son of Alexander and Elizabeth (Speer) Stewart,
was born near New Castle, Pennsj-lvania, May 13,
1856. He received his early education in the schools
of his native Count)-, and engaged in teaching. He
resumed his studies in, and graduated from, Geneva
College in 1S80. He was Instructor of Latin and
Greek in Geneva College one \-ear ; Professor of
Mathematics in the Academy of Washington, Iowa,
m 18S2, and had charge of the Academy of North-
\i-ood, Ohio, two years. He studied theology in the
Allegheny Seminary, and was licensed by the Pitts-
burgh Presbyter}', April 12, 1887. He was ordained
by the Pittsburgh Presbyter}-, as a Missionar}' to Syria,
May 31, 1888. He married Miss Mary Love, of
Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, September 3, 1883.
%. JAMES WYLIE STEWART:
Son of John and Mary (W}'lie) Stewart, was born
Ballibay, County Monaghan, Ireland, August 24,
'^
L
696
HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
1794* His parents were of an old family of Cove-
nanters, and he was reared in the strictest manner in
the home, and under the pastoral care of the Rc\.
Thomas Cathcart. He received his early education in
Ballibay, and graduated from the Belfast Academical
Institution in 181 5. He studied theology at the same
time in the Belfast Hall, and one year in the Seminary
of Stirling, Scotland, being licensed by the Southern
Presbytery, Ireland, December 3, 1 8 16. He came to
America in May, 1823, and preached as a licentiate
for two years. He was ordained by the Northern
Presbytery, installed pastor of the Argyle congrega-
tion, now West Hebron, Washington County, New
York, October 13, 1825, and was released April 5,
1832. _ At the division of the Church in August, 1833,
he became identified with the New School branch of
the Covenanter Church. He preached to a few followers
and taught two years in the Academy of Salem, New
York. He connected with the Dutch Reformed Church,
June 19, 1835, was installed pastor of the congrega-
tion of Battenville, Washington County, New York,
and was Principal of the Jackson Academy. In 1S3S,
he became Principal of the Academy of Warwick,
Orange County, New York, and preached as opportunity
was afforded. He next connected with the Presb}tcnafi
Church, October 16, 1844, and the following \cai was
installed pastor of the Union Church, of Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania, where he died after a short and severe
illness, March i, 1849. He was twice married. First
to Miss Ruth Gifford, of New York, in 1827; second,
from Ireland. Church and Synodical Records
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 697
to Miss Elizabeth Willard, of Salem, New York, in
1835. He was generally acceptable as a preacher, but
caused a great deal of trouble in the Church. He
was a proficient scholar, a very successful teacher,
and, upon the whole, was regarded as a man of
considerable abilit_\-.
ROBERT STEWART:
Son of William and Elizabeth (Beggs) Stewart, was
born in BalUmaloob, County Antrim, Ireland, April 5,
1824. He received his earl}' education in the schools
of his native parish, and under the direction of the
% Rev. William Toland, graduating from the Royal
Academical Institution of Belfast in 1843. He studied
the Irish language under the tuition of M. Branningan;
attended the Presbyterian Seminary in 1845; ^^i^ the
Covenanter Seminary of Paisley, Scotland, being licensed
b\ . the Northern Presbytery, Ireland, February 3, 1847.
He labored in the Mission of Connaught, studied the
Gaelic language with Rector Gage, and took the London
^ prize for proficiency in that tongue. He was ordained
,^ sine titulo by the S\'nod of Ireland, July 12, 1849, ^s a
j^ Missionary to the North American British Provinces.
^ The same fall he came to America, settled in the
|r mission station of Wilmot, Annapolis County, Nova
% Scotia, and also preached in Margaretville and Lawrence-
\ town for over thirty years. He resigned this charge,.
May* 26, 1 88 1, and supplied vacancies throughout the
United States. His residence is in Wilmot, Nova Scotia^
'■•r where he counsels in law and medicine, and instructs
in the classics. He married Miss Margaret Morrison, of
Melvern Square, Nova Scotia, November 7, 1835.
698 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
JOHN STOTT:
Son of Thomas and Jane (Hamilton) Stott, was
born near Cremore, County Armagh, Ireland, May 17,
1808. He received his early education in the schools
of his native parish, graduated from the Belfast Aca-
demical Institution in 1830, and was also engaged in
the study of medicine. He studied theology in the
Seminary of Paisley, Scotland, and was licensed b)- the
Northern Presbytery, Ireland, March 9, 1834. He was
ordained by the Western Presbyter>% installed pastor of
the congregation of Convoy, County Antrim, Ireland,
July 15, 1835, and resigned, October 16, 1S50. The
following spring he came to America, and was received
by Synod, May 28, 1851. He was installed pastor of
the congregation of Princeton, Gibson County, Indiana,
October 13, 1851, and was suspended June 2, 1868.
He took a few of his former fiock into an independent
•organization, occasionally preaches to them without anj'
ecclesiastical connection, practices medicine and follows
other pursuits in Princeton, Indiana. He was Moderator
of the Synod of 1865.
ALEXANDER CHARLES STUART:
Son of Charles and Matilda (Buchanan) Stuart, was
born near Londonderrj', Ireland, July 17, 1823. His
parents were members of the Secession Church and he
was brought up under the ministry of the Rev. Dr.
Rentoul. He received his early education in the English
Academy and Raphoe Classical School, graduating from
Belfast College in 1843. He studied theology three
sessions in Belfast, Ireland, and finished the course in
the Theological Hall of the Original Seceder Church
JOHN STOTT.
L
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA.
699
in Edinburgh, Scotland, under the celebrated Dr.
Thomas McCrie. He came to America in the spring
of 1847, ^nd settled in the city of St. John, New
Brunswick, where he connected with the Covenanter
"Church. He was recognized as a theological student,
and licensed by the New Brunswick and Nova Scotia
Presbytery, September 26, 1847. He preached with a
good degree of success in St. John, Mill Stream,
Campbell, and other parts of New Brunswick, for three
3-ears. In 1850, he came to the United States and
preached in the Covenanter congregations in New York,
Philadelphia, and other \-acancies, for two years. In
1852, he went to Montreal, Canada, where he connected
with the United Presbyterian Church of Canada. He
was ordained b}' the Montreal Presbyter}' of that body,
and installed pastor of a congregation in the vicinity
of the city of Montreal, September 9, 1853, where he
remained in charge two years. He was installed pastor
of the united congregations of Garafraxa, Caledonia
and Hemingford, Ontario, Canada, January 10, 1S56,
and remained about two \'ears. In 1859, he was pastor
at Perr}-town, and preached and taught at Port Hope,
Canada. In 1861, he went into the union which formed
the Presb}-terian Church of Canada, . and soon after-
wards came to the States, preaching respectively in
Southern Illinois, New York, Western Pennsj-lvania,
Ohio and West Virginia. In 1871, he was called to
the charges of Locust Bottom, Zion and Salt Peter,
on the James river, in Botetourt County, Virginia,
where he labored about two years. He then returned
to West Virginia, where he preached nearly eight
700 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
years. In August, 18S3, he was invited to look after
the interests of Presbj-terianism at the head waters of
the Big Sandy river, in Kentuck}-, and has his resi-
dence in Pikeville, Pike County, Kentucky, where he is
preaching, and teaching a classical school. He married
Miss Eleanor Middleton, of Manorcunningham, Ireland,
August 15, 1844. He published a few articles against
Popery, and some expositions of the Minor Prophets.
JOHN HENDERSON SYMMES:
Son of Campbell and Abigail (Doying) S\'mmcs,
was born in Ryegate, Caledonia County, Vermont,
October 4, 1801. He received his preparatory literary
education in the schools of his native town, and finished
the course 'in the Academy of Coldenham, New York,
in 1824. He studied theology in the Philadelphia
Seminary, and was licensed by the Philadelphia Presbytery,
May 22, 1827. Feeling the need of a thorough CoHcltc
education, he resumed his studies in, and graduated
frorri, Dartmouth College in 1830. He preached \\ itli
much acceptance in the vacancies in New England and
Canada, and also as stated supply at Pottsville and
Mauch Chunk, Pennsylvania. He was ordained snic
titulo by the Philadelphia Presbytery, as a Home
Missionary, June 16, 183 1, and labored in that capacit\-
for a short time. He connected with the Presb\-terinn
Church, being received by the Doylestown Presbyter}-
of that body. May 27, 1832. He was installed pastor
of the Presbyterian congregation of Columbia, Penns\l-
vania, November 8, 1833, and remained pastor se\cn
years. He was installed pastor of the First Presb\-tcrian
congregation of Lansingburgh, New York, October 29.
PRESBVTErxIAX CHURCH IN AMERICA.
701
1840, where he remained four \-ears. In December,
1844, he became supply, and, April 9, 1845, pastor, of
the First Presbyterian congregation of Cumberland,
Maryland, and resigned this charge, April 2, 1862.
Most of the families of wealth and influence in this
congregation sympathized with the South during the
rebellion, rendering his situation extremely unpleasant,
as his sentiments were strong!}- in favor of the North.
Being urged to become Chaplain of the Second Regiment
of the Maryland \'olunteer Infantry, composed mostly
of men from Cumberland and vicinity, he accepted, and
served in this capacity until the close of the war. In
the summer of 1865, he returned North, and preached
in the vacancies for two years. He was installed pastor
of the First Presbj-terian congregation of Conshohocken,
Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, November 16, 1867,
where he died of an enlargement of the heart, No\-ember
28, 1874. He married Miss Catharine McAdam, of
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, March 7, 1833. He was a.
most capable man. an eloquent preacher, and possessed
many noble qualities of Christian character. He was
an accomplished scholar, and drew from the storehouse
of useful knowledge for the instruction and edification
of his people. He possessed a kind and genial dispo-
sition; and, while he was strong in his convictions, he
was mild in the utterance of them. He filled the
prominent positions to which he was chosen with great
acceptance, and was highly regarded as preacher, pastor,
and Christian, by all his brethren.
JOHN CAMPBELL TAYLOR :
Son of John B. and Elizabeth (Campbell) Taylor,
was born in Meigs, IMuskingum County, Ohio, November
702 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
II, 1843. He received his early education in the schools
of that vicinity, and graduated from Muskingum College
in 1870. He studied theology in the Allegheny Semi-
nary, and was licensed by the Ohio Presbytery, April 3,
1872. He was ordained by the New York Presbytery,
and installed pastor of the congregation of Craftsburj',
Orleans County, Vermont, December 17, 1873, where he
is in charge. He was twice married. First to Miss
Mary J. Hamill, of Allegheny Cit}', Pennsylvania, July i,
1S73; and second, to Miss Ella S. Clark, of Norwich,
Ohio, July 23, 1883.
JOHN TEAZ:
Son of Ezekiel and Lavinia (Cromie) Teaz, was
born near Londonderry, Ireland, Jul}- i, 1849. He
received his rudimentary education in the schools of
his native land. He came to America in June, 1869,
and settled in the city of Brooklyn, New York, where
he resumed his studies, graduating from Brooklyn Lay
College in 1S77. He studied theolog}- in the Allegheny
Seminar}', and was licensed b}' the Pittsburgh Presby-
ter}', April 12, 1 88 1. With a preference for missionary
work, he spent four }'ears laboring principally under
the direction of the Central Board of Missions in the
Maritime Provinces and the West. He was ordained
by the Illinois Presbyter}-, installed pastor of the Church
Hill congregation, Coultersville, Randolph County,
Illinois, July 7, 1885, where he is in charge.
DAVID TELFAIR:
Was born in Monteith, Scotland, in 1722. He
was educated in Edinburgh, and licensed by the
Associate Church in the spring of 1745.* He was
♦Publications in Philadelphia, Pa. Drs. Scouller and Lathan.
%
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA.
703
■ordained by the same court, in 1746, and when the
S\-nod divided in 1747, he adhered to the Burgher
Synod of the Secession Church. . He was installed
pastor of the congregation of Bridge-of-Teith, Scotland,
in 1749, where he remained several years. By appoint-
ment of the Burgher Synod he was sent as a Missionary
to America in the spring of 1766, being directed to
preach in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Cambridge,
New York, one year. He preached most of the time,
however, to the Burgher congregation in Shippen
street, Philadelphia, and, when the year was up, con-
cluded to remain in America. He connected with the
Associate Church, being received by the Presbytery of
Pennsylvania, (Anti-Burgher,) June 9, 1767. In the
spring of 1768, he returned to Scotland, and resumed
for three years his charge at Bridge-of-Teith. He
came back to America in 1771, and remained as an
independent Burgher minister, preaching as opportunity
was afforded. He connected with the Covenanter
Church, being received by the Reformed Presbytery, at
Stony Ridge, Pennsylvania, August 12, 17S0. He
preached with general acceptance to the scattered
societies for two )-ears. He went with the other
ministers into the Associate Reformed Church at its
formation, Novernber i, 1782, and soon afterwards took
charge of his old congregation in Philadelphia, which
he resigned, in 17S8, on account of impaired health.
He died in Philadelphia, Pennsj-lvania, April 29, 1789,
and was buried in the old burj-ing ground on Shippen
street near Fourth. He was said to be a very accept-
able preacher, but rather vacillating in principle.
704 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
HENRY WILLSON TEMPLE:
Son of John B. and Martha (Jameson) Temple,
was born in Belle Centre, Logan County, Ohio, ]\LTrch
31, 1864. He received his early education in tin.-
public schools of his native village, and at an earl)-
age entered Geneva College, where he graduated in
1883. He studied theology in the Allegheny Seminary,
was licensed by the Lakes Presbytery, April 14, 18S6,
and labored for several months in the West. He was
ordained by the Pittsburgh Presbytery, and installed
pastor of the Salem congregation, Stanton, Jeffcrswi
County, Pennsylvania, July 14, 1887, where he is in charge.
DAVID GLENN THOMPSON:
Son of Gordon and Eliza (Walker) Thompson, was
born near Londonderry, Guernsey Count}-, Ohio, April
2, 1845. He received his early education in his nati\-e
County, and served a short period in the war of the
rebellion. In 1865, he resumed his studies and grad-
uated from Muskingum College in 1868. He studied
theology in the Allegheny Seminary, and was licensed
by the Ohio Presbytery, April 12, 1871. He was
ordained by the Illinois Presbj-tery, and installed pastor
of the Elkhorn congregation, Oakdale, Washington
County, Illinois, October 10, 1872, where he is in
charge. He was twice married. First to Miss Mattie A.
McKitrick, of Antrim, Ohio, January 22, 1873 ; and sccoiul,
to Miss Adda Foster, of Cedarville, Ohio, April 3, 1^77-
JAMES ALEXANDER THOMPSON :
Son of Robert and Martha (Mechem) Thompson. ^
was born near Athens, Athens County, Ohio, December
17, 1827. He received his early education in Utica, Ohio..
J. RENWICK THOMPSON.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA.
705
under the Rev. J. C. Bo}'d, and graduated from Mus-
kingum College in 1852. He studied theology in the
Northwood Seminary, and privately, and was licensed
by the Pittsburgh Presbytery, July 22, 1857. He was
-ordained by the same Presbytery, installed pastor of
the congregation of Brownsville, Monroe County, Ohio,
.August 31, 1S59, and resigned this charge, June lO,
1865. He was installed pastor of the congregation of
Londonderry, Guernse}' County, Ohio, October 3, 1S66,
and was released September i, 1S75. He was installed
pastor of the congregation of \\"ahoo, Saunders County,
Nebraska, October 18, 1877, and resigned. May 18,
1880. He was installed pastor of the Hickory Grove
■congregation, Avery, Monroe Count)-, Iowa, September
17, 1S82, where he is in charge. He married Miss
Sarah M. McBride, of Mt. Stirling, Ohio, October 16, 1855.
JAMES RENWICK THOMPSON :
Son of William and Jane (Lawther) Thompson, was
born near the city of Newburgh, New York, September
25, 1824. He received his preparatory course of educa-
tion in the schools of Newburgh, graduated from the
University of the City of New York in 1S47, and taught
one year in Brooklyn, New York. He studied theology
in the Cincinnati and Northwood Seminaries, and was
licensed by the Lakes Presbytery, April 16, 1852. He
preached in the vacancies one year, and visited Europe
for his health, returning in the autumn of 1854. He
was ordained by the New York Presbyter)-, and installed
pastor of the Second congregation of Newburgh, New
York, December 19, 1855, where he is in charge. He
married Miss Mary F. Lawson, of Newburgh, New York,
706 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
June I, 1858. He published a sermon "A National
Bereavement," 1865, pp. 24, after the death of President
Lincoln, and many articles in the city press and Church
magazines. He was Moderator of the Synod of 1S77.
JOHN SLATER THOMPSON:
Son of William G. and Christiana G. (Robb)
Thompson, was born near Canonsburgh, Washington
County, Pennsylvania, May 27, 1858. He received his
early education in the Canonsburgh Academy, and
graduated from Geneva College in 1S85. He studied
theology in the Allegheny Seminary, was licensed by
the Pittsburgh Presbji:ery, April il, 1888, and preached
in Burdett, Kansas, for some time.
RICHARD McCLURE THOMPSON, D. D. :
Son of Anthony and Rebecca (McClure) Thompson,
was born in Wolf Creek, Mercer County, Pennsylvania.
August 20, 182S. His opportunities for acquiring an
education were very meagre, and he studied in the
Select School of Mr. George McConnell. In 1S46, he-
began classical studies under the Rev. James Black-
wood, and subsequently under the Rev. John Galbraith,
finishing the course in Westminster College in
1856. He studied theology two years in the Allegheny
Seminarj-, and, in 1858, founded what is now Grove
City College, where he taught two years. He resumed
his studies in the Allegheny Seminary, and was licensed
by the Pittsburgh Presbytery, April 9, 1862. He wa?
ordained by the Lakes Presbytery, installed pastor of
the Lake Eliza congregation, Winfield, Lake Count}',
Indiana, September 7, 1S65, and resigned this charge,
September 13, 1 881. He was installed pastor of the
I
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 707
I
i
h
Pleasant Ridge congregation, Olathe, Johnston County,
Kansas, October 11, 18S1, where he is in charge. He
married Miss Susanna Magee, of Valencia, Pennsyl-
vania, July 15, i.-!62, and a sermon was preached on
the occasion. He was honored with the degree of
Doctor of Divinity by Grove City College in 1885.
