Cornell Mniversity Library BOUGHT WITH THE INCOME FROM THE SAGE ENDOWMENT FUND THE GIFT OF Henry W. Sage 1891 DATE DUE p26 PECL 418485 MAY 251949 J Cornell University Library BX8958.E6 E14 “iil i vil ili [ 3 1924 029 475 484 olin HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERY OF ERIE. [oo5-D4 HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERY OF ERIE; EMBRACING IN ITS ANCIENT BOUNDARIES THE WHOLE OF NORTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA AND NORTHEASTERN OHIO: . WITH BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF ALL ITS MINISTERS, AND HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF ITS CHURCHES. BY S. J. M. EATON, PASTOR OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, FRANKLIN, PA. NEW YORK: PUBLISHED BY HURD AND HOUGHTON, 459 Broome STREET. 1868. oN Aloe? Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1868, by 8. J. M. Eaton, in the Clerk’s Office of the District Court for the Eastern District of Penn- sylvania. PRINTED AT THE RIVERSIDE PRESS, OAMBRIDGE, MASS. TO THE MEMORY OF THE FATHERS AND BRETHREN OF THE PRESBYTERY OF ERIE, , WHO REST FROM THEIR LABORS: AND TO THOSE WHO YET LABOR IN THE GREAT FIELD, DOING THE MASTER'S WORK, Ghts Volume IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED BY THEIR FELLOW SERVANT, THE AUTHOR. PREFACE. —_¢— Tue Presbytery of Erie, although small in its pres- ent membership and territory, has a most interesting history. It is substantially the history of Presbyterian- ism in the early settlement of Northwestern “Penn- sylvania and Eastern Ohio. Being the third Pres- bytery organized west of the Mountains, its history is connected with the recital of enterprise and self-de- nial and energetic endeavor, ‘such as have character- ized the histories of few Presbyteries, east or west. . But the early records are brief, and in many respects unsatisfactory. There is no record of the organization of churches for the first thirty years of its history, and it is often impossible to distinguish between regularly organized churches and mere preaching points. At the first, the names of places seem to have been re- corded just as they petitioned for supplies, and were permitted to change to the more important relation of organized churches without any record being made. The authorities chiefly relied on in this work, are the Minutes of the Presbytery, of the Synod of Pitts- burgh, and of the General Assembly. Aid has also viii " PREFACE. been received from the “Western Missionary, Maga- zine,” “ Evangelical Intelligencer,” Gillett’s “History of the Presbyterian Church,” Wilson’s “ Presbyterian His- torical Almanac,” “ Old Redstone,” Elliott’s “ Macurdy,’s “ History of Western Pennsylvania,” Dr. Smith’s “Sketches,” and an extended correspondence with brethren, to whom thanks are here tendered. Added to this, familiarity from childhood with the relation of the stirring scenes and incidents connected with the early history of the Presbytery, by those who mingled in its affairs, has greatly assisted in filling up what had else been but dim outline. In the biographical department, sketches have been given of all the ministers who have been at any time connected with the Presbytery, together with brief his- torical notices of all the living ministers whose names have been upon its roll. The numbers prefixed to the names denote the order in which they became mem- bers of Presbytery; and these numbers affixed in the history proper, refer to the biographical sketches, in Part II. The sketches of churches are designed to embrace all connected with the history of the Presby- tery. They necessarily embrace churches new under the care of the Presbyteries of Beaver, Alleghany, Alleghany City, and St. Clairsville ; also, the Presby- teries of Erie, Meadville, Buffalo, and Trumbull, of the other branch. These sketches are brief and mea- gre, even where much matter was at hand, as extended notices would have swelled the volume to an undue size. ef me “4 ie P PREFACE. : 1x The work was undertaken at the request of the Presby- tery of Erie. The task of collecting and arranging the materials has been tle labor of years; and the com: pleted work is‘ now offered to the Church as an humble memorial of the past, and to perpetuate that which else had soon been forgotten forever upon earth. FRANKLIN, Pa., February, 1868. CONTENTS. —_e— PART I. CHAPTER I. PRELIMINARY. The Times. — Peace with the Indians. — Spirit of Enterprise. — ' Spirit of Revival. — Great Prosperity. — The Territory extend- ‘ed; uncultivated. — Eager calls for Laborers. — Boundaries. — The Ministers: Hardy; inured to Labor ; Enterprising; Edu- cated in the West; adapted to the Field; Advantages; Charac- ter; their Labors ; Missionary Toilers.— Churches to be or- ganized. — Difficulties to be settled. — Anecdote. — Hardships. Mode of Travelling. — Stockton. — Eaton. — Successes. — An- ecdote of Rice. — Presbyterianism. — Revivals. — Young Men. — The People: Scotch; Irish. — Frolics. — Primitive Houses. — McGarraugh's House; Eaton’s. — Church Buildings. — Middle- brook. — Seeking Supplies. — Edward Johnston. — Domestic Manufacture. — Supplies. — Manners. — Church Service. — Lin- ing Out. — Tedious Service. — Communion Service. — Tokens. — Fencing the Tables.— Catechism . ‘i : . . . 8 CHAPTER II. FROM THE ERECTION OF THE PRESBYTERY TO THE FIRST DIVISION. 1801-1808. Redstone and Ohio. — Act of Synod. — Boundaries. — First Meet- ing. — Members — Officers. —Mr. Hughes and Mr. Wick. — Mr. Tait’s First Church. — Mr. Stockton’s Youth. — Satterfield, Wylie, Plumer, Dodd. — First Supplies. — Prayer. — Educa- tion. ~ Academy. — Statistical Report. — First Preaching. — xil CONTENTS. Dickson’s Journal. — Wood. — John and Abraham Boyd or- dained. — Cook and Patterson. — Books sought. — Elements of Boards. — Badger. — Supplies. — Patterson’s Journal. — First Licensure. — First Pastoral Relation Dissolved. — Missions to Indians. — History of Presbytery. — Plan of Union. — Division of Presbytery. — Protest. — Stated Clerk’s Bill. — Academy. — Licensures. — Division of Presbytery. — Minute of Synod. — New Presbytery of Hartford . CHAPTER III. FROM THE FIRST TO THE SECOND DIVISION OF PRESBYTERY. 1808-1820. New Roll. — Settlements. — Territory. — Houses of Worship. — Barns. — Forest Worship. — Tradition. — Dismissions. — Mat- thews. — Riggs. — Fire in Churches. — Missionary Ground. — Matrimony. — Synod’s Action. — Hilands’. — Early Experience. — Butler. — Salem. — Serious Question. — Chaplains. — Tem- perance. — Redick and Chase. — Offense. — Troubles. — Psalm- ody. — Music. — Alden and Missions. — Theological Seminaries. — Candidates. — Camp. — Complaint. — Division of Presbytery. — Results. — Revivals. — Presbytery of Alleghany CHAPTER Iv. FROM THE SECOND DIVISION OF PRESBYTERY TO THE GREAT DIVISION. 1820-1837. Contracted Limits. — Small Number of Ministers. — Churches. — Discouragements. — Energy. — First Meeting. — Van Liew. — Narrative. — Sunday-schools. — Meadville. — Missionary Cir- cular. — Springfield Controversy.— New Members. — Erie. — Mercer. — Franklin. — Increase. — Revival. —Incidents. —Tem- perance. — Four Days’ Meetings. — Sacraments. — Evangelists. — Revival. — Baptism. — Fast Difficulties. —New Members. — Act and Testimony. — West. — Slavery. — Elders’ Convention. 27 66 — Franklin. — Troubles in the Distance . 5 . : . 100 CONTENTS. xii ® CHAPTER V. THE GREAT DIVISION. 1837-1838. : : The Storm. — Action of General Assembly disapproved of. — Vote. — Complaint and Appeal. — Action of Synod. — Last Meeting. — Members Present. - McCready’s Resolutions. — R&- port of Commissioners. — Motion to postpone and refer to Sy- nod. —Vote. — Withdrawal of Minority. — Rule of General As- sembly. — Officers. — Records. — Synod. — Decision. — Presby- tery of the other Branch. Se eR ae eo hp <8 . 185 CHAPTER VI. FROM THE GREAT DIVISION TO THE PRESENT. 1888-1867. Numbers. — Division. — Feeling. — New Members. — Education. — Missionary. — Sabbath. — Slavery. — Proposition of Reun- ion. — 1845 to 1855. — Revival. — Death of Mr. Eaton. — Death of Glenn and McCullough. — 1859 to 1861. — State of the Coun- try. — 1865. — Exchange of Delegates with New School. — State of the Country. — President. — 1867. — Revivals . : » 143 CHAPTER VII. SUPPLEMENTAL. Changes. — Short Settlements. — Causes. — Roll. — Longevity. — Oldest Ministers. — Nativity. — Places of Study. — Chaplains. — Christian Commission. — Stated Clerks. — Influence. — Ex- ample. — Lessons a : . : é 7 ‘a - . 169 xiv CONTENTS. PART II. BIOGRAPHICAL. BIOGRAPHIES OF DECEASED MINISTERS, Thomas Edgar Hughes sate YAVilliam Wiel). : omen Samuel ‘Tait i. Joseph Stockton Robert Lee. - Sao James Satterfield) F William Wylie. . John Boyd Abraham Boyd . William Wood . a eseptr Bades _ Alexander Cook ¥ Robert Patterson R ———= Nicholas ittinger ; John McPherrin Benjamin Boyd . Cyrus Riggs . Reid Bracken . “—~James\Boyd). . . John Matthews . Robert McGarraugh -Ira Condit . Amos Chase . 177 John Redick . 183 Timothy Alden . 185 John Munson . 191 Phineas Camp 195 Bradford Marcy . 199 Giles Doolittle » 203. Nathan Harned . 211 Wells Bushnell . 213 Thomas Anderson . 216 Pierce Chamberlain 218 Edson Hart 230 Robert Glenn 233 FobnMcNan_. 240 Nathaniel West . 249 Charles Danforth 251 John Limber . 255 Alexander Boyd 256 .John Kinkead Cornyn 261 Lewis W. Williams 265 Lemuel P. Bates 269 Charles V. Struve . 271 Nathaniel M. Crane 275 William McCullough . 277 Robert Taylor 282 NOTICES OF LIVING MINISTERS. John Van Liew . David McKinney Absalom McCready Peter Hassinger . James Alexander . ~— George A. Lyon George W. Hampson . William A. Adair . Simeon Peck . — 369 / James GS Wilson) . 370° Robinson 8. Lockwood 371 Reuben Lewis 872 William Fuller . 873 David Waggoner 374 Daniel Washburn . 374 /John V. Reynolds . 875 Edmund McKinney 376 { Cyrus Dickson . 288 290 296 , 299 302 3803 308 311 315 319 323 324 328 831 BT Terme 378 378 879 380 380 381 381 381 Edward S. Blake Hiram Eddy . » Joseph T. Smith James Coulter Henry Webber . James W. Dickey . Alexander Cunningham . John M. Smith . Miles T. Merwin fre G. Olmstead . James H. Callen Samuel J. M. Eaton . x Michael A. Parkinson . John Sailor. 3 Robert S. Morton <—=—William Wilson) John W. McCune . David Grier . a / George W. Zahniser . Robert F. Sample . James J. Smith . James M. Shields . William J. Alexander Charles A. Behrends . pulen M. Blackburn HISTORICAL NOTICES OF CHURCHES. Sketches of Churches, either now or at any former time under the care of Presbytery . CONTENTS. 382/ John R. Findley 882 John R. Hamilton . 383 John D. Howey. 383 Ira M. Condit 384 Anthony C. Junkin 384 Huey Newell 385 George Scott?. 385 James H. Spelman . 386 John G. Condit . 886 John H. Sargent 387 Newell S. Lowrie . 887 James H. Gray . 3888 William T. Hamilton . 388 William P. Moore . 889 George F. Cain . . 89 William M. Robinson . 890 Luther M. Belden . 390 John Rice. 890 Henry B. Lambe 891 ,James J. Marks. 389Y Robert S. Van Cleve . 392 John J. Gridley . 392 James J. Smyth 393 David Patton 393 PART III. XV 393 394 394 895 395 396 896 396 397 397 398 398 398 399 399 399 400 400 401 401 401 402 402 403 407 PART IL. —_—e— HISTORY. HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERY OF ERIE. — CHAPTER I. PRELIMINARY.’ Tue Presbytery of Erie was erected under most auspicious circumstances. The dark clouds that had lowered so heavily over the church and over the country for a quarter of a century were rapidly rolling away, and everything betokened prosperity and peace. Gen- eral Wayne’s treaty with the Indians had opened the way for the occupation of territory that had hitherto been locked up. A tide of emigration had set in from Eastern Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia, that bade fair to occupy the country that had hitherto been but the hunting ground of the Indian ; or at least neu- tral ground in the great conflict between civilization and barbarism. There was a spirit of enterprise, now greatly stimulated by the love of adventure, that was spreading over the older settlements, and that promised to bring into the new territory just opening up, the better class of the population of the East. Hitherto the region north and west of the Ohio, and extending to the great Northern Lakes, had been comparatively an unknown land. It had been partially explored for half a century, but up to this time lad been all unsettled 4 PRESBYTERY OF ERIE. and unsafe. About the year 1750-52, the French had set up their claim to its possession, and were in some degree in alliance with the Indians, rendering the work of exploring even unsafe and unprofitable. After the departure of the French, there was a bitterness and a jealousy in the minds of the Indians, who claimed the territory, that effectually closed up the country against actual settlement. At the beginning of the present century, all these difficulties were surmounted and the gates opened that invited the westward march of civil- ization, bearing in its train the blessings of evangeliza- tion. The religious influence at this time was most blessed and happy. The terrible scourge of skepticism and infidelity that seemed as though it would sweep over the entire country, after the war of the Revolution, was rapidly abating. The stamp of French influence that at one time seemed fixing itself upon the religious in- stitutions of the country was vanishing, and a pure Christianity fast assuming its place. Added to this, the spirit of revival was making itself felt with wondrous power and efficacy. The Spirit of God had been poured out most copiously upon the older Presbyteries of the West, and the infant churches recently planted in the new territory had been largely blessed. These revivals had commenced in 1778, in Vance’s Fort,! into which the settlement had been driven by the jncursions of savages. “ From 1781 to 1787, a most extensive work of grace was experienced in the churches of Cross Creek, Upper Buffalo, Chartiers, Pigeon Creek, Bethel, Lebanon, Ten Mile, Cross Roads, and Millcreek, dur- ing which more than a thousand persons were brought into the kingdom of Christ.” “From 1795 to 1799, another series of gracious visit- 1 Rey. Joseph Stevenson. HISTORY. . 9 as a general thing, constituted their library. And although these are prime sources of theology, they were read as books of devotion — as daily, spiritual bread — rather than as furnishing the mind, with any regular system of theology. They were thinking men and women, yet was their range of thought circumscribed within narrow bounds. Hence the preachers labored in a virgin soil. Grand new truths seemed to be constantly making their im- pression upon the minds of the audience. The preach- er seemed to be dispensing blessings fresh from the treasury of the Lord. His warnings and reproofs and expostulations fell like fiery barbed arrows upon con- sciences not yet seared by constant familiarity with the awful truths of God’s word. And the sweet and pre- cious consolations of the gospel —its promises, its hopes, and its encouragements — were healing balm and living waters to the faint and weary soul not familiar with these sacred things from childhood. Added to this, there was that profound reverence, amounting al most to awe, for the gospel minister, that lifted him up above the sphere of the common, and elevated him ‘almost to the height of the angels. All these things conspired to give the old fathers an influence that was most important, and that they used for the carrying for- ward of the great work committed to their care. But it is possible that these circumstances gave their people an exaggerated estimate of their power and ability. They were, many of them, no doubt men of ability, and circumstances were calculated to call out all their strength and energy; yet there were also adverse cir- cumstances connected with their life and ministry. They entered upon their preparatory studies, as a gen- eral thing, late in life, when their habits of thought and 10 PRESBYTERY OF ERIE. elasticity of mind had become somewhat fixed. They entered upon the labors of the ministry after the active powers of the intellect had begun to settle down so. as not to be readily moved: circumstances certainly not favorable to the full development of the mind and the efficient exercise of the powers of thought. Their edu- cation, tco was oftentimes defective. A few years in the academy, and a brief period with some hard-work- ing pastor in the study of theology, was all they could hope to obtain in the way of education. They had access to very few text books, and those perhaps none of the best. The only system of theology that the great majority of them had was Dr. McMillan’s “ Lec- tures.” These they copied carefully and laboriously, and bore with them to their labors for future reference and authority. Many copies of these “Lectures” are still in existence in many parts of the church, all of which were copied in the seclusion and quiet of the old log-cabin that constituted the first Theological Seminary of the West. Again, these primitive ministers, whatever their thirst for knowledge might have been, had not access to books. after entering upon their labors. Books were rare treasures then. They had not found their way into the wilderness of the West. And even if they had, the minister had neither money to purchase nor time to read. Other and more pressing duties would have crowded them out. Nor had they leisure for that close, patient study, that is favorable to the highest develop- ment of mind. Their time was spent either in the sad- dle or in the field. Samuel Tait, the pioneer of Mer- cer County, made his preparation for the pulpit whilst following the plough. His Bible, which he carried with him to the field, was his library ; and as he turned HISTORY. 11 over the furrows, and scattered the seed, he thought ot ~ God’s husbandry, and wrought out his sermons as best he might. And in addition to this, there was the almost constant travelling to and fro connected with missionary work, that could afford but little time for systematic study. But these men did a wondrous work. They stood in their lot, and their memory should be revered and loved to the remotest generations. They laid the foun- dations of Zion broad and deep, and the results remain unto this present time. The remarks just made are not designed to take a single leaf froni the chaplet of their fair fame, but simply to arrive at the truth in estimat- ing their character and influence. The great wonder is, that with their intellectual furniture and widely ex- tended labors, they were able to make so broad and deep an impression upon the times as they did. The labors of these men were most arduous. When the Presbytery was organized, there were but seven ministers to enter upon the work. The field embraced what now constitutes ten or twelve counties in Penn- sylvania, Ohio, and New York. There were a few churches organized, perhaps eight or ten. But they did not confine themselves to these. The whole field must be brought under cultivation. New churches must be organized. Those already organized must be visited, supplied, and strengthened. Difficulties must be removed, discipline administered, and the ordinances dispensed. Oftentimes, long missionary tours were undertaken, sometimes singly, sometimes two and two, for the purpose of exploring the country, and preach- ing the gospel to the destitute. Sometimes this preach- ing continued day after day, for weeks. The services would be held in private houses at first, and after the 12 PRESBYTERY OF ERIE. progress of settlement had advanced, in school-houses ; —just where a. few neighbors could be gathered to- gether. Occasionally the minister must be content to lay him down at night under the shadow of aspreading tree, with the stars of heaven for his canopy, and the song of the nightingale for his lullaby, with no even- ing repast but the thought of God’s goodness and mercy and faithfulness to those who lean on his hand. At the time of the organization of the Presbytery of Erie, there was not a bridge from the Ohio River to Lake Erie. In passing to and fro, the streams must be forded, or if this was impracticable the horse must swim and bear his rider on his back. Often has the mission- ary been obliged to swim the creek or river on the Sab- bath morning, preach in his dripping garments, and hasten on to fulfill some other appointment. Instances are on record where the missionary, after travelling per- haps two day’s journey to fulfill an appointment, found on Sabbath morning a swollen stream between him and his place of preaching, that could not possibly be crossed, and so returned without delivering the message. Nor was it an unfrequent thing for the missionary to lose his way in the wilderness. One of the earlier ministers, in his peregrinations through what is now the “ Oil region,” losing his way, finally came upon an Indian camp, and sought shelter for the night. Some bear meat and coarse hominy was his repast, and dried skins his bed. In the morning he took his way down Oil Creek to the Alleghany and thence to Franklin. Some- times these pioneers on their missionary journeys took -with them some of what were then called the luxuries of life, not expecting to find these in the cabins of the set- tlers. On one occasion, Mr. Wood (10) placed a small package of tea in his saddlebags, thinking that a cup HISTORY. 18. of the beverage that “cheers but not inebriates” would be grateful after a weary day’s ride. Finding refuge at night-fall in the cabin of a settler, he inquired of the hostess if she had any tea. She replied, “ No, I never had any in my house.” He then produced his little package and asked her to prepare him some. He busied himself about his own thoughts, until supper was announced. Seating himself at the little table by the wall, he looked for the tea-pot, and not seeing any- thing that looked like it he inquired of the woman for his tea. She pointed to a broad earthen dish, where the entire paper of tea stood, dished up in the form of greens. The ministers shared with the people all the hard- ships incident to the settlement of a new country. They built their cabins of the rough unhewn logs that were cut from the forest, often chinked and daubed them with their own hands, andas far as time would allow, cleared and worked their own fields. Indeed the probabilities are, that without this manual labor they could not have been sustained by the people. Lands were cheap, and almost every minister for the first twenty years in the history of the Presbytery, procured a farm and proceeded to prepare it for cultivation.. In process of time these farms became valuable, and were of use to the minister’s family, and as a resource against old age. Occasionally the people would assemble and assist the minister in his logging, ploughing, and har- vesting, and thus lighten his labor and afford him more time to devote to labor of a spiritual kind, as well as show their appreciation of him and sympathy in his pursuits. The mode of travelling was on horseback. All the journeys of the early ministers were performed in this 14 PRESBYTERY OF ERIE. way, not only in their missionary expeditions, but in journeys more remote, such as to meetings of Synod, General Assembly, and occasional visits to the older settlements. When Joseph. Stockton with his young wife moved to Meadville to settle, in 1801, the journey was made on horseback. And when his household effects were packed up it was with reference to being borne on the backs of horses. And when Johnston Eaton with his wife removed six years later, from near Uniontown, Pa., to the shores of Lake Erie, everything that was necessary to the comfort or convenience of the family must be packed in Jong boxes or trunks and slung upon opposite sides of horses, and be in this way transported through the woods and across streams, a distance of nearly two hundred miles. Yet the success of these hardy pioneers was very great. No doubt they often felt sorely cast down, as they sat beneath the shadows of the evening, crying out “Who hath believed our report, and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed,” but withal they had much to encourage them. There was a willing heart on the part of the people to hear. Though poor, they were willing to share their labor in building a cabin for the minister and a house for public worship, and when necessary, to give the hard ‘earned silver dollar to sup- port the institutions of religion. Says an old father? who yet lingers amid the scenes of the church militant: - “The first dollar I ever gave to the Lord in the sup- port of his worship, was the only one I possessed at the time ; and it was given as cheerfully as I have ever given one since.” This was in 1800. Samuel ‘Tait (3), then a young licentiate, had gone out to what is now Mercer County, to preach. He found a settlement? five 1 Thomas Rice. 2 Cool Spring. HISTORY. 