J' ANDREW CALVIN TODD:
* Son of Andrew and Margaret fMcLean) Todd, was
born in Newberry, Newberr>- County, South Carolina,
January 23, 1826. His parents removed from the
|. South in 1S27, on account of the prevalence of slavery,
settled near Bloomington, Indiana, and, in 1831,
removed to Oakdale, Washington County, Illinois. Here
he received his early education in the public schools,
and under private instructors, graduating from Jefferson
College in 1847. He studied theology in the Cincin-
nati and Northwood Seminaries, and was licensed by
the Illinois Presbytery, May 17, 1S51. He was ordained
by the same Presbytery, installed pastor of the con-
gregation of St. Louis, Missouri, July 29, 1S52, and
resigned this charge, April 12, 1857. He was installed
pastor of the Elkhorn congregation, Oakdale, Wash-
ington County, Illinois, July i, 1S59, was released
May 17, 1 87 1, and organized a colony of Covenanters
which settled in Evans, Weld County, Colorado. He
was installed pastor of the Evans congregation, August
21, 1874, where he is in charge. He married twice.
First to Miss Margaret L. Willson, of Greensburgh,
Pennsylvania, October 2, 1S49: and second to Miss
Ella A. Brown, of Iowa City, Iowa. July 6, 1880. In
August, 1861, he organized a company of soldiers, went
7o8
HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
to the defence of the country as the Captain of the
Tenth Missouri Volunteers, and returned in XovembLT
1S62, in obedience to an act of Sj'nod.
CHARLES De WITT TRUMBULL :
Son of John K.'and Laura A. (Dunbar) Trumbull,
was born in East Craftsbury, Orleans County, \'crinont,
April 4, 1837. ■ He received his early education in the
schools of his native village, and removed \\ith his
parents to Northwood, Logan County, Ohio, in 1831.
He resumed his studies in Geneva College, \\licri.' he
remained until his senior j'ear, graduating from Jciicrsnn
College in 1858. He was a teacher and Assist:'nt
Principal of Geneva College, for two years. He studied
theology in the Allegheny Seminary, and was licensed
by the Lakes Presbytery, April 21, 1863. He was
•ordained by the Iowa Presbytery, installed pastor of the
Linn Grove congregation, Mediapolis, Des Moines County,
Iowa, January 29, 1864, and resigned this ch;ir;^'c,
April I, 1874. He was installed pastor of the coiiL;rc-
gation of Morning Sun, Louisa County, Iowa, April 14,
1874, where he is in charge. He married Miss M.ir)-
Sproull, of Allegheny City, Pennsj-lvania, June S, 1S64.
He has published a few sermons and historical articles
in the magazines of the Church, and performed efficient
service as Chairman of several Boards and Committees.
He was Moderator of the Synod of 1878.
HUGH WALKINSHAW :
Son of John and Mary (Henr)-) Walkinshaw, w.is
born near Broughshane, County Antrim, Irelantl, June
15, 1803. His parents, who were members of the
Presbyterian Church, designed him for the niini-tr>-.
CHARLES D. TRUMBULL.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 709
and, in iSn, he began the classics with that end in
view. In 1S19, he came to America, settled in Bel-
mont County, Ohio, and soon afterwards resumed his
studies, graduating from Franklin College in 1827. He
studied theology under the Rev. Dr. John Black in
Pittsburgh, and also under the Rev. Dr. S. B. Wylie
in Philadelphia, and was licensed by the Philadelphia .
Presbytery. June 17, 1S32. He was ordained bj' the
Pittsburgh Presbj-ter}-, and installed pastor of the
Brookland congregation, Lucesco, Westmoreland County,
Pennsylvania, April 15, 1S35. This field was then very
extensive, and included the adjacent branches of North
Washington, Union, Pine Creek and Puckety. In 1841,
the congregation was divided into two separate organ-
izations, and he remained pastor of Brookland and
North Washington until his death. A year before his
decease he suffered from a fracture of one of his
limbs, causing an organic disease of the liver, which
finally developed into a dropsical affection, causing his
death, at his home near Lucesco, Pennsylvania, April
19, 1843. He married Miss L\-dia J. Sproull, of Lucesco,
Pennsylvania, in 1835. He was a learned man and a
diligent, prayerful student of God's W'ord. His preach-
ing was more intellectual than emotional, his argu-
ments being addressed to the judgment rather than
the feelings. He was a faithful and attentive pastor;-
naturally fond of societ}-, and abounded in deeds of
genuine charity. He was closely attached to the dis-
tinctive principles of th^ Covenanter Church, and opposed
to ^ all voluntary associations with men of questionable
character. He was rigid in his discipline, alert to every
7IO HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
transgression of ecclesiastical law, and profoundly jealous
of the interests of the Church.
JAMES WALLACE :
Son of Rev. Robert and Margaret (King) Wallace,
was born in Lisadier, County Armagh, Ireland, March
10, l8iO. The following spring he was brought b\- his
parents to America, who settled f^-rst in the cit\- of
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and, in 1 8 14, in Norwich,
Muskingum County, Ohio, where he received his earl\-
education under the direction of his godh- fatb.er,
graduating from Franklin College in 1S34. He studied
theology privately two }'ears, and two years in the
Coldenham Seminary, being licensed by the Southern
Presbytery, May 10, 1838. He was ordained by the
Western Presbyter)- at Northwood, Ohio, July 13, 1S40,
installed pastor of the Old Bethel congregation, Sparta,
Randolph County, Illinois, August 16, 1840, and labored
with great success until his resignation, May 15, 1867.
At this time he accepted an appointment as Secretary'
of the National Reform Association, and the next ten
years of his life were spent in travelling throughout the
countrj- proclaiming the glorious principles of Bible ci\-il
government. The disease which terminated his life was
an organic affection of the heart, and he fell dead in
his home, in the city of St. Louis, Missouri, Ma}- i,
1S77. He was thrice married. First to Miss Sarah
Wright, of Adamsville, Ohio, in 1840; second, to Mrs.
Mary J. (Sloane) McClurkin, of Warriston, Illinois, April
17, 1855; and third, to Mrs. Mary B. (Murdock) Trum-
bull, of Rochester, New York, in 1861. He wa'^ not
an eloquent preacher, often becoming exceedingl\" tL-dious
JAMES WALLACE.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 7 I I
and monotonous; but those who waited upon his
instructive services were fully rewarded for their patience.
He understood well the Bible and its truths. He was
a well-read theologian, and possessed the happy faculty
of anal\-sis and method. He was tender in his feelings,
warm in his friendship, a close obser\-er of human nature,
and fond of religious con\-ersation. He excelled as a
pastor. He was a zealous reformer, and thoroughly
enlisted in the cause of anti-slavery, temperance, and
the different questions of the National Reform Associa-
tion. He was Moderator of the S\-nod of 1862.
JOHN WALLACE:
Son of Rev. Robert and Margaret (King) Wallace,
was born in Lisadier, Count)- Armagh, Ireland, December
25, iSoo. He recei\'ed his early education in the schools
of his native land, and came with his parents to
America in 181 1, who settled in the city of Philadel-
phia, Pennsylvania, where he resumed his studies in the
public schools. In 1S14, he removed to Norwich,
Muskingum County, Ohio, where he continued his studies
under the direction of his father, graduating from the
Western L^niversity of Penns}'lvania in 1829. He studied
theology under the care of the Rev. Dr. John Black, of
Pittsburgh, and was licensed b}' the Pittsburgh Presby-
ter\-, April 4, 1832. He was ordained by the Ohio
Presb}-tery, installed pastor of the united congregations
of Muskingum and Tomica, Dresden, Muskingum County,
Ohio, April 14, 1833, and resigned this charge, April 4,
1855. He connected with the Associate Reformed
Church, being received by the Second Presbj-tery of
Ohio, October 27, 1S57. In 1858, he went into the
712
HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
United Presbyterian Church, was installed pastor of the
congregation of Adamsville, Crawford County, Pennsyl-
vania, May 6, 1862, and resigned this charge, May i,
1 866. He returned to the Covenanter Church, bciii};
received by the Pittsburgh Presbytery, October 16, iSGG,
and supplied throughout the vacancies as his health
would permit. During the last years of his life lie
became almost blind, and died from a stroke of
paralysis, at his home in Adamsville, Pennsj-lvania,
January 7, 1S80. He was twice married. First to Mi>-.
Jane E. Wylie, of White Cottage, Ohio, June i, K"^j;,
and second, to Miss Eleanor George, of White Cottage,
Ohio, April 4, 1849. He was a very stern disciplinarian,
and unbending in his convictions. He was not a pleasing
speaker, but a faithful and sound evangelical preacher,
and a sturdy soldier of the Cross, spending his whole
life in missionary work.
ROBERT WALLACE:
Son of David and Mary (Brown) Wallace, was
born in Loughgilly, County Armagh, Ireland, December
14, 1772. His parents were exemplary members of
the Anti-Burgher Secession Church, with which he also
connected in 1791. He received a liberal education in
the public schools, and was engaged in teaching. In
1794, he connected with the Covenanter congre'.,-.ition
of Ballylane. He devoted himself to the work uf the
gospel ministry ; and, after manj' }-ears of jiaticnt
waiting until he had an opportunity of rccci\ing a
classical education, entered a private school, graduating
from the University of Glasgow, Scotland,
The following spring he came to America
I? 10.
hi*
i
h
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 713
family, and settled in the city of Philadelphia, Penn-
sj'lvania. He began the study of theology in the
Philadelphia Seminar}-, and was licensed by the IMiddle
Presbytery, May 9, 1S14. He was ordained by the
same Presbytery at Pittsburgh, Pennsyh-ania, and installed
pastor of the united congregations of Licking and
Chillicothe, Ohio, October 12, 1814. This field was
very extensive, and included the nucleii of all the
congregations in Eastern Ohio. The population of the
country at that time was very scattered, and his
journeys were long and exceedingly laborious. He was
the pioneer Missionary in Ohio. He resigned the
Licking branch, Ma\- 10, 1820, and removed to the
i^ Chillicothe branch, where he confined his labors mostly
in Southern Ohio. He was installed pastor of the Salt
Creek (now New Concord) congregation, Norwich,
Muskingum County, Ohio, October 9, 1823, where he
spent the rest of his life.. He died in the infirmities
of age, and from the effects of a fall from his horse,
July 19, 1849. He was twice married. First to Miss
Margaret King, of County Armagh, Ireland, in 1796;
and second, to Mrs. Isabella (McCrear)-) McCartney, of
Cambridge, Ohio, October, 1S39. His preaching was
characterized by plainness, boldness, and spiritual
fervency ; and he %\'as clear, concise, and impressive
in his delivery. While he was by no means eloquent
in his pulpit exhibitions, j-et there was a solemnity
-and persuasiveness in his manner that ne\-er failed to
interest and convince. He was a most generous
Christian, fearless in denouncing the e\-ils of society,
and the defections from the Church. During the
'J 4
HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
division of the Church in 1S33, not a single member
of his charges left the fold. In pastoral and catechetical
work he was most successful, and was held in hi^;!!
esteem by all his brethren.
SAMUEL RUTHERFORD WALLACE:
Son of David and Flora (Jamison) Wallace, was
born in Norwich, Muskingum County, Ohio, August
19, 1849. He received his early education in the
schools of his native town, and graduated from ?ilusk-
ingum College in 1870. He studied theology in the
Allegheny Seminar}-, and was licensed by the Oliio
Presbyter}', April 2, 1873. He was ordained b}- the
Rochester Presbytery,, and installed pastor of the con-
gregation of S}'racuse, New York, December S, 1S74,
where he is in charge. He married Miss Josie M.
Williamson, of Cedarville, Ohio, October 29, 1S75.
MATTHEW WILKIN:
Son of Matthew and Elizabeth (Duguid) Wilkin,
^vas born near New Alexandria, Westmoreland Count}-,
Penns}'lvania, August 2, 1S09. His parents were pious
members of the Associate Reformed Church, and, in
J Si I, removed to Harrison County, Ohio, where tlic}-
•connected with the Covenanter Church, under the Rev.
William Sloane. Here he received a liberal education.
igaged in teaching, and conducted a newspaper.
lit
was subsequently chosen to the eldership, and scr\L-i.i
the Church in this relation until he entered the min-
istry. Having an earnest desire to preach the gosjicl.
he removed to Northwood, Logan County, Ohio, in
1851, and began classical studies in Geneva Collc5:c.
where he finished the course in 1855. He studied thco-
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 715
logy at the same time in the Northwood Seminary,
and was licensed by the Lakes Presbj-tery, May 17,
1S55. He was ordained b)- the Rochester Presbytery,
installed pastor of the congregation of Sterling, Cayuga
Count}', New York, October 23, 1S56, and resigned
this charge, October 2, 1S67. He removed his family
to Northwood, Ohio, and served the Church as a Home
Missionary and National Reform lecturer for six years,
r He was installed pastor of the congregation of Pleasant
Ridge, Johnston Count)-, Kansas, May S, 1S74, and
also of Hebron, Cla)- Count)-, Kansas, November 11,
1S76, and exercised a joint pastorate over these charges
until his death, July 12, iSSo. He married Miss
Elizabeth Mansfield, of Steubenville, Ohio, May 29,
1S33. He was a clear, forcible, and profound preacher
of the gospel. He possessed an intellectual and logical
mind, which he used with rare power in the proclama-
tion of the truth. His work was done conscientiously,
and his characteristics were those of truthfulness and
, honest exaction. He was a rigid disciplinarian, atten-
tive upon Church courts, and to the spiritual interests
of his people. He was an earnest and successful
advocate of the cause of temperance, and the claims
of Christ as ruler of the Nation.
JOHN BLACK WILLL'IMS :
Son of Rev. Matthew and Elizabeth (Parkhill)
Williams, was born near Bakerstown, Allegheny County,
Pennsylvania, February 24, 1S25. He received his early
education in Darlington Academy, completed the course
in the Western University of Pennsylvania, and grad-
uated from Muskingum College in 1844. He studied
7i6
HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
theology in the Cincinnati Seminary, and was licensed
by the Pittsburgh Presb>i:ery, October 3, 1849. He
was ordained by the New York Presbytery, and installed
pastor of the congregation of White Lake, Sullivan
County, New York, November 14, 1850, where he is
in charge. He has published many articles in the maga-
zines of the Church, and is editor of the ]Vhitc Lake
Mirror. He has educated many young men now occup)--
ing prominent positions, and has been a successful
advocate of temperance and all reforms.
MATTHEW WILLIAMS :
Was born in Ballymena; County Antrim, Ireland.
July 17, 1768. His parents were zealous adherents to
the Seceder Church, and were most exemplary in their
Christian character. At an early age he was sent to
Edinburgh, Scotland, where he received a liberal classical
education. He came with his parents to America in
1794, and settled in the Ligonier Valley, Westmoreland
County, Penns}-lvania, uniting with the Associate In-
formed Church. He resumed his studies, and graduated
from Jefferson Academy in 1801, just before the organi-
zation of Jefferson College. The following year he met
the Rev. Dr. John Black, and, after hearing him preach,
became convinced of the truth of the principles of the
Covenanter Church, and united with the Miller's Run
'congregation. He studied theolog}' under the R<.\-. 1 ''•
John Black, of Pittsburgh, and was licensed by the
Reformed Presbytery, September 20, 1S04. The following
year he settled on the banks of the Conoconessing. near
Zenienople, Butler County, Pennsylvania, and labored as
a Home Missionarj- for two years. His field of labor
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA.
717
at that time was a part of the charge usually visited
b}- the Rev. John Black, and included all the societies
north of Pittsburgh. The country was an unbroken
forest, and the \\-ild beasts were often his companions.
He rode on horseback almost incessantly, and was often
away from his family for man}- weeks at a time. He
was ordained by the Middle Committee of the Reformed
Presb\'ter}% and installed pastor of the united societies-
of Pine Creek, Union and Deer Creek, principalh- in
Butler County, Pennsylvania, IMay 18, 1807. He removed
to Pine Creek in 1S15, and this was his principal
charge and home the residue of his life. Literally worn
out with the fatigue of travel, which brought on an
incurable malady, he died at his home at Pine Creek,
Pennsylvania, September 11, 1828. In the old bun,'ing
ground, at that historic spot, may be seen upon a
broad moss-^covered stone, the following brief tribute to
his memory : " He was a humble Christian, and a faithful
minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ. He lived and
died in the faith of that gospel which he had long
preached." He married Miss Elizabeth Parkhill, of
Elizabeth, Penns\-lvania, in 1807. He was a man of
medium stature, and his bearing was solemn and dignified.
He was well versed in theology, a fair speaker of
simple and choice language, and told no anecdotes in
the pulpit. He was a creditable musician, a social and
generous host, and his home was one of hospitable
entertainment. He left no monument of literature, but
his record as a faithful embassador for Christ is on high.
MELANCTHON BROWN WILLIAMS:
Son of Rev. Gershom and Phebe (Squire) \\'illiams,
was born in Cambridge, \\"ashington Count}-, New
7i8
HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
York, July i6, 1797. His father was a distinguished
minister of the Presbyterian Church, from wliom he
received a careful religious training. He received his
first schooling in his native town, and could read
before he was five years of age. In 1803, his parents
removed to New Jersey, and he resumed his studies
in the schools of Springfield and Newark, graduating
from the College of New Jersey, at Princeton, in 1S14,
^\'hile yet in his sixteenth \'ear. He immediately-
entered upon the study of law in New York Cit>-.
where he read general law and did clerical work for
two years. In the fall of 1S16, he espoused the
principles of the Covenanter Church, and immediately
abandoned secular pursuits and entered upon the study
of theology in the Philadelphia Seminary, being licensed
by the Northern Presbytery, May 27, 181 8. He corf-
tinued his studies another year under the direction of
the Rev. Dr. J. R. Willson at Coldenham, New ^'ork.
He was ordained by the Northern Presbyter}-, and
installed pastor of the united congregations of Kort-
right and Bovina, Delaware County, and White L.ike.
Sullivan County, New York, April 15, 1S20. He
resigned the White Lake branch. May 16, 1S21
Bovina charge, October 17, 1S23, and continue
labor in Kortright until August 31, 1S31, whe
connected with the Presbyterian Church. In tin !.i.i
of 1 83 1, he took charge of a Congregational Cluirch
in the eastern part of Long Island. In 1S32, he
became Principal of the Academy of Bergen, New
Jersey. He connected with the Dutch Reformed Church,
and was "installed pastor of the congregation of Bctt<
the
he
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 719
■Corner, near Auburn, Xew York, October 17, 1S33,
where he remained in charge two }-ears. In 1835, he
returned to the Presbyterian Church, and was stated
supply at Weedsport, Xew York, for some time. In
183S, he became pastor of the Presbyterian congrega-
tion of As\-lum, Bradford Count}-, Pennsylvania. Owing
f to his radical principles on temperance and anti-slavery,
he caused a division in this Church, and organized
out of it an independent congregation which accepted
his \-iews. In waging war against these evils upon a
Scriptural basis, he felt the need of a more thorough
.knowledge of the Hebrew language. He left the charge,
December 14, 1840, and entered the Andover Theo-
logical Seminary, Massachusetts, where he studied and
•missionated until the spring of 1S42, when he returned to
Jiis pastoral charge at Asylum, and for four years wielded
Jiis spiritual weapons effectively in battling against
intemperance. slaver\', and secretism. In 1848, he went
Westward, remaining in Cincinnati, Ohio, for some
time, and for a number of years labored as an indepen-
dent missionary throughout Illinois and Wisconsin. In
1S61, he returned East and located in Williamsburgh,
Long Island, and became an editor of the p7-incipia
with \\'illiam Goodell, afterwards with Rev. Dr. George
B. Chee\-er. in -which capacit\- he continued five }-ears.
He connected with the United Presbyterian Church,
May 23, 1S62, and, in 1 866, retired to his birth place
at Cambridge, New York, where he is living at an
advanced age. He married twice. First to Miss Cath-
arine Doig, of Albanj-, New York, June 10, 1820;
and second, to Miss Agnes Beninger, of Salem, New
York, March 22, 1854.
HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
DAVID BURT WILLSON, M. D. :
Son of Rev. Dr. James M. and Rebecca (Burt;
Willson, was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Septem-
ber 27, 1842. He received his early education in the
public schools, and the Classical Institute of Rev. Dr.
J. W. Faires, of his native city, graduating from the
University of Pennsylvania in i860. He studied
medicine in the Jefferson Medical College, graduating
in 1863, and for two years was a surgeon in the
army. He studied theology in the Allegheny Seminar)-,
and was licensed by the Pittsburgh Presbytery, April
15, 1868. He was ordained by the Pittsburgh Presby-
tery, installed pastor of the congregation of Allegheny,
Pennsylvania, November 29, 1870, and resigned this
charge, October 13, 1875, accepting the chair of
Biblical Literature in the Allegheny Theological
Seminary, which he now occupies. He was twice
married. First to Miss Martha J. Grier, of Alleghcn}-,
Pennsylvania, August 16, 1873 ; and second, to Mifs
Mary R. Galbraith, of Valencia, Pennsylvania, August
14, 1883. He received the degree of Doctor of
Medicine from Jefferson IMedical College in 1863. He
has been an editor of the Reformed Presbyterian and
Covenanter since 1874, a member of the Central
Board of Missions, and Clerk of Synod for .se\cral
years. He was Moderator of the Synod of 1SS7.
JAMES McLEOD WILLSON, D. D. :
Son of Rev. Dr. James R. and Jane (Roberts)
Willson, was born at "the forks of the Yough," near
Elizabeth, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, November
17, 1809. From childhood he was apt in the acqmsi-
DAVID B. WILLSON.
:mm
JAMES M, WILLSON, D. D.
FRESBVTERIAX CHURCH IX AMERICA. 72 1
tion of learning and most diligent in his studies, his
godly parents, who were uncompromising in their
attachments to the principles of the Covenanter Church,
being disposed to educate him for the ministry. He
received instructions in the classics under his reputed
father, who was Principal of the Academy of Bedford,
Pennsylvania, and also attended classical schools taught
by his father in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and New-
burgh, New York. In due time he entered the senior
class and graduated from Union College in 1S29. He
taught for some time in the Academy of Belair, ]\Iar)--
land, also in Schodack, New York, and was Principal
of the High School in Troy, New York. He studied
theolog}- under the direction of his father, and was
licensed by the Southern Presbytery, June 5, 1834.
He was ordained b)- the same Presbytery, and installed
pastor of the First congregation of Philadelphia, Penn-
s}-lvania, November 27, 1S34. He was elected Profe.^sor
of Theology^ in the Alleghenj- Seminary, May 31, 1859,
which office he filled \\-ith great acceptance for three
successive sessions while retaining his pastoral charge
in Philadelphia. These accumulated labors, requiring a
separation from his congregation for six months in the
^•ear, were too onerous, and he resigned the congre-
gation, October 28, 1S62. He removed to the cit\' of
Allegheny, Pennsylvania, where he continued to devote
himself to the proper work of the Seminary until his
-death. He had long been a subject to headache, and
the nervous energy and locomotion of his left side
were impaired. This affliction was followed b\- a
syncopal attack, terminating in a serious hypertrophy,
L
HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
from which he died, at his residence in Alleghen}-.
Pennsylvania, August 31, 1866, and he was buried in
the Monument Cemetery at Philadelphia. He marrici!
Miss Rebecca Burt, of Schenectad}-, New York, April
30, 1833. He was a clear, logical, and eminentl_\-
instructive preacher, but not an attractive speaker
His discourses were always profound!}' thought out, and
generally doctrinal, argumentative, and practical. He
was a faithful and kind pastor, and his strict dis-
ciplinary reproofs were in plainness of speech, though
not calculated to offend. His great power was in
debate, and he was a moulder of opinions upon the
floor of Synod. He alwaj's took an important part in
the discussions agitating the Church, and was almost
invincible in an argument. He was the representative
of the deacon question, and strongly discussed such
questions as slaver}', voluntary associations, temperance,
and the issues of the war of the rebellion. His com-
plete knowledge of the history and principles of the
Covenanter Church, together with his proficient scholar-
ship and ripe experience, eminently fitted him for the
position which he held in the Theological Seminar}'.
Co-incident with his indefatigable labors as pastor and
professor, he edited the Covenante}- from 1845 until its
consolidation with the Reformed Presbyterian in 1863,
and was an editor of the joint publication until his death.
Through this medium he fearlessl}- battled for truth
and righteousness against all opposition. Beside? his
able editorial work, he emitted the following publica-
tions: "The Deacon," iS4i,pp. 76. " Bible Magistracy, "'
1842, pp. 122. "A Treatise on Psalmod}-," 184S. PI'
JAMES R. WILLSON, D. D.
?•
1:
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IK AMERICA. 723
42. "Civil Government," 1S53, pp. 162. "Social
Religious Covenanting," 1S56, pp. 36. " W'itnessing,"
1861, pp. 31, and other pamphlets of minor import.
Being a public spirited man he was connected with
all the Mission Boards, and literary and benevolent
institutions. He was honored with the degree of
Doctor of Divinit}- by ^^'estm!nster College in 1S65.
He was INIoderator of the Synod of 1859.
JAMES RENWICK WILLSON, D. D. :
Son of Zaccheus and Mary (McConnell) W'illson,
was born at " the forks of the Yough," near Elizabeth,
Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, April 9, 17S0. His
ancestors were sturdy Covenanters who came to America
in 17 13, and settled in the Cumberland Valley in
Eastern Pennsylvania. In 1769, the family removed to
" the forks of the Yough." His father was a farmer,
in which occupation he also engaged until his twenty-
first )-ear. In 1795, he connected with the Associate
Reformed Church, but transferred his membership to the
Covenanter Church in 1798. In iSoi, he entered
Jefferson Academy, and graduated with first honors from
Jefferson College in 1805. His theological studies were
pursued during his last collegiate year at Canonsburgh,
Pennsylvania, under the direction of the Rev. Dr. John
McMillan, also two years under the care of the Rev.
Dr. Alexander McLeod, of New York, and he was
licensed by the Middle Committee of the Reformed
Presbyter)', June 9, 1S07. In 1809, he became- Principal
of the Academy of Bedford, Pennsylvania. In 181 5, he
took charge of a classical school in Philadelphia, and
also established a Mission in "the Neck," where his
724 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
labors were very successful. He was ordained by the
Northern Presbytery, and installed pastor of the united
•congregations of Coldenham and Newburgh, Orange
■County, New York, August lo, 1817. In 1823, the
Newburgh branch was dropped, and he remained at
■Coldenham until his resignation in 1830. He was
installed pastor of the congregation of Alban)-, New
York, September 17, 1S30, and remained in charge three
years. He returned to Coldenham, where he was
re-installed November 21, 1833, and resuscitated the
Coldenham Academy. He was chosen Professor of
Theology in 1836, and the Eastern Seminary, located at
Coldenham, New York, was established, October 12,
1838, where he was the preceptor for two years. At the
union of the Eastern and Western Seminaries, creating
the Allegheny Seminary, he resigned his charge at
Coldenham, June 26, 1S40, and accepted a professorate
in the new institution. The Seminary was removed
from Allegheny, Pennsylvania, to Cincinnati, Ohio, in
1 84 5, where he was the sole Professor, and stated supply
to the congregation of that city for four years. In
1849, t^he Seminary was removed to Northwood, Ohio,
where he was exonerated from duty in 1S51, and
retired at Emeritus Professor. During the remaining two
years of his life he resided with his son, the Rev. Dr.
James M. Willson, in Philadelphia, and spent the
summers in Coldenham, New York, where he died at the
house of Mr. John Beattie, of old age, and under the
affliction of a fractured limb, September 29, 1853. He
lies buried in the graveyard of Coldenham, in the very
spot above which stood the pulpit of the old church
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 725
where he so long preached. 'He married Miss Jane
Roberts, of Canonsburgh, Pennsylvania, in 1S07. \\'ith-
out exception he was the most powerful preacher the
Covenanter Church in America has ever produced, and,
in intellectual grasp, classical scholarship, and pulpit
eloquence, ranked among the first preachers of the
countr\-. He possessed ever}- ph\-sical attribute of the
orator. His height was over six feet, his shoulders
broad, his voice sonorous, his eye brilliant; and, his
wide range of information in every department of
literature, his read)- command of language, and his
intense earnestness, rendered him at once an attractive
speaker upon any subject. His was the career of a
great man. His stj-le was generally distinguished for
perspicuity of statement, simplicity of method, and
beauty of illustration. His imagination was at once
active and elevated, and when it took possession of him
he was overwhelming in the majestj- of his descriptions,
and the awful character of his denunciations. At the
time of his settlement in Newburgh, New York, there
existed a hot-bed of infidelity. The followers of Tom
Paine held swaj-, profaning sacred rites in the most
public and shameless manner— even administering the
symbols of the Saviour's death to dogs. He at once
inaugurated the battle. His boldness in proclaiming '
the truth, the power -of his arguments, the overwhelm-
ing force of his eloquence, the fearful warnings, and
clear prophetic denunciations, attracted the whole com-
munit}- as they hung upon his burning words. Some
shocking death-bed scenes, which seemed to be in
fulfilment of his threatenings, alarmed many, and
726
HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
gradually the whole place became reformed. During his
residence in Albanj-, he was frequently called upon to
open the Legislature with prayer. His fame >c>r.n
became known as he denounced the ungodliness of tliat
body, and the wickedness of the city. The Legislature
feared his prayers. When he preached his famous
sermon " Prince Messiah," the Legislature discussed it
for a whole sitting, and denounced the author in the
most violent terms. The prayers of such a man were,
by a unanimous vote, banished from the legislati\-e Iialls;
the sermon was consumed in a public bonfire, and tlie
author burned in effigy before the State House door.
He was prominent in the controversj' that resulted in
the division of the Church in 1833, and a champion of
the portion adhering to the principles of the Church.
He was a well-read historian, and published many
articles on the historj' of the Church. He had a large
acquaintance with public and religious men. He \\as
eminently a man of prayer, and was accustomed to
carry all matters to the throne of grace. He had no
disrelish for social pleasantry, but his mind was usually
occupied with themes of momentous import. He was a
very successful teacher, and had knowledge of twch'c
languages, of most of which he was master. He was
• an American patriot, at the same time a consistent and
ardent covenanting protestant against the evils of the
country, and the infidelity of the Constitution of the
United States. He was a public man, and an address
from him at an anniversary, college commencement, or
scientific association, was the attractive feature of the
occasion. An address delivered at Newburgh, Nc"'
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IK AMERICA. 727
York, upon the occasion of the burial of the bones of
some revolutionar}- heroes, has been pronounced as one
of the most eloquent and beautiful discourses in the
EngHsh language. He left his impres.s as a great man
^ upon ever}- department of literar}- work. He was a
profuse writer upon various subjects. The following are
his most valued publications extant : " Historical Sketch
of Opinions on the Atonement," 1817, pp. 350. "Sub-
jection of Kings and Nations to Messiah," 1S19.
" Ci\'il Government," 1821. "Dr. W'atts an Anti-Trini-
tarian," 1 82 1. "Honour to W'hom Honour is Due,"
1822. "The Book of Life of the Lamb," 1824. "The
Glory and Securit)- of the Church of God," 1824.
"Political Danger," 1825. "The American Jubilee," 1S25.
" The Sabbath, and the Duty of the Nation to Keep
it," 1829. "Prince Messiah's Claims to Dominion over
all Governments," 1S32. "Tokens of Divine Displeasure
in the Conflagration of New York," 1835. "The Written
Law," 1840. "Public Covenanting," 1848. He was
editor of the Evangelical Witness, a monthly, i822-i6;,
also of the Albany Quarterly, 1S32-34. He was honored
with the degree of Doctor of Divinity by the Western
L-niversity of Penns\-lvania in 182S. He was Moderator
of the Synod of 1823.
RENWICK ZACCHEUS WILLSON :
Son of Rev. Dr. James R. and Jane (Roberts)
Willson, was born in Bedford, Bedford County, Penn-
sylvania, June 19, 1 81 3. In 181 5, his parents removed
to Philadelphia, and, in 18 17, to Coldenham, New York,
where he recefved his early education in the Academ}'
conducted bv his distinguished father. Before he had
728 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
completed the prescribed course of study, he was
afflicted with a disease of the eyes, which greatly
impeded his progress in obtaining an education. He
studied theolog}' in the- Coldenham and Alleglicn_\-
Seminaries, and was licensed by the Pittsburgh Pres-
bytery, April 7, 1S42. He was ordained by the New
York Presb}'tery, installed pastor of the congregation
of Craftsbur}', .Orleans County, Vermont, November 17,
1S46, and resigned this charge, December 18, 1855.
He removed to Southern Illinois, and served the Church
as a Home Missionarj- for several }-ears. In 1S67, he
took charge of the New York City Mission, and in
this capacit}- he labored until his death, at his home
in the city of New York, from a relapse of typhoid
fever, June 4, 1872. He married Miss Margaret Big-
gam, of New York City, November 10, 1846. He was
not a popular preacher, but his discourses were pro-
foundly intellectual, logical, and argumentative. He
spent the best da\-s of his life in the New York
Mission. The character of the work changed the st>-lc
of his preaching, and he became sympathetic, illu.'^tra-
tive, and exhortatory in his manner. He saw so much
of the misery and ruin entailed by strong drink, that
he became exceedingly earnest in the cause of tem-
perance. He was a man of truthfulness and upricyht-
ness in everj- transaction, much gi\'en to pra_\-er, and
evinced a rich Christian experience. He was well
posted in Church law and order, and, understanding
perfectly the government and history of the Church,
was a safe and wise counsellor.
SAMUEL M. WILLSO^
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 729
SAMUEL McCONNELL WILLSON :
Son of Zaccheus and ]\Iarj' (McConnell) \\'illson,
was born at "the forks of the Yough," near Elizabeth,
Alleghen}- Count}-, Penns},-lvania, Jul}- 17, 1796. With
the ministry in view he pursued his classical studies
in the Bedford Academ}', under the direction of his
brother, the Rev. Dr. James R. Willson, and finished
the course in the Philadelphia Academy in 1817. He
studied theolog}- under the direction of the Rev. Dr.
S. B. \\'}-lie, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and was
licensed by the Philadelphia Presbytery, June 19, 1820.
He was ordained by the Northern Presb}-tery, installed
pastor of the congregation of Galway, Saratoga County,
New York, October 14, 1821, and resigned this charge.
May 16, 1827. For five j'ears he was engaged in
teaching in Coldenham and Albany, New York, and
also preaching as opportunity was afforded. He was
installed pastor of the congregation of Craftsbury,
Orleans County, Vermont, May 19, 1833, and resigned
this charge. May 10, 1845. He was installed pastor
of the congregation of Kortright, Delaware County,
New York, October 22, 1845, \vhere he continued to
labor until his death, by a very painful disease, Janu-
ary 21, 1864. He was twice married. First to Miss
Ann Barclay, of Montgomery, New York, in 1S21 ; and
second, to Miss Ann McClaury, of Kortright, New
York, in 1854. He was a remarkably clear, concise,
aad systematic preacher, but not an eloquent speaker.
He was well-read in theological works. His style of
presenting truth was not imaginative, and his discourses
were unadorned with illustrations, except a few drawn
730 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
from actual life. He excelled in praj-er, and his soul
was filled with the importance and preciousness of the
doctrines of grace. During the division of the Church
in 1S33, he adhered, without faltering, to her true
position. He was a bold and enthusiastic advocate of
the .cause of the oppressed slave, and entered with
earnestness into the reforms where the welfare of men
and the glory of God were to be promoted. He was
a judicious counsellor, a wise legislator, and regular in
his attendance upon Church courts, where his opinion
was of weight. He was a true Christian, conscientious
in the performance of religious duties, faithful to the
ecclesiastical and social ties which bound him to his
God, his Church, and his family. He was an associate
editor of the Albany Quarterly, 1 832-1 834. He was
Moderator of the Synods of 1836 and 1856.
WILLIAM WILSON, D. D., LL. D. :
Son of John and Lilly A. W'ilson, was born in
Findrum, County Donegal, Ireland, December 25, 1S03."
He received his early education in the schools of
Donegal, came with his parents to America in 18:3,
and settled in the city of New York. Here he enjoN'cd
the advantages of an excellent classical education, and
graduated from Union College in 1828. He studied
theolog)' in the Philadelphia Seminary, and was licensed
by the Philadelphia Presbytery, April 14, 1S30. He
was ordained sine tittdo h\ the same Presb\-ter}-. as a
Home Missionary, June 16, 1831, and served in this
capacity two years. He was installed pastor of the
congregation of Milton, Northumberland County, Penn-
* Communications per Rev. J. Y. Boice, Philadelphia, Pa.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 73 1
sylvania, August 6, 1S32. At the division of the
Church in August, 1S33, he became identified with the
New School branch of the Covenanter Church, remained
pastor of the congregation, and became Principal of
the Milton Academ}-, until his resignation, April 13,
1837. ^^ returned to the city of New York, and,' in
1S38, removed to the city of Cincinnati, Ohio, where
he preached to the congregation of that cit}- until
his installation as pastor, July 13, 1839. He was
suspended for some irregularit}-, October 14, 1847, and
organized an independent Church, which he styled the
" Church of the Covenanters." After an ineffectual
application to return to the true Covenanter Church,
he returned to the New School bod}', May 17, 1854,
and continued in this relation until shortly before his
death. He was well informed in politics, took a
patriotic stand at the time of the war of the rebellion,
and was a Chaplain. After the war he returned to
Cincinnati, Ohio, where he preached as his health
would permit, and was Chancellor of the Cincinnati
College for se\'eral )-ears. During the winter of 1872,
he slipped and fell upon the icy pavement, and
fractured a limb, which de\eloped into a disease which
terminated his life, at his home in Cincinnati, Ohio,
September 9, 1873. He married Miss Anna Campbell,
of Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1853. He was an excellent
classical scholar, and an interesting preacher of the
gospel. His habits were not always in harmony with
his profession, and he frequently came in collision
with Church discipline. He possessed a mind of
unusual power, which was stored with accurate and
732 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
useful knowledge. He had a prodigious memory, and
retained a vast amount of Scripture at his command.