15 miles from the present site of Mercer, and made an appointment to preach on the Sabbath. This young man, Thomas Rice, had worked the week before at making rails on the very spot where Mercer now stands, cutting the first tree that was felled, and had received a silver dollar as the proceeds of his labor. He carried it with him to the place of preaching to insure its safety. Mr. Tait preached from the words, “ And they all with one consent began to make excuse.” The sermon was blessed to the conversion of several persons, amongst them Thomas Rice. He thought he then and there was* enabled to give his heart to God. After sermon the hat was passed around to take up a collection for the minis- ter, when Thomas Rice, showing his faith by his works, put in his silver dollar. It is astonishing to notice the amount of labor that was performed by these. men during the first years of their labor in the new territory. Churches seemed to spring up everywhere. Many of them became self- sustaining in a very short time, and soon began to send out colonies, forming new churches that in turn became self-sustaining. The foundations of Zion were firmly laid, and the peculiar and distinctive type of their teach- ing became deeply impressed upon society. In many portions of the territory this distinctive character of doc- trine and practice remains clearly traceable to the pres- ent time. . In many cases the harvest seemed to succeed the sowing with wondrous rapidity. Gracious ingather- ings were common in almost all the churches, and in some cases where the regular ministrations of the gos- pel were not enjoyed. Sometimes the spirit was poured out so copiously that a large proportion of the hearers were brought into the church. Robert Johnston (14) a 16 PRESBYTERY OF ERIE relates that during a revival in Scrubgrass congregation, whilst he was pastor there, fully one half of the adult members of the congregation were hopefully converted. In other cases the seed was ,sown, that afterwards ger- minated and sprung up, producing “some thirty fold, some sixty, and some an hundred.” Another feature in the policy of these early fathers was, that they constantly sought out promising young men, and encouraged them to make preparation for the ministry. Sometimes they instructed them at their * own houses, sometimes they were sent to Cannonsburg or Greersburgh ; and in this way a constant succession of ministers were raised up, adapted to the wants of the country and prepared for labor in the great field. The people that settled this new territory were mainly from the eastern counties of Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia. As a general thing they were of the Scotch-Irish descent, and had been taught the great principles of the gospel at home, in the East. They naturally inclined to Presbyterianism and were attracted to Presbyterian forms of worship. They were at first poor in this world’s goods, living plainly and quietly, and generally supplying their wants from their own resources. Their manners and customs were most primitive. Articles of luxury were not often thought of, as utility was the great thought. The land must be cleared. The mighty giants of the forest must be felled, and their trunks burned up, to allow space for the plough. Houses must be built to accommodate the family. Food and clothing must be furnished for all. To bring about these ends, labor and toil must be endured. The neighborhood combined its efforts to bring about many of these results. The neighbors would assemble for chopping, logging, and husking HISTORY. 17 frolics, as they were termed. When a house was to be erected, they would come together with their axes and other implements, cut down trees of a suitable size, reduce them to a proper length, and bring them to the ground selected as the site for the house, notch the ends for the corners,and place them in position. Others would prepare clapboards, by splitting them from the trunk of a solid oak, for the roof. These were kept in position by logs laid upon them, keeping them down by their weight. The floors were made of puncheons split from smooth-grained chestnut or oak. The places — for doors and windows were then cut out, and doors made of puncheons, with wooden hinges and latches, completed the outside of the building. The furniture on the inside was at first equally primitive. Bedsteads were made of rough poles. Benches and tables rudely constructed with the axe and auger, answered the pur- pose admirably. In such houses as these, the early ministers lived and raised their families. When father McGarraugh (23) came to what is now Clarion County, in 1804, he lived for one year in a cabin about fifteen feet square, with a door made of chestnut bark, that had been first dried in the sun. And anold elder,? yet living, relates that calling once in about 1807 at the cabin of Johnston Eaton (20) on the Lake shore, he found the minister and his wife trying to keep them- selves protected from the beating rain. And when the offices of hospitality required that a fire should be kindled, the minister pulled the bark from the inner walls of the house, which was of dry logs, for that pur- pose. In such houses there was no fire-place with jambs, but simply a hearth and back wall. The chimney com- 1 Wm. Dickson. 2 18 PRESBYTERY OF ERIE. menced at about the height of the ceiling, and was con- structed of sticks split out like laths, and plastered over with moistened clay. The house usually consisted of a single room. Sometimes two cabins were built about ten or twelve feet apart, when a common roof ex- tended over both, leaving a kind of open area between. Church buildings were built in the same manner as the dwellings. Oftentimes they worshipped in the . open air, with what was called a tent for the accom- modation of the minister. Generally such a building was completed in a single day, with all its appoint- ments. Frequently there was not a single nail or scrap of metal in the whole building. Weights kept the clap- boards in place, and pins made of’ wood furnished the arrangements for the doors and windows. In Upper Greenfield, afterwards called Middlebrook, in Erie County, such a church was erected. The peo- ple had formed a little settlement ; had built cabins for themselves, and were beginning to feel comfortable in a worldly point of view; but they remembered the churches in Eastern Pennsylvania from which they had come, and resolved to build a house for the Lord. The neighborhood assembled one morning in the open- ing summer, with axes and oxen. Trees were cut down for logs and clapboards, the logs drawn to the proper place, notched and laid in position, the roof and floor laid, and the house completed by sundown. These churches were usually furnished with seats made of round logs. Sometimes they lay upon the ground, at other times they were raised up to the proper height by rude legs. Upon these logs the people sat and listened to the word, sometimes relieving their weariness by rising and standing upon their feet for a time, or walking about. They were not punctilious \ HISTORY. 19 about their dress,'so that it was clean. Very frequently, in summer, the men went to church without coats. When Mr. Porter returned to Westmoreland County, after visiting Mr. McPherrin’s congregation near But- ler, Pa., “He stated that Mr. McPherrin had settled amongst a very poor people; that very few of the men wore coats; and that these coats were of the coarsest kind.” 3 The people manufactured all the material for their own clothing. Flax was extensively grown. This was broken and scutched by the family, and afterwards spun - and woven, and made up into shirts and pantaloons. The female members of the household also wore cloth- ing made from it; and from the same staple, table and bed linen was prepared. Woolen cloth was manufac- tured likewise by the household. Sometimes a mix- ture was formed of wool and flax combined, making an article known as “ linsey woolsey.” When the flannel was woven it was colored in astrong decoction of but- ternut bark, and for the fulling process, soap and water were placed on the cloth, and the feet*of the young men brought into requisition, tramping and kicking it until fulled and thickened. All kinds of manufactur- ing were carried on at home, so that even in the depth of the forest a good degree of independence was ob- tained. Leather was tanned in large troughs cut from the trunks of trees, and manufactured into shoes by the families themselves. Hats were made of straw and leatherwood bark, and caps from the skins of furred animals. Much of the cabinet and chair making was performed at home. The frame of the chair was made of wood, unpainted and unturned, and the seat formed 1 Dr. Young's Sermon. 20 PRESBYTERY OF ERIE. of the bark of the slippery elm, or of splits separated from the wood of the black ash, by pounding. Domestic supplies too were simple, and luxuries few. The field supplied grain and vegetables. Coffee was made from rye, first boiled, and then roasted like the genuine article. Tea was sometimes made from the boughs of the hemlock, and sometimes from the roots of the sassafras, while sugar was manufactured from the maple trees that grew in the forest. For a time, the great want was mills to grind the grain. It was carried great distances to the older settlements, and much of the corn was pounded in mortars for hominy. Salt and iron were carried on the backs of horses from the east- ern side of the mountains. Travelling in those days was on horseback. The . mode of going to church was to bring all the horses that were at the command of the family into requisition, and then supplement the want of horse-power by walk- ing. A family of six might frequently be seen coming to church mounted upon two horses. The father would be mounted upon one horse, with the oldest child be- hind him, and the third one before him; whilst the mother would be upon the other horse, with the infant in her arms, and the second in age behind her. Some- times the mother and two children would be mounted on a solitary horse, whilst the father walked by her side with his coat hung over his arm. Young ladies often walked a distance of several miles to church, and in summer would carry their shoes in their hands until they approached the place of worship, when they would stop by the wayside and place them upon their feet, and be prepared to present a respectable appearance atthe sanctuary. In the early days the services of the Sab- bath were usually all in the day-time. They consisted HISTORY. 21 of two sermons, with a recess of about half an hour between. During this half hour the congregation eat the biscuits they had brought in their pockets, walked to the spring for a drink of water, or wandered into the burial ground, that was then usually connected with the church, to think of the loved ones whose dust was slum- bering there. At the expiration of the half hour, the congregation would assemble as though by a similar impulse, seat themselves reverently, and engage in the worship of God. In those days the singing of the praise of God was always on the congregational plan. After the hymn had been announced, one, two, or three persons, called clerks, took their position in front of the pulpit, and “lined out,” as it was termed, the hymn. The name of the tune proposed to be sung was then announced, when the clerk led the way, and the whole congregation joined in the singing. This, lining out consisted in re- citing one and sometimes two lines of the hymn at a time, before singing them. The origin of the custom arose, perhaps, in part from the scarcity of books, and in part from the inability of many of the people to read; but it was continued long after both of these difficulties had been removed. In fact, it became actually a mat- ter of conscience with many of the old fathers, who insisted that the lining out was as much a part of wor- ship as the singing and praying. The change from lining out to the regular singing of the hymn was at- tended with many difficulties and disturbances as years rolled by. This lining out, too, had many grotesque features connected with it, that were not perhaps ob- served by the fathers. It was not simply reading the lines in a sober, decorous tone of voice ; but a whining, nasal, intoning of the words, marvelously like the very 22 PRESBYTERY OF ERIE. poorest class of singing that could be executed. Yet the people became accustomed to this kind of per- formance, and not only tolerated it, but considered it a desideratum, so that the ability to “line out” properly became quite an accomplishment. In those days the Sabbath services were long and tedious. The whole day was usually devoted to the service. Soon after ten o’clock in the morning the people began to assemble, and it was nearly night when they returned home. Long psalms or hymns were sung; long prayers were offered up; and very long ser- mons were preached. Ifthe day was warm the minister laid off his coat and cravat, and proceeded deliberately from firstly to twelfthly. The ancient mode of sermon- izing was perhaps formal, yet it was so arranged that the hearers could readily retain it in their memories. The text was announced; then followed a general, easy in- troduction to the whole subject. The matter was usu- ally divided into three general heads, and these subdivi- ded into three or four branches, and the whole wound up with the application. The sermon often occupied an hour and a half, making some three hours of preaching, besides the other parts of the service. Yet the people did not complain of weariness. If sleepy or weary of sitting, they could stand up. or walk about, until rested. Sacramental occasions were great days in the history of the fathers. They usually embraced the services of four days. The first day was usually Thursday, and set apart as a “Fast Day.” It was observed precisely as the Sabbath. No work was done, and everything was quiet throughout whole neighborhoods, as the Sabbath itself. In some cases it was observed as a literal fast day by abstaining from food, but when this was not done, there was abstinence from labor. The second HISTORY. : 23 day of the service was Saturday, and after the preach- ing the session of the church met for the purpose of receiving applications for membership in the church. “Tokens” were also distiibuted to the members of the church, admitting them to the communion the following day. These “tokens” were simple bits of lead, with the initial letters of the name of the congregation upon them ; as “ F. C.,” denoting “ Fairview Congregation.” These bits of lead were distributed by the pastor and elders on Saturday and Sabbath mornings to all who wished to unite in communion, or who were in good standing in the church. After the communicants had seated themselves at the table, the elders collected these tokens, when the services proceeded. This prac- tice of distributing tokens was evidently brought from Scotland and Ireland. Its object, no doubt, was to ex- clude unworthy communicants, especially at times when a large number present were strangers. But it is ex- tremely doubtful whether it was ever of any practical advantage. After their use began to be discontinued, a good old elder who had never even dreamed that a communion could be held without them, was dreadfully horrified by a facetious minister advising him to put his tokens in his gun and shoot them at the crows. The communion Sabbath, as it was observed by our fathers, has been thus aptly described by the author of “Old Redstone ” 1: — “The action sermons, as they were called, on com- munion Sabbaths, were generally preached by the pas- tors, or resident ministers ; this was considered pecul- iarly proper. And we must remember that perhaps fully one half of the audience were not his ordinary hearers. ‘Then followed what was called fencing the 1 Page 158. 24 PRESBYTERY OF ERIE. tables. This was often tedious, occupying an hour or more. Not unfrequently there was a regular review of all the sins forbidden in each of the Ten Command- ments. And it was remarked by the profane, that the preacher never stopped until he had solemnly debarred from the ordinances every one of his people, and him- self besides. Our old ministers, however, seldom in- dulged in such lengthened details as the Seceders were said to be in the practice of doing, forbidding and de- barring various classes of offenders, that were not to be found among them, such as stage-players and vis- itants of theatres; and yet it must be confessed that our venerable fathers took this occasion to pour out a great deal ‘de omnibus rebus, et quibusdem aliis.’ ” Concerning this same matter of fencing tables, there was no doubt call for admonition and warning, yet withal it savored of harshness and severity. It must have been oftentimes gall and wormwood to the trem- bling, fearful Christian, needing, instead of such words, encouragement and assurance. One who remembers those old scenes, makes the remark that on such occa- sions there were usually two ministers, one of whom debarred every person from coming by the strictness of his charge; when the other would censure, and upbraid, and reproach every one for not coming, when the invi- tation was so free. It must be confessed that in those days the spirit of John the Baptist seemed to charac- terize the preaching, more than that of John the beloved disciple. The ordinance was in those days always connected with the literal use of tables. Sometimes there was accommodation for all to partake at the same time; if not, there were two or more tables just as circumstances might require. In this way the services became often HISTORY. 25 very tedious and even exhausting. There were usually two or more ministers in attendance, who divided the labors between or amongst them. Still the exercises on such occasions were exhausting. Oftentimes these services were held in the woods. Indeed this was usually the case in the summer season, for no house of worship, then in use, would have con- tained the people. This woods’ service was in connec- tion with what was called a tent, for the accommodation of the ministers. The tent was simply a stand, such as is used at political and Fourth of July meetings at the present time. The seats were simple logs raised to the proper height, with intervening aisles for the accom- modation of the people. The fourth day of the service was Monday following the Sabbath, when the services were concluded. To these old-fashioned communion services, the people came from far and near. It was nothing unusual to come a distance of ten or twelve miles. It was also usual for strangers to spend the evenings of Saturday and Sab- bath in the congregation, and many a house in near proximity to the place of worship was literally packed with guests; and these guests expected to enact the part of host to their entertainers on some similar occa- sion. In this way sociability was cultivated, as well as practical godliness. Great attention was paid to the Shorter Catechism. All parents were expected to have it taught to their children, and to retain it likewise in their own memo- ries. No one was supposed to be too old to be called on to repeat his “ Questions.” Indeed it was custom- ary to have the catechism taught in the common schools. Nor was it common to find any objections raised to the practice in the schools. It was the custom to have the 26 PRESBYTERY OF ERIE. = questions asked in families every Sabbath evening, in the assembled household. In addition to this, the min- ister examined the entire congregation once in each year. Usually during one year, whilst making pastoral visitations, the catechism was reviewed in each family, separately ; during the next year public examinations were held in certain districts of the congregation, when all had an opportunity of showing their promptness and diligence in this matter. It was under these circumstances, and in these times, that the Presbytery of Erie, the mother Presbytery of the Synod of Alleghany, set up its gates and entered upon its great work. From feeble beginnings, it grad- ually extended its influence until it became the mother of Presbyteries, and sent its missionaries to the aborig- ines of our own country, to the far distant nations of heathenism, as well as to every State and Territory of the Great West. CHAPTER II. FROM THE ERECTION OF THE PRESBYTERY, TO THE FIRST DIVISION. 1801-1808. Tur Presbytery of Erie was erected by the Synod of Virginia, in 1801. It was the third Presbytery that was organized, west of the Alleghany Mountains. Redstone had been organized in 1781, and Ohio in 1798. The territory of these latter Presbyterians was large, and the way opening for the rapid spread of population; and material seemed abundant for a new Presbytery. Presbyterianism was aggressive as re- garded the world and Satan, and its founders here were fully up to the times and to its spirit. So they desired a new Presbytery, that the new and promising field might be more readily occupied. There was probably another reason for its formation. The territory was within the bounds of the Synod of Virginia. The journey to meet- ings of Synod was laborious and burdensome. The Western members must cross the mountains and be ex- posed not only to fatigue but actual danger in accom- plishing it. Besides, the great work of keeping the in- stitutions of religion abreast with the extending settle- ment of the country could be best attended to by erect- ing a Synod upon the new territory. This could only be done by first erecting a third Presbytery. Ac- 28 PRESBYTERY OF ERIE. cordingly, on petition of the members of the Presby- teries of Redstone and Ohio, the new Presbytery was erected. The following is the minute of Synod in the matter : — “ At a meeting of Synod held at Winchester (Va.), October 2d, 1801, at the unanimous request of the members present from the Presbyteries of Redstone and Ohio, the Synod did and hereby do erect the Rev. Messrs. Thomas [Edgar’] Hughes (1), William Wick (2), Samuel Tait (3), Joseph Stockton (4), and Robert Lee (5), together with all the congregations north and northwest of the Ohio and Alleghany riv- ers, unto the place where the Ohio River crosses the western boundary of Pennsylvania, into a separate Presbytery, to be called the Presbytery of Erie, and ap- pointed their first meeting to be held at Mount Pleas- ant, on the second Tuesday of April next. William Wick was appointed to open the Presbytery with a sermon, and to preside until a new Moderator be chosen.” In obedience to this order of Synod, the Presbytery of Erie met at Mount Pleasant in Beaver County, Penn- sylvania, at the time appointed, April 13, 1802, and was opened with a sermon by Mr. Wick, on the words, “ And the government shall be upon his shoulder” (Isaiah ix. 6). After constituting with prayer, the following persons were found present to be enrolled, namely: Thomas Edgar Hughes, William Wick, Samuel Tait, Joseph Stockton, and Robert Lee, ministers, with three elders, William Plumer, John Menteith, and William Waddell. James Satterfield (6) and William Wylie (7) having settled within the bounds of Presbytery since the ac- 1 The middle name does not occur in the minute. HISTORY. 29 tion of Synod, and having been dismissed from the Presbytery of Ohio for the purpose, were considered as members, and their names enrolled. Elder Ithiel Dodd was enrolled on the second day of the session. Mr. Hughes was chosen Moderator, and Mr. Tait Clerk for the ensuing year. Mr. Wick was the first stated clerk of Presbytery. The territory embraced by the new Presbytery was taken from that of Redstone and Ohio, although all the original members were or- dained by the Presbytery of Ohio. This territory was large, embracing what are now the counties of Beaver, Butler, Mercer, Crawford, Erie, Lawrence, and Venango, with portions of Warren and Clarion, in Pennsylvania, the whole of the Western Reserve in Ohio, with Chau- tauque County, New York. The seven ministers who were now upon the roll of Presbytery were all settled at this time. Mr. Hughes was pastor of Mount Pleasant and New Salem. He had been ordained and installed on the 28th of August, 1799, by the Presbytery of Ohio. Mr. Wick was pas- tor at Hopewell, now in Lawrence County, Pa. and Youngstown, now in Mahoning County, Ohio. He had been ordained and installed on the 3d day of Septem- " ber, 1800, by the same Presbytery. Mr. Tait was pastor of Cool Spring and Upper Salem, in Mercer County, Pa., ordained and installed November 19, 1800. Mr. Stockton was pastor at Meadville and Sugar Creek (now Cochranton), Crawford County, Pa., ordained and in- stalled June 24,1801. Mr. Lee was pastor at Rocky Spring and Amity, Mercer County, Pa. He had been ordained and installed June 26,1801. Mr. Satterfield was pastor at Moorfield, and Neshannock, Mercer County, Pa., ordained and installed March 3, 1802. Mr. Wylie was pastor at Fairfield and Upper and Lower 380 PRESBYTERY OF ERIE. Sandy, in Mercer and Venango counties, ordained and installed March 5th, 1802. Mr. Hughes, who heads the long roll of this Presby- tery, was the first minister settled in the territory north and northwest of the Ohio and Alleghany rivers. The nucleus of his charge was constituted of several families that had emigrated from Washington and Westmore- land counties, and settled on the Beaver River, some ten or twelve miles above the town of Beaver.1 The war-whoop of the Indian was still heard and his war- path still traced, at the time of their coming. There were a number of pious families in this settlement, and feeling the importance of the regular ministry, they applied to Dr. McMillan and other of the pioneer min- isters to send one of their young men to settle among them as their pastor. Mr. Hughes, a graduate of Princeton College, who had just completed his theolog- ical studies at Dr. McMillan’s log seminary, was sent to visit them. “ He was,” says Mr. Munson (28), “a young man of good address, of ardent feelings, and of genuine piety. I subsequently became a member of his church, and well remember the searching nature of his preach- ing. He labored much to remove all false confidence, and to shake to the foundation all deceptive hopes.” Mr. Hughes continued the pastor of the church of Mount Pleasant more than thirty years, Many interest- ing incidents are related in connection with his life and labors at this place. The following was communicated by a member of the church, who was present at the time of the occurrence. The congregation had assem- bled in a grove on a communion occasion. ‘The com- municants were about going to the tables, when the heavens became overcast. The clouds rolled their 1 Munson’s letter to Dr. Plumer, Pres, Mag. vii. 463. HISTORY. 81 sombre folds athwart the sky, and there was every ap- pearance of a great rain. Mr. Hughes arose and prayed most ‘earnestly, that, if consistent with the Divine will, the rain might be stayed, and his people permitted to commune in peace. After this, it was noticed by the whole assemblage, that the clouds quickly dispersed, and there was no rain. Mr. Wick was the pioneer missionary in the Western Reserve, or New Connecticut, as it was then called. For some time he labored alone, serving his people at Youngstown and Hopewell, and making occasional tcurs amongst the Indians. He retained his first charge until his death in 1815. Mr. Tait had much of the missionary spirit. He was endued with great physical strength and endu- rance, and used them well in the Master’s cause. Having been sent out by the Presbytery of Ohio in the spring of 1800, to preach where he could find hearers, he came to a settlement called Cool Spring, in Mercer County, Pa, and about five miles from where the town of Mercer now stands. Having preached on the Sabbath, he told the people that if they would procure a lot and build a church, he, would come and preach to them. A lot was at once promised, and the next Thursday appointed as the day when the people would assemble to build a meeting-house. On the day appointed they assembled with their axes. The site was selected. ‘“ Axes were lifted up upon the thick trees,” the forest resounded with the blows made by sinewy and willing arms. The bodies of the rough logs were cut off the proper length, but were too heavy to be brought into position, al- though near to the site of the building. There was but one team in all the settlement, and that was a yoke of oxen belonging to a professed infidel. It would not do 82 PRESBYTERY OF ERIE. to ask him to bring his team for such a purpose. Just as the necessity became pressing, Mr. S. was seen approaching with his oxen, crying out with his great merry voice, “Here comes the devil with his oxen, to help you build your meeting-house.” The work then went gayly forward. The next important thing was the appearance of Thomas McLean, with a small flat keg of whiskey under his arm. This was placed in Mr. Tait’s hands, when all took a drink, beginning with the minister and ending with the donor himself. Three cheers were then given for Thomas McLean, with the promise that when the church was organized he should be the first elder. This promise was afterward fulfilled and Mr. McLean was the first elder that was elected. By sundown, the church was built, covered with clap- boards, floored with’ puncheons, and round logs rolled in for seats. The house was so located that a huge stump answered the purpose of a pulpit, with two puncheons set upright in front, and one across secured to the uprights with pins, on which the Bible might be placed. A puncheon seat for the minister completed the arrangement. Here was a building that afforded the people ample room and abundant comfort in the worship of God. But luxury soon began to creep in to trouble the church. After atime one of the members of the con- gregation had a bench made and set in the church for his family to sit upon. During the recess on the next day of worship, little groups might have been seen dis- cussing the matter of the new bench; some affirming that such pride should not be tolerated, and that if his neighbors could sit on a log to hear the gospel preached, William McMillan could do the same, as neither he nor HISTORY. 33 his family were better than others. Others affirmed that if William McMillan could afford a bench with legs to it, he had a right to have one. The contention, like that between Paul and Barnabas, waxed exceeding sharp, but was finally settled by the minister declaring for the largest liberty, each one being permitted to pro- vide such a seat as he chose. Soon the first house was found too small to contain the people. The difficulty was remedied by cutting out the logs from one side of the building and erecting a kind of shed as an addition. Subsequently, as the con- gregation increased, another shed was erected on the other side. Joseph Stockton was probably the youngest man ever ordained in the bounds of the Presbytery. He was but a few months past twenty at the time of his licensure, and a little past twenty-two at his ordination. His pastorate of ten years, at Meadville, was succeeded by labors in teaching and the preparation of school books. Robert Lee was twenty-nine years of age when he entered the ministry. His was a life of labor, accom- panied with a calm patience and patriarchal dignity that was peculiar to his age. James Satterfield, with his tall, erect form and self- denying labor, won a respect that was remarkable even in his day. He was a godly man and lived very near to Christ. Dr. William Wylie, the last of those who constituted the first Presbytery, was a zealous pastor and a most earnest preacher. His letters that are extant, and writ- ten during his last days, possess a wondrous savor of piety and a richness of unction that would place them on a level with those of Rutherford. Of the four elders at this meeting, William Plumer 3 , 34 PRESBYTERY OF ERIE. was the father of Rev. W. S. Plumer, D. D., and Ithiel Dodd_ belonged to a family for two centuries remark- able for two characteristics —— piety, simple and child- like, and a talent for mathematics. . The first two licentiates that were taken under the care of the Presbytery, were John (8) and Abraham Boyd (9). They were two Irish boys, educated in this country and licensed by the Presbytery of Redstone. In those days, “supplications” for supplies were the constant order of the day. At the first meeting, there “were supplications from “ Slippery Rock, Westfield, Lower Neshannock, Breakneck, Thorn’s Tent, Concord, y Franklin, Big Sugar Creek, Oil Creek, Gravel Run, Upper and Lower Greenfield, Middlebrook, Presque Isle, Powers’ Mills, Crossings of Cussawaga and Pyma- tuning.” ¢ The infant Presbytery seems to have set up its ban- ners in the name of the Lord. Almost the first reso- lution passed was, to seek God’s help in the great work: “Presbytery taking into consideration their infant state, and the growing prospects of the new settlement under their care, and the necessity of Divine influence ‘to aid and direct them in their arduous work, do re- solve to spend part of to-morrow in supplication and prayer.” The matter of education, and facilities for the prep- aration of young men for the gospel ministry, occupied the attention of Presbytery at its first meeting. Their resolution is to this effect: “ Presbytery proceeded to take into consideration the necessity of a seminary of learning being instituted within their bounds for the education of youth ; Resolved, To give their aid to erect an vacademy at Greersburgh, and to solicit the aid of their respective charges.” Greersburgh is now known HISTORY. : 85 as Darlington, in~ Beaver County, Pa. This academy was long an efficient aid in the great work of fitting young men for the ministry. Sometimes they pursued: their ~ studies there preparatory to Jefferson College, but many received all their classical education within its walls. It was commenced in 1806. The legislature of the State appropriated six hundred dollars towards it, when the charter was granted. The first teacher was Mr. Hughes ; afterwards it’was taught by Rev. Robert Dil- worth, D. D. This academy was the result, principally, of the labors of Mr. Hughes, who travelled over the : New England States, soliciting funds for its establish- ment. Before the erection of the academy building, he built a log cabin near his own residence that served as a school-room. At this meeting the Boyd brothers, having au tea calls to settle within the bounds of Bredoyicny, were examined with a view to ordination, and were assigned subjects for trial sermons to be delivered at the next meeting. Messrs. Tait and Satterfield were the first Commis- sioners to the General Assembly. Presbytery adjourned to meet at Union, Armstrong County, on the 15th of” June, 1802, with the following order: “That mem- bers endeavor to bring~forward, at our next fall meet- ‘ing, an account of the time of their settlement, state of religion, number of families and communicants, and the number of baptisms in the congregations under their care.” And thus the Presbytery commenced its labors, few in number yet strong in faith. There was much land to be possessed, yet they trusted in God, and went for- ward. In addition to the preaching of Mr. Hughes in the 36 PRESBYTERY OF ERIE. southern portion of the territory, perhaps the first in the extreme north was during the celebrated tour of Elisha McCurdy and Joseph Stockton. This was in 1799. They preached at Sandy (perhaps the present Georgetown), Meadville, Waterford, Erie, North East, and other places. In 1802 another missionary tour through the same region was undertaken by McCurdy, Satterfield, and McPherrin (16), with McCurdy’s “ pray- ing elder,” Philip Jackson, organizing churches and strengthening the brethren. At this time the churches of Upper and Lower Greenfield were organized in Erie County, Pa. There were many people scattered through this region who had come from the counties east of the Alleghany Mountains, and some from Washington and Westmore- land, west of the mountains. They remembered the God of their fathers, and welcomed the pioneer minis- ters most gladly. There was a large Presbyterian ele- ment in all their early settlements, and for very many years the great religious element of the country was of this type of faith. The organization of a church there was a most important era in the history of the people, and the dis- pensing of the ordinances made them feel that the trials and privations of the new settlements were pass- ing away. And when the people of what is now Venango Town- ship, Erie County, Pa., met together to build a house of worship, it was a matter of more interest to them than they had felt in the erection of their own houses. It was with the thought that God would be with them, and be their God. We have a minute account of the building of this * Dr. Elliott’s Life of McCurdy, p. 29. HISTORY. 37 house, and the circumstances attending it, in an old journal written by William Dickson, Esq., formerly of Erie County, Pa., but now of Camden, Illinois. An ex- tract follows: — © “ Some time in August, 1801, a notice was sent to Mr. James Hunter, an old man, who the spring previous had emigrated to what is now Venango Township, Erie County. He had been an elder in Dr. Bryson’s church in Northumberland County, and was to notify the people that the Rev. James Satterfield (6), a missionary, would preach at a place designated by them, on the following Sabbath. The notice was given, I believe, to every in- dividual in the township; and the place fixed upon for the meeting was at a ‘chopping’ made by Robert Don- aldson, on the bank of French Creek, near the centre of the town. Four or five of us, all young men, went on the ground on Saturday, to prepare a place for worship. We selected a spot under a large beech-tree ; we split a large log, turning the split sides up, and raising them a little from the ground made a platform. We then squared a block for a seat, placing it on the platform near the tree, which made a good stiff backing; we then drove two stakes into the ground in front, pinning and nailing a clapboard across the top, to lay the Bible and Psalm Book on. I am thus particular in describing the first pulpit from which I ever heard the gospel in Erie County. “ Sabbath morning came, and every man and woman within our township was gathered, I believe, around the beech-tree. About the hour appointed, the minister came; he had lost his way the evening previous, hav- ing nothing but marked trees for a guide, and had lain out all night. In the morning he found a cabin where two young men lived; they gave him a good breakfast 38 PRESBYTERY OF ERIE. of indian bread and potatoes, and having his inner man strengthened, he appeared to come unto the work in the Spirit, and preached two sermons, and administered the ordinance of baptism. He stated it was possible the Synod of Pittsburgh would send us some more preaching that Fall. After preaching, and before the people dispersed, Mr. Hunter called several of us young men around him, and said, ‘ Boys’ (for by that name he always called us), ‘I want you all to meet me at a certain land corner (naming it) on next Thursday morning early, and bring your axes and dinners with you. That was enough; we all knew what was want- ing, and at the time appointed we were there almost to aman. The old man then stated the reasons for call- ing us together. He said the Lord had been mindful of us in that wilderness, and had sent us the gospel by the mouth of one of his servants, and we had no house to meet in, but heard it, as you know, under the beech- tree, in the open air. Now, if we wish to prosper, while we build houses for ourselves, we must build one for God; and he had selected that spot, as it was the centre of the township. “ As the large hemlock-tree which marked the cor- ner stvod in a swamp, —a place by no means suitable for our purpose, —a young man, whose name was War- ren, said that if we would agree to go a half or three quarters of a mile north, he would show us a good place on his land, where there was a fine spring of water, and he would give us a deed of two acres, if we chose that spot. “As it would shorten Father Hunter’s distance in coming to meeting, which was no small consideration with us, we at once shouldered our axes and followed our leader to the spot; and that day, before sundown, + HISTORY. 39 we had cleared the ground, and built a habitation for the Most High to dwell in In the evening, before we parted, Father Hunter called us around a large stump, and explained the propriety of supporting the gospel. He said that those men who came to preach to us, suf- fered so much in travelling through the wilderness that they ought to be well paid, and it would be best for us to have a fund on hand for that purpose. He also said that he had made a calculation of the amount required to begin with, and it would be best to appoint a treas- urer, and each one pay twenty-five cents. We all stepped up to the stump and laid down our money, mostly fifty cents; when we had all paid, the good old man laid down a dollar; and on seeing him do so, one of the party said: ‘Father Hunter, you shall not go ahead of me,’ and took up the fifty cents he had paid and laid down a dollar. Thus commenced a fund which never failed during my residence in that con- gregation of over twelve years, and I never knew a minister to preach in that place (who was a Presby- terian) but was paid promptly. A few days after we had built our house of worship, notice came that the Rev. James Satterfield and Rev. Elisha McCurdy were expected to preach, and organize a church in our new: meeting-house. They came, and each brought his wife with him. They came on horseback, picking their way through woods, in many places only by lines marked on the trees; encountering swamps, and every other obsta- cle imaginable, all without complaining. Here I will relate a little circumstance about Mrs. McCurdy. In passing through, they lodged for a night with one of my neighbors, whose cabin was very small and had but 1 This house is still standing. A drawing of it may be seen in Miss. Sanford’s History of Erie County, 40 PRESBYTERY OF ERIE. one bed (that used by the man and his wife), and a bunk in the corner for three or four children. Mrs. McCurdy saw that her hostess was preparing the bed for the strangers, and said, ‘I perceive that you are giving yourself unnecessary trouble for us. Is not that the bed which you and your husband occupy?’ “ Yes,’ was the reply. She said, ‘ Then sleep in it; all we ask is room in your house, and I will provide a bed for me and Mr. McCurdy; the floor will do for us.’ The, woman insisted that they should take the bed. ‘ Where will you sleep?’ was the next question. ‘O, some- where here,’ she replied. ‘You shall not leave your bed for me’ said Mrs. McCurdy; ‘my Master had not where to lay his head, and we have saddle-bags and blankets, and a house to shelter us.’ By this time I found there: was no room for me, so J went out to a stack where there was some straw, and made a nest under the side of it, where I slept comfortably. “From thence they went to Lower Greenfield, now North East, and organized a church, and returned to our log meeting-house, and organized a church, and called it Middlebrook. Mr. McCurdy preached the sermon from these words, ‘My sheep hear my voice, and I “know them, and they follow me” At the second meeting of Presbytery, another licenti- ate was taken under its care. This was William Wood (10), a licentiate of the Presbytery of Ohio. At this meeting, John and Abraham Boyd were both ordained and installed, the former June 16, 1802, as pastor of Union and Slate Lick; the latter on the following day, as pastor of Bull Creek and Middlesex. All these churches are in what is now Armstrong County, Pa. The ordination of John Boyd was the first act of that kind performed by the Presbytery. There is one fea- HISTORY. ~ At ture connected with these early ordinations that is wor- thy of our attention. They were always accompanied by “ fasting,” as well as prayer, and the imposition of the hands of the Presbytery. At a pro re nata meeting of Presbytery held at Pittsburgh, September 30, 1802, Robert Patterson, a licentiate of the, Presbytery of Ohio, was received under its care, and accepted calls from the churches of Erie, and Upper and Lower Greenfield. The next meeting was at Plaingrove, November 2, 1802, when William Wood was ordained and installed as pastor of the churches of Plaingrove and Centre, in Mercer County, Pa. At the meeting held at Rocky Spring, April 12, 1803, Alexander Cook (12), a licentiate of the Pres- bytery of Ohio, was received under the care of Pres- bytery. At the same time it was resolved to solicit from the General Assembly a donation of religious books, to be granted to such inhabitants as may not be able to supply themselves. This appeal was success- ful, and the Assembly granted them the following list of books: twenty Bibles, forty copies Doddridge’s “Rise and Progress,” thirty Janeway’s “Token,” eight “ Russell’s Sermons,” eight Boston’s “Crook in the Lot,” and eight Willison’s “ Sacramental Meditations.” This grant was followed by the following order : — “ That the Treasurer take charge of the books, pay the carriage on them, and distribute as follows: the Bibles given gratis to such poor people as need them, the others to be divided equally amongst the ministers, and by them circulated amongst such people as need them, until they are called for by Presbytery.” ? Here we find cropping out the germs of many of the 1 Min. of Pres. vol. i. p. 15. 42 PRESBYTERY OF ERIE. Boards that are now the glory and crown of the Church, missions to the Indians, missions at home, education and publication — all are found in the bud and ready to be developed. On the 13th of April, 1803, Presbytery received the first ordained minister into its bounds. This was Joseph Badger (11), the famous missionary from Connecticut. His life was one of romance, and yet one of sternest reality. Born and reared in poverty, struggling always with adversity and discouragements, he yet performed labor and achieved results, such as few men even of his day were able to accomplish. His famous journey from Connecticut to Ohio, during the depth of winter, with his four-horse team, sometimes on wheels and sometimes on runners, will Jong be remembered as one of the heroic labors that characterized the early settle- ments of the West. His wonderful versatility of gen- ius, admirably adapted him to the peculiar work in which he was engaged. He was at home equally in his cabin, on horseback swimming the rivers, in the Indian wigwams preaching Christ, and in the depth of the forest, sleeping at the root of a tree, his head pillowed upon a stone like Jacob’s, or hiding from beasts of prey in the tree-tops. Ile was a remarkable man, and lived to see fourscore and ten years. As an instance of the demand for supplies, the fol- lowing minute, made in 1803, is reproduced: “ Fair- view, Westfield, Poland, Warren (O.), Trumbull, Beula, Pymatuning, Conneautee, Outlet of Conneaut, Hilands, Saltspring, Concord, Gravel Run, Middlebrook, Beaver- town, Franklin, Titus’s, Hugh McGirl’s on Pithole, An- drews’ on Brokenstraw, Jackson’s on Conewango, Rob- ert Miles’, Major Gray’s on French Creek, Mount Nebo, Sugar Creek, Smithfield, and Canfield (0.).” Here is HISTORY. . 43 a region of country extending along Lake Erie for thirty miles, thence south to Beaver one hundred and thirty miles; and from Warren, Pa., on the east, to Warren and Canfield, Ohio, on the west, and embracing territory and points that are still, after the lapse of sixty- five years, considered as missionary ground. And at this time the whole force of the Presbytery consisted of but twelve ministers. On the 22d of June, 1803, Alexander Cook was or- dained and installed as pastor of the congregations of Slippery Rock and New Castle, formerly called Lower Neshannock. The former church was in what is now Beaver County, and the latter Lawrence County, Pa. On the same day Robert Johnston (14), a licentiate of the Presbytery of Ohio, was received under the care of Presbytery. On the 31st of August following, Robert Patterson was ordained and installed as pastor of the congregations of Upper and Lower Greenfield. These churches are now known, the former as Middlebrook and the latter North East. They are in Erie County, Pa., and at present in the New School connection. Mr. Patterson was the first settled minister in Erie County. He took frequent missionary tours, in the region along the shore of Lake Erie. A brief journal, kept during one of these tours, will convey some idea of the character of the work : — “ Saturday, Nov. 5, 1803. Set off from the place of my residence, at the mouth of the Twelve Mile Creek, . below Presque Isle. Rode thirty miles to the house of Thomas Miles, on Elk Creek. “Nov. 6, Sabbath. Rode nine miles to Lexington, on the Great Conneaut. Met this morning, at different places on the road, one man carrying a hoe, shovel, and basket, going into his potato field ; another carrying a 44 PRESBYTERY OF ERIE. log chain ; and a third a cutting knife. Besides these met several others on their return from a Saturday night’s lodging in a tavern, after having attended at the office of a justice, whose custom jit is to transact law business on Saturdays, and so late that those who are obliged to appear before him are under the necessity, some with and a few against their will, of staying all night in a place where drunkenness, profanity, and obscenity too frequently introduce the Sabbath. “ Preached at the house of , from John iii. 19, 20, to eighteen hearers, some not very attentive, and no appearance of solemnity. Rode in the evening three miles to the house of C. Woods and Dr. Hast- ings, near the Great Conneaut. “Nov. 7, Monday. Preached from Joshua xxiv. 15, to eleven persons, attentive and serious. Rode in the evening three or four miles to John Saton’s, near Great Conneaut. “Nov. 8, Tuesday. Rode eight or nine miles to Sam- uel Holliday’s on the lake, near the mouth of Crooked Creek. Preached from Matt. iii. 9, to seven persons. “Nov. 9, Wednesday. Rode eleven miles to Widow McCreary’s, near Walnut Creek. Preached from Acts iii. 19, to twenty persons. Received $1.37. Rode in the evening two miles to Mr. McCoy’s. “Nov. 10, Thursday. Rode twenty miles home. “Nov. 12, Saturday. Set out for Waterford, alias Le Beeuf, on French Creek, distant twenty-two miles, the road solitary, swampy, and in some places covered with deep snow. . . . . Towards evening, when within five or six miles of my destination and near Le Beeuf Creek, was led astray by the devious track of two travellers, who had wandered themselves, and were the cause of my wandering. . . . . Two or three HISTORY. 