He was editor of the America^i C/u-isttati Instructor,
a monthly, from 1833 to 1837. ^^ ^^'^s a profuse
writer on political and religious subjects, and among
his publications are the following : " The Blessed
Nation," "Ministerial Heroism," "The Church and the
New Age," "The Man for the Hour," "The Cause of
the United States," "The Curse of Meroz," "A Nation
Non-Plussed," " The Day of Small Things," and
"Democracy versus Doulocracy." He published some
essays on Geology in the Presbyterian Witness. He
was honored with the degree of Doctor of Divinity
by Franklin .College in 1848, and that of Doctor of
Laws by Cincinnati College in 1868. He was Mode-
rator of the General Synod of 1843.
ALEXANDER WRIGHT:
Son of William and Eliza (Laughlin) Wright, was
born in Craigs, County Antrim, Ireland, December 25,
1 83 1. He received his early education in his native
land, came to America in 1843, and settled in Eastern
Pennsylvania, where he was engaged in farming and
teaching for many years. By diligent study and con-
stant teaching he prepared himself for College, grad-
uating from Lafayette College in 1S62. He studied
theology in the Allegheny Seminary, and was licensed
by the Pittsburgh Presb^'ter)-, May 23, 1867. Having
preached with much acceptance for a short time in the
Eastern part of the Church, he repaired to Minnesota,
with the expectation of recovering his health which was
seriously impaired. Finding no great benefit, he went
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 73 j
to visit his relatives in Vernon, Waukesha Countv,
Wisconsin, where he died of consumption, November
21, 1S69. He never married. He was an ea.-nest and
practical preacher, giving evidence of great usefulness
in the ministry. He was remarkably energetic, did not
easily succumb to adverse circumstances, and by devoted
labor and constant economy, not only sustained him-
self during the years of study, but acquired some prop-
erty, and bequeathed a few thousand dollars to the Church,
JOSEPH HARVEY WVLIE :
Son of Rev. Preston H. and Mary A. (George)
Wylie, was born in Winfield, Lake County, Indiana,
November 15, 1858. In i860, his parents removed tJ
Rushsylvania, Ohio, and, in 1S64, to Northwood, Ohio,
returning to Rushsylvania in 1866, where he received
his early education in the public schools, and studied
in Geneva College three years. He engaged in teach-
ing in Rushsylvania and West Mansfield, Ohio, grad-
uating horn Geneva College in 18S1. He studied theo-
logy in the Allegheny Seminary, was licensed by the
Pittsburgh Presbytery, April 9, 1S84, and preached
several months in Canada. He was ordained by the
Pittsburgh Presbytery, installed pastor of the congrega-
tion of McKeesport, Pennsylvania, June 30, 1885, and
resigned this charge, June 27. 18S7. He was installed
pastor of the congregation of Olathe, Johnston County,
Kansas, October 21, 1SS7, ^vhere he is in charge. He'
married Miss Lizzie M. Adams, of Allegheny, Penn-
sylvania, January 19, 1SS6. He was an editor of the
College Cabinet in 1881.
}nSTORY OF THE REFORMED
JAMES MILLIGAN WYLIE :
Son of James and Martha (Patterson) Wylie, was
born near Rushsj-lvania, Logan Count}', Ohio, Marcli
I, 1856. He received his earlj- education in the public
schools, and the Wright Normal School of his nati\e
village, graduating from Geneva College in 1878. He
was engaged as a teacher of Mathematics in Geneva
College the following j-ear. He studied theology in
the Allegheny Seminaryj and was licensed b}' the
Lakes Presbytery, April 12, 1882. He was ordained
by the Pittsburgh Presb}'ter}-, installed pastor of the
■congregation of New Castle, Pennsylvania, June 22,
1883, and resigned this charge, December 26, 18S7,
accepting the appointment as General Secretarj' of
Home Missions, with his residence in Kansas Cit}-,
Missouri. He married Miss Lizzie M. Porter, of New
Galilee, Pennsylvania, May 9, 1883.
JOHN, WYLIE:
Son of Samuel and Mary (Speer) Wylie, was born
in New Concord, Muskingum County, Ohio, October iS,
1S48. In early life his parents removed to Washington,
Iowa, where he received his early education, and engaged
in teaching. He thus prepared himself for College, and
graduated from the University of Iowa in 1870. He
established and was Principal of the Academy of Alcdo,
Illinois, for eight years. He studied theology in the
Allegheny Seminary, was licensed by the Iowa Pres-
bytery, April 6, .iSSo, and missionated in the West.
He was ordained by the Pittsburgh Presbyter>', installed
pastor of the Monongahela congregation, Elizabeth,
Pennsylvania, April 27, 1883, and resigned this charge,
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 735
April 9, 1SS4. He was installed pastor of the united
congregation of Muskingum and Tomica, Frazej'sburgh,
I\Iuskingum County, Ohio, January 21, '1885, where he
is in charge. He married Miss M. A. Smith, of New
Concord, Ohio, June 23, 1875. He is a contributor of
an exposition of the Sabbath School lessons to the
Zanesville Courier.
JAMES RALSTON WYLIE :
Son of Thomas and Ann (Ralston) Wylie, was born
near New Concord, Tvluskingum County, Ohio, Novem-
ber 7, 1847. He recei\^ed his early education in his
native County, and graduated from Muskingum College
in 1872. In the fall of 1872, he accepted the Pro-
fessorship of Mathematics in Geneva College, and, in
1875, taught Greek in the same institution. He studied
theology in the Alleghen\' Seminar}-, and was licensed
by the Lakes Presbj-tery, April 10, 1877. He was
ordained by the same Presbj'tery, installed pastor of the
congregation of Fairgrove, Tuscola County, Michigan,
NoN-ember i, 1879, and resigned this charge, October 12,
1887. He married Miss Sarah E. George, of Rushsj'l-
vania, Ohio, September 7, 1875.
JAMES RENWICK WYLIE:
Son of Rev. Preston H. and Mary A. (George)
\\'\-lie, was born in Northwood, Logan County, Ohio,
No\-em.ber 22, 1850. In 1855, his parents removed to
W'infield, Lake County, Indiana, and, in i860, to Rushsyl-
vania, Ohio, where he received his early education and
engaged in teaching. He resumed his studies in 1S67,
and graduated from Geneva College in 1873. He studied
.theology in the Allegheny Seminary, and was licensed
736 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
by the Lakes Presbytery, April 12, 1876. He was
ordained by the Pittsburgh Presb}-ter)', installed pastor of
the Springfield congregation, Mercer, Pennsylvania, June
29, 1877, and also of Centreville, Penns}'lvania, July 3,
1882. He resigned the Centreville congregation, Novem-
ber 8, 1887, and Springfield, April 10, 1888. He was
installed pastor of Little Beaver congregation. New
Galilee, Beaver County, Pennsylvania, May 18, 188S,
where he is in charge. He married Miss Nettie E. Arm-
strong, of Leechburgh, Penns\-Ivania, No\'ember 6, 1879.
OLIVER WVLIE:
Son of Moses and Eleanor (Young) . Wylie, was
born near New Concord, Muskingum County, Ohio,
October 15, 1817. After passing through the accustomed
elementary training in the public schools, he graduated
from Muskingum College in 1840. He studied theology
in the Allegheny Seminary, and was licensed by the
Pittsburgh Presbytery, April 18, 1845. While laboring
in Illinois he contracted fever and ague, which fastened
upon his constitution and clung to him throughout
life. He was ordained b}' the Pittsburgh Presbyter}-,
and installed pastor of the Brookland congregation,
Lucesco, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, June 24,,
1846. This charge was quite extensive, requiring much
travelling, and constant exposure to all kinds of
weather. His health being impaired by malaria and
chronic bilious diseases, he was compelled to resign the
congregation, October 14, 1851. With the hope of
recruiting his health, he ceased preaching regularly for
a time, and turned his attention to teaching. He
became stated supply to the congregation of Browns-
PRESTON H. WYLIE.
I
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 737
ville, Monroe County, Ohio, April 17, 1S53, where he
continued to labor until his death, b)- a complication
of diseases, October 24, 1S56. He married Miss
Isabella "J. South, of Allegheny, Pennsj-lvania, July 16,
1S46. He was a faithful and devout preacher of the gos-
pel, and a close Bible student. He was closely attached
to the principles of the Church, and a determined foe
to all manner of oppression. He was a successful
teacher, and, had his health permitted, would have
become a most popular preacher, and held a place of
influence in the Church.
PRESTON HARVEY WYLIE :
Son of William and Martha (Harvey) Wylie, was
born near Somerset, Perry County, Ohio, April 16,
1S22. In early life his parents removed into Musk-
ingum County, Ohio, where he received his early
education in the public schools, and began the classics
under the Rev. John Wallace, with a view to the
ministry. His plans were frustrated, however, for the
time, by a weakness of the eyes. In 1S50, he removed
to Xorthwood, Ohio, where he resumed his studies,
and graduated from Geneva College in 1S53. He
studied theologj- at the same time in the- Northwood
Seminar}-, and was licensed by the Lakes Presbytery,
April 12, 1S54. He was ordained by the same Presby-
tery, installed pastor of the Lake Eliza congregation,
Winfield, Lake County, Indiana, May 14, 1S55, and
resigned this charge, October 9, i860. He was installed
pastor of the congregation of Rushsylvania, Logan
County, Ohio, November 13, 1S60, and also of Macedon,
^Mercer County, Ohio, Januar>- 10, 1S61. He resigned
738 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
the Rushsylvania branch, May 25, 1S76, and the
Macedon charge, March i, 1S87. He was installed
pastor of the congregation of Sterling, Rice County,
Kansas, April 15, 1887, where he is in charge. He
married twice. First to Miss Mary A. George, of
White Cottage, Ohio, March 12, 1844; and second, to
Miss Rebecca A. Hays, of Cedarville, Ohio, May 6,
1862. He was Moderator of the Synod of 1SS4.
RICHARD CAMERON WYLIE :
Son of John and Maria (Wisher) Wylie, was born
near Dresden, Muskingum County, Ohio, August 27,
1S46. He received his early education in the schools
of his native County, and in Muskingum College. In
1865, he removed to Oakdale, Washington County,
Illinois, where he was engaged in teaching. In 1S67,
he became teacher of Latin and Greek in Muskingum
College, and graduated from this institution in 1S70.
He again taught in Oakdale, Illinois, and spent some
time in Colorado for his health. He studied theolog\-
in the Allegheny Seminar}-, and was licensed b}- the
Illinois Presbytery, May 5, 1S74. He was ordained by
the Iowa Presbytery, installed pastor of the congregation
of Hopkinton, Delaware County, Iowa, June 15, 1S75,
and resigned, October 3, 1SS2. He accepted the appoint-
ment as Secretary of the National Reform Association,
and lectured for two years. He was installed pastor
of the Cedar Lake congregation, Ray, Steuben County,
Indiana, November i, 1884, where he is in charge, and
lectures upon National Reform. He married Miss Nannie
Buchanan, of Lancaster, Ohio, June 6, 1S76. His
numerous letters and articles are published in the pa;
and magazines of the Church.
J
SAMUEL WYLIE. D. D.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IK AMERICA. 739
SAMUEL WYLIE, D. D. :
Son of Andrew and Elizabeth (W\-lie) W}-lie, was
born in Moylarg, County Antrim, Ireland, February 19.
1790.* He was brought up under the pastoral care of
the Rev. Simon Cameron, and received his early educa-
tion in the best schools of his native land. He came
to America in 1807, and settled in Philadelphia, Penn-
sylvania, where he resumed his studies in the University
of Pennsylvania, graduating in iSii. He studied theol-
ogy in the Philadelphia Seminary, and was licensed by
the Middle Presbytery, May 23, 181 5. He visited many
of the vacancies the follo^\•ing year, and spent some
time in the medical department of the Uni\'ersity of
Pennsylvania. In 1S17, he went to the then " wilderness-
West," and explored new fields for missionarj- operations
in the West and South. He was ordained sine titulo at
the meeting of Synod, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania,
Maj- 26, 1818, and was sent as a Missionarj- to Southern
Illinois. He began labor in Randolph, and parts of St.
Clair and Washington Counties, and organized several
societies, which soon became flourishing congregations.
He was installed pastor of the Bethel congregation,
Eden, Randolph County, Illinois, June 19, 1S21, where
he spent the rest of his life in the self-sacrificing duties
of a pastor and missionar}-. At the di\-ision of the
Church in August, 1833, he became identified with the
New School branch of the Covenanter Church, and many
of his former flock remained with him, over whom he
exercised pastoral charge until his resignation, on account
of the infirmities of age, February 20, 1S70. He died
* Items principally from the family. Church Records.
740 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
at his home in Sparta, Illinois, March 20, 1872. He
married twice. First to Miss Margaret Millikin, of
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; second, to Mrs. Margaret
(Black) Ewing, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He was a
faithful soldier of the Cross, and did much service for
his Master in establishing His kingdom upon earth.
He was a very acceptable preacher, and, in earl)- [.inies,
large audiences of people waited upon his ministrations.
He was not a bitter partisan, but always recognized the
step which the body had taken with which he w.as con-
nected. He was a fearless advocate for the cause of
the slave, and enlisted the powers of his voice and pen
in their emancipation. He served his Church in man}-
important relations, and was recognized as a man of
influence, and an able divine. He published a " History
•of the Reformed Presbyterian Churches in Southern
Illinois," in the Presbyterian Historical Almanac, 1859.
He was honored with the degree of Doctor of Divinity
by Washington and Jefferson College in 1S6S. He was
Moderator of the Synod of 1S30, and the General S}-nod
•of 1850.
SAMUEL BROWN WYLIE, D. D. :
Son of Adam and i\Iargaret (Brown) Wylie, was
born in Moylarg, County Antrim, Ireland, ]\Ia\- 21,
1773.* He received the rudiments of a thorough classi-
cal education in the vicinity of his home, and entered
the University of Glasgow, Scotland, where he dis-
tinguished himself as a scholar, and graduated with the
honorary degree of Master of Arts in 1797. He began
teaching a school in Ball}-mena^ Ireland, but was com-
* Principally from Sprague's .•Vnnals.
SAMUEL B. WYLIE, D. D.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 74 1
pelled to flee from his native land in consequence of
his connection with the efforts made in favor of Irish
independence. He came to America, in October, 1797,
settling in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he was
engaged as a teacher in Cheltenham. In 179S, he was
appointed a Tutor in the University of Penns}-lvania.
He studied theology privately, and under the direction
of the Rev. William Gibson, being licensed by the
Reformed Presb\-ter\-, at Coldenham, New York, June
24, 1799. He was ordained sine titido by the Reformed
Presb\-ter}-, at R\-egate, \^ermont, June 25, 1800, and
was the first Covenanter minister ordained in America.
He accompanied the Rev. James McKinney throughout
the South to abolish slavery from the pale of the
Covenanter Church. He preached for some time to the
newly organized societies of Philadelphia, Penns\'lvania,
and Baltimore, Mar\-land. He was installed pastor of the \
congregation of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, November 20,
1S03, and frequently preached in Baltimore. At the
organization of the Theological Seminary in Philadelphia,
he was chosen the Professor, and entered upon the
duties of the oflice, in iSio, resigning in 1S17. He
was re-elected in 1S23, and resigned in 1S28. In 1S28,
he was elected Professor of Latin and Greek in the
University of Penns)-lvania, and held this position for
seventeen years, when he was retired as Emeritus Pro-
fessor. At the division of the Church in August, 1833,
he became identified with the New School branch of
the Covenanter Church. A part of his congregation
adhered to him, and he remained the pastor until
shortly before his death, M'hich event occurred appa-
742 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
rently without any disease, at his residence in Phila-
delphia, Penns\-lvania, October 13, 1852. He married
Miss Margaret Watson, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania,
April 5, 1802. He was a life-long student, and one of
the best scholars the Covenanter Church has ever pro-
duced. He collected a valuable and rare librar}' of
several thousand \'olumes, rich in theology, literature,
and science. He was not an eloquent preacher. His
voice was strong, but wanting in that flexibility and
modulation which is essential in effective speaking, and
his manner was modified by the necessity of having
to preach extemporaneously. He was a distinguished
teacher, to which occupation he devoted most of his
life and energies. His acquisitions as a linguist embraced
an understanding of fourteen languages, and he was
consulted in reference to this department of stud}- by
scholars from all parts of the country'. He was a gen-
erous and hospitable man, and gave of his abundance
for charitable and benevolent purposes. He was not
a profuse writer. His most noted publication is "The
Two Sons of Oil; or the Faithful Witness for Magis-
tracy and Ministry upon a Scriptural Basis," 1803, pp.
Si, two editions. This is the best presentation of the
position of the Covenanter Church that has been writ-
ten, from which the author departed in 1833. His
sermon on the "Obligation of Covenants," 1804, pp.
117, was re-published in Europe. He is the author of
a Greek Grammar, 1838, and a "Memoir of Dr. Alex-
ander McLeod," posthumousl)- published, 1855, pp. 535.
He was honored with the degree of Doctor of Divinity
by Dickinson College in 1815. He was Moderator of the
M
. - . , .^
\
m
)^
SAMUEL 0. WYLIE, D. D.
J
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 743 .
Reformed Presbytery in iSoo and iSoi, and largely
connected with the legislati\'e work of the earl)- Cove-
nanter Church in America.
SAAIUEL OLIVER WYLIE, D. D. :
Son of Samuel and Mar\- (Patterson) Wylie, was
born near Elizabeth, Allegheny County, Penns}'lvania,
July 14, 1S19.* His parents were of a Covenanter
ancestr}', long in this country, and honorably connected
with the histor}- of the Church. Evincing a capacity
for learning and a desire to enter upon the work of
the ministrj-, he pursued his classical studies with this
end in view, and graduated from the Western
University of Pennsylvania in 1839. He studied theo-
logy in the Allegheny Seminary, and was licensed by
the Pittsburgh Presbyter)-,. June 1, 1842. He was
ordained b)- the same Presbytery, installed pastor of
the congregation of Greensburgh, Penns)'lvania, May
17, 1843, and resigned November 18, 1844. He was
installed pastor of the Second congregation of Phila-
delphia, Penns\-lvania, December 5, 1S44, and continued
in this relation the residue of his life. For two )'ears
previous to his death, he was afflicted with dilatation
of the heart, from which disease he died, at his home
in Philadelphia, Penns)-lvania, August 22, 1SS3. He
married Miss Jean Wallace, of Pittsburgh, Pennsyl-
vania, in 1844. He was an able, instructive, and
practical preacher. His scholarship was of a high
order. He was a close thinker, a logical reasoner, and
thoroughl)- versed in theology and histor}-. He was
eminently successful as a pastor, and the spirited and
* Memorial Volume.
744 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
prosperous congregation which he left is the greatest
monument to his indefatigable labors. He was an
earnest advocate of the distinctive principles of the
Co\'enanter Church, a courteous and dignified Presbyter,
and a most humble and pious Christian. At the
organization of the Foreign Mission in 1856, he was
chosen Chairman of the Board, and to his m.ature
judgment, wise management, and industrious corres-
pondence, largely depended the success of the enterprize.
In 1867, he was chosen Professor of Theology in the
Allegheny Seminary, and taught one winter, but
declined the office to remain among his devoted people.
He was a member of the Executive Committee of
the National Reform Association from its organization,
and of the Board of Superintendents of the Theological
Seminary for more than twenty years. He was Chair-
man of the Committee which drafted the Covenant of
1 87 1, and, with a few changes, was adopted as it
came from his pen. Among his publications are:
"Truth's Pillar," 1S56, pp. 40. "Messiah's Ro\al
Beauty," -IS60, pp. 40. He was honored with the
degree of Doctor of Divinity by the Western University
of Pennsj-lvania in 1S71. He was Moderator of the
Synod of 1S55.
THOMAS ALEXANDER HENDERS6N WYLIE:
Son of Rev. Preston H. and I\Iary A. (Gcorc:^
Wylie, was born near Zanesville, Muskingum Count)-,
Ohio, November 5, 1S54. The following year
parents removed to Winfield, Lake County, Indiana,
and, in i860, to Rushsylvania, Logan County, Ohio,
where he received his earlv education, and graduated
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 745
from Geneva College in 1S75. He was Principal of
the Academ\' of Morning Sun, Ohio, one year. He
studied theologj' in the Allegheny Seminary, was
licensed by the Lakes Presb\-tery, April i, 1879, and
was stated suppl)- respectively at St. John, New Bruns-
wick, Brooklyn, New York, and Burlington, Iowa. He
was ordained by the Iowa Presbytery, and installed
pastor of the congregation of Washington, Washington
County, Iowa, December 7, 1882, where he is in
charge. He married Miss Mattie Murray, of ]\Iorning
Sun, Ohio, February 21, 1882.
SUMMARY.
I Nativity : Ireland, 90; Pennsylvania, 74; Ohio, 42;
j New York, 21; Scotland, 14; Indiana, 10; Vermont, 10;
! South Carolina, 9; Illinois, 8; Iowa, 4; Nova Scotia, 3;
I Virginia, 3; Michigan, 2; Alabama, i; Missouri, i; Syria, 1.
• Education: Geneva College, 52; Privately Educated,
; 25; Glasgow University, 25; Jefferson College, 24;
Westminster College, 21; Belfast College, 17; Western
University, 16; Muskingum College, 15; Indiana Uni-
; versity, 14; Union College, 13; Franklin College, 8;
University of Pennsylvania, 8; Columbia College, 7;
Monmouth College, 6; Duquesne College, 5; Allegheny
City College, 4; Coldenham Academy, 4; Edinburgh
College, 4; Miami University, 3; University of the City of
New York, 3; Dartmouth College, 2; Lafayette College,
2; Princeton College, 2; one' each from Amity College,
Dickinson College, Greenville College, Harvard College,
Iowa University, Magee College, Oneida Institute, Toronto
University, and Valparaiso Normal School.
746 htstorv of. the reformed
Upon Leaving the Covenanter Church, the Fol-
lowing Ministers have either Died or are
now in Connection with the Respective
Denominations : —
Presbyterian Church : J. S. Allen, J. H. Boggs,
Samuel Bowden, Alexander Craighead, W. M. Engles,
S. M. Gayley, John Gibson, J. R. Hill, John Hood,
J. R. Johnston, Lewis Johnston, John Little, Daniel Mc-
Clelland, T. Z. McClurkin, R. H. McCready, Alexander
McDowell, C. B. McKee, Robert McKee, Samuel Mc-
Kinney, A. S. McMaster, E. D. McMaster, J. R. Newell,
J. T. Pollock, John Rice, Samuel Robinson, George
Scott, R. D. Sproull, J. W. Stewart, A. C. Stuart,
J. H. Symmes.
New School Body : A. W. Black, John Black,
Ebenezer "Cooper, S. W. Crawford, G. T. Ewing, John
Kell, J. N. McLeod, Gilbert McMaster, Gavin McMillan,
Hugh McMillan, R. G. Orr, William Wilson, Samuel
Wylie, S. B. Wylie.
United Presbyterian Church : W. J. Gillespie,
T. C. Guthrie, Thomas Hanna, J. B. Johnston, J. M.
Johnston, Boyd McCuIlough, John McMaster, M. B.
Williams.
Associate Reformed Church : John Cuthbertson,
Alexander Dobbin, Jonathan Gill, Matthew Linn, William
Neill, David Telfair.
Without Ecclesiastical Connection: T. RL Elder,
Francis Gailey, Joseph Hamilton, William Martin, James
Reid, John Stott.
Dutch Reformed Church : James Christie, J. M.
Dickson, David Graham, Hugh Hawthorne.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 747
Reformed Presbytery : Robert Lusk, John Mc-
Auley, David Steele.
Congregational Church : David Gregg, Andrew
Montgomery.
Free Church : Joseph Henderson, William Milroy.
Seventh Day Baptist Church : J. W. Morton.
STUDENTS OF THEOLOGY NOT COMPLETING
THE PRESCRIBED COURSE IN REFORMED
PRESBYTERIAN SEMINARY.
Robert H. Abraham, of Toronto, Canada ; Toronto
University, 1876; Allegheny Seminary under Pittsburgh
Presbytery, one session, ending in 1877 ; Free Church,
and is settled in Hamilton, Canada.
Joseph J. AchesoN, of New York City, New York ;
University of the City of New York, 1833; privately
under Southern Presbytery, three sessions, ending in
1S36; studied medicine, and was a physician in Brook-
lyn, New York; died, November 4, 1S73.
William H. Barber, of Brownsville, Ohio ; Alle-
gheny City College, 1S61 ; received by Pittsburgh Pres-
bytery in 1S60; Presbyterian Church; died in 1862,
while studying for the ministry in that body.
Francis S. Beattie, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania ;
Philadelphia Academy, 18 15 ; Philadelphia Seminary
under Middle Presbytery, two sessions, ending in 1817 ;
studied medicine, was a physician in Philadelphia, where
he died in 1S59.
John K. Black, of Allegheny City, Pennsylvania ;
Allegheny City College, 1866 ; received as a student
under Pittsburgh Presbytery in 1S67 ; Presbyterian Church;
settled minister in Cadiz, Ohio.
■m
748 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
Daniel W. Boxley, (Colored) of Rolla, Missouri ;
Geneva College, 1873 ; Allegheny Seminary under Illi-
nois Presbytery, one session, ending in 1874; taught
in Knox Academy, Selma, Alabama ; studied medicine
in Philadelphia ; mail carrier in St. Louis, Missouri.
Joseph Conger, of Newark, New Jersey ; Union Col-
lege, 1844 ; studied privately under New York Presby-
tery, two sessions, ending in 1846; Presbyterian Church;
was a teacher in Schenectady, New York.
William Cumming, of Baltimore, Maryland ; Johns
Hopkins University ; Allegheny Seminary under Phila-
delphia Presbytery, one session, ending in 1881; Pres-
byterian Church ; settled minister in Waverly, Balti-
more, Marj-land.
John H. Echols, (Colored) of Selma, Alabama ; Geneva
College, 18S2 ; studied privately two sessions, ending in
1885 ; a teacher in Sparta, Georgia.
James M. Elder, of Clarksburgh, Pennsylvania ;
Geneva College ; studied privately under Pittsburgh
Presbytery, one session, ending in 1856; died in Clarks-
burgh, Penns\-lvania, January 10, 1857.
Abood G. Esker, of Latakia, Syria ; Beirut College,
in 1883 ; Allegheny Seminary, one session, ending in
1888; returned to Syria.
Moses R. Frazier, of Newburgh, New York ; Cornell
University, 1873 ; Allegheny Seminary under New York
Presbytery, three sessions, ending in 1877 ; died in
Newark, New Jersey, December 13, 1877.
ROBltRT A. George, of New Concord, Ohio ; Geneva
College, 1879 ; Allegheny Seminary under Ohio Pres-
byter}-, two sessions, ending in 1881 ; engaged in cleri-
cal -work in Kenton, Ohio.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 749
Robert C. Gibson, of Allegheny City, Pennsylvania ;.
educated in an Academy ; was received as a student
under Pittsburgh Presbytery in 1847 ; went to lowa^
and engaged in teaching; died in 1S56.
William J. Gibson, of Canonsburgh, Pennsylvania ;
Jefferson College, 1826 ; studied privately under his father,
three sessions, ending in 1829; Presbyterian Church;
settled minister in Philadelphia, Hollidaysburgh, Wil-
liamsburgh, Jacksonville and Duncansville, Pennsylvania ;
died October 18, 18S3.
■ James Gray, of Clarksburgh, Pennsylvania ; West-
minster College, 1S61 ; Allegheny Seminary under Pitts-
burgh Presbytery, two sessions, ending in 1863 ; died
in Clarksburgh, Pennsylvania, February 22, 1S64.
John Hamilton, of Columbiana, Ohio ; Jefferson
College, 1847; Cincinnati and Northwood Seminaries
under Pittsburgh Presbytery, three sessions, ending in
1851; studied medicine, and is a ph\-sician in Alle-
gheny, Pennsylvania.
William R. Hamilton, of Columbiana, Ohio ; Jeffer-
son College, 1849; Xorthwood Seminary under Pitts-
burgh Presbyter}-, one session, ending in 1851; studied
medicine, and is a physician in Pittsburgh, Penns\-lvania.
Thomas S. HuggaRT, of Pardee, Pennsylvania ; West-
minster College, 1S74; Allegheny Seminary under Pitts-
burgh Presbytery a part of the session ending in 1875 ;
Presbyterian Church ; settled at Lancaster, Ohio.
Martin Hutcheson, of Londonderry, Ohio ; educated
in Geneva College ; Allegheny Seminar}- under Ohio
Presbytery, t\vo sessions, ending in 1865 ; died in
Cambridge, Ohio, October 25, 1S67. .
750 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
James H. Johnston, of Barnet, Vermont ; Geneva
College, 1854; Northwood Seminary under Lakes
Presbytery, two sessions, ending in 1854; engaged in
business in Huntsville, Ohio ; removed to Iowa, where
he was engaged in teaching.
James B. McClelland, of Balm, Pennsylvania;
Westminster College, 1S7S; Allegheny Seminary under
Pittsburgh Presb\-tery, one session, ending in 1885 ,
United Presbyterian Church, and is a Professor in
Grove City College.
James A. McKelvy, of Coultersville, Illinois ; Geneva-
College, 18S3 ; Allegheny Seminary under Pittsburgh
Presbytery, two sessions, ending in 18S5; Presbyterian
Church, and is an evangelist.
Thomas McKinley, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania;
University of Pennsylvania, 1826; Philadelphia Seminary
under Philadelphia Presbytery, two sessions, ending in
iS^S ; Tutor in University of Pennsylvania; died in Phila-
delphia, June 9, 1833.
Archibald McKinney, of Rodgersville, Tennessee ;
University of Glasgow, Scotland ; Philadelphia Seminary
under Middle Presbytery, two sessions, ending in 1812 ;
studied medicine and practiced in Cincinnati, Ohio,
where he died about 1835.
Alexander Mogee, of Belfast, Ireland; Royal College,
1875; Allegheny Seminary under Philadelphia Presbytery,
a part of the session ending in 1877; returned to
Ireland; Presb\-terian Church; settled minister in Ireland.
Stephen D. Montgomery, of Morning Sun, Iowa;
Monmouth College, 1885; Allegheny Seminary under Iowa'
Presbytery, one session, ending in 1886; United Pres-
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 75 1
iDj-terian Church, and studied in their Allegheny Semi-
nary; died of t\-phoid fe\-er, at Allegheny General Hos-
pital, November 30, 1SS7.
John G. Murphy, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Uni-
versity of Pennsylvania, 1842; privately under Western
Presbytery, two sessions, ending in 1S44; studied medi-
■cine, and settled as a physician in Philadelphia, Penn-
sylvania, where he died, August 9, 1879.
Lorenzo Neeley, of Montgomerj-, New York; Union
■College, 1S38; Coldenham Seminary under Southern
Presbytery, one session, ending in 1S40; Presb\'terian
•Church; settled minister in Lansing, IMichigan, where he
died, April 4, 1853.
James C. Nightingale, of New York City, New
York; University of the City of New York, 1861; Alle-
gheny Seminary under New York Presbytery, three
sessions, ending in 1864; Presbyterian Church; an evan-
-gelist in Stamford, Connecticut.
Leyi B. Purvis, of Bakerstown, Pennsylvania; Du-
quesne College, 1S45; Cincinnati Seminary under Pitts-
burgh Presbytery, four sessions, ending in 1849; died in
Bakerstown, Pennsylvania, November 21, 1S49.
John F. Quarles, (Colored) of Atlanta, Georgia;
educated in Geneva College; Westminster College, iS6g;
Allegheny Seminary under Pittsburgh Presbytery, two
sessions, ending in 1871; studied law and practiced in
New York; consul to Port Mahon; minister to Spain;
politician; died in Flushing, New York, January iS, 1885.
John Robinson, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Uni-
versity of Pennsylvania; Coldenham Seminary under
•Southern Presbytery, two sessions, ending in 1840;
studied law and practiced in Philadelphia.
752 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
Thomas S. Sloaxe, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania;
Allegheny City College, i860; Allegheny Seminary under
Pittsburgh Presbytery, one session, ending in 1S61; aqent
in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Samuel F. Smith, of Tuscarora, Pennsylvania ; West-
ern University of Pennsylvania, 1S23 ; Philadelphia Semi-
nary under Philadelphia Presbytery, two sessions, ending
in 1S25 ; Associate Reformed Church; settled as a min-
ister in Cochrantown, Pennsj^lvania, where he died,
I\Iarch 19, 1846.
Theophilus SprouLL, of Allegheny City, Pennsyl-
vania; Rochester Universit}-, 1872; Alleghen}- Seminar)-
under Pittsburgh Presbytery, one session, ending in
1873 ; is a publisher in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
William O. Sproull, - of ^Allegheny City, Pennsyl-
vania; Washington and Jefferson College, 1869; Alle-
gheny Seminary under Pittsburgh Presbytery, two ses-
sions, ending in 1871 ; Leipsic University, German}-;
Presbyterian Church ; Professor in Cincinnati University,
Ohio.
George E. Stewart, of California, Michigan ; Hills-
dale College ; Allegheny Seminary under Lakes Presby-
ter}-, one session, ending in 1S70; taught in Texas
many years ; living in infirm health at Ra\-, Indiana.
Samuel B. Taggart, of Canonsburgh, Pennsylvania;
Jefferson College, 1856; Allegheny Seminary under Pitts-
burgh Presb}-ter\-, three sessions, ending in 1S59; Presb}--
terian Church, and is stated supply at Uhrichsville, Ohio.
William Thompson, of New York City, New York ;
Belfast College, 1848 ; studied privately under New
York Presbytery, four sessions ; engaged in teaching :,
died in New York City, January 23, 1S53.
'' PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN' AMERICA. 753
t
! _ Robert Trumbull, of Craftsbury, Vermont ; Univer-
* sity of Vermont, 1S34 ; taught in Albany, New York ;
I studied theolog}- privately under Northern and Southern
[ Presbyteries, three sessions ; Principal of Geneva Female
t Seminar}-, Northwood, Ohio, where he died, February
I 24, 1S54.
; Charles L. Williams, (Colored) of Coldenham, New
; York ; Coldenham Academy ; studied privately under
; Northern and Pittsburgh Presbyteries, two sessions ;
■• engaged in teaching in 1847 ' '^^^'^ '" Xenia, Ohio, Octo-
: ber 13, 1S59.
; Zaccheus G. Willson, of Elizabeth, Pennsylvania ;
j !\Iuskingum College ; Northwood Seminary one session,
■ and privately under Illinois Presbytery, two sessions,
i ending in 1S54 ; Principal of Public Schools in St.
I' Louis, Missouri, for many years ; now living in Glen-
■ wood. ^Minnesota.
THE THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY.
At the meeting of the Reformed Presbytery, October
8, 1S07, it was agreed upon to establish a Theological
Seminar}', and the Rev. Samuel B. W}-lie was chosen
Professor. The Seminary was organized, l\Iay 25,
1 8 10, at Philadelphia. Mr. James Milligan was the
first graduate in 1811. The Superintendents were Revs.
John Black, Gilbert Mci\Iaster and Alexander McLeod.
I\Ir. John Thomson, of Conococheague, was Treasurer.*
Mr. Wylie resigned in 1S17, and the students studied
under the ministers of the Church. In 1823, the
Seminary was resuscitated. Dr. Wylie re-elected Pro-
* For Constitution of Seminary see A'. /". i~-' C, 1876, p. 106.
754 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
fessor, and the institution continued in Philadelphia.
In 1827, it was again suspended by the resignation
of Dr. Wylie. The students were again left to study
privately under some minister. In 1836, the Seminary
was re-organized and located at New Alexandria, Penn-
sylvania, with Rev. Dr. J. R. Willson as Professor.
In 1838, this action was rescinded. Two Seminaries
were now established — the Eastern at Coldenham, New^
York, with Rev. Dr. J. R. Willson, Professor ; and
the Western at Allegheny, Pennsylvania, with Rev.
Thomas Sproull, Professor. In 1S4O, the Seminaries
were united, and located in Allegheny, under the joint
professorships of Drs. Willson and Sproull. In 1845,
the Seminary was removed to Cincinnati, Ohio, and
Dr. Sproull resigning, it continued under the sole charge
of Dr. Willson. In 1S49, it was again removed to
Northwood, Ohio, where, in 1 851, it was suspended,
and Dr. Willson was retired as Emeritus Professor.
The students prosecuted their studies under the Pro-
fessors of Geneva Hall, and also under the care of
their respective Presbyteries. In 1856, the Seminary
was re-organized at Allegheny, Pennsylvania, where it
has since remained. Revs. Drs. James Christie and
Thomas Sproull were chosen Professors. Dr. Christie
resigned in 1S58, and Revs. John Newell and Joseph
Hunter heard classes the following year. In 1S59,
Rev. James M. Willson was chosen Professor, and died
in 1866. Rev. David Scott heard classes the following
session. In 1867, Rev. S. O. Wylie was elected Pro-
fessor, taught that j^ear, but declined the appointment.