45 hours after night, came to a watercourse, seen by snow- light, which was too broad and miry to cross. Pre- pared to pass the night as well as I could. All in a perspiration, my feet wet with walking and wading, for the place did not admit of riding, hungry and fatigued, I lay down on the slushy snow, somewhat afraid of wild beasts, but more of perishing with the chilling cold, though it did not freeze. About midnight the cold in my feet became excessive. Rose and walked for about an hour on a path which I made in the snow for the purpose. My feet were somewhat relieved from the cold. Lay down again and passed the night sometimes awake but mostly asleep. “Nov. 138, Sabbath. In the morning, after having spent eleven or twelve hours in this. dreary place, and after having suffered severer hardships than I ever before endured in travelling, and feeling some sense of my obligation to God for His preserving mercy, took my track backward, and between nine and ten o’clock reached the house of John Bundle. Preached from Acts ii. 38, to ten persons. “Nov. 14, Monday. Rode eighteen miles home. “Nov. 16, Wednesday. Rode ten miles to the house of John Culver. Preached to six persons —home in the evening. “Nov. 19, Saturday. Rode seventeen miles to Adam Reed’s, on French Creek. “Nov. 20, Sabbath. Rode nine miles to Matthew - Gray’s, and preached from Eph. vi. 4, to eighteen per- sons. “Nov. 21, Monday. Rode nine miles to Adam Reed’s. Lectured to twenty persons on the parable of ’ the sower, Matt. xiii.. Received one dollar. In the evening rode seven miles to Thomas McGahan’s. 46 PRESBYTERY OF ERIE. “Nov. 22, Tuesday. Rode ten miles to ‘Wilson Smith’s, in Waterford, alias Le Beeuf. “Nov. 23, Wednesday. Preached in the town at the house of Esquire Vincent, to eleven persons, from Acts xvii. 18. Rode in the evening eight miles to John Philips’. “Nov. 24, Thursday. Set out about sunrise, having appointed to preach at the house of P. Clooke, distant eleven or twelve miles. The road, however, was so extremely bad with mud, frost, and snow, and the ‘day wet, that at twelve o'clock I found that I could not reach the place until two or three hours after the time appointed ; and not being well since the night I lay in the snow, rode home from John Philips’, seventeen or eighteen miles: “Nov. 26, Saturday. Rode twenty miles to the house of James McMahan, living in a new settlement in the State of New York, situated about Chautauque Creek, that empties into Lake Erie. “Nov. 27, Sabbath. Preached on 1 Cor. iv. at Wid- ow McHenry’s, to fifteen grown persons and a greater number of children. Received one dollar. “Nov. 28. Monday. Rode twenty miles from James McMahan’s house. This journal gives a mere sample of the every-day labors of these eariy missionaries. As a general thing the study and preparation were confined to the saddle and the brief tarrying at the log-cabins by the wayside, whilst the preaching was often of daily occurrence — in the forest, in the dwelling-house, or wherever a few people could be assembled. On the 19th day of October, 1803, Robert Johnston was ordained and installed as pastor of the congrega- ¥ HISTORY. 47 tions of Scrubgrass and Bear Creek, in Venango County, Pa. ; This was a most interesting field of labor. The first, or at least amongst the first families, that came to set- tle in Scrubgrass, was that of Mrs. Abigail Coulter, a pious woman from Washington County, Pennsylvania. She came out in 1797. The first sermon ever heard in this neighborhood, was delivered by Rev. William Moorhead, a son-in-law of Rev. Dr. McMillan (see “ Old Redstone,” page 330), in the year 1800, at Mrs. Coulter’s house, that was about forty rods from the site of the present church building. This was the first ser- mon ever heard by her son John,! then sixteen years of age. He had never before even seen a minister, and was, as he expressed it, more afraid of a minister than of an Indian. After this, was an occasional sermon by Rev. A. Boyd, and Mr. Gwynn. The first communion was conducted by Mr. Johnston, assisted by Mr. Cook, in 1803. It was held ina grove. The people assem- bled from a great distance. Thirty persons came from Slate Lick, thirty miles distant. Snow fell on Sabbath night, and at the services on Monday the logs used as seats were thickly covered with snow; but the people brushed it off, and sat down, and listened gladly and contentedly to the preached Word. At the meeting in June, 1804, Nicholas Pittinger (15), a licentiate of the Presbytery of Ohio, was re- ceived under the care of Presbytery. At the next meeting, October 24, 1804, he was ordained and in- 1 Afterwards Rev. John Coulter, of the Presbytery of Alleghany. Born June 26th, 1784; licensed by Presbytery of Ohio; ordained by that of Alleghany, April 21st, 1823; died December 6th, 1867. He was pastor of Concord Church forty-one (41) years. He was the father of Rev. J. R. Coulter, now pastor of Scrubgrass. 48 _ PRESBYTERY OF ERIE. stalled as pastor of the congregations of Westfield and Poland.- The former of these charges was in what is now Lawrence County, Pa., and the latter, Trumbull County, Ohio. At the same meeting the first licensure took place in the Presbytery. Hitherto the new accessions had been from the licentiates of the mother Presbyteries; now they began the work of licensing candidates for them- selves. The first licentiate was Benjamin Boyd (17), a brother of John and Abraham, who were already mem- bers of Presbytery. On the 5th of December, 1804, the first pastoral relation was dissolved, and the first members dismissed from the Presbytery. This was the case of William Wylie. His pastoral relation was dissolved for a reason that has since been the prominent one in such changes for a half a century and more — failure to comply with stipulations, and consequent want of support. Mr. Wy- lie was dismissed to the Presbytery of Redstone. A singular instance of the punctilious observance of forms occurs in the matter of the church of Bull Creek. The calls for the labors of Abraham Boyd, on which he had been installed, were accidentally consumed by fire. Commissioners appear in Presbytery with papers signed by the trustees. of the congregation, obliging themselves to pay the pastor the sum promised in the call, together with subscriptions for the amount. These were accepted by the pastor instead of the original call. In the matter of supplies, it was usual at this time to send two ministers where the Lord’s Supper was to be celebrated. The services were usually protracted, and several days occupied on the occasion, so that much . labor was imposed. HISTORY. 49 There is another feature in the polity and practice of these early fathers that is interesting. It is the great frequency of occasions on which committees were ap- pointed to visit congregations and even individuals, to reconcile difficulties and remove complaints. Were difficulties reported by pastor or people, a committee of Presbytery was appointed to visit the place, call the people together, preach to them, pray with them, secure mutual concessions, and as a general thing restore har- mony and peace. The influence of the ministry over the people was then very great. The ministers were. much like diocesan bishops. Their advice was potent, their word was almost like law. But the labor connected with these things was oner- ous. The question arises, too, with this large amount of travel in reconciling belligerent churches and indi- viduals, in supplying vacancies, and in assisting breth- ren on communion occasions, where was the time for study and attention to the minister’s own field? ‘The complaint must often have been made, “ They made me a keeper of vineyards, but mine own vineyard have I not kept.” At this time much attention was paid to the Indian Mission at Sandusky. Mr. Badger was commissioned by the “ Board of Trust” of the Synod of Pittsburgh to conduct the mission. He met with many difficul- ties, and was confronted by obstacles. Whiskey then, as now, was in the way of the red man’s elevation and prosperity. He arrived among them in May, 1806. The plan proposed was to combine religious instruc- tion with the.arts and humanizing influences of civil- ized life. Mr. Badger was accompanied by three labor- ers, with oxen and farming implements, who were to instruct the Indians in agriculture. 4 50 PRESBYTERY OF ERIE. Mr. Badger was to have a salary of four hundred and fifty dollars, with any extra expenses that should ap- pear reasonable. The laborers were two white men at twelve dollars per month, and one colored man and his wife, at one hundred dollars per year. He was also furnished a horse at forty-five dollars, and farming utensils, carpenter’s tools,and household furniture, to the amount of one hundred and forty-five dollars and eighty-six cents. But the discouragements were very great The missionary life was not all rose-colored. During Mr. Badger’s temporary absence, Mr. McCurdy took his place. He writes as follows of the Indians: “ Their houses, when they have any, are wretched huts, almost as dirty as they can be, and swarming with fleas and. lice ; their furniture, a few barks, a tin or brass kettle, a gun, pipe, and tomahawk. Such is their ingratitude, that whilst you load them with favors they will reproach you to the face, and construe your benevolent intentions and actions into intentional fraud or real injury. They will lie in the most deliberate manner, and to answer any selfish purpose.” ? At this juncture, a committee was appointed to prepare a history of the Presbytery. They reported progress the next year, and were directed to send their manuscript to Dr. Ashbel Green. The subsequent fate of this history is unknown. The Missionary Society of Connecticut at this time had many missionaries in the Western Reserve of Ohio, which was settled mainly by families from Connec- ticut. They occupied in common with the Presbytery of Erie a large extent of country. The Presbytery 2 Minutes, Synod of Pittsburgh, 1806. 2 Dr. Elliott's Ic Ourdy, p. 120. HISTORY. 51 seemed disposed to cultivate friendly relations with them. A minute was passed advising the ministers to exchange professional services with them, and the people to commune with them in their churches. This grew out of the celebrated “ Plan of Union” entered into between the General Assembly and the General Association of Connecticut in 1801 and 1802. In April, 1805, John McPherrin (16) was received from the Presbytery of Redstone, and soon after be- came pastor of the congregations of Concord, Muddy Creek, and Harmony, in Butler County, Pa. In October, 1806, Presbytery received Johnston Ea- ton (20), a licentiate of the Presbytery of Ohio, under its care, and on the following month ordained Benjamin Boyd, and installed him as pastor of the congregations of Trumbull, Beula, and Pymatuning. The first two of these congregations were in Ohio. In April, 1807, Cyrus Riggs (18), a licentiate of the Presbytery of Ohio, was received under the care of Presbytery, and at the same meeting Robert Patterson was released from the charge of Upper and Lower Greenfield in Erie County, Pa. At this meeting also, James Boyd (21), the fourth of the Boyd brothers, was licensed to preach the gospel. In July, 1807, Robert Lee (5) was dismissed, on the ground of ill health, from the pastoral charge of Rocky Spring and Amity. About this time the matter of a division of Presby- tery was first agitated. The minute recorded is in these words: “ Presbytery agreed to petition the Synod at its next meeting to erect Rev. John McPherrin, Thomas E. Hughes, William Wick, James Satter- field, Robert Lee, John Boyd, Abraham Boyd, William Wood, Robert Johnston, Alexander Cook, and Nicholas 52 PRESBYTERY OF ERIE. Pittinger, into a separate Presbytery, to be known by the name of the Presbytery of Harmony, to hold their first meeting at Concord.” Against this action there was the following PROTEST. “We, the undersigned members of Erie Presbytery, do protest against the decision of said Presbytery in favor of the proposed division, inasmuch as we believe it will prove inimical to the interests of religion in many respects. “SamuEL Tart, “ JosEPH STOCKTON, “BengaMin Boyp.” On the 20th day of October, 1807, Reid Bracken (19), a licentiate of the Presbytery of Ohio, was re- ceived under the care of Presbytery, and on the same day Cyrus Riggs was ordained and installed as pastor of the congregations of Fairfield and Mill Creek, the former in Mercer County, and the latter in Venango County, Pa. A note appended to the minutes, here shows that whilst the weightier matters were attended to, the smaller were not neglected: “Stated Clerk paid for writing for two preceding years, three dollars and twenty-five cents.” : In January, 1808, Mr. Hughes reported that he had collected four hundred and forty-four dollars and forty- six cents for Greersburgh Academy. It was resolved, that this money should be appropriated to the use of young men preparing for the gospel ministry, and be under the control of Presbytery ; that it be furnished only to such young men as shall be recommended by Presbytery, to be by them refunded at the rate of HISTORY. 53 twenty dollars per annum, to commence as soon as they shall have been settled one year, “in any pro- fession or line of business.” Supplies at this time were granted to “Sewickly, Gravel Run, Canfield, Boardman, Upper Salem, West Unity, New Salem, Second Presbyterian Congregation, Pittsburgh,! Hilands, Indiana, Amity, Upper Green- field, Middlebrook, Waterford, Major Gray’s, Oil Creek, Brokenstraw, Conewango, Upper and Lower Sugar Creek, and Erietown.” On the 20th of April, 1808, Reid Bracken was or- dained and installed as pastor of the congregations of Mount Nebo and Plain, in Butler County, Pa. Mr. Wood (10) preached on the occasion, and Mr. Pittin- ger (15) delivered the charges. This pastoral charge continued until Oct. 7, 1819, when he was released from Plain, and in 1844 from Mount Nebo. On the 30th of June, 1808, Johnston Eaton (20) was ordained, and installed as pastor of the congrega- tions of Fairview and Springfield, in Erie County, Pa. Mr. Johnston (14) preached on the occasion, and Jo- seph Stockton (4) delivered the charges. This ordina- tion took place in a barn belonging to William Stur- geon. The relation continued with the congregation of Fairview until the death of the pastor in 1847. On the 19th day of October, in the same year, James Boyd (21) was ordained and installed as pastor of the congregations of Newton and Warren, Ohio. Mr. Wick (2) preached on the occasion, and Mr. Hughes (1) delivered the charges. This relation continued until the death of Mr. Boyd in 1813. He was the last of the four brothers that was licensed, and the first called to his rest. 1 Special request, by permission of Presbytery of Ohio. 54 PRESBYTERY OF ERIE. On the day following this ordination, Presbytery li- censed three young men to preach the gospel. They had passed through all their preparatory exercises un- der the direction of Presbytery, and were commissioned together to go into the great field. Their names were, Edward Johnston, Daniel Heydon, and Joshua Beer. Their names will not be found again in this record, as they were transferred the next spring to the roll of the new Presbytery of Hartford. Mr. Johnston was an older brother of Robert Johnston (14). After ac- cepting calls from the congregations of Brookfield and Hubbard, Ohio, he was called away from his earthly labors, to a higher sphere of service, on the very day that had been set apart for his ordination. His death took place September 20, 1809. Daniel Heydon was afterwards settled in the bounds of the Presbytery of Miami, and still later in those of the Presbytery of Cincinnati. Joshua Beer was settled first at Springfield, in the Presbytery of Hartford, and subsequently at Middle Sandy and Bethesda. The little church of Middlebrook was still keeping up its fund for the support of the gospel, and William Dickson, afterwards an elder at North East, was sent to Presbytery to ask for supplies. The Presbytery sent to them one of their licentiates, Edward Johnston, who preached to them on the Sabbath; and on Sabbath night the stream between him and the man who kept the money arose to such a height that there was no pos- sibility of crossing it. So Mr. Johnston went home with- out his money. To the next meeting of Presbytery Mr. Dickson went with the money, but found that in the mean time Mr. Johnston had been called home to his rest and his reward. The money was placed in the hands of Presbytery, to be disposed of as was fitting and best. HISTORY. 55 The project of a new Presbytery to be erected from a portion of the territory of the old, that had been agi- tated for a year previous, now assumed a definite form. The bounds were large, and the churches multiplying in the region extending into the State of Ohio. The request does not appear to have proceeded from the Presbytery of Erie as such, but from a Convention, called on the minutes of the Synod of Pittsburgh, “The Convention of New Connecticut.” The eastern portion of the State of Ohio was known at this time as New Connecticut, and this Convention was probably made up of the ministers and elders residing in that region. The first minute of Synod is to this effect : — “ A petition was handed in by the Committee of Bills and Overtures, from the Convention of New Connecti- cut, praying that such arrangements might be made in the division of Presbyteries, as that they might be em- braced within the bounds of a Presbytery.” On this petition a committee of five, John McMillan, William Wick, Thomas E. Hughes, Clement Valan- dingham, and Johnston Eaton, was appointed, which reported the following minute : — “The committee to whom was referred the memo- rial from the Ecclesiastical Convention of New Con-. necticut, reported, that they were of opinion that the welfare of the church and the interests of religion may be promoted by the erection of a new Presby- tery, bounded by a line beginning at the mouth of Big Beaver Creek, thence up said creek, and up Neshannock, to the mouth of Little Branch ; thence northerly to the mouth of Walnut Creek, on Lake Erie; thence along the line of the lake to the west line of New Connecticut; thence to the southwest cor- ner of the Connecticut Reserve ; thence east along the 56 PRESBYTERY OF ERIE. south line of the Connecticut Reserve to the Tusca- rawa branch of the Muskingum River; thence in a direct line to the Ohio River, at the mouth of Yellow Creek ; thence up the Ohio River to the place of be- ginning: including the Rev. Messrs. Thomas Edgar Hughes, William Wick, Joseph Badger, James Satter- field, Benjamin Boyd, Nicholas Pittinger, Clement Va- landingham, and Johnston Eaton,— to be known by the name of the Presbytery of Hartford.” ? The report was adopted, and the new Presbytery ordered to meet at Hartford, Ohio, on the second Tues day of November, 1808. In process of time the territory of the new Presby- tery was divided, until the town after which it had been originally named was no longer within its bounds. In the year 1833, the name was changed by act of Synod to Beaver. From the territory of this Presbytery and its expansion was formed, in 1814, the Presbytery of Grand River; and from this, in 1818, Portage; and from this, in 1823, Huron; and from this, in 1830, Cleveland. From Beaver Presbytery was also formed, in 1838, the Presbytery of New Lisbon. The Presbytery of Erie had now been in existence eight years. The general result had been most en- couraging. Its roll had increased from five to nineteen members, with one licentiate and six candidates. Of. these, seventeen were pastors. The churches had in- creased in number and in strength. At the last meet- ing of Synod, previous to the division, there were re- ported the following congregations able to support a pastor: “Warren and Newton, Amity and West Unity, Gravel Run and Conneaut, Oil Creek and Sugar Creek, Hartford, Smithfield, and Kinsman.” 1 Minutes, Synod of Pittsburgh, 1808. HISTORY. 57 There were also reported, as unable to support a pas- tor: “Upper Salem, New Salem, Erietown, Water- ford, Brokenstraw, Conewango, Vienna, Bristol, Bea- vertown, Bear Creek, Upper and Lower Greenfield, Mesopotamia, Middlefield, Hilands, Middlebrook, Miles’ Settlement, Franklin, Cleveland, East Unity, Sewickly, Boardman, Indiana, Center, Austinburgh, and Mor- gan.” What number of these were regularly organized churches, and what were merely preaching points, it is impossible to determine. The early records rarely if ever give any account of the date and circumstances of the organization of particular churches. They seem to have been enrolled just as they sought supplies, and became known as places desiring the public ordinances of religion. Much missionary labor had been performed by the Presbytery through its members, and some enterprises had been undertaken by the Synod and General As- sembly within its bounds. The first years in the history of the Presbytery were marked and rendered eternally memorable by the won- derful revivals of religion that were enjoyed. The great awakening of 1801 and 1802 commenced in the Presbytery of Ohio, but soon extended into what became the territory of the Presbytery of Erie. The first notice of it is found in the history of the charge of Mr. Hughes (1) at Mount Pleasant, Beaver County, Pa. Mr. Munson, who was a member of that charge, tells us! many of the particulars of it. It was preceded by a spirit of prayerfulness and anxiety for God’s blessing. The people met together for prayer. The female mem- bers of the congregation met for prayer. Individuals 1 Letter to Dr. Plumer, Pres. Mag. vii. 463. 58 PRESBYTERY OF ERIE. wrestled with agony and weeping. They laid hold on the strength of Jehovah. They watched and waited for the blessing. They brought the tithes into the store house, and God poured them out a blessing. People came together as with one heart and one mind, to seek the Lord. No business was so pressing, no cares so urgent, as to interfere with these solemn assemblies. Oftentimes they could not be persuaded to retire after the benediction had been pronounced, but lingered around the door of the church, or the tent, as though by some unusual fascination. In some cases, under such circumstances, the services were renewed, and continued all night. Great numbers were brought to the knowledge of Christ; the hearts of God’s people were refreshed, and the churches greatly enlarged. An extract from the “Western Missionary Maga- zine,” describing the work as witnessed in the Congrega- tion of Cross Roads, will convey an idea of the manifes- tation of God’s Spirit during these times. It was during the exercises of a communion season. Nine ministers were present. Great feeling had been manifested dur- ing the services. The communicants had retired from the tables: “ A great many were affected, and some had to be assisted to move out. Ministers still preached successively in the hours throughout the day. Prayers and exhortations were continued all night in the meet- ing-house, except at short intervals, when a speaker's voice could not be heard for the cries and groans of the distressed. On Monday three ministers preached at dif- ferent places, one in the house, and two out in the en- campments. This was avery solemn day, particularly in the house. After public worship, when the people were preparing to remove, the scene was very affect- ing ; the house was thronged full, and when some of HISTORY.. 59 those without were about to go away, they found that part of their families were in the house, and some of them lying in distress unable to remove. This pre- vented a general removal; and although a number went away, the greater part remained. About the time of the departure of those who went away, the work be- came more powerful than it had been at any time be- fore, and numbers who had prepared to go were con- strained to stay. It was a memorable time of the display of Divine power and grace through the whole night. Many of the young people were remarkably exercised, and frequently addressed others about the condition they were in, the glories of the Saviour, the excellency and suitableness of the plan of salva- tion; and warned and invited, and pressed sinners to come to Christ; all this in a manner quite astonishing for their years. Numbers of old, experienced Chris- tians, also, were particularly exercised, were much re- freshed and comforted, and affectingly recommended the Lord Jesus and his religion to those around them. About sunrise, after a time of solemn, sweet exercise, the congregation was dismissed, and soon after dis- persed.” 3 Another account describes the work in a different congregation: “The administration of the Word and ordinances was accompanied with an extraordinary effusion of divine influences on the hearts of the hear- ers. Some hundreds were, during the season, convinced of their sin and misery; and many of them sunk down and cried bitterly and incessantly for several hours. Some fell suddenly ; some lost their strength gradually ; some lay quiet and silent; some were violently agi- tated; and many sat silently weeping, who were not exercised with any bodily affections.” * 1 Western Miss. Mag. i. 334-35. 