In 1868, Rev. J. R. W. Sloane was chosen to the
PRESBYTERIAN" CHURCH IN AMERICA. 755
vacancy, and continued at his post until removed by
death in 1SS6. In 1S75, Rev. D. B. Willson was
elected as Professor of Biblical Literature, and continues
to fill that position. At that time Dr. Sproull was
retired as Emeritus Professor, and continues to hear a
class in Pastoral Theologj-. In 1873, the present
Memorial Building was purchased. ^In 1884, Rev. Dr.
A. M. Milligan heard some classes during the illness
of Dr. Sloane. In 18S6, Rev. James Kennedy was
elected Professor, but declined. Rev. R. J. George
acted as temporary Professor one session. In 1887,
Rev. R. J. George was twice chosen to the professorate,
but declined. The Rev. J. K. McClurkin was then
chosen, and is in charge. The students are : Fourth
Year—'i. G. Conner, G. R. I\IcBurney, A. W. Mc-
Clurkin, T. A. McElwain, E. M. Milligan, R. C. Reed,
W. L. C. Samson, J. S. Thompson. Third Year — R.
J. Dodds, R. J. Gault, J. K. Reed, T. H. Walker,
Second Year — J. 1\I. Coleman, Solomon Kingston.
GENEVA COLLEGE.
Soon after his settlement in Xorthwood, Logan County,
Ohio, in 1S34, the Rev. J. B. Johnston began to teach
a class of }-oung men in his study. The diligence
which they manifested, and the number attending his
class, far exceeded his expectations, and he conceived
the idea of founding a Grammar School. The matter
was laid before the Presbyter}- several times, but not
before the people until October, 1S47. The project was
very favorabl}- received, and Geneva Hall was founded
756 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
at Xorthwood, Ohio, April, 1848, when the Rev. J. B.
Johnston \\as placed in charge. He erected, at his own
risk, a substantial two-storied brick structure, containing
five rooms. Attractive circulars were issued, and every-
thing done to induce students to repair to the first
Covenanter College established in America. In 1849,
the Rev. J. C. K. Milligan was Professor of Mathematics
and Languages, and the Rev. J. S. T. Milligan was
Principal of the Preparatory department. The first Board
of Inspection were : Revs. Armour McFarland, Robert
Hutcheson, James Neill, J. C. Boyd, Josiah Dodds, J. B.
Johnston, and elders, Henry George, M. T. Glasgow,
John McDaniel, Samuel Jameson, Cornelius Jameson,
William Pollock and J. S. Johnston. In 1849, the Rev.
James M. Willson was chosen Principal, and Mr. Robert
Trumbull a Professor. Mr. Willson declined. In 1850,
the institution was wholly controlled by a Fiscal Board,
and the Rev. W. F. George was chosen President of
the College. Mr. David Paul, in addition to the other
Professors, taught the Languages. In 1851, Rev. J. B.
Johnston also founded Geneva Female Institute at
Northwood, Ohio. Both these schools were well patron-
ized by the Church. A large brick building was erected
for the Ladies' Seminar)'. In March, 1852, the Rev.
J. R. W. Sloane was inaugurated President of the
College. In 1853, the College building was enlarged.
A plan of endowment was devised in 1854, and a new
charter was granted the institution the following year.
By the resignation of Dr. Sloane in 1856, the Rev. J.
C. K. Milligan was the Principal for two years. Messrs.
J. C. Smith, H. H. George, S. B. Taggart and D. H.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 757
Coulter taught in the College, and Misses Annie J.
Hammond and Isabella Willson had charge of the Semi-
nary. In 1S5S, the College became disorganized, and
was conducted as an Academy for several years without
a charter. Messrs. J. C. Smith, D. H. Coulter, Robert
Shields and C. D. Trumbull were teachers. The school
was suspended during the war. At the earnest solici-
tation of a few friends of the old institution, the Rev.
N. R. Johnston revived the school in 1865, and the
Rev. J. L. AlcCartney was instrumental in opening the
new institution for the education of the colored race.
Money was raised, and efficient Boards and Professors
were chosen, and a large number of students were
gathered. In 1867, Mr. S. J. Crowe was elected Principal,
and associated with him in teaching were Revs. William
Milroy, J. L. McCartney, P. H. Wylie, and Messrs. Wait
Wright, T. C. Sproull, S. R. Galbraith, and others. In
1870, the Rev. William Milroy was chosen President,
and Messrs. T. J. Allen and E. C. Simpson taught for
a short time. In 1871, Rev. N. R. Johnston again took
the charge for one year. In 1S72, the Rev. H. H.
George was chosen President, and has since continued
in of^ce. The institution received a new charter, and
has since been known as Geneva College. The Pro-
fessors were Rev. William Milroy, Rev. J. L. McCartney,
J. R. Wylie, V. T. Herold and Miss Lotta Stewart. In
1873, J. S. Gamble and Miss Ida D. Gray were teachers.
In 1S74, the building was remodeled, and several
boa^-ding houses were erected. Rev. Joseph McCracken
and Mr. J. K. McClurkin were chosen Professors. In
1875, Prof. McClurkin resigned, and Prof. McCartney
758 HISTORV OF THE REFORMED
went abroad. In 1876, ]Mr. J. R. Latimer became ' a
teacher, and W. M. Milroy filled the vacancy caused by
the death of his father, the Rev. William Milroy. In
1877, the Rev. John Lynd was added to the corps, and
Rev. David McAllister gave a course of lectures on
Political Science. Tutors filled the vacancies in several
departments. In 1878, Prof. McCracken resigned, and
Mr. J. M. Wylie taught for one year. The College
Cabinet was founded as an exponent of the College, and
has since continued to be published. By an .act of
Synod, the College was removed from Northwood, Ohio,
to Beaver Falls, Penns}-lvania, in 1880, where a new
building was erected at a cost of about $40,000, the
plot of ten acres of ground being donated by the
Economite Society. The first Professors in Beaver Falls
were Revs. Profs. George, McCartney, McAllister, Thomp-
son, Ritchie and Stewart. Dr. Sloane gave a course of
lectures in Political Science. In i88r, Rev. W. P.
Johnston was added to the corps of Professors, and
Rev. George Kennedy, in 1SS2. Miss Mary E. Milligan
was Principal of the Ladies' department, and Miss Eva
McClurkin taught Music. In 1885, Miss Mary R. Bunn
succeeded Miss Milligan. In 18S7, Prof. S. B. Wylie
succeeded Prof. McCartney, and Rev. W. J. Coleman was
chosen to fill the vacancy , caused b}' the resignation of
Prof. McAllister in Political Science. The institution is
well equipped with an able corps of Professors, and a
sufficient endowment fund. A large number of the
ministers of the Church have been students of and
teachers in Geneva College. Her graduates are found
in all the learned professions.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 759
WESTMINSTER COLLEGE.
This institution was founded b}- the Pittsburgh Pres-
bytery, in November, 184S, at Wilkinsburgh, Pennsylvania.
A Female Seminary was established 'm connection with
it. Rev. Moses Roney was chosen President. In 1850,
the location was changed to Alleghen}-, Pennsylvania,
where a suitable building was erected. Messrs. David
McKee, John Hamilton, D. S. Paris, and others, were
teachers. In 1853, Rev. John Newell succeeded Mr.
Roney in the Presidency, and Mr. James R. Newell
became a teacher. The College was disorganized in
1858, and the property donated by the Presbytery to
the Theological Seminary.
ALLEGHENY CITY COLLEGE.
This institution succeeded Westminster College in
1858, and the Rev. John Newell was President, assisted
in teaching by Profs. J. R. Newell, John Davis, F. L.
Apel, Miss Aull, and others. In 1S60, Prof. J. R.
Newell took charge of the school, and, in 1863, changed
it into Newell Institute, Pittsburgh, where it continued
as a flourishing classical and preparatory school for
many years.
KNOX ACADEMY.
This institution was founded at Selma, Alabama, in
1874, under the auspices of the Church, as a Mission
School. (See Selma Mission.)
760 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
Foreign Missions.
H A Y T I .
Port au Prince. At the meeting of Synod in 181 8,
a Committee was appointed to inquire into the expe-
diency of establishing a Foreign Mission. Nothing was
done, however, until 1841, when a memorial from the
brethren of the Philadelphia congregation lead to the
approval of the plan, and, at the meeting in 1843, a
Committee was appointed to select a field for opera-
tions. In 1S45, the Island of St. Thomas was chosen,
but the following year abandoned, and Hayti was selected.
In the fall of 1846, the Rev. J. B. Johnston was sent'
out by the Board to inspect the field, and Port au
Prince was designated as the centre of operations. In
May, 1847, the Rev. J. W. Morton and A. M. Milligan,
licentiate, were chosen Missionaries. Mr. Milligan
declined, and Mr. R. J. Dodds, student of theology,
was' chosen. In the fall of 1847, Mr. Morton, with his
family, repaired to the scene of his labors at Port au
Prince. After preparing himself, and some books in the
French language, he opened a successful school. While
laboring here, Mr. Morton changed his views with
reference to the Christian Sabbath, denying that the
first da}- of the week was such. He returned to lay
his case before Synod, and was suspended in May,
1849. The Mission was then abandoned, and Mr.
Dodds was not sent out.
PRESBYTERIAX CHURCH IX AMERICA. 76 1
SYRIA.
Latakia. At the meeting of Synod in 1S56, the
cause of Missions was revived, and S\Tia was chosen
as the field of operations. Revs. R. J. Dodds and
John Crawford were chosen Missionaries. The latter
declined, and Rev. N. R. Johnston was chosen. He
declined, also, and Mr. Joseph Beattie, licentiate, was
elected. He accepted. Revs. R. J. Dodds and Joseph
Beattie, with their families, sailed for this foreign land
in October, 1S56. After spending some time in Damas-
cus learning the Arabic language, they settled in Zahleh^
a large town at the foot of Mt. Lebanon, in October^
1857. Mr. Dodds took charge of this field, Mr. Beattie
continuing his studies at Damascus. In May, 1858, Mr>
Dodds was compelled to abandon Zahleh on account
of the threats of the Catholic priests, and, joined by-
Mr. Beattie, spent the following year in Bhamdun and
Beirut. After several explorations, Latakia, a city on
the Mediterranean, was selected in October, 1859, and
where the Mission was permanent!}' established. Three
native teachers were emplo\-ed, and the school opened
with a bright outlook. The first convert was Hammud,
a Fallahin, baptized by Mr. Dodds in December, 1861.
In May, 1863, Mr. David B. Willson, physician, was
chosen as a medical Missionar\-, but declined. Mr.
Beattie and family visited America that year, and
returned in 1864, with Dr. David Methenj-, who had
been chosen as a medical Missionary. Four mountain
schools were now established, with native teachers. IMr.
■ Dodds and family visited America in 1865, and returned
the following j'ear with Miss Rebecca Crawford, who
762 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
was placed in charge of the newly established Girls'
School. The new and present Mission buildings at
Latakia were erected in 1S68, under the supervision
of Dr. Metheny. In May, 1867, Dr. Dodds took charge
of. the new school at Aleppo, where he died in 1S70.
In 1871, Revs. R. J. George and S. R. Galbraith were
chosen Missionaries. ]\Ir. George declined, and Mr.
Galbraith, his wife, and Miss Mary E. Dodds, sailed
for Syria in the fall 'of this year. Mr. Galbraith died
in June, 1872, and his widow returned to America.
In 1872, Mr. Henry Easson was chosen and ordained
for this field. He arrived, with his famil}-, in January,
1873. Dr. Metheny visited America in 1873, and was
ordained a minister, returning the same fall. The Mis-
sion was not without its troubles, as some of the con-
certs were cruelly treated and imprisoned ty tlie Turkish
•Government. In 1875, Miss Mattie R. Wylie went as
a lady teacher, and the following year Dr. Beattie visited
this country. The building was now enlarged, and Mrs.
Metheny erected a beautiful memorial chapel. She died
in December, 1S76. In June, 1878, Mrs. Beattie died
in Philadelphia, and Dr. Beattie now resigned his con-
nection with the Mission and remained in America.
Two vacancies were created bj' the marriages of Misses
Mar}- E. Dodds and Rebecca Crawford, and Dr. Metheny
visited America for his health. He returned in October,
1S79, with Rev. W. J. SprouU, his wife, and Miss
Mary Carson. By the sudden illness of Miss Carson,
Miss Wylie returned to America with her in August,
18S0. Dr. Beattie returned in Decem.ber, 18S0, and
opened a theological school. Miss Wylie also returned
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 763
in May, iSSi. In May, iSSi, Dr. A. J. Dodds, his
wife, and Miss E\-adna Sterrett, were chosen Alission-
aries, and soon repaired to Latakia. Rev. Easson
visited America in 1S82, and returned the following
year. Dr. Beattie died in October, X8S3, and Dr.
Metheny established the school at Tarsus. Mrs. A. J.
Dodds died in April, 1SS5, necessitating the return to
America of Dr. A. J. Dodds with his child. On his
return to S\-ria, Dr. Dodds was drowned by the wreck of
the "Sidon," off the coast of Spain, October 26, 1885.
Rev. W. J. Sproull resigned in May, 1886, and returned
with his family to America. In November, 1S86, Miss
Maggie B. Edgar arrived at Latakia as a lady teacher.
In September, 1S87, Dr. J. M. Ralph and wife, and,
in 1888, Rev. James S. Stewart and wife, accepted
appointments to this field. At Latakia there are 177
communicants, 659 scholars, 21 schools, and 41 native
teachers and emplo\-ees.*
Aleppo. This Mission was abandoned by the United
Presbyterian Church of Scotland in May, 1S67, at
which time Dr. R. J. Dodds took charge of it. It
consisted of two teachers and one hundred pupils.
Dr. Dodds died here in December, 1S70, and the
field was abandoned.
Suadea. The property of this Jvlission was donated
by Mrs. William Holt Yates, in April, 1875, and
called the "Dr. and I\Irs. William Holt Yates Mission."
A commodious new building was erected in 1876, by
Mrs. Yates, and while under the supervision of Rev.
Henry Easson, it has been taught by Jacoub Jerridinia,
and some native teachers.
* Report of Latakia Mission, 1SS8.
764 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
Tarsus. Dr. Metheny opened this Mission in Cilicia
in December, 1882, and is now in charge of it. In
February-, 1883, Miss Evadna Sterrett, and in May,
1887, Miss Lillian B. Joseph accepted appointments,
ani^ are teaching in connection with this Mission.
Cyprus. A Mission at Larnica, in the Island of
Cyprus, has recently been established under the auspices
of the Latakia Mission, and is in charge of two native
teachers. There are now (1888) about thirt}* Syrians,
Jews, and Cypriates, in attendance.
SKETCHES OF MISSIONARIES.
JAMES McKINNISS BALPH, M. D. :
Son of Joseph and Sarah J. (McKinniss) Balph,
was bom near Butler, Pennsylvania, January 12, 185 1.
He received his early education in the Normal School
of Edinboro, and continued his studies in Witherspoon
Institute, Butler, Pennsj'lvania. He studied medicine
under Dr. W. M. Clark, of Whitestown, and settled
as a phj-sician in Unionville, Pennsylvania. After
practicing for three \-ears, he resumed his studies in.
and graduated from, the Cincinnati Medical College in
1877, and settled in Rose Point, Lawrence Count}-,
Pennsylvania, where he practiced medicine and dis-
charged the duties of ruling elder in the Slippery
Rock congregation. He married Miss Elzina J. Dodds,
of Bakerstown, Pennsylvania, February 18, 1875. In the
*For Sketches of Revs. Joseph Beattie, R. J. Dodds, Henrj' Easson,
S. R. Galbraith, Jacoub Jerridinia, David Metheny, William Sproull and
J. S. Stewart see " The Ministry."
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IX AMERICA. 765
spring of iSS-, he was chosen a medical Missionarj-
to Syria, and sailed for that foreign field, September 7,
18S-, where he is engaged in proper missionary work,
ELZINA J. (DODDS) BALPH :
Daughter of John A. and Margaret (Fife) Dodds,
was born near Brownsdale, Butler County, Pennsylvania^
May 7, 1854. She received her early education in
the schools of that vicinity, and engaged in domestic
duties until her marriage to Dr. J. M. Balph, February
iS, 1S75. She accompanied her husband to Syria,
MARTHA E. (LORD) BEATTIE :
Daughter of James and Martha (Lockwood; Lord,
was born in Camden, Delaware, April 17, 1834. She
received her education in a Select School taught by
Friends, and resided in Camden until her marriage to
Dr. Joseph Beattie, September 16, 1856. She sailed
with her husband for the Syrian field, October 16,
1856, where she remained engaged in the proper work
of domestic and missionary life, until impaired health
caused her to come to America in 1S76. She remained
in this country to educate her children, her husband
returning to Syria. She died of pneumonia, in Phila-
delphia, Pennsylvania, June i, 1S78. High testimonials
are given of her Christian graces and consecration to
the Master's serrice.
ARCHIBALD JOHNSTON DODDS, M. D.:
Son of Rev. Dr. R. J. and Letitia M. (Dodds)
Dodds, was born in Damascus, Syria, May 26, 1S57.
He came to America in 1871, after his father's death,
and settled in Lucesco, Westmoreland County, Pennsyl-
In 1872, he repaired to Allegheny, Pennsylvania,
van
766 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
where he lived with Rev. Dr. J. R. W. Sloane, under
whom he studied, and attended the public schools for
three years. In 1875, he made his home with Dr. S.
A. Sterrett, of Pittsburgh, and attended the Western
University of Pennsylvania, where he graduated with first
honor in 1879. He studied medicine in the Jefferson
Medical College, Philadelphia, and graduated in 1881,
taking the Chapman gold medal, the first prize in
physiology. In May, 1881, he offered himself, and was
appointed, medical Missionary to Syria. The same fall he
sailed for that foreign field, where for four years he did
valuable service as a physician, treasurer, and financial
agent of the Mission. He married Miss E. Mizpah
Metheny, of Kessab, Syria, September 26, 1882. By the
death of his wife in the spring of 1885, he came to
America to place his little son under the care of his
mother, and returned to his work in Syria. While sailing
on the steamship " Sidon," the vessel was wrecked off
the coast of Spain, and he perished beneath the waters
of the Atlantic, October 27, 1885. He was a proficient
scholar, well-read in general literature, and thoroughly
-conversant with the different departments of the medical
profession. He was devoted to the Mission, conscientious
in the discharge of every duty, and remarkably successful
in his labor for the Master.
E. MIZPAH (METHENY) DODDS :
Daughter of Rev. Dr. David and Emeline (Gregg)
Metheny, was born in Allegheny, Pennsylvania, March
19, 1864. The same fall her parents went as Missionaries
to Syria, and she spent the most of her life in Latakia.
She married Dr. A. J. Dodds, September 26, 1882. Being
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 767
In impaired health she contemplated a trip to America,
but departed this life, in Latakia, Syria, April 14, 18S5.
She was a kind and devoted wife, and closely attached
to the work in which her whole life was spent.
LETITIA M. (DODDS) DODDS :
Daughter of Robert and Letitia (Rowan) Dodds,
was born near Valencia, Butler County, Pennsylvania,
November 28, 1S33. She received her early training in
the schools of that vicinity, and was reared in the
Union congregation. She married Rev. Dr. R. J.
Dodds, August 12, 1856, and the same fall accompanied
him to the S\Tian Mission, where she was actively
engaged in her proper duties at Latakia and Aleppo
for fifteen years. After the death of her husband, she
returned with her family to America, in 1871, and
settled near Lucesco, Pennsylvania, removing to Beaver
Falls, Pennsylvania, in the winter of 1S87.
WILLIA A. S. DODDS:
Daughter of John A. and :Margaret (Fife) Dodds,
was born near Brownsdale, Butler County, Pennsyl-
vania, March 3, 1S59. She received her early education
in the schools of her native County, and also in New
Galilee, Beaver County, whither her parents removed,
and she attended Geneva College some time. She
went to Syria in April, 1SS7, and taught in the school
at Mersine, in connection with the Tarsus Mission.
She was appointed missionary teacher to Latakia,
S}-ria, November 29, 1S87.
MARY J. (BEEBE) EASSON:
Daughter of George and Laura (Williamson) Beebe,
-vvas born in Glenville, Schenectady County, New York,
768 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
March 19, 1S48. She received her early education in
her native village, and in the schools of Schenectad}\
New York. She was married to Rev. Henry Easson,
January 20, 1870, and went to Syria, November 22,
1872, where she has since been engaged in connection
with the Mission at Latakia and Suadea.
MARGARET B. EDGAR:
Daughter of W'illiam and Sarah (Moore) Edgar^
was born in Belfast, Ireland, June 25, 1861. In 1869,
she came with her parents to America and settled in
Cincinnati, Ohio, where she attended the public schools.
In 1 88 1, the famil)- removed to Cedarville, Green
County, Ohio, and, in 1883, to Bellefontaine, Ohio,,
where she resided until her departure for Syria,
November 4, 1886. She is engag-ed in teaching in
the Latakia Mission.
ANNA (MARTIN) GALBRAITH :
Daughter of Alexander and Mary J. (Coleman)
Martin, was born in Lisbon, St. Lawrence County, New
York, * * * She received her early education in the
neighboring town of O^densburgh, and resided in Lis-
bon until her marriage to the Rev. S. R. Galbraith,
September 19, 1871. She sailed for the Latakia Mis-
sion, in company with her husband, November 4, 1871.
After the death of her husband in June, 1872, she
returned to this country, and has since resided in
Rochester, New York.
HELANA (CORANI) JERRIDINIA :
Daughter of Habib and Noor (Shej'a) Corani, was
born in Showifat, Lebanon, Syria, April 15, 1859. She
attended the American Mission School at Beirut, and
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 769
graduated from Showifat and Cripoli. She taught for
some time in Cripoli and Showifat, and until her mar-
riage to Jacoub Jerridinia, September 15, 1885, when
she engaged with him in missionary work in Suadea
and Latakia. '
LILLIAN B. JOSEPH:
Daughter of Patterson O. and Helen A. (Dunbar)
Joseph, was born in Hopkinton, Delaware Count}', Iowa,
October 13, i860. She received her early education
in the public schools, and graduated from Leno-x Col-
lege in 1 88 5. Accepting an appointment to labor in
the Syrian Mission, she sailed from New York, April
27, 1887, and is engaged in teaching at Mersine, in
-connection with the Tarsus Mission.
REBECCA (CRAWFORD) MARTIN:
Daughter of William and Mary (Sterrett) Crawford,
was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, * * *
-She received her education in the public schools, where
she graduated and taught, and was a member of the
First congregation of Philadelphia. She accepted an
appointment to the Syrian Mission, sailed for that
foreign land, October, 1S66, was connected with the
Latakia Mission until her marriage to the Rev. Dr.
James Martin, January 31, 1S79, a-nd, with her husband,
is connected with the Mission at Antioch, Syria.
EMELINE (GREGG) METHENY :
Daughter of David and Mary (Rafferty) Gregg,
was born in Allegheny, Pennsylvania, July 16, 1841.
She received her education in the public schools of
her native city, and was married to Dr. David
-Metheny, April 29, 1862. She accompanied her husband
770 • HISTORY OK THE REFORMED
to the Syrian Mission, November 2, 1864. A weak-
ness of the lungs became serious in the spring of 1S76,
and consumption continued its work until her death, nt
Latakia, Syria, December 17, 1876. She was always
in delicate health, but her life was a living epistle.
She was kind and attentive to all, and so much
interested in the work of bringing the heathen to a
saving knowledge of Christ, that she gave liberally
to the maintenance of the Mission. She is buried
beside the chapel and school rooms in Latakia, which
were built at her expense.
MARY E. (DODDS) METHENY :
Daughter of Rev. Dr. R. J. and Amanda (Cannon)
Dodds, was born near New Alexandria, Westmoreland
County, Pennsylvania, December 27, 1849. Upon the
death of her mother in 1853, she went to live with her
grandmother Cannon, where she remained two years.
In 1855, she went to live with her grandfather Dodds,
near Freeport, Pennsylvania, where she attended the
public schools, also the New Castle Academy, graduating
from the Da\'ton Union Academy in 1871. Being
appointed to assist in the Ladies' department of the
S}'rian Mission, she sailed for that foreign field, November
4, 1 87 1, and taught in the Latakia Mission for six years.
She was married to Rev. Dr. David Metheny, December
10, 1877, and is connected with the Tarsus Mission.
ELLA (CAMPBELL) SPROULL :
Daughter of Robert and Mary (Crawford) Campbell,
was born near Bakerstown, Allegheny County, Pennsyl-
vania, April 5, 1861. She received her education in that
vicinity, and was married to Rev. William Sproull,
/
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. "7 1
October 23, 1S79. The foIlo^\■ing month she sailed with
her husband for the Syrian Mission, where she resided
for over six j-ears. She returned to America with her
husband in the spring of 1SS6, and resides in Mars,
Pennsylvania.
EVADXA M. STERRETT:
Daughter of Dr. William and Sarah A. (Fife)
Sterrett, was born in Tallycave}', Alleghen}- County,
Pennsylvania, January 28, 1856. Her parents died when
she was quite }-oung, and she lived with her grandmother
Fife, attending the common schools. She entered Curry
Institute, Pittsburgh, where she graduated in 1S78. In
the spring of 18S1, she was appointed to the S}Tian
Mission, and sailed for that field, August 20, 1881. She
was a teacher in the Latakia School for over a \-ear.
In Februarj-, 1883, she was transferred to the Tarsus
Mission, and, in 1884, opened a school in Mersine, where
she has charge of a boarding school.
MARTHA R. WYLIE :
Daughter of Rev. Preston H. and Mary A. (George)
Wylie, was born near White Cottage, Muskingum County,
Ohio, December 14, 1S46. In 1850, her parents removed
to Northwood, Ohio; in 1855, to \\'infield, Indiana, and,
in i860, to Rushsylvania, Ohio, where she received her
early education, graduating from Geneva College in 1875.
Accepting an appointment to the Syrian Mission, she
sailed for that field in December, 1875, and, with the
exception of a visit to America in 1 880, has been
actively engaged in the proper work of the Mission at
Latakia, S3-ria.
772 HISTORV OF THE REFORMED
DOMESTIC MISSIONS.
Port Royal. In March, 1862, the Rev. N. R.
Johnston, under appointment of the Domestic Board of
Missions, repaired to Beaufort, South Carolina, but was
prevented from establishing a Mission among the con-
trabands there by the soldiers. He then went to Port
Royal, founded a Mission, and remained until fall. In
October, 1862, Rev. Joshua Kennedy entered the I\Iis-
sion, but it was soon abandoned on account of the
disturbed state of the country.
Fernandina. Revs. Joshua Kennedy and Robert
Shields opened a Mission in Fernandina, Florida, in
November, 1862. Mr. Shields was compelled to come
North in February, 1863, but returned with Rev. T.
M. Elder soon afterwards. On account of sickness,
Revs. Shields and Elder came North in July, 1863, and
Mr. Kennedy abandoned the Mission in April, 1864,
when the authorities closed the Mission and Church on
account of the ravages of small pox.
St. Augustine. Rev. Joshua Kennedy visited St.
Augustine, Florida, in December, 1862, and founded a
Mission where he taught and preached for some time.
It was abandoned in 1S63.
Little Rock. Under appointment of the Board,
the Rev. James Wallace visited the city of Little Rock,
Arkansas, in November, 1863, for the purpose of found-
ing a Mission. He was followed by the Rev. Robert
Shields, who opened a Mission in the Penitentiary,
which he taught for some months. The 'contrabands
being removed to the farms, the Mission was abandoned
in April, 1864.
PKEsBVTEKlAX CHURCH IN AMERICA. 773
DuvALL'^ Bluff. Rev. Robert Shields came to this
part of Arkansas, in April, 1S64, erected a log school
house, and conducted a mission among the colored
population and the troops for a short time, when he
returned North.
Natchez. By appointment of the Domestic Mission
Board, the Rev. James \\'allace established a Mission
among the colored people of Natchez, Mississippi, in
January, 1S64. The City Hall was secured lor school
purposes, and a church for preaching ser\-ices. Mr. J.
C. K. Paris, and Misses Mary Sterrett and Lizzie Morri-
son were then appointed teachers. Soon afterwards,
Mr. R. A. McGee and Misses Rebecca B. and Sarah J. Speer
were added to the corps. Miss Jennie Holliday arrived
in May, 1S64. The teachers were then distributed over
the city, and adjacent plantations on both sides of the
Mississippi. A large number of pupils were gathered
into these schools. In September, 1864, J. C. K. Paris
became Superintendent, and the same fall, Messrs.
Daniel C. and Isaiah Paris, and Misses Elizabeth Mc-
Knight and M. J. Jamison became teachers. The male
teachers all resigned, and, in September, 1865, Rev.
J. M. Johnston was chosen Superintendent. A new
building was now erected at a cost of $Soo. In Octo-
ber, 1 866, the Mission was discontinued, and the prop-
erty returned to those Avho had donated the most
money for its construction.
Washington. In September, 1863, the Rev. James
Wallace was directed by ' the Board of Domestic
Missions to visit the city of Washington, D. C, as a
prospective field for mission work. Revs. A. M. and
774 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
J. S. T. Milligan also thoroughly inspected the whole"
field in Februar)', 1S64, and recommended the establish-'
ment of a Mission among the contrabands of this city.
A suitable lot was obtained one mile south of the
Capitol, and the Rev. J. S. T. Milligan superintended
the erection of buildings for school and tenement
purposes. The Mission was opened in April, 1S64,
with Rev. J. O. Bayles in charge, and during this
year Mr. D. O. BrOwn, Mrs. James Gray and Miss
McKitrick were teachers. A large number of pupils
gathered into the school, and it promised to be a
successful project. In September, 1864, Rev. T. M.
Elder was appointed Superintendent, and the teachers
were Rev. J. 0. Bayles, Misses M. B. Floyd and C.
S. Clough. The attendance was about four hundred.
Most of the teachers resigned in Maj-, 1865. During
the summer a large and substantial building was
erected. Rev. J. M. Armour was chosen Principal,
and the teachers selected were Misses M. J. Divoll, S.
E. Morse and Helen M. Johnston. In October, 1866,
the Rev. J. M. Johnston was chosen Principal, and
the teachers were Rev. J. M. Armour, Misses S. E.
Morse, Helen M. Johnston, M. J. Jamison, Jennie E.
Smith, S. C. Clough, Eunice A. Jameson and Kate
Trumbull. The school was graded and divided into
departments as the city schools. At the communion
in October, 1S67, four colored persons connected with
the Church. This service was held under the direction
of the Baltimore session, as no congregation was
organized in W'ashington. In 1S69, John F. Ouarles,
a colored man educated at Geneva College, became a
PRtrsBVTEKIAN CHURCH IX AMERICA, 775
teacher. The ^Mission was disorganized Ma\-, 1870^ on
account of the failure of the Church to rupport it,
and the property was sold to the best advantage.
Selma. By the direction of the Board, Mr. Lewis
Johnston, a colored licentiate, selected the city of
Selma, Alabama, as the site of the new Southern
Mission, in March, 1874, after an inspecting tour
through the South. Mr. Johnston was chosen Principal,
and Mr. George M. Elliott, Assistant. They opened
the school in May, 1874, with fourteen scholars. In
September, 1874, Mr. D. W. Boxley was made .a
teacher. 'In December, 1874, the present property was
purchased. In May, 1875, a congregation was organ-
ized, with Rev. Lewis Johnston, pastor, and Lewis
Johnston, Sr., and George M. Elliott, elders. D. W.
Boxley was soon added to the session. In October,
1875, Mr. Welby Williams was chosen a teacher. In
September, 1876, Misses Delia Boyd and Anna E.
Echols were chosen teachers. Mr. Johnston's connec-
tion with the Mission ceased in November, 1876. In
October, 1S77, I\Ir. G. I\I. Elliott became Principal, and
John Willdee a teacher. A frame church building was
erected in August, 1S78. In 1S79, P. A. W. Williams
and wife became teachers. In 1880, the present com-
modious school building was erected by Mr. Robert
Glasgow, of Pittsburgh, and the institution became
known as Knox Academy. Mr. J. H. Pickens, and
Misses Georgia Mallory and Maria Kingston now
became teachers. Mrs. Elliott died in September, 1S81,
and Miss L. J. Cardoza taught that year. In 1882,
Misses Ruth Hutcheson, Sadie R. and E. J. Guy
7/6 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
were, added to the staff of teachers, and Rev. and Mrs.
J. M. Paris taught during the winter. In 1883, J. H.
Echols became a teacher, and during the winter, r\Ir.
J. M. Sloane and wife taught. INIiss Anna E. Grinage
was added in 1SS4. Mr. Elliott resigned the Superin-
tendency in May, 1SS5, the congregation demanding
his whole time, and J. H. Echols filled the vacancy.
In October, 1SS6, Rev. H. W. Reed was chosen Prin-
cipal, who was succeeded by Rev. J. W. Dill in
January, iSSS. There are now ten teachers, and five
hundred pupils. At Pleasant Grove, six miles distant
from Selma, the IMission owns twenty-five acres of
ground, and is conducting a successful school under
Mr. S. H. Pickens.
Camden. By the recommendation of Mr. Morrill, a
resident of Camden, Alabama, this city was selected as
a field for a Mission, November, 1876, and Mr. William
;McKinney, licentiate, was appointed IMissionary. He
repaired to this field, with his wife, in Januar}', 1877,
and the first }-ear gathered a school of about eighty
scholars. Mrs. McKinney died in October, 1877, ^ri^
Miss Mary E. Carson taught for some time. The Mission
being refused a share in the school fund by the newly
elected Democratic authorities in Camden, the school
was abandoned in April, 1878.
New York City. This Mission was first organized
by the New York Presb)-tery in October, 1867, and Rev.
R. Z. Willson was placed in charge. It was located in
East Fifty-Fourth street, near Third Avenue, and by
door to door visitation the Missionarj' gathered a large
school. In May, 1870, it was transferred from the Pres-
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. -j-j-j
bytery to an Association called the " New York City
Mission." :\Ir. Willson died in June, 1872, and the
enterprise was abandoned. It was re-organized by the
New York Presbytery in October, 1SS6, and since May,
1887, Mr. J. :M. McElhinney, licentiate, has been in charge,
and has done a good work. No permanent school has
been established, but the work is done in connection
with the several congregations of the citv.
Chinese. In August, 1S75, the Rev. N. R. Johnston
and family removed to Oakland, California, and opened
a school among the Chinese. In I\Ia_\-, 1S77, it was
recognized as a Mission of the Church. During the
past decade twenty-nine Chinamen have been converted
and baptized, and the school consists of over one
hundred and f^fty pupils. Besides Mr. Johnston, his
daughter. Miss Monroe, Cheung Sing, and Ju Guy, have
been teachers. In the congregations of Cincinnati, Pitts-
burgh, Allegheny, and New York, there are schools for
the Chinese.
INDI.\N. By direction of the Central Board, Mr. John
R. Lee, of Wahoo, Nebraska, explored the Indian Ter-
ritory- as a f^eld for the establishment of the new Indian
Mission, in the fall of 18S7, and selected Anadarko,
near Fort Sill, among the Kiowa nation. Rev. J. Millicran
Wylie, General Secretary of Home Missions, has the
work under consideration. The Central Board of Mis-
sions assists many of the weak and rising congregations
of the British Provinces and throughout the West, but
all the permanent Missions have been noticed.
HISTORY OF THE UEFORMEU
SYNODS AND PRESBYTERIES.
From ihe earliest settlement of Covenanters in America,
those families residing in the same communit)- organ-
ized themselves into a society or correspondence. All
these societies or correspondences met bj' representa-
tion, annually or semi-annuallj', for the transaction of
business or religious worship, as a Sj-nod or Pre^b}'-
tery, and this was called "The General Meeting." Until
the accession of a minister, these meetings were pre-
sided over by some prominent elder chosen by the
people. From 1743 until 1749, they were presided over
by the Rev. Alexander Craighead; and from 1751 until
1774, by the Rev. John Cuthbertson, and were usually
held at Little Octorara, Lancaster Count}-, Penns}'lvania.
The Reformed Presbytery was first organized in America
by Revs. John Cuthbertson, Matthew Linn and Alex-
ander Dobbin, with ruling elders, at Paxtang, Dau-
phin County, Pennsylvania, March 10, 1774.
MEETINGS OF THE REFORMED TRESBYTERV.
March 10, 1774 Paxtang, Pa |John Cuthbertson.,
May 23, 1774 Rock Creek, Pa
November 23,1774. Pequea. Pa
November 26, 1774. Philadelphia, Pa [Matthew Lmn
Mav I, 1775 Octorara. Pa
May 22, 1775 Junkin Tent, Pa |
May 20, 1776 Paxtang, Pa .-I
August 26 1776 [Rock Creek, Pa .-^ilex. Dobbm
February 24, 1777.. .Octorara, Pa John Cuthbertson..
August iS, 1777 1 Lower Chanceford, Pa...
September 30, 1777.! Donegal, Pa
March 31, 1778 Pequea, Pa
October 29, i778....iOctorara. Pa John Cuthbertson,.
June g, 1779 Pequea, Pa
August 12, 1780 iJunkin Tent, Pa.