2 Ibid. 338. 60 PRESBYTERY OF ERIE. The work extended throughout all the region round. All classes, all ages, all conditions in life were affected. The hoary-headed sinner, who had looked unappalled on scenes of human and elemental strife, and had been unmoved by any appeals to reason or to conscience before, was bowed and subdued. Eyes that seldom wept, poured out their tears like rain, and hearts that were like the adamant were melted beneath the Spirit’s power. Lips that had curled with scorn at the name of Jesus, uttered cries for mercy or lisped the praises of redeeming love. Many who came from mere cu- riosity, or to show, as they expressed it, that strong men could not be influenced by such things, were crushed in the dust and made to cry for mercy. Little children were the subjects of this work. In one instance, some children spent the whole night in prayer, a young man, without their knowledge, being stationed near to guard them against danger. From the accounts as given above, it is evident that the work of divine grace was accompanied by remark- able and unusual circumstances. The body was affected as well as the mind. These affections were different in different individuals. Sometimes the body was affected with feebleness and languor, so that the person seemed to faint away. Sometimes there were apparent convul- sions, or as the people then termed it, “jerks,” or spas- modical contortions of the muscles. In some, the body became quite powerless and without motion for a length of time; the breathing became very weak, animation was almost suspended, and the pulse almost still. But no pain was experienced, nor did any injurious conse- quences follow to the most delicate constitutions. Yet all this time there was an entire consciousness of all that was passing. The mind was not in a comatose HISTORY. 61 state, although the body seemed often slumbering. “It is no unusual thing,” says Dr. McMillan, “to see per- sons so entirely deprived of bodily strength that they will fall from their seats, or off their feet, and be as un- able to help themselves as a new-born child.” ? “There was,” says Dr. Anderson, “in some cases gradually, and in others instantly, a total loss of bodily strength, so that they fell to the ground, like Saul of Tarsus — and with oppression of the heart and lungs, with sus- pension of breath, with sobs and loud cries.” ? This wondrous affection of the bodily powers was not confined to the place of religious worship : it came upon men in the wood, in the fields, in the workshop, at home, and in bed. It was altogether involuntary, and in spite of every effort of the will to prevent it. The strong and the weak, both in body and mind, were equally its subjects. Sometimes it came upon those who were professing Christians and who had given undoubted evidences of piety. On the other hand, many who were its subjects, received no spiritual benefit, but went on careless as ever. These affections seem generally, though not always, to have followed some mental exercises, or anxiety and concern about the soul’s salvation. In some instances, however, they followed where there was a determination to avoid any outward exhibition of feeling and interest in the great concern. Yet as the hearers lay apparently unconscious of all that was passing around them, their minds were active. They could hear and reason, and feel even more intensely than under ordinary circum- stances. Rev. Robert Johnston (14), whilst pastor of the con- gregation of Scrubgrass, in Venango County, Pa., relates 1 Western Miss. Mag. ii. 354. 2 Ibid. 464. 62 PRESBYTERY OF ERIE. many of the circumstances connected with this work in his own congregation. On a certain occasion, after the benediction had been pronounced at the close of the Sabbath evening service, a remarkable state of feel- ing presented itself. The circumstances are related in his manuscript autobiography: “ While a solemn awe was visible in every face, five or six appeared to be awakened to a sense of their undone condition, among whom were two of the most unlikely persons in the house. One of them was the largest man in the assem- bly, and full of self-importance; the other a file-leader in the devil’s camp, who attempted to escape by flight, got entangled in the bushes, and was forced to come back for a light to find his path, and who, the moment he set his foot inside the door, fell prostrate on the floor, under a sense of self-condemnation.” As a result of this revival one half of the adult persons in the con- gregation were brought into the church. In a letter to Rev. Dr. Elliott of the Western Theo- logical Seminary, Mr. Johnston relates more minutely the circumstances connected with this “ Bodily Exer- cise,” as it was then called :1 “The effects of this work on the body were truly wonderful, and so various that no physical cause could be assigned for their produc- tion. I have seen men and women sitting in solemn attitude, pondering the solemn truths that were pre- sented, and in a moment fall from their seats, or off their feet, if they happened to be standing, as helpless as though they had been shot, and lie from ten or fif- teen or twenty minutes, and sometimes as long as half an hour, as motionless as a person in a sound sleep. At other times, the whole frame would be thrown into a state of agitation so violent as seemingly to endan- 1 Life of McCurdy, p. 82. HISTORY. 63 ger the safety of the subject; and yet in a moment this agitation would cease, and the persons arise in the pos- session of all their bodily powers, and take their seats composed and solemn, without the least sensation of pain or uneasiness. . . . Another fact that I ascer- tained beyond doubt, was, that those who lay for a considerable length of: time, apparently insensible, and sometimes without one discernible symptom of life, ex- cept the natural warmth and color of the skin, could hear, understand, and reflect on what they heard as well as, or better than, when in possession of all their nat- ural powers. Nor was there that kind of uniformity in the occurrence of their different effects on the body as to allow them to be ascribed to corresponding exercises of the mind. Some have been agitated in body, under pleasing exercises of mind, and others have lain mo- tionless under the anguish of a wounded spirit. Some were under deep and pungent conviction for weeks before they felt any effect on the body; whilst some passed through the whole course of awakening and con- viction, and became hopefully pious, who never felt any symptoms of bodily agitation. Of the former class, was a very intelligent young man, now a minister of the gospel, who told me that he had more pungent dis- tress of mind before than after he became affected in body. From these, and many more similar facts that occurred under my own observation, I became satisfied that no natural cause could be assigned, sufficient to account for the extraordinary effects on the bodies of a large majority of the subjects of the revival.” “ The physical effects of the excitement on the body, was by no means a desirable appendage, in the view of the sensible part of the community, but they were evidently irresistible, and persons were as liable to be 64 PRESBYTERY OF ERIE. affected in the very act of resisting, as in any other circumstances ; and many who came to mock and op- pose remained to pray, and returned, inquiring what they must do to be saved.” This state of feeling and action was not encouraged by the ministers. It was something they could not un- derstand, and they took circumstances as they found them. Mr. Johnston states that at the beginning of the revival in his congregation, he cautioned his people against any outcries, or bursts of feeling. This seemed to have had a good effect, for although the work was very powerful, yet this bodily exercise was no interrup- tion to the exercises. “I have preached,” says he, “to a crowded assembly, when more than one half of the people were lying helpless before me during the greater portion of divine service, without the least noise or dis- turbance of any kind, to divert or interrupt the atten- tion of any individual from the word spoken.” The character of the preaching at these times was plain and practical. The terrors of the law were often set forth with peculiar pungency. Says Mr. Munson, in speaking of Mr. Hughes’ preaching at Mount Pleas- ant during one of these revivals: “ He took the ground that Boston and Rutherford and Edwards had done, to cut them off stroke by stroke from the Old Covenant. He thought the case of these anxious sinners required the exhibition of the requirements and threatenings of the law. This method was calculated to increase the distress which was already insupportable.” Afterwards his thoughts took a different channel. “These dis- tressed souls were directed to the Cross; Christ was held forth in his ability, willingness, and sufficiency ; as suited in all his offices to relieve the distressed souls before Him of their heavy burdens. The new course HISTORY. | 65 had the desired effect; a favorable change was soon apparent, so that that was the beginning of days toa goodly number.” The character of the preaching was largely doctrinal. Man’s total depravity and corruption was largely dwelt upon. The awful penalty of the law was set forth, at times, with dreadful severity and terror; the utter help- lessness of the sinner without the assistance of divine grace was insisted upon; and then the blessings of the Atonement of Christ were spread before the convicted sinner as his only hope and peace. During the first years of the history of the Presby- tery this grand and, wonderful work of God spread over its bounds, and extended with greater or less power to almost every pastoral charge. It was a bap- tism of the early days of the Presbytery that was a prophecy of great and glorious things for days to come. And whilst there were peculiarities connected with it that have not been seen in modern times, yet there can be no doubt that it was a genuine work of God. Its results show this. Its subjects dwelt in the church as sincere Christians. They died in peace and now stand before the Throne. , CHAPTER IIl FROM THE FIRST TO THE SECOND DIVISION OF PRES- BYTERY. 1808-1820. Tur first meeting of the Presbytery, after the erec- tion of the Presbytery of Hartford, was at Concord, in Butler County, Pa., on the 18th day of April, 1809. The number of its members was much reduced, and its territory greatly curtailed. But there were men of en- ergy and zeal and courage yet left, and there was terri- tory left more than sufficient to occupy all their time and attention. The roll at this time contained the names of Samuel Tait, settled at Cool Spring and Mer- cer; Joseph Stockton, settled at Meadville and Little Sugar Creek, or Cochranton; Robert Lee, who was without a pastoral charge; John Boyd, settled at Union and Slate Lick, Armstrong County, Pa.; Abraham Boyd, settled at Bull Creek and Middlesex; William Wood, settled at Plaingrove, Mercer County, Pa.; Alexander Cook, settled at Slippery Rock and New Castle ; Robert Patterson, who was without charge, and not residing within the bounds of Presbytery; Robert Johnston, settled at Scrubgrass, in Venango County, Pa.; Cyrus Riggs, settled at Fairfield and Mill Creek, in Mercer and Venango Counties; Reid Bracken, settled at Mount Nebo and Plain, in Butler County, Pa, and John HISTORY. 67 McPherrin, settled in Concord and Harmony, also in Butler County, Pa. At the following meeting of Synod they reported the following vacant congregations, as “able to support a pastor: West Unity and Amity, Gravel Run and Wa- terford. Vacant congregations, not able to support a pastor: Erie, Upper and Lower Greenfield, Oil Creek, Brokenstraw, Conewango, Middlebrook, Franklin, and Unity.” The territory with which they had parted was about as great as that which they retained. But its bounda- ries were now more definitely determined. Heretofore the western boundary had been rather mythical than real, extending as far as civilization had advanced, and consequently rather migratory than permanent. It was deprived also of its Indian missionary ground, although, as will be seen, its interest in Indian missions did not abate in the least. At this time the accommodations for religious wor- ship began to improve. The “tent,” as the little cov- ered platform on which the ministers stood was called, was used only on sacramental occasions, or in times of great religious interest. Comfortable log-houses with glazed windows had been erected in almost all the con- gregations. In some of the congregations, sacramental services were held in barns, and with great comfort and satisfaction. There was at this time an occasional frame barn throughout the settlements. Before harvest these .could be comfortably occupied. The barn was carefully swept out. Seats of rough wood were arranged in the threshing-floor and in the haymows, and some- times in the stables, with a long tier out in front of the open doors. A platform in the further end of the threshing-floor served for a pulpit. 68 PRESBYTERY OF ERIE. But it is doubtful whether this worship in barns and mills was any improvement on that of the forest. In summer, with pleasant weather, and a delightful site, under the great trees, and the sweet breath of God all around in its purity, the worship was most delightful and inspiriting. “The groves were God’s first temples. Ere man learned To hew the shaft and lay the architrave, And spread the roof above them, — ere he framed The lofty vault, to gather and roll back The sound of anthems, — in the darkling wood, Amidst the cool and silence, he knelt down And offered to the Mightiest, solemn thanks And supplication.” There was a freedom too about those forest sanctua- ries that was most inviting to the earlier settlers. It suited their ideas of propriety to come together on common ground, where every one was alike at home, and where the accommodations were unlimited, save by the extent of the forest. Many scenes of melting inter- est were witnessed at such times and under such cir- cumstances. A single picture of this forest worship will convey _ some idea of the early worship of the fathers. It is in the month of June. It has been announced far and near that a stranger from the old settlements is to preach on the following Sabbath in the woods near the Big Spring. A great congregation has assembled; and it is a motley assemblage. Every variety of costume and habit and expression of countenance is there. One is habited in a suit brought from his early home, but since unused, save on special occasions like the pres- ent. The texture is still good, but the changing fashions have left it far in the background. Another, perhaps, has a single garment of this kind, whilst the remainder HISTORY. 69 of his costume is manufactured in the wilderness. Still another has a costume that is nondescript in its character. His hunting-shirt is of deerskin, whilst his lower extremities are cased in garments of the same material, shrunk by the weather, until they completely adapt themselves to the form they were designed to protect. The wives and daughters of the settlers are in as good trim in their outward adornment as circumstances would permit; where a bonnet was wanting a cotton handkerchief supplies the deficiency; where shoes were wanting, they manifest their sense of propriety by coming without these appendages of modern refine- ment. It is an imposing place, too. The tall trees have stood there for centuries, wituesses of the power and wisdom of the God of creation ; and now in the midst of their deep solitude, the love of the God of Redemp- tion is to be set forth. The preacher appears and takes his stand under the shadow of a venerable elm. He isa mere youth, and bears a cast of care. He is thin and sallow, almost cadaverous, yet with an eye full of the fire of thought. As he proceeds with his subject, his form becomes erect, and his ideas flow forth in a torrent of burning eloquence. He sways that untutored multitude as the passing breeze sways the unreaped grain. Many a brown cheek is moist with tears; many a heart hard as the adamant, is melted beneath the burning power of truth. When he commenced, the congregation were seated upon fallen logs, leaning against the trees, or carelessly lounging upon the ground. But as he proceeds and warms with the subject, and the truth begins to fall 70 PRESBYTERY OF ERIE. upon their consciences, they gradually draw nearer until all are standing around the speaker. Every eye is riveted upon him; they hang upon his lips. Upon those upturned countenances are plainly visible the deep emotions that are struggling within. “Is not my . word like as a fire ? saith the Lord ; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces ?” In some of the churches at that day, in the summer time, it was not unusual for some thoughtful man to carry a brand of fire from his home, and apply it to a dry stump in the neighborhood of the church. To this fire the men would resort for the purpose of a quiet smoke. Occasionally, even during the sermon, a staid deacon would quietly withdraw, light his pipe, smoke to his satisfaction, and return, perhaps even before the minister had taken up a new head of discourse. On the 14th of June, 1809, Mr. Cook (12) was re- leased from the charge of Slippery Rock and New Castle, and on the 6th of March following was dismissed to the Presbytery of Hartford, and soon after went on his missionary tour to South Carolina and Georgia. April 17, 1810, John Boyd was released from the pastoral charge of Slate Lick, Armstrong County, Pa., when he began to labor as a stated supply at Amity and West Unity. On the 27th of June, 1810, Mr. Stockton was released from the charge of Meadville and Little Sugar Creek, and dismissed to the Presby- tery of Redstone. On the 4th of October, 1810, Mr. John Boyd (8), tae ing relinquished his position as stated supply at Amity and West Unity, on account of ill health, was dismissed to the Presbytery of New Lancaster, now Zanesville. On the 26th of June,‘1810, John Matthews (22), a licentiate of the Presbytery of Ohio, was received HISTORY. 71 under the care of Presbytery, and on the 17th of Octo- ber following, he was ordained and installed as pastor of the churches of Waterford and Gravel Run. Discouraging circumstances had arisen in Scrubgrass, as they frequently do after great revivals, and Mr. Johnston was constrained to sunder his connection with a people he loved. His field there had been, as it has been since, a remarkable one. Old John Lowrie, his principal elder, had been a host in himself, in the church. His family have been remarkable since in the influence they have exerted on Presbyterianism. Wal- ter Lowrie, his son, was at one time a candidate for the ministry under the care of the Presbytery of Erie, but has since, as the Secretary of the Presbyterian Board of Foreign Missions, been, perhaps, of more service to the church than though he had been in the ministry. Three sons of Walter Lowrie, John C., Walter M., and Reuben P., have been foreign missionaries. Another son of John Lowrie, Matthew B., was long a valuable elder in the church. A son of Matthew B., Hon. Wal- ter H. Lowrie, is also an elder, and another son, the late Rev. John M. Lowrie, D. D., was a prominent man in the church. Judge Lowrie has also a son in the ministry. A daughter and two grandchildren of John Lowrie are missionaries to the Indians in the Northwest, and a grandson, Rev. W. L. Lyons, is a member of the Pres- bytery of Jowa. On the 2d day of January, 1811, Mr. Johnston (14) was released from the pastoral charge of the church of Scrubgrass, and calls placed in his hands from the con- gregations of Meadville, Sugar Creek (Cochranton), and Conneaut Lake (Evansburgh), with an injunction to these congregations. “ To augment their stipulated sal- 72 PRESBYTERY OF ERIE. ae ary for the whole of Mr. Johnston’s time, to at least four hundred dollars for the whole of his time.” At this meeting “The Presbytery, taking into view the gloomy and shattered state of the churches under their care, appointed the first Thursday of February next, to be observed as a day of fasting, humiliation, and prayer to Almighty God, that He would remove the clouds of separation between Him and us.” April 951812, Mr. Riggs (18) was dismissed from the pastoral charge of the congregation of Fairfield, and commenced his labors, soon after, in the congregations of Scrubgrass and West Unity. In this latter charge, he found many of the prejudices of the times in his way. But he was a quiet, unpretending man, and yet had his own ideas of propriety ; and in addition to this, had the faculty of carrying out his own plans, in spite of the prejudices of the times and the unreasonableness of many of his people. His strategy was simple and yet effective. It was to approach new subjects gradu- ally, and undermine foolish prejudices by degrees, until his object was accomplished. His people were not probably more unenlightened than others at that day, and their operations may be taken as a specimen of the spirit of the times. One of their peculiar notions was that fire was not necessary in the church edifice, even in the coldest weather. When he went to Scrubgrass, the people were in the habit of coming to church from distances of from one to seven miles. They would then hitch their horses, and sit in the cold church during the two hours of divine service, and return home, without seeing fire. When they erected a new house of worship, Mr. Riggs proposed putting in it two ten-plate stoves, in order that the people might worship with comfort. This prop- HISTORY. 12 position met with a most strenuous opposition.. They argued that their fathers had never had fire in the church, and they were no better than their fathers. Moreover they. said, the house would be so warm they could not occupy it. The spirit of improvement pre- vailed, however, and the stoves were placed in the new church; yet it was observed that an old father, who could not be convinced against his will, gave up a pew he had occupied near the pulpit, and took one near the door, with a window at the back of it, which he regu- larly opened a little lest he should be suffocated. Churches were not generally heated in any way, in these times, even during the long winters that charac- terized the country. Occasionally an old foot-stove that had done service in New England was found in some household, and was filled with coals and embers and carried to church. Yet even this was considered effemi- nate, and none but the aged would condescend to use them. Nor were the services abridged on account of the cold. Thére was the regular routine — two services, and the intervening recess, during which the people eat their biscuits, and shook hands with the minister. Nor were the people warmly clad in those days. Overcoats were rare, and overshoes almost wholly unknown. Dur- ing the service there was often an audible sound of shuf fling feet, that was produced in the attempt to quicken the circulation and so restore warmth to the system. But this was never excepted to on the part of the minister. It was justified by circumstances. About this time an improvement was introduced in the Church of Fairview, a portion of Mr. Eaton’s charge, The little log church, which overlooked Lake Erie, was exposed to the bleak winds that sometimes raged with great fury; and the idea was suggested that as the’ 74 PRESBYTERY OF ERIE. people had fire’ in their cabins at home, a little would improve the temperature of the meeting-house. But there was neither fire-place nor chimney. So a large iron kettle, that had been used in boiling sugar, was set in the middle of the floor, half filled with charcoal, and the mass ignited. This moderated the cold somewhat ; yet the ladies would sometimes approach the kettle so near as to inhale the carbonic acid gas that arose from the coal. faint away, and be carried out into ‘the open air to revive. Subsequently a large ten-plate stove, that had been brought from Eastern Pennsylvania by some enterprizing settler, was obtained, and added greatly to the comfort and satisfaction of the worship- pers. In the spring of 1812, Rev. John McPherrin (16) was invited to preach in Erie County, and remained some six months, preaching in North East and Middlebrook. The journal of William Dickson, already quoted, men- tions an incident of interest. “Tn the spring of 1812, Rev. John McPherrin ac- cepted a call from North East and Middlebrook con- gregations, and came and preached six months. As war was declared that year, and we were on the frontier, he declined staying with us, and returned to his former charge in Butler County. While he was with us, we had an election for elders, and he was not pleased with the choice, as politics had something to do with it. Two men were elected who were never known to pray in their families, and the time was appointed for their ordination ; but they had first to pass an examination that was like a refiner’s fire, and he declared from the pulpit that they were not qualified for members of any church, and he would never ordain such men; if we must have elders, we must elect praying men. One HISTORY. 