March 21, 1781 IPequea, Pa
August 15, 1781 lOctorara, Pa Matthew Lmn
November 28, 1781.1 Paxtang, Pa
December I, 1781... I Donegal, Pa
June 13,1782 i Pequea, Pa John Cuthbertson.
John Cuthbertson.
J
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA.
779
The court was disorganized b)- the ministers going
into the union which formed the Associate Reformed
Church, November i, 1782.
The Reformed Presbytery was re-organized by the
Revs. William Gibson and James McKinney, with elders,
at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, May iS, 1798, and con-
tinued until the organization of the Synod, May 24, 1809.
MEETINGS OF THE REFORMED FRESBYTERV.
DatE.
May 18, 1798 Philadelphia, Pa i James McKinney..
August 10, lyqS New York, N. Y !William Gibson...
February ig, 1799.. New Y'ork, N. Y' ijames McKinney..
:March 26. 1799 Philadelphia, Pa William Gibson...
June 21, 1799 Coldenham, N. Y' James McKinney..
June 24, 1800 Ryegate, Vt William Gibson...
June 27, 1800 'Duanesburgh, N.Y' ,'3. B. Wvlie
^Jovember 7, 1800, . Little Britain, N. Y' S. B. Wylie
December 4, 1800. . .Elizabeth, Pa [James McKinney ; 2
December iS, iSoo.' Pittsburgh, Pa S. B. Wylie ' 2
January 28, iSoi....iRockv Creek, S. C |S. B. Wylie j 2
April 7, i8ci IGreensburgh, Pa :S. B. Wylie 3
July 3, 1801 'Coldenham, N. Y John Black 3
June 16, 1S02 INew York, N. Y William Gibson j 5
October 4, 1S03 iConococheague, Pa Alexander McLeod....[ 4
September 18, 1804., Conococheague, Pa iThomas Donnelly I 5
May 6, 1806 INew York, N. Y' ^Villiam Gibson | 51 4
October 6, 1S07 Conococheague, Pa. Matthew Williams ' 6J 5
May 16, 1S09 Philadelphia, Pa ;Gilbert McMaster j 8 1 5
The S}-nod of the Reformed Presbyterian Church in
America was constituted in the city of Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania, May 24, 1S09, by the oldest minister
present, the Rev. William Gibson. The General Synod,
composed of representatives from the several Presbyteries,
was constituted in the city of New York, New York,
August 2, 1 82 5. The Presbyteries were divided into
two Sub-Synods, August 12, 1S31. Those East of the
Allegheny Mountains composed the Eastern Subordinate
Synod; and those West of the Allegheny Mountains,
78o HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
the Western Subordinate S\-nod, and the General Synod
met bi-ennially. This di\'ision was abolished, June 26,
1S40, and the Synod, composed of all the ministers in
the Church, and a lay delegate from each session, was
restored October 6, 1841, which is the Supreme Judica-
tory of the Church, and has met annually since 1861.
SYNODS OF THE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
|.| Date. j Place, Moderator. 1=^
I'May 24, 1809 Philadelphia, Pa |William Gibson I ^ 5
2 May 15, 1811 New York, N. Y 'Gilbert McMaster ; 7 5
3lAugust II, 1812 Pittsburgh, Pa John Kell 10 10
4|May 4, 1814 Philadelphia, Pa ! Alexander McLeod ii, 7
5!May 16, 1816 Philadelphia. Pa 'William Gibson ' 9' 4
6, September 3, iSiy.iColdenham, N. Y ! Robert Lusk 1 7j 6
7iMay 26, 1818 ipittsburgh. Pa 'Thomas Donnelly 'I3 6
8 August 10, 1819 iConococheague, Pa John Cannon 13, 5
9 October 7, 1821 rPhiladelphia, Pa John Gibson 12 5
10 August 5, 1823 IPittsburgh, Pa IJ. R. Willson. .■. J17' 9
11 August 2, 1825 'New York, N.Y James Milligan iS 8
12 May 16, 1827 iPhiladelphia, Pa [Gilbert McMaster 116; 9
13 August 6, 1828 IPhiladelphia, Pa ijames Christie 16 9
14 August 4, 1830 iPittsburgh, Pa : Samuel Wylie 21 10
15 August 3, 1831 iPhiladelphia. Pa |S. W, Crawford '9^4
16 August 16, 1833 [Philadelphia. Pa John Cannon iSiiS
17 October 8, 1834 iPittsburgh, Pa ! Robert Gibson 14; 9
18 October 5, 1836 'Allegheny, Pa !S. M. Willson 117"°
i9lOctober 2, 1838 'New York, N.Y 'James Blackwood 16 11
2oijune 16, 1840 lAllegheny, Pa JDavid Scott '16 14
2ijOctober 6, 1841 Utica, Ohio [C. B. McKee =3 '9
22 August 15, 1843 1 Rochester, N, Y [Moses Roney 2&](^
23 May 19, 1845 'Allegheny, Pa J. B. Johnston 3' -7
24!May 25, 1S47 Allegheny, Pa jThomas Sproull 33-^
25JMay 22, 1S49 iPhiladelphia, Pa ijames Christie [37,-8
26, May 27, 1S51 'Allegheny. Pa .'David Scott 46,32
27lMay 24, 1853 INew York, N.Y W. L.Roberts 46:34
2S|May 22, 1855 Allegheny. Pa [S. O. Wvlie '50 39
29|May 27, 1856 Philadelphia. Pa iS. M. Willson 47, 3S
30|May 27, 1857 iNorthwood, Ohio [Samuel Sterrett 53 47
3ilMay 24, 1859 Allegheny, Pa [J, M. Willson 5"42
32JMay 28, 1861 [New York, N. Y John Crozier 49 32
33lMay 27, 1862 [Allegheny, Pa James Wallace 1 58 40
34lMay 28, 1863 ILinton, Iowa [A. M. Milligan 51 28
3i;tMay 24, 1864 [Philadelphia. Pa Samuel Bowden '6034
36|May 24, 1865 'Utica, Ohio John Stott '6447
37'May 23, 1866 Rochester, N. Y R. J. Dodds '60 34
3S|May 22,1867 Allegheny, Pa J. R. W. Sloane ,7' Si
39'May 27, 1S6S Northwood. Ohio H. P. McClurkin i7o6o
40 May 26, 1S69 Newburgh, N. Y Andrew Stevenson 6446
41 May 25. 1870 New York.N. Y J, C. K Milligan 7- 54
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA.
/Si
-42 May
43'May
44; May
45'May
46!May
47 May
4S;May
49 May
50 May
5ilMav
52 : May
53:May
54 'May
55 May
56 May
57 June
58 June
1S71 Pittsburgh, Pa H. H. George. 79
1S72 York, N. Y William Milroy '(>~
1873 ,Northwood, Ohio Joseph McCracken 174
1S74 [Philadelphia, Pa John Galbraith iSo
1S75 [Coulterville, 111 James Kennedy jSo
1S76 Allegheny, Pa Joseph Beattie 1841
1S77 Allegheny, Pa J. R. Thompson jS;.
1S7S Linton, Iowa C. D. Trumbull ,7'
1S79 New York, N. Y David Methenv iS6
18S0 Philadelphia, Pa David Mc.-Mlisier 1S9
iSSi 'Pittsburgh, Pa T. P. Stevenson :S7i
iSS: New Concord. Ohio David Gregg jSi
1SS3 ^Alleghenv, Pa D. S. Paris 94:
1SS4 Northwood. Ohio ;P. H. Wylie 88,
iSS; 'Morning Sun, Iowa iDavid McKee 187
886^ Rochester. N. Y 'Samuel Carlisle 190;
887 New-burgh, N. Y ID. B. Willson J91
THE PRESBYTERIES.
Illinois Presbytery: Organized September 14, 1840;
including all the congregations West of Western Indiana;,
after June 3, 1863, all West and South to the Mis-
sissippi River.
Iowa Presbytery: Organized June 3, 1863; including-
all the congregations West of the Mississippi River; after
August 29, 1 87 1, all in Eastern Iowa, Wisconsin and
Minnesota.
Kansas Presbytery: Organized August 29, 1S71 ;.
including all congregations in ^^■estern Iowa, Kansas,
Missouri, Nebraska, Colorado, and West to the Pacific
Ocean.
Lakes Presbytery: Organized September 14. 1840;-
including all congregations W'est of the Scioto Ri\-er in
Ohio, to the \^'ester^ Counties of Indiana, and North
including the State of Michigan.
Middle Committee and Presbytery : The Com-
mittee was organized June 22, 1802; including all
782 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
congregations South of the Southern boundary of New
York State and Cit>-, to the Northern boundary of North
Carolina and Tennessee ; changed to the Middle Presby-
tery 'May 24, 1809, and disorganized August 16, 1819.
New Brunswick and Nova Scotia Presbytery :
Organized by the Irish Synod April 25, 1832 ; transferred
to the American S)-nod, June 2, 1879 ; including all
congregations in Maine, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.
New York Presbytery: Changed from Southern,
August 22, 1843 ; including all congregations East of
the Allegheny Mountains and Delaware Count}-, New
York, and South to Virginia; after October il, 1853,
all North of the Northern boundary of Pennsylvania
and New Jersey; and after September 11, 1883, the
Eastern limit was the Eastern boundary of New York
State, including Massachusetts.
Northern Committee and Presbytery : The Com-
mittee was organized June 22, 1802 ; including all con-
gregations North and East of the Southern boundary
of New York State ; it was changed to the Northern
Presbytery, May 24, 1809; after August 16, 1819, all
North of the Southern boundary of New York State
and East of New Jersey; after August 12, 1831, it
was known as the Green Mountain Presb3-tery, including
all East of the Green Mountains in Vermont ; after
August 7, 1833, all East of the Hudson River and
North of the Cit}- of New York ; and was disorganized
and attached to the Southern Presbyter)-, May 17, 1839.
Ohio Presbytery: Organized August 11, 1S30;
including all congregations in Ohio, West of the Musk-
ingum River and the Canal North to Cleveland ; after
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 783
October 5, 1S3S, all West of the Eastern Counties of
Ohio to the Scioto River North to the Lake ; disorgan-
ized and attached to the Pittsburgh Presbytery, October
J2, 1841. Re-organized, October 15, 1S62, including
all the congregations in Ohio, West of the Eastern
Counties to the Scioto River and North to Lake Erie.
Philadelphia Presbytery: Organized August i6,
1819; including all the congregations East of the Alle-
gheny Mountains and South of the Northern boundaries
of Penns\-lvania and New Jersey to North Carolina ;
-after August 12, 1S31, all East of the ^Mountains to
New York Cit\- and South; disorganized, August 7,
1S33. Re-organized, October 11, 1853, including all
•congregations in Eastern Pennsylvania, Marj-land and
Virginia.
Pittsburgh Presbytery: Organized August i6, 1819;
including all the congregations West of the Allegheny
Mountains to the Western boundary 'of Ohio; after
August 12, 1831, all West of the Allegheny Moun-
tains to the Muskingum River in Ohio and Canal North
to Cleveland; after October 5, 183S, all West of the
IMountains to the Eastern Counties of Ohio ; after
October 12, 1841, all West of the Mountains to the
Muskingum Ri\-er and Canal North to Cleveland, in
Ohio; after October 15, 1S62, all \\'est of the Moun-
tains to the Eastern Counties of Ohio.
Rochester Presbytery : Changed from Western
Presbytery of the Eastern Subordinate S}-nod, August
22, 1843 ; including all the congregations in New York
State, West of Delaware County and North embrac-
ing those in Canada West.
784 HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
Southern CoM>nTTEE and Presbytery : The Com-
mittee was organized, June 22, 1802 ; including all the
congregations South of \'irginia and Tennessee to the
Gulf of Mexico, and was changed to the Southern
Presbytery, May 24, 1809. After May 20, 1S16, all
South of the Northern boundar}' of North Carolina
and Tennessee ; and after August 12, 1831, was the
Southern Presbj-ter}- of the Western Subordinate Sj'nod;
disorganized and attached to the Western Presbyter}'
of that Synod, October 5, 183S. The Southern Pres-
bytery of the Eastern Subordinate Synod was specified
August 12, 1 831, sometimes called Albany, including
all the congregations North of the Cit}^ of New York,
East of the Mohawk River, embracing Albany, to Ver-
mont ; after August 7,_ 1833, all between the Hudson
River on the East, embracing New York City, West to
Lake Ontario and the Allegheny Mountains, to North
Carolina on the South ; after May 14, 1S37, ^^1 '"
New York State between the Hudson River and Dela-
ware County, and South to North Carolina, and was
changed to New York Presbytery, August 22, 1843.
Vermont Presbytery: Organized September 11,
1883; including all the congregations in the State of
Vermont.
Western Presbytery: Organized May 20, 1S16;
including all the congregations in Ohio, West of the
Muskingum River; after August 16, 18 19, all West of
the State of Ohio to the Pacific Ocean. The Western
Presb}-tery of the Western Subordinate Synod was speci-
fied August 12, 1S31, including all the congregations.
West of Ohio to the Pacific Ocean, and South to the
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. 785
Cumberland Mountains; after October 5, 1S3S, all West
of the Scioto River in Ohio to the Pacific Ocean, and
Avas disorganized, September 14, 1S40. The Western
Presb}-ter}- of the Eastern Subordinate Sj'nod was
specified, August 12, 1S31, sometimes called Mohawk,
including all the congregations in New York State, West
of the Hudson Ri\-er, and was disorganized August /,
1S33. Reorganized, May 14, 1S37; including all the
congregations in New York State, West of Delaware
■County, and changed to Rochester, August 22, 1S43.
THE PUBLICATIONS.
The Evangelical JVitfiess, published in Newburgh, New
York, under the patronage of the American Evangelical
Tract Society; a monthly magazine; edited by Rev.
James R. Willson, D. D.; first issued, August, 1822;
price, $1.50 per annum. Discontinued, July, 1826.
T/ie Avierzca?! Christian Expositor, published in New
York, New York, as the organ of the Reformed Pres-
byterian Church; designed to promote the influence of
sound principles and social order; a monthly magazine;
edited bj' Rev. Alexander McLeod, D. D.; first issued,
-May, 1831; price, $2.00 per annum. Discontinued,
April, 1833.
The Albayiy Quarterly, published in AIban\-, New York,
under the patronage of the Albany Historical Society;
a quarterly magazine; edited by Revs. James R. Willson,
D. D., and Samuel M. Willson; first issued, January,
1832; price, $1.50 per annum. Discontinued, Decem-
ber, 1S33.
786 HISTORV OF THE REFORMED
Tlie Reformed Presbyteriaji, published in Newburgh.
New York, and authorized as the organ of the Reformed
Presbyterian Church; a monthly magazine; edited b)-
Rev. Moses Roney, A. M.; first issued, March, 1S37;
price, $1.50 per annum. The year 1848, the Rev. Da\-id
Scott was editor. The Rev. Moses Roney died Jul)- 3,
1854. Rev. Thomas Sproull, D. D., became editor,
March, 1855, and it was published in Pittsburgh, Penn-
sylvania. Consolidated with the Ccrjenanter, January,
1863.
The Covenanter, published in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,
as a magazine of the Reformed Presbyterian Church; a
monthly magazine; edited by Rev. James M. Willson,
D. D.; first issued, August, 1S45; price, $1.50 per
annum. Consolidated with the Reformed Presbyterian,
Januar>', 1863.
The Reformed Presbyterian and Covenanter, published
in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as the organ of the Reformed
Presbyterian Church; a monthly magazine; edited by
Revs. Thomas Sproull, D. D., and James M. Willson,
D. D.; first issued, January, 1863; price $1.00 per
annum. Dr. J. M. Willson died August 31, 1S66, and
Dr. Sproull was the sole editor until January, 186S,
when Rev. J. W. Sproull was the Associate. Dr.
Thomas Sproull retired January, 1874, and Rev. D. B.
Willson became an editor, with Rev. J. W. Sproull,
under whose management it is published.
TJie Christian Statesman, published in Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania, as the organ of the National Reform
Association ; a weekl}- paper ; edited b\' Revs. T. P.
Stevenson, D. D., and David McAllister, D. D., LL. D. ;
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. '/'SJ
first issued. August, 1867 ; price, $2.00 per annum.
Mr. J. W. Pritchard was Business IManager for the
}-ear 1SS3, and Rev. J. H. Leiper since 1SS7.
Our Banner, published in New York, New York, and
devoted to the principles of the Reformed Presbyterian
Church ; a monthly magazine ; edited by Revs. J. C.
K. Milligan, J. H. Boggs and David Gregg; first
issued, January 15, 1874; price, $1.00 per annum.
Rev. J. H. Boggs retired December, 18S0, Rev. David
Gregg, December, 1SS6, and Rev. J. C. K. Milligan
is editor.
The College Cabinet, published at Northwood, Ohio,-
as the exponent of Geneva College ; a monthly maga-
zine ; edited by D. G. Wylie and W. Vi. Glasgow ;
first issued, September, 1878 ; price, $1.00 per annum.
The following have been the editors: 187S, D. G.
Wylie and W. M. Glasgow; 1879, W. M. Glasgow and
J. R. J. I\Iilligan; 1880, (published at Beaver Falls,
Pennsylvania,) J. H. Wylie, T. H. Acheson. J. W. Mc-
Naugher and D. G. Williamson; 1S81, T. H. Acheson,
J. W. McXaugher, D. G. Williamson and E. M. Smith;
18S2, D. G. Williamson, E. M. Smith, S. D. Johnston
and M. A. Parkinson; 1S83, a Joint Stock Company
organized, with ten editors and assistants, since which time
the editorial staff has been annually elected. The name
of the magazine was changed to the Genevan, Septem-
ber, 1 886, and to the Geneva Cabinet, September, 1S87.
The Monthly Advocate, published in St. John, New
Brunswick, and devoted to the interests of Christian
truth and morality ; a monthly magazine ; edited b\-
788
Rev. J. R. Lawson ; first issued May, 1880 ; price, 50
cents per annum. Discontinued, April, 1882.
The Christian N'ation, published in New York, and
endorsed by the National Reform Association; a journal
of enlightened statesmanship, sound public morals,
choice literature, and general information; a weekly
paper; edited by John W. Pritchard; first issued, Sep-
tember, 1884; price, $2.00 per annum.
The Guiditig Star, published in Selma, Alabama, and
devoted to the moral and spiritual progress of the
colored race; a weekly and monthly paper; edited by
Rev. G. M. Elliot; first issued, March, 1886; price, 60
•cents per annum. Discontinued, March, 18S8.
Herald of Mission Neivs, published in New York, with
the approval of the Board of Foreign Missions of the
Reformed Presbyterian Church; a monthly magazine;
edited by Rev. R. M. Sommerville; first issued, January,
J887; price, 50 cents per annum.
HECKMAN
BINDERY INC.