75 of these men repented, and became an elder; the other like Judas, went to his own place.” At the meeting of Presbytery on the 9th of April 1812, the attention of Presbytery was called to mission- ary ground, near Pittsburgh, now the site of Alleghany City. The minute is in these words: “ An indigent and needy neighborhood, situated on the Alleghany, oppo- site to Pittsburgh, having applied to Rev. Messrs. Herron and Hunt of the Presbytery of Redstone, for supplies of preaching from them and the Rev. Robert Patterson, of Erie, as frequently as convenient; it was deemed proper by them to lay the case for consideration before the Presbytery of Erie. On motion, Resolved, That they, with discretion, attend to this application.” At the same meeting a resolution was offered, but afterwards negatived, looking to the continuance of the practice of publishing the bans of matrimony in the con- gregation on the Sabbath. This practice had been of long standing. The custom had been to set forth the intentions of matrimony in something like the following words: “There is a purpose of marriage between John Smith and Hannah Brown of this congregation ; whereof this is the first publication.” The next Sabbath it would be the second publication, and the following the third ; when it would be proper to celebrate the marriage. The publication was read by the clerk, as he was called, or the leader of the singing, as he stood in front of the pulpit, and was done with as much gravity and unction and sing-song tone as he would line out the psalm pre- paratory to singing. Sometimes there would be a dis- position to smile on the part of the younger portion of the congregation, at the first publication of the bans, but usually it was received with gravity and decorum such as were fitting to the worship of the Sabbath. 76 PRESBYTERY OF ERIE. At the date referred to, the Presbytery did not feel like insisting on the observance of the old rule. Against this laxity, Mr. McPherrin enters his solemn protest, giving four reasons as grounds of his protest. The . protest is spread upon the minutes. At the meeting of the Synod, the year previous, the same question had come up, when it was decided, first, “That the Synod do not approve of their members celebrating marriage, without publishing the purpose of marriage, or license.” And secondly, that it is not a breach of the Sabbath to publish a purpose of mar- riage on that sacred day.? At the meeting of Synod in 1811, Robert McGar- raugh (23), with his congregations, New Rehoboth and Licking, was detached from the Presbytery of Redstone, and annexed to that of Erie. The territory so annexed was determined by the boundary line between the two Presbyteries, thus defined by Synod: “ Ordered, that the Redbank Creek from the mouth up the southern branch to the boundary line of the Synod, shall hereafter be the line of division between the Presbyteries of Erie and Redstone.” ® Mr. McGarraugh was a laborious minister, and suf- fered a full share of the privations and difficulties in- cident to the new settlements. He was a plain, humble man, intent only on the great work of preaching the gospel and leading souls to Christ. His field once em- braced the whole of what is now Clarion Presbytery. A few sermons had perhaps been preached in that re- gion before his arrival, yet he was the first minister that came permanently into the field. He did not content himself with preaching in his own particular charge, but extended his labors in all directions, wherever there 1 Vol. ii. 10. 2 Min. of Synod, 1811. 8 Ibid. HISTORY. 77 were people to hear, or needy souls to be sought out. During one year of his labors, he visited every family, without regard to denomination, in the whole of what is now the Presbytery of Clarion. Without being a fluent preacher, he was an earnest worker, and probably no’ person in all his region of country doubted either his sincerity or his piety. He was the only Presbyterian minister in all this region up to the year 1824, when John Core came into the bounds. Mr. McGarraugh was pastor of the churches of New Rehoboth and Licking from 1807 to 1822, when he resigned his charge, but continued to labor in the con- gregations of Concord and Calensburgh, up to the time of his death in 1839. A detailed record of his labors, and the struggles of himself and family during the early years of his ministry, would seem more like romance than reality. Yet his experience, probably, did not differ much from that of our early ministers gener- ally during the first quarter of a century of the history of the Presbytery. In June, 1812, Mr. Wood (10) became pastor for the whole of his time over the congregation of Plaingrove. At the meeting of Synod in October of this year, the congregation of Hilands was detached from the Presby- tery of Erie, and annexed to that of Redstone. At the same time a remarkable action was had by the Synod, defining the boundaries of this congregation: “That ‘ the first point be at the Alleghany River, opposite the mouth of Puckety Creek ; thence westerly until it inter- sects the Franklin road twelve miles from Pittsburgh ; thence southwest, until it strikes the Ohio River, eight miles from Pittsburgh ; and thence up the river to the town of Pittsburgh.”? 1 Minutes of Synod, 1812. 78 PRESBYTERY OF ERIE. At the same meeting of Synod, Johnston Eaton (20), with his pastoral charge, Fairview and Springfield, on the shore of Lake Erie, was detached from the Pres- bytery of Hartford, and annexed to the Presbytery of Erie. This was an extensive charge. It extended from the Ohio State line to that of New York. Some- times he supplied at Erie, and sometimes at Lower Greenfield or North East. He had begun the work in 1805. In 1807 he moved with all his worldly effects from Fayette County, Pa. on horseback. There was no road for wagons, and all the fixtures for housekeep- ing and domestic comfort must be “packed,” as it was then termed, or lashed on the backs of horses, and these horses led single file, one being tied behind another. A portion of the furniture was manufactured by the minister himself; a small table was constructed out of a walnut log, by laboriously hewing down split puncheons, until they were of the proper thickness. ‘For the children’s comfort the minister made shoes with his own hand, and his wife braided hats from the bark of the leatherwood that grew plentifully in the forest. They manufactured coffee from rye; and good Mr. Blair furnished all the sugar that was wanted, made from the trees that grew on his broad acres. Some- times the bread was made from “sick wheat,”! and caused a terrible agitation of the stomach, but venison and bear-meat and fish were plenty, and the little fam- ily lived in comparative comfort. During the absence of the minister on his preaching tours, the log-cabin parsonage was lonely and often visited by Indians, but a neighbor was usually at hand for company and pro- tection. Twice during these years, Mr. Eaton was a Commissioner to the General Assembly at Philadelphia, 1 A peculiar disease that affected the wheat in that day. HISTORY. 79 and on both occasions performed the journey to and from on horseback. The road led by the way of Pitts- . burgh, and required about two weeks to complete the journey each way. April 7, 1813, Mr. McPherrin was installed as pastor of the congregation of Butler. On the same day, Mr. Lee (5) was dismissed to the Presbytery of Redstone. -In June, 1813, an arrangement was made by which Mr. Tait (3) became pastor once more at Salem, the people of Cool Spring agreeing to worship at Mercer. Salem had been a portion of Mr. Tait’s original charge in 1801. Joseph Stockton (4) had preached the first sermon to this congregation in 1799; it was on the banks of the Shenango, about half a mile from where Green- ville now stands. He was a candidate at the time Mr. Tait was elected pastor. In this congregation a sin- gular question arose in regard to the ruling eldership. Amongst the elders elected was William Beatty, who was a bachelor. The mothers in Israel doubted the propriety of ordaining such a man. ‘The question was warmly debated at several “ frolics” in the neighbor- hood, and the conclusion arrived at was, that an elder “should be the husband of one wife, and rule his house- hold well.” The difficulty was mentioned to Mr. Tait, who at first humored the joke, as he considered it, but finding the matter growing serious, it required quite an effort on his part to remove their doubts ; and they only yielded their opinionin deference to that of their minister. Mr. Beatty was ordained and installed into office, and thenceforward scrupulously devoted one tenth of his income to religious purposes. In the year 1818, during the war with Great Britain, Johnston Eaton was appointed chaplain by the govern- ment. His people were generally in the army, as was 80 PRESBYTERY OF ERIE. the case throughout the Presbytery, and his feelings and sense of duty induced him to desire to go with them. Joseph Badger and Benjamin Boyd, former members of the Presbytery, were also in this service under the government. During a portion of this war, the congregations along the Lake Shore were in great fear and often terror. After Hull’s surrender, it was reported that a British fleet was coming down the Lake, and a body of British and Indians by land at the same time. On one occasion the land forces were reported as coming, when heroic John Sturgeon commenced casting bullets, declaring he would “Make them stand off, or he would send the lead at them.” The British and Indians did not come. On another occasion the fleet was reported landing, when an old gentleman, with commendable zeal, but doubtful judgment, set off on foot at full speed for the shore, taking off his old hat and filling it with stones as he ran, with the avowed intention of sinking the fleet. The fleet proved to be a single boat with a few fisher- men in it, from the neighborhood. During the war there was a circumstance that should be recorded to illustrate the general religious influence that prevailed in at least some portions of the Presby- tery. In Mercer County a company was raised to go to Erie, for the defense of the border. This company was under the command of Captain Joseph Junkin# During the entire campaign, family worship was kept up daily, in every tent but two, by their respective in- mates, and in these two, it was kept up by the officers volunteering to attend to the duty for those who occu- pied them. In October, 1813, Ira Condit (24), a licentiate of the 1 Brother of Rev. Drs. George and David X. Junkin. HISTORY. 81 Presbytery of Ohio, was received under the care of Presbytery, and on the 8th of November following, was ordained and installed as pastor of the congregations of Fairfield and Big Sugar Creek. On the 20th of October, 1813, John Redick (26) was licensed to preach the gospel. On the same day it was urged upon all the churches, notwithstanding their poverty, to contribute to the fund for educating young men for the gospel ministry. On the 6th of April, 1814, Mr. Riggs was installed at Scrubgrass. At the meeting of Presbytery, Septem- ber 29, 1814, there was a movement that reveals the incipient dawn of a great moral enterprise. It con- tains the prophecy of the temperance reformation. Its voice now seems faint and feeble; yet it was the bud wrapped up in its cerements, out of which grew the great work in which Presbytery, in later days, has taken such an active part. The minute and resolution are couched in the following words : — “The Presbytery, taking into view the pernicious effects of ardent spirits on the peace and good morals of society, and the necessity of testifying, by example as well as precept, against the common and excessive use of them at public meetings and social visits: Resolved, To make no use of them at their various ecclesiastical meetings.” Mr. Eaton was released from the pastoral charge at Springfield, and Mr. Matthews from Gravel Run, in November of this year. In June, 1815, Amos Chase (25) was received from the South Consociation of Litchfield. He at once engaged in missionary work, and was for many years an untiring laborer in what has since become the great oil-field of Pennsylvania, trav- 1 Min. ii. 41. 82 PRESBYTERY OF ERIE. elling from neighborhood to neighborhood, and from house to house, bearing the great message. At this meeting Mr. Eaton was permitted to supply the churches of Erie and North East. At this time the ; monthly concert of prayer for missions, was recom- _\ mended to be observed on the first Monday evening of each month. At the same time the question of “moral societies” _ -was discussed, and the following minute passed : — _ Presbytery being informed by their commissioner ‘*, . to the General Assembly that moral associations have -* been formed in many parts of our church, and have been successful in checking immorality, and that the ‘> assembly at their late sessions have earnestly recom- mended the formation of such societies, deem it their ” duty to make known to the churches under their care the wish of the Assembly on this subject, confidently ~ believing that they will cheerfully give their united aid in endeavoring to suppress Sabbath-breaking, drunken- ness, profane swearing, gambling, and all immoralities, within their bounds.” } At this meeting a complaint was brought against one of the pastors, for having violated a fast day, by going on that day to purchase whiskey. The investigation showed that the alleged offense was committed on a Thursday that had been set apart previous to the Lord’s Supper. The offense, as urged, consisted solely in per- forming a secular work on a fast day, and not in the quality of the work itself. The Presbytery unanimously agreed that the delinquent pastor should be admonished by the moderator. On the 28th of September, 1815, John Redick was ordained and installed as pastor of the congregations of 1 Min. ii. 51. HISTORY. 83 Slate Lick and Union. April 2, 1816, Timothy Alden (27) was received from the Presbytery of Jersey. At the same meeting a committee was appointed to draw up a petition to the Legislature in behalf of “ Common English Schools.” June 26, 1816, the congregation of Erie requested one third of the ministerial labors of Mr. Eaton. The request was granted. Me In September, 1816, the following resolution was adopted : — _ a ; \ “Whereas, vice and immorality abound to the de- _ struction of the souls of men, and Of the peace and hap- piness of the church; therefore, the Presbytery resolve to bear a more public, decided, and unanimous testi-" mony against vice in general, and particularly against - the sins of drunkenness, Sabbath-breaking, swearing, gambling, dancing, etc., than formerly, and enjoin it on the ministers and sessions under their care to pay special attention to this resolution.” } The pastoral relation between William Wood and the congregation of Plaingrove was dissolved October 7, 1816, and on the Ist of April, 1817, he was dismissed to the Presbytery of Hartford. On the 2d of April, 1817, the pastoral relation between Mr. Matthews and the congregation of Water- ford was dissolved. On the same day the pastoral rela- tion existing between Mr. Johnston and the congrega- tions of Meadville, Little Sugar Creek (Cochranton), and Conneaut Lake (Evansburg), was also dissolved. The congregation of Meadville then requested that Mr. Alden might be appointed as a stated supply; but as there were .arrearages still due Mr. Johnston, from a part of the charge, Presbytery declined the request. 1 Min. ii. 65. me 84 PRESBYTERY OF ERIE. This was the source of serious difficulty in these con- gregations. They felt that they were treated unjustly, and the result was that the church of Little Sugar Creek eventually withdrew from the Presbytery, and connected with the Presbytery of the Associate Reformed Church. On the 24th of June, 1817, John Munson (28), a licen- tiate of the Presbytery of Hartford, was received under the care of Presbytery. He was a native of New Jer- sey, 2 man of uncouth exterior, but of a genuine ear- nest nature, with a heart to work, and a physical consti- tution that peculiarly adapted him to the wants of the times. For a time*he labored as a missionary. He would take his horse and set out on a tour of two hundred miles, seeking his way at times through cow- paths, over lofty hills, swimming rivers, fording streams, sleeping on the floors of log-cabins, eating corn-bread and bear meat, and all this that he might preach the gospel to the scattered settlements that were on the verge of the great forest. For a time the Upper Alle- ghany, and from that to Lake Erie, was his favorite re- sort. He would find the people, gather them together on Sabbath and on week-days, and preach the gospel to them. Sometimes his congregations were numbered by hundreds, and sometimes by half dozens. It mat- tered not; one soul was precious, and a small company had the same promise of the Master’s presence as a large one. His early habits of labor and toil in assist- ing in the support of the home family, and his custom of self-dependence in the great struggle with the world, from boyhood up, were of great use to him in the labors of the Lord’s vineyard. And these early missionary labors fitted him for entering upon pastoral work, upon which he entered a year or two later. The question of psalmody is an interesting one in HISTORY. 85 this connection. The minutes of Presbytery throw no light upon it. They are silent in regard to the ancient practice of the churches, and the gradual transition from the old version of the Psalms of David, to the imita- tions of the Psalms and the Hymns of Dr. Watts, and thence to the more improved hymnology of the modern church. That these changes took place without any jarring or discord or contention, we can hardly suppose. Human nature is by far too stern and rugged in its constitution to undergo such changes without conflict, even though they be connected with the worship of God and the spiritual enjoyment of the heart. And so the traditions that have come down to us from the fathers and mothers that have fallen asleep, and the recollections of fathers and mothers who yet linger amongst us, assure us of the troubles and contests that were connected with this subject. The records of the old Synod give us an idea of the feelings of the fathers in this matter. As far back as 1765, we find this action passed by the Synod: — “ After some consideration of the query concerning the use of Dr. Watts’ imitation of the Psalms, the Sy- nod judged it best, in present circumstances, only to declare that they look on the inspired Psalms of Scrip- ture to be proper matter to be sung in divine worship, according to their original design and the practice of Christian churches, yet will not forbid those to use the imitation of them whose judgment and inclination leads them to do so.” Twenty-two years later, 1787, the liberal feeling had greatly increased. “The Synod did allow, and hereby do allow, that Dr. Watts’ imitation of David’s Psalms, as revised by Mr. Barlow, be sung in the churches and families under their care.” At the same meeting they 86 PRESBYTERY OF ERIE. advised care and caution in regard to the troubles that this subject had gathered around it. Charity and for- bearance and mutual conciliation, were earnestly en- joined upon the people and upon the ministers, so that no undue burdens might be laid upon either. In regard to the practice of the early fathers of the Presbytery of Erie, we have sufficient light to induce us to believe that from the very first they were in favor of a New Testament psalmody. But they were in ad- vance of the people generally. As a general thing, they used Watts’ Psalms and Hymns, in family worship at home and in social worship, where it would not greatly offend the prejudices of the people. But on the Sabbath day, and in public worship, the old version of Rouse was generally used. There were exceptions, however, in regard to some of the old ministers. It was long before they.could give up the idea of an “In- spired Psalmody,” in public worship. It is related of good old Samuel Porter, of the Presbytery of Redstone, that being at a prayer meeting, where the people were ; singing with great animation — “Let them refuse to sing Who never knew our God; But children of the Heavenly King May speak their joys abroad; ” f he was greatly troubled, and distressed even, for he had not felt at liberty to sing words of human composure ; yet after hearing these lines, he joined in, saying to himself, as he afterwards remarked, — “If my con- science won't let me sing, I’ll wring its neck.” But there were almost intolerable prejudices in the minds of many of the people against the use of any- thing but Rouse. Some who did not appear to have much conscience in regard to other things of greater HISTORY. 87 importance, were here immovable. They could not sing words of “human composition” in the Lord’s wor- ship. They were wedded to the rough, jagged lines of Rouse, and could as readily be diverted from them as from the Holy Book itself. And the Synod acted rea- sonably and well in the matter, to urge charity, tender- ness, and forbearance toward the people. These old psalms had been hallowed in their minds as being con- nected with the blessed memories of early years, as associated with the family altar, as having been sung by lips voiceless now upon earth, but tuneful on the heights of Mount Zion. But it is evident that the early fathers generally were anxious for a fuller liberty in the praises of the Lord. They felt limited and constrained, and longed for a service of song that would be adapted to all times and circumstances. From introducing the use of Watts at home and in pastoral visitations, they gradually began to sing an occasional psalm or hymn from Watts in the social prayer-meeting, just as the feelings and prejudices of the people rendered it proper or expe- dient. This could very readily be done, as the use of books was not then a necessity in worship. The psalm or hymn was invariably “lined out” by the clerk. Sometimes one line at a time, and sometimes two, ac- cording to custom. One book in the congregation, then, would suffice for all. After the people became accus- tomed to the sound of Watts, and their prejudices began to soften, the pastor would occasionally introduce a hymn during the service of the Sabbath ; and thus the transition was passed, until in the course of years the use of hymns became the rule instead of the exception. But this change was not accomplished without a struggle. Men’s feelings, passions, prejudices were 88 PRESBYTERY OF ERIE. sometimes all in the way. Sometimes the sound of a hymn, or even the sight of a hymn-book, would over- come all devotional feeling and all desire for worship, and induce a speedy departure from the house of God. There was a large admixture of Scotch-Irish element in all the churches there, and although eminently con- servative and Presbyterian, yet they remembered the green banks of Ireland, and the gay heather of Scot- land, and albeit they had sung paraphrases as well as psalms in the fatherland, yet they still looked upon these as having a kind of inspiration. Hymns had a doubtful look and a doubtful rhythm about them, and they could not at once fall in with them. Besides, they inherited something of the spirit of the Covenanters of old, and resolved to “contend earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints.” And so, sometimes, rather than give up what they considered the right of conscience, they preferred to leave the old church of their fathers, and find a home where old psalms were the rule. When Mr. Riggs took charge of Scrubgrass and Unity churches, they used Rouse’s version of the psalms exclusively in divine service. This continued for some time, when the pastor, having scruples against this ex- clusive use, began to labor in private to prepare the people for a change. He used the version of Watts, together with his hymns, in social meetings, and occa- sionally sung one before divine service. When he thought the people were ripe for the change, a vote was taken at Unity Church, when it was directed that one of Rouse’s psalms should be sung at the opening of the morning service, and Watts’ the remainder of the time. This vote was passed with but three or four dissenting voices. Accordingly, on the next Sabbath, one of HISTORY. 89 Rouse’s psalms was sung; and at the second singing one of Watts’ psalms was announced, and the pastor com- menced reading it, when a certain tall, broad-shouldered, brusque-looking man, with a rich Milesian accent to his voice, having looked in vain for the psalm in his own thin volume, and thinking perhaps that the speech of the psalm bewrayed it, arose from his seat, stepped into the aisle, and addressing the minister, cried out: “ Quut that ;” and receiving no attention from any source, proceeded up the aisle toward the pulpit, crying, “If you dunno quut that, I'll’ go up and pull ye doon by the neck.” One of the elders here interposed between the bel- ligerent psalm-singer and the pulpit. Mr. Riggs spoke a few mild, soft words of rebuke, with a reference to the protecting power of the civil law; when the irate Milesian turned suddenly about, and striding rapidly out of the house returned no more. Henceforward the congregation had no further trouble on the score of psalmody. This was the last roar of the storm that seemed so threatening. In other congregations there were difficulties of a similar kind. Some of the good fathers who had been nurtured upon the psalms, were disposed to consider anything else in the hour of worship as an innovation not to be tolerated for a moment. One such zealous worshipper was mortified and grieved at suddenly drop- ping a pocket Bible on the floor, under the belief that it was a “ Methodissy Hymn-Book,” as he had named Watts’ Hymns. But these days passed away. Many, no doubt, left the Presbyterian Church and found a home in other branches of the church on account of psalmody, yet peace and harmony on this question at length prevailed. 90 PRESBYTERY OF ERIE. The matter of music in churches was another source of trouble. Formerly the “Seven Sacred Tunes,” as some facetious individuals expressed it, were used to the exclusion of all others. They were the grand old airs of Scotland, that had resounded over brake and burn in times of peace, and struggled faintly through crevice and cranny of dens and caves where God was worshipped in days of persecution. Nothing like light- ness or undue rapidity was tolerated in church music. At first, nothing like a repetition of the words was sup- posed to be proper or decorous or lawful; yet in the course of years, the mellowing influence of time was felt in softening prejudices and in reconciling the people to new things. In the lapse of time, the style of the music used in church became greatly changed. It be- came even more complicated and involved than that used at the present day. Fugue tunes became very popular. A glance at the music books that were in use forty years ago, shows us that this style of music was very common. And yet with all their defects in harmony and arrangement, there was a richness and exuberance about that music that renders many of the tunes very attractive even at the present day. The music then was by the congregation. A clerk “raised the tune,” as they called it, and the people followed after, until the house and the grove and the hill-side were flooded with the strains of melody that gushed forth in praise to God. On the 25th of June, 1817, the pastoral relation ex- isting between Mr. Abraham Boyd and the congrega- tion of Middlesex was dissolved, on the ground of the inadequate support of the pastor. Measures were taken to organize a Missionary Society, agreeably to the recommendation of the General Assembly, and the HISTORY. 91 matter of contributions to this purpose urged upon the churches. A day was set apart at the close of the June meeting, 1817, by the following action: “ Presbytery, taking into view the prevalence of vice and immorality and the declining state of vital piety, together with the threatening aspect of Divine Providence with respect to the church in their bounds, appointed the first Mon- day of September next to be observed as a day of humiliation, fasting, and prayer.” Mr. Alden had never been settled as pastor in the bounds of Presbytery. His work was connected with Alleghany College at Meadville, Pa., of which he was President. This college was then under Presbyterian influence. But Mr. Alden had a love for missionary labor, and often took tours into the Indian Reservation lying along the Alleghany River, and within the bounds of the Presbytery. He had a great regard for the In- dians, and loved to visit them, not only for the opportu- nity of preaching the gospel to them, but of studying their character in their native habits and customs. These Indians were remains of the once powerful and ferocious Six Nations; but were now known as the Senecas and Munsees. They led an indolent and inac- tive life, and were, from the circumstances of the case, exposed to all the vices, and very few of the virtues, of the white man. For years Mr. Alden was in the habit of paying them a visit during the summer, as he could find time from his college engagements. At first, these excursions were undertaken on his own account and at his own charges. Afterwards they had the sanction of the Presbytery. At one time, on representations being made to the proper authorities, he received an appointment from the Society for Propagating the Gospel among the Indians. 92 PRESBYTERY OF ERIE. These labors were not regular or protracted, but occu- pied what time could be spared from the duties of the college. In these labors he came in contact with the famous Seneca chief Cornplanter, whose head-quarters were on the Alleghany River, in Warren County, Pa. In a letter dated November, 1816, he gives an account of an interview with this famous chief: — “Last year, at a council of the tribe, Cornplanter made an eloquent speech of two hours’ length, in which he gave a lucid history of his life. He stated that his father was a white man from Ireland, and that his mother was a Seneca; that he had always been at- tached to the tribe; that he had been zealous in their way of worship; but that now he was convinced they were all wrong; that he was determined to devote him- self to the way in which the ministers walk — meaning the Christian religion. ‘I know,’ said he, ‘that we are wrong; I know that they are right. Their way of wor- shipping the Great Spirit is good. I see it; I feel it; I enjoy it. : “Jn this happy and persuasive manner did he, with his imperfect knowledge, plead the cause of Christ. In one part of his animated address, while speaking of his former views and habits, his language seemed to be like that of Paul, giving an account of his Pharisaic zeal in opposition to Christianity. In another part, it was like that of Joshua, stating his pious resolutions to the tribes of Israel at Shechem.” ? This old chieftain, the last of a line of heroic braves, lived to the patriarchal age of one hundred and five years, and lies buried by the side of the Alleghany, 1 Sprague’s Annals, HISTORY. 93 whose waters he had been familiar with from his child- hood. : On the 15th of February, 1818, Mr. Matthews was dismissed to the Presbytery of Missouri. The mission- ary spirit was largely developed in his nature; and as he looked out upon the inviting fields of the great West, he longed to explore them and do what he could in their evangelization. In these days frequent inquiries were instituted as to the matter of collections for “the Theological Sem- inary.” This was, of course, the seminary at Princeton, for no other was then established. Although these early fathers had not enjoyed the advantages of such an institution themselves, they felt its value, and desired that those who were preparing for the sacred office might have every facility in their preparation for the work. It was also strictly enjoined on the churches to be careful in examining the credentials of travelling min- isters, as they were Tatled, passing through the Presby- tery or tarrying within its bounds. A standing com- mittee of Presbytery was appointed, to whom all strange ministers were referred for examination ; and until ap- proved by them, it was considered disorderly for vacant churches to countenance them. This was rendered necessary from the fact that numerous adventurers from the East were at that time drifting westward, and seeking that standing amongst strangers they could not obtain at home. On the 28th day of February, 1818, John Munson was ordained and installed as pastor of the united con- gregations of Plaingrove and Center. In these exer- cises Mr. Chase preached the sermon, and Mr. McPher- rin delivered the charges. On the same day Mr. John- 94 PRESBYTERY OF ERIE. ston was dismissed to the Presbytery of Redstone. He had been a member of Presbytery fifteen years, and one of the most successful pastors within its bounds. At this meeting the question of the relation of persons baptized in infancy was discussed, when “ It was moved and seconded, that those ministers and sessions who exercise discipline upon baptized members, and censure such as are guilty of any immorality, be considered as justifiable.” This action was passed as the voice of the Presbytery. The matter of educating candidates for the minis- try still pressed earnestly upon the Presbytery. New measures were adopted and new efforts put forth. The matter was brought individually before each congrega- tion, and in order that vacant churches might have the same opportunity of contributing as those with pastors, a layman was sought out and appointed in each congre- gation within the bounds of Presbytery. There was at this time no general education board for the whole church. The Presbytery conducted the matter of edu- cation in its own way. Funds were collected through- out the congregations and paid into the treasury of Presbytery, and by it supplied to the students under its care, as circumstances seemed to justify. These stu- dents generally commenced their studies with the pas- tors. Sometimes their entire classical studies were pursued in this way; and in all cases at the first, they pursued their theological course either with Dr. Mc- Millan or some pastor at home. In this way the funds of Presbytery, though small, were made to go a great way in preparing young men for the field. The rule then, as in more modern times, was that no prom- ising young man, desirous of entering the ministry, should be discouraged for want of funds. The pastors HISTORY. 95 did a great work in this way. They generally lived on farms, and were always ready to receive young men into their families as students, furnishing them books, instruction, and a quiet home free of expense. In these days there was scarcely a minister in the Presbytery who was not instrumental in introducing one or more young men into the ministry, not only in the way of advice and encouragement, but in actually undertaking their instruction and maintenance, either in whole or in part. In this way every pastor’s cabin in the early days was made a miniature college or theological seminary. Sometimes the pastor could say, as Dr. Mc- Millan did, in regard to the accommodations: “ Some- times we had no bread for weeks together; but we had plenty of pumpkins and potatoes and all the necessa- ries of life; and as for luxuries, we were not much con- cerned about them.”? But what they had was freely shared with the student. And many a time did the pastor’s wife deny herself some great convenience, in order that the student might not want for hose, and that his wardrobe in other respects might be maintained in a presentable appearance. And in order to assist in the same matter, the mothers in Israel formed what they called “ Cent Societies,” the object of which was to collect funds. mainly through their own labor, as well as to provide clothing, socks, collars, handkerchiefs, and other articles pertaining to wearing apparel, for the comfort and convenience of the young candidates for the ministry. There is a long record of ‘self-denying labors and secret sacrifices, made by these early moth- ers in behalf of God’s church and ministry, that will be found written only in God’s Book of Remembrance, and concerning which it has already been said, “ Inas- 1 Sprague’s Annals, vol. iii. p. 352. 96 PRESBYTERY OF ERIE. much as ye did it unto the least of these, my brethren, ye did it unto me.” On the 29th of June, 1819, Phineas Camp (29) was received from the Presbytery of North River. He was from the State of New York, and the first minister received into the Presbytery who had been a student at a theological seminary. He had been through a full course at Princeton, and was a most zealous and fervid minister. To a warm, impassioned nature, he added a zeal and energy that were remarkable, and that adapted him peculiarly to missionary labor. He de- lighted to go from church to church and from house to house urging and entreating souls to trust in Christ. His labors in Erie County, Pennsylvania, and Chau- tauque County, New York, were peculiarly blessed. During his labors in this region, there were many cases of the “bodily exercise,” spoken of in a preceding chapter. This was considered by Mr. Camp as of very great importance, as a manifestation of the divine Spirit, and a most encouraging feature connected with his labors. Perhaps Mr. Camp was the first member of the Presbytery who was known technically as a “revival minister.” He seems to have been more suc- cessful in his labors as an Evangelist than as a settled pastor. On the 8th day of September, 1819, he was installed as pastor of the congregation of Westfield, New York. In these services Mr. Riggs preached the sermon, and Mr. Tait delivered the charges. At this meeting, a complaint was brought against the session of the church of North East, for inviting mem- bers of the Methodist Church “To be active with them at the Monthly Concert of Prayer.” The Presbytery “ Resolved, That we deem it wrong that members of the Methodist Church, a church that holds doctrines contrary HISTORY. 97 to our confession of faith, be invited to be active mem- bers in our prayer meetings.” This activity consisted in leading in prayer. Against this action Thomas Robinson complained to Synod. A reference to the action of this latter body shows that whilst the Synod approved of the zeal of Presbytery for the purity of the church, they yet feared that in this particular case the zeal was not alto- gether according to knowledge, and intimated kindly that the record was not judicious or charitable. On the 7th of October, 1819, Reid Bracken was re- leased from the pastoral charge of the congregation of Plain ; and on the same day calls from the congregation of Middlesex were placed in his hands and accepted by him. On the 15th of February, 1820, the Congregational church of Lottsville asked to be taken under the care of Presbytery. The request was granted, and Deacon Fox enrolled as a member. On the 28th of Septem- ber following, on petition of the inhabitants of Law- renceburg, the congregation of Ebenezer was recog- nized as under the care of Presbytery; and on the same day Mr. Bracken was installed as pastor at Middlesex for half his time. The Presbytery at this time began to consider the propriety of another division of its boundaries. The labor of travelling to meetings of Presbytery was great, and that of supplying vacancies and performing mission- ary work was still more arduous. Accordingly, at a meeting held at Middlesex, Butler County, Pa., on the 28th of September, 1820, a committee, consisting of Mr. Boyd and Mr. Eaton, was appointed to propose a divis- ion line of Presbytery. On the following day they pre- sented the following report, which was embodied in a a 98 PRESBYTERY OF ERIE. request to the Synod of Pittsburgh for the necessary action : — «“ Resolved, That the Presbytery of Erie request the Synod of Pittsburgh, at its next meeting, to set off a new Presbytery by a line commencing at the mouth of Little Neshannock Creek ; thence up Big Neshannock to the mouth of Yellow Creek ; thence up Yellow Creek to Hosack’s Mill; thence along the Mercer Road to Frank- lin, and north of Franklin to the mouth of French Creek ; thence up the Alleghany to the State line; to include the Rev. Messrs. John McPherrin, Abraham Boyd, Robert McGarraugh, Cyrus Riggs, Reid Bracken, John Munson, and John Redick ; and all the congrega- tions south of that line, to be known by the name of Alleghany Presbytery.” This request was granted by the Synod; and the new Presbytery was directed to hold its first meeting “ at the town of Butler, on the first Tuesday of April, 1821, at twelve o’clock ; to be opened with a sermon by the Rev. John McPherrin, and in case of his absence, by the next senior minister present, who is to preside until a moderator be chosen.” At that meeting of Synod the Presbytery reported thirteen ministers and forty-seven congregations. Of these ministers Mr. Chase was without charge; Mr. Tait settled at Mercer and Salem; Mr. McPherrin at Butler and Concord; Abraham Boyd at Bull Creek and Deer Creek; Mr. McGarraugh at New Rehoboth and Licking ; Mr. Riggs at Scrubgrass and Unity ; Mr. Eaton at Fairview and Erie; Mr. Bracken at Nebo and Middlesex; Mr. Condit at Fairfield, Big Sugar Creek, and Sandy ; Mr. Redick at Slate Lick and Union ; Mr. Munson at Plaingrove and Center; and Mr. Camp at Westfield. Mr. Alden was President of Alleghany College. HISTORY. 99 It was now twelve years since the previous division of the Presbytery ; the territory had been more fully occu- pied, and although the number of ministers on the roll had not been largely increased, yet the general results were encouraging. Revivals of religion had not been so numerous nor so powerful as during the first period of the history of Presbytery ; yet the churches were not without the presence and refreshing influences of the Holy Spirit. During these years the narrative of the state of religion was not recorded ; yet in 1818, the min- utes record this testimony: “The Presbytery are of opinion that the evidences in favor of God’s visiting most of our congregations with his grace, are more hope- ful than they have been for years past.” Again, the next year, after “a free conversation,” as they term it, in which they bewail carelessness and lukewarmness, they say: “The Presbytery are of opinion, that there are evidences of God’s having graciously visited several of our congregations and vacancies especially, in a manner not witnessed for some years past.” Tt was during these years that the revivals connected with Mr. Camp’s labors are reported, in which the “bodily exercise ” was prevalent. CHAPTERIV. FROM THE SECOND DIVISION OF PRESBYTERY TO THE GREAT DIVISION. 1820-1837. By the late organization of the new Presbytery of Alleghany, the bounds of Presbytery were very much reduced. It now consisted of the counties of Erie and Crawford, with portions of those of Mercer, Venango, and Warren. The territory was reduced about one half in its extent. Its members numbered but six, one less than when it held its first meeting in 1802. Samuel Tait was settled at Salem and Mercer; Johnston Eaton at Fairview and Erie; Ira Condit at Fairfield, Big Sugar Creek, and Sandy; Amos Chase without charge; Timothy Alden, President of Alleghany College; and Phineas Camp at Westfield, New York. At the next meeting of Synod, they reported twenty-nine congregations, the names of which, in addition to the pastoral charges given above, are: Westfield, Poland, Springfield, North East, Ripley, Conneaut, Waterford, Middlebrook, Cussawago, Gravel Run, Union, Oil Creek, Great Brokenstraw, Lottsville, Beachwoods, Warren, Tidioute, Alleghany, Conneaut Lake, Harmonsburg, and United Christian Society. The circumstances under which the Presbytery were now situated, were somewhat discouraging. There HISTORY. , 101 were but four pastoral charges, leaving over twenty vacant churches to be supplied and nurtured. And these vacancies were generally weak. With the exception of Meadville, not one, or even two combined, seemed able to support a minister. Still the Presbytery do not seem disheartened, but give themselves to the work, and set forward as though they meant to accomplish the work set before them. The first meeting of Presbytery, after bidding fare- well to the brethren who were to set up the gates of the Presbytery of Alleghany, was at Gravel Run, Penn- sylvania, on the 17th day of April, 1821. Mr. Tait was chosen moderator, and Mr. Alden clerk. John Van Liew (30), a licentiate of the Classis of New Brunswick, being present, was received under the care of Presby- tery. Mr. Van Liew was a licentiate of the Reformed Dutch Church. He was licensed by the Classis of New Brunswick, N. J., and had preached but a short time before coming into the bounds of the Presbytery. The prospect was promising for his settlement at Meadville, and he was willing to change his ecclesiastical relation in order to enter this field of usefulness. He was a young man, and while in the dew of youth, entered zealously upon the work. Asa part of the minutes of this meeting of Presby- tery, the narrative of the state of religion is recorded. It is the first instance in which this was done. It is reported that “there is an increasing attention to the means of grace. Our vacancies are earnestly soliciting ministerial labors. Several congregations have been organized during the year, and some are preparing for, and are uncommonly anxious to settle, a minister.” “Qur benevolent societies have felt the general pressure of the times; but, unwilling to relax in their 102 PRESBYTERY OF ERIE. exertions, have, in some cases, given their mites in clothing and books for the Indian schools. “In some congregations, there have been a number of hopeful additions. The most general awakening has been in Mercer and Salem, which were visited last sum- mer with the special influences of the Spirit of God. The fruits of these gracious influences have been sixty added to the church.” “ The number of Sabbath-schools has been increasing, and their efforts flattering. The monthly concert of ‘prayer is attended, and in some of our churches the pious are in the habit of spending Wednesday evening for the effusion of the Divine influence on the ministers and churches with which they are in connection.” _ This is the first mention of the Sabbath-school enter- prise. It is not probable that schools were organized generally through the country churches. The people ‘generally were scattered over a large extent of country, and could not conveniently meet for that purpose. But in the towns and villages the matter seems to have been generally attended to. Mr. Alden was the great apostle of Sabbath-schools in the Presbytery. When not engaged in his Indian missions, he spent his available time in going through its bounds, organizing schools, visiting those already organized, and encouraging the enterprise by his counsel and his efforts. The facilities for carrying on schools were not good. Books were scarce and un- suitable in character. The Bible, the Catechism, and oral instruction must, be the chief dependence. And these, with an earnest prayerful heart on the part of teachers and superintendent, were blessed to great good by the Head of the Church. On the 21st day of August, 1821, John Van Liew _was ordained and installed as pastor of the congre- HISTORY. 103 gation of Meadville. In these services Mr. Eaton preached from these words: “ How shall they hear without a preacher?” Rom. iii. 10; and Mr. Chase pre- sided and delivered the charges. This settlement of Mr. Van Liew was the dawn of better days to the church of Meadville. For the last three or four years they had been dependent mainly on supplies. During a portion of that time, by a private arrangement, they had enjoyed the labors of Mr. Al- den and Allan D. Campbell, then in connection with the Associate Reformed Church. ‘These brethren sup- plied on alternate Sabbaths. But there was dissatisfac- tion in the church. At one time they were on the eve of calling Mr. Campbell, and putting the church under the care of the Associate Reformed Presbytery. But this intention failed. The people became united in Mr. | Van Liew; the feeling of dissatisfaction with the Pres-.’ bytery ceased, and the church began to prosper. The whole of Mr. Van Liew’s time was taken, and the con- gregation was thenceforward self-sustaining. On the 21st of August, 1821, Mr. Camp’s pastoral relation to the church of Westfield, N. Y., was dissolved. The pastoral work was not so congenial to him as the work of an Evangelist. He felt most at home when travelling from place to place, and seeking out destitute points, and preaching the Word of Life. In February, 1822, Presbytery, after considering the destitution of the vacant churches under its care, sent a pastoral letter to each vacant church, proposing a plan for their relief, and stimulating them to exertion on their own part. After reminding them of their delin- quencies in the matter of remunerating their supplies, — they say: “The plan we have adopted for the pur- 1 Born in England, 1791; licensed, 1815; ordained, 1818; died, 1861. v 104 PRESBYTERY OF ERIE. pose of remedying this defect, is as follows: Every vacant congregation shall become responsible by its proper officers, or otherwise, for as large a sum as can be raised with certainty within the bounds. The sum thus raised, with the aid expected to be obtained from missionary societies, will probably be sufficient for the support of a missionary the whole year. As an induce- ment for exertion, we hold out the assurance that every congregation shall receive its quota of missionary labor in proportion to the moneys raised within its bounds. Let it be also understood that the service of the missionary in each place will, with the expected aid from abroad, be nearly double the amount subscribed.” This appeal was responded to at the next meeting of Presbytery by eleven churches, reporting in the aggre- gate two hundred and eighty-two dollars and fifty cents. In the autumn of 1822, Mr. Tait was appointed by Synod as superintendent, pro tem., of the mission fam- ily about to be located among the Ottowa Indians on the Maumee River, and the Presbytery was directed to supply his pulpit during his absence. This position he held for about seven months. In the mean time trouble was brewing in Springfield, in Erie County, Pa. A Presbyterian church had been organized there by Mr. Eaton in the year 1806. Of this church he had been the pastor for many years. About the year 1821, a Congregational church was formed. The consequence was, that the efforts of the people were divided. Bickerings and heart-burnings were engendered, and the matter was brought to the notice of Synod. The Congregational wing of the church had applied to the Presbytery of Grand River to be taken under its care. This Presbytery was advised by Synod not to take the church under its care, and HISTORY. 105 a committee appointed to visit Springfield to endeavor to reconcile difficulties, and recommending the two con- gregations of Springfield to observe the 15th of the fol- lowing November as a day of fasting and prayer. The committee, consisting of Thomas Edgar Hughes, an old member of the Presbytery of Erie, E. T. Wood- ruff, and Randolph Stone, visited Springfield, held a “free conversation ” with the people of the two congre- gations, and heard statements from both parties. The Presbyterian brethren were then requested to withdraw, when the committee proposed to the Congregational brethren a union with the Presbyterians, on condition of being present at the examination of candidates for membership in the church, and asking such questions as conscience might dictate, and also of attending all cases of trial and discipline. This was agreed to. The Congregational brethren then withdrew, and the Pres- byterian brethren were called in. The terms of union on the part of the former were laid before them and agreed to, and the Congregationalists were called in, when the following resolution was mutually adopted : — “ Resolved, That the present ruling elders in the Presbyterian Church, namely, Charles Manly, Isaac Miller, James Blair, Robert Porter, and Allen Law, and the present acting deacon in the Congregational church, namely, William Branch, be, and are hereby consti- tuted, the standing committee of the United Church of Springfield, according to the principles of union recom- mended by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, and the General Association of Connecti- cut.” 2 Against this action of the committee, the Presbytery complained. The elders of the church at Springfield 1 Minutes of Synod, 1823. 106 PRESBYTERY OF ERIE. wrote to Presbytery for advice in the matter. After discussing the action of the committee, Presbytery re- solved that said committee had “assumed a stretch of power not authorized by the constitution or usages of the Presbyterian Church, in setting aside the eldership of the Presbyterian Church of Springfield, as the said Synodical committee virtually did, by appointing a com- mittee that was to supersede the elders of that church; and therefore that the act of said Synodical committee, and thus setting aside the eldership of that church, is null and void.” ? They further resolved that the elders of said church were the constitutional officers. At the next meeting of Synod the matter was com- promised and settled by Synod declaring that the action of the committee did not affect the standing or position of the session, but simply added Deacon Branch to their number. On the 8th of April, 1823, Rev. William Kennedy was received from the Presbytery of Huntington, and at the same meeting dismissed to the Presbytery of Alleghany. He seems to have passed from that Pres- bytery to some other the same year or the next, as his name does not appear on the roll after the next meet- ing of Synod. On the Ist of October of the same year, John Bar- rett, a licentiate of the Andover Association of the Congregational Church, was received under the care of Presbytery. He labored for a time in the vacant churches, but was never settled, and was eventually dis- missed to the care of the Presbytery of Grand River, in 18 26. At this meeting also, Presbytery received under its 1 Min. ii. 142. HISTORY. 107 care three candidates for the gospel ministry,— Thomas Anderson (87), a graduate of Washington College, and Absalom McCready (36), and John C. Tidball, graduates of Jefferson College. The first two were eventually licensed and ordained by the Presbytery ; the latter was dismissed to another Presbytery. Mr. Judah Ely, a licentiate of the Presbytery of Niagara, was permitted to labor for a time within the bounds, but was never received under the care of Presbytery. On the 13th of April, 1824, Bradford Marcy (31), was received from the Presbytery of Long Island. He had been living for some time in Crawford County, but had turned his attention to agricultural pursuits. In these he was successful. He had no pastoral charge in the Presbytery. Although a man of some learning and zeal, yet his success in the pastoral work was confined to his earlier fields of labor at Islep, on Long Island, and in New Jersey. On the 21st of June, 1824, the pastoral relation be- tween Mr. Van Liew and the church of Meadville was dissolved. Mr. Van Liew’s health had been feeble for some time, and feeling that it might be improved by returning to the sea-board, asked to be released for that purpose. On the following day he was dismissed to the Presbytery of Jersey. On the 9th of February, 1825, Mr. Camp was dis- missed to the Presbytery of St. Lawrence; and on the same day David McKinney (82), a licentiate of the Presbytery of Philadelphia, was taken under the care of Presbytery, and accepted calls from the congregation of Erie, Pa. At this meeting Presbytery assigned to Mr. McCready, as a theme for a Latin exegesis : “ Non ignari mali miseris, sucurrere disco;” and to Mr. An- derson : “ Auri sacra fames.” 108 PRESBYTERY OF ERIE. On the 2d of March, 1825, Nathan Harned (34), a licentiate of the Presbytery of Philadelphia, and Giles Doolittle (33), a licentiate of the Presbytery of Oneida, were received under the care of Presbytery. On the 18th of April, 1825, David McKinney was ordained and installed as pastor of the Ist Presby- terian congregation of Erie. In these services Mr. Alden preached, and Mr. Tait delivered the charges. This was the first pastoral settlement in the church at Erie. Mr. Patterson had first labored statedly for a time, and a call was made out for his pastoral labors in connection with North East and Middlebrook, but he was never installed. Afterwards Mr. Eaton labored for some five years from one third to one half of his time, but it was simply asa stated supply. They worshipped at this time in the “ Yellow Meeting-house.” Mr. Colt was the principal ruling elder and prime patron of the church. He had been converted under the ministra- tions of Mr. McCurdy of Cross Roads, and had con- nected with the church at Upper Greenfield, on Middle- brook, and was always a consistent, earnest Christian and efficient ruling elder. Now a pastor was called, and the church began to gather strength, and has since exerted a most important influence in the com- munity. The session of the church had been in corre- spondence with Dr. Archibald Alexander in relation to a student of Princeton. The doctor states in a letter dated June 3, 1823: “We are not able to meet the demands for missionaries; not more than a tenth of the calls can be answered.” Dr. Alexander had first recommended to Mr. Colt, Joseph H. Jones, speaking of him as “a graduate of Harvard University, of re- spectable talents and acquirements, and very amiable in 1 Now Dr. Jones of Philadelphia. HISTORY. 109 . his manner and disposition.” The salary spoken of was “thirty-three dollars per month.” Mr. Jones vis- ited Erie, travelling on horseback, and spent some weeks, making a most favorable impression. He after- wards declined the call to Erie. Dr. Alexander then wrote under date of January 16, 1824: — “T have concluded to advise that David McKinney, now in the seminary, should pay you a visit in the Fall. He is a young man, not of showy, but of solid talents. As a student, he is indefatigable, and possesses a sound judgment, with an excellent character for piety.” Under these circumstances, Mr. McKinney entered upon the work, and was rewarded with a good degree of success. If the thirty-three dollars per month was not sufficient, it was eked out by teaching and other arrangements. On the 14th of April, 1825, Giles Doolittle (33) was ordained and installed as pastor of the united congre- gations of North East and Ripley, the former in Erie County, Pa., the latter in Chautauque County, N. Y. In these services, Mr. Eaton preached, and Mr. Tait delivered the charges. North East had been formerly known as Lower Greenfield, and had constituted a part of the pastoral charge of Mr. Patterson, and from which he had been released in 1807. Ripley had not hereto- fore engaged the labors of a pastor. Mr. Doolittle was amost excellent pastor. Accustomed from childhood to exertion and effort, he labored most assiduously for the building up of his congregations. He was successful. His people enjoyed several revivals during his pastor- ate. In some things he differed from his brethren, yet he always had the glory of God in view, and labored earnestly for the good of souls. Although he found many difficulties in his way, he yet, by precept and ex- 110 PRESBYTERY OF ERIE. ample sought to lead the erring, the opposing, and the indifferent in the way of life. In the year 1825, Messrs. Tait and Eaton were appointed to prepare a history of Presbytery, and the members enjoined to grant them such aid as might be in their power. One year from this time the committee reported progress, and were directed to continue their labors. On the 20th of April, 1825, Nathan Harned was or- dained and installed as pastor of the united congrega- tions of Warren, Sugar Grove, Great Brokenstraw, and Lottsville. Mr. Tait preached on the occasion, and Mr. Chase delivered the charges. Here was a wide field, and one that has continued, with the exception of War- ren, missionary ground for more than forty years. On the 28th day of December of the same year, Mr. Condit was released from the charge of the congrega- tion of Big Sugar Creek, and devoted the one third of his time to that of Amity, in the Presbytery of Alle- ghany. On the same day, Absalom McCready (36), and Thomas Anderson (37), were licensed to preach the gospel. On the 28th of December, 1825, Mr. Tait was re- leased from the pastoral charge of Salem, where he had been laboring for the third of his time; and a call was put into his hands for the whole of his time from the congregation of Mercer. This call was accepted on the following month, when the whole of his time was given to Mercer, until the period of his death. The first place of preaching in Mercer was the upper room of the jail, an old log building that stood near the Diamond. The first effort towards the erection of a house of worship, was made by drawing logs and put- ting up the body of a house, but the building was never HISTORY. 111 covered. After this a brick building was erected, but so frail was the construction, that it was never consid- ered safe, and was finally abandoned. It was not until the year 1830, that a comfortable house was erected. On the 18th of January, 1826, Mr. Harned was re- leased from the pastoral charge of Great Brokenstraw ; and at the same time the organization of a church at Randolph, in Crawford County, was reported. | On the 11th of April, 1826, Mr. Condit accepted calls from the congregation of Upper Sandy, now George- town. This call was for one third of Mr. Condit’s time. On the 24th of May following, Mr. Chase was installed as pastor of the congregation of Oil Creek, for half his time. This church is now known as Titus- ville. Mr. Chase had for the last ten years acted as a missionary through the country now known as the * Oil Region.” He had gathered this church, and established a preaching-point at Centerville, in which he was in- stalled the following year, a church having been organ- ized by Mr. McKinney, and wished for a little relief from the constant travel; yet he reserved still one fourth of his time for the regions beyond. On the 24th day of May of this year, Wells Bush- nell (35), a licentiate of the Presbytery of New Bruns- wick, was received under the care of Presbytery, and accepted calls from the congregation of Meadville. Ilis ordination took place on the 22d of June follow- ing, when he was regularly installed as pastor of the congregation. In these services, Mr. Stockton, the first pastor of the church, being present by invitation, preached the sermon. Mr. Tait delivered the charge to the pastor, and Mr. Eaton the charge to the people. On the 24th of May, 1826, Mr. Harned was released from the pastoral charge of the congregations of War- 112 PRESBYTERY OF ERIE. ren and Sugar Grove, and on the 22d of June follow- ing, he was dismissed to the Presbytery of Hartford. In June of this year the congregation of North Bank, in Crawford County, was organized. On the 14th of September, Absalom McCready (36) was ordained and installed as pastor of the united con- gregations of Middlebrook and Beaverdam, in Erie County. Mr. McKinney preached the sermon, Mr. Tait delivered the charge to the pastor, and Mr. Doo- little the charge to the people. Middlebrook was formerly known as Upper Green- field, and had constituted a part of Mr. Patterson’s charge as early as 1803. It was in fact one of the old- est churches in the bounds of the Presbytery. On the 19th day of September following, Thomas Anderson (37) was ordained and installed as pastor of the united congregations of Big Sugar Creek, Concord, and Franklin, in Venango County. Mr. Bushnell preached the sermon, Mr. Chase delivered the charge to the pastor, and Mr. McKinney the charge to the people. Previous to this time Franklin had been under the care of the Presbytery of Alleghany, but was about this time, at the request of the congregation, set over to the Presbytery of Erie. It was an arduous charge upon which Mr. Anderson entered. Concord was twenty miles distant from either of the other two con- gregations, and they were seven miles asunder. The roads were bad, and the weather often stormy. The congregations too, were weak, and the salary small. Once whilst living in Franklin, the barrel of meal and the cruse of oil were just about failing. The family sat down to breakfast on bread and molasses, and coffee. The usual blessing was sought. The bread and molasses were discussed. The minister betook HISTORY. 113 him to his study, telling the family that God would provide for them, as He fed even the little birds; the mother sat down to her toil until the evening, when two sons of good Mrs. Bowman appeared with a basket filled with comforts and even luxuries. That night the pastor thanked God for “ friends, food, and raiment.” The church of Franklin consisted at the time of Mr. Anderson’s settlement of but fourteen members. The first communion was held on the bank of French Creek, under the shade of the trees. He was the first pastor, and always afterward spoke of it as his first love. On the 11th of January, 1827, Pierce Chamberlain (38), a member of the Presbytery of New Castle, was received as a member of Presbytery. He was a meek, quiet, good man, who had devoted much time and labor to missionary work. From the prisons and almshouses of Philadelphia, he had come to the missionary terri- tory of Northwestern Pennsylvania. And he did good service in this work. He was constantly going from point to point, preaching, organizing Sabbath-schools, and encouraging the vacant churches. On the llth of January, 1827, the people of Cool Spring petitioned Presbytery for a new organization. They had been disbanded now for some years, and had generally been identified with Mercer. But the settle- ment was filling up. It was some distance to Mercer, and they thought their interests required a separate or- ganization. The measure was opposed by Mr. Tait with all his accustomed warmth and energy, and the consid- eration of the petition was postponed until the next meeting of Presbytery. At this meeting Mr. Bushnell was appointed to organize the church, who at a subse- quent meeting, April 29, 1828, reported that he had organized the church. 8 114 PRESBYTERY OF ERIE. On the 10th of October, 1827, Mr. Condit was in- stalled as pastor of the congregation of Georgetown. This was formerly known as Upper Sandy congregation. Mr. Condit labored here for one third of his time. On the 9th of April, 1828, James Alexander (40), a member of the church of Mercer, was licensed to preach the gospel. On the 24th of June, 1828, Peter Hassinger (39), a licentiate of the Presbytery of New Castle, was taken under the care of Presbytery. On the Ist of October following, Mr. Hassinger was ordained and installed as pastor of the congregation of Gravel Run, in Crawford County. Mr. Doolittle preached on the occasion. Mr. Chase delivered the charge to the pastor, and Mr. McKinney to the people. In the mean time Mr. Cham- berlain had been called to the church at Springfield. His feeling and desire were to accept, but feebleness of health compelled him to return the call, and devote himself to missionary work. On the 13th of October, 1828, James Alexander was ordained and installed as pastor of the united congrega- tions of Salem, Greenville, and Big Bend. Mr. Cham- berlain preached. Mr. Eaton delivered the charge to the pastor, and Rev. H. Coe, who was present from the Presbytery of Grand River, the charge to the people. April 22, 1829, Mr. Condit was dismissed from Amity. During these last years some interesting revivals of re- ligion had occurred. In Mr. Doolittle’s charge the Spirit of God had been poured out with power. Some inter- esting cases are reported of the manner in which these manifestations were at first noticed. In North East, an elder * was awakened in the middle of the night by 1 William Dickson. HISTORY. 115 a messenger from the country. On inquiry as to his desire, he cried out, — “OQ, do come out and see dreadful way.” “ But what is the matter?” “ He is suffering everything. Come out quickly and do something for him.” “Go for the doctor if he is sick; Iam not the one to send for on such an occasion.” “ But it is not the doctor he wants. He complains of his sins, and is afraid he will be lost forever; and we thought you could come and pray for him, and maybe do him some good. We did not know what else to do.”’ The elder went out and prayed, and counseled with the young man. This was the beginning of a good work. Soon after, during the progress of some meet- ings, a strong, honest man from the country, known as Billy Wilson, was at the church on the Sabbath. God’s Spirit was stirring the hearts of the people, and many, who had hardly a religious conviction before, were moved and melted by his power. Wilson felt troubled and anxious without fully comprehending his feelings. They were new to him. During the recess between sermons he stepped over to the hotel, and was standing before the fire, doubtful as to the cause of his strange feelings. At length, stepping up to the bar, he said, ad- dressing the proprietor: “Lem, I feel most dreadful bad to-day; I guess I'll take a little whiskey ; the day is raw, and it may help me.” The bar had been par- tially closed, out of respect to the Sabbath, but a small pigeon-hole was left open for the accommodation of an occasional visitor. The proprietor set down the bottle, but still holding the glass in his hand, seemed for a moment in a brown study. At length he said: “ Billy, where is it that you feel bad ?” ——., he is in a most 116 PRESBYTERY OF ERIE. “O, Lem; I feel monstrous bad about my heart; I never felt so before.” The bottle and glass were immediately returned to the shelf, with the curt advice: “ Billy, it is not whis- key you want; it’s the minister. Go to him at once, for you’re under conviction.” The result was that Wilson became a Christian, and the Lord remembered Lemuel Brown for his good deed done to one who was under conviction, for many years had not rolled by, before he too was brought into the church. On the 22d of April, 1829, the following paper on Temperance was adopted : — “ Resolved —1. That Presbytery view with much satisfaction the efforts now making in the cause of tem- " perance, and hope to see them crowned with great success. “2. That we recommend to the congregations under our care, the formation of societies for the promotion of temperance. “3. That as we have derived great aid from the female friends of Zion in the cause of benevolence, we would now recommend to them the formation of societies, to aid, not only by an example, but also by the whole weight of their influence, the cause of temperance. “4. That the ministers of the Presbytery form them- selves into a temperance society, on the plan of rigid and entire abstinence from the use of ardent spirits, except for medicinal purposes.” } By this time the bud, spoken of in chapter second, as having presented itself in 1814, had expanded into the full-blown flower. Public opinion had made rapid 1 Min. ii. 241. HISTORY. 117 strides in the course of fifteen years, and no doubt the fruit that followed was good and wholesome. On the 22d of April, 1829, Mr. McKinney was re- leased from the pastoral charge of the church of Erie. At the same meeting the Commissioners to the Gen- eral Assembly were directed “to purchase sixty copies of the ‘ Confession of Faith’ of our Church, for our con- gregations, for the payment of which, Presbytery will be responsible.” On the 24th of June of the same year, Mr. Condit was installed as pastor of the congregation of Cool Spring, for one third of his time. This relation contin- ued until his death in 1836. On the same day, George A. Lyon (41), a licentiate of the Presbytery of Carlisle, was received under the care of Presbytery, and accepted calls from the congre- gation of Erie. This action was followed by the ordi- nation and installation of Mr. Lyon at the next meeting of Presbytery, September 9, 1829, as pastor of the con- gregation of the Ist Presbyterian Church, Erie, Pa. In these services Mr. Doolittle preached the sermon, Mr. Tait presided, Mr. Bushnell delivered the charge to the pastor, and Mr. Anderson the charge to the people. Mr. Lyon entered upon his work with every encourage- ment. He was in the strength of youth, the congrega- tion was enlarging its boundaries, and the people were unanimous in sustaining him. The old “ Yellow Meet- ing-house” had been abandoned, and a large, comfortable brick house was now occupied as the place of worship. At the same meeting of Presbytery, the church of Harmonsburg was enrolled. This church is in Craw- ford County. Mr. Scorr was born in Hancock County, West Vir- ginia; graduated at Jefferson College in 1856, studied theology at the Western Theological Seminary ; licensed to preach the gospel by the Presbytery of Washington, in April, 1859; ordained by the Presbytery of Erie, June 27, 1860, and installed as pastor of the congrega- tions of Greenfield, Evansburg, and Harmonsburg ; released from his charge, June 10, 1862; dismissed to the Presbytery of Steubenville, September 26, 1863. (99.) JAMES HILLIAR SPELMAN. 1850 ——. Mr. SreLMAN was born at East Granville, Mass. ; graduated at Williams’ College; studied theology pri- vately ; licensed to preach the gospel by the Presby- tery of North River, April 17, 1850; ordained by the Presbytery of Franklin, June 2, 1852; received into BIOGRAPHICAL. 3897 the Presbytery of Erie, April 8, 1861, from the Pres- bytery of Hudson; dismissed to the Presbytery of Washington, April 18, 1864. (100.) JOHN GORDEN CONDIT. a Mr. Connir is the son of William Condit, and the nephew of Rev. Ira Condit (24), and was born in Mer- cer County, Pa.; graduated at Jefferson College; studied theology at the Western Theological Seminary ; licensed to preach the gospel by the Presbytery of Erie, April 11, 1860; ordained by the same Presbytery, June 26, 1861; installed pastor at Sandy Lake, and stated supply at Mount Pleasant, 1863; released 1864; dis- missed September 26, 1864, to the Presbytery of Fair- field; stated supply at Salina, Iowa. (101.) JOHN HASKELI SARGENT. 1856 ——. Mr. Sargent is the son of Winthrop Sargent, of Philadelphia; born in Gloucester, Mass. ; graduated at Dartmouth in 1852; studied theology at Princeton , licensed to preach the gospel by the Presbytery of Philadelphia, April, 1856; ordained by the Presbytery of Erie, June 26, 1861; stated supply at Concord and Deerfield; dismissed to the Presbytery of London- derry, September 23, 1863. 898 PRESBYTERY OF ERIE. (103.) NEWELL SAMUEL LOWRIE. 1861 ——. Mr. Lowrie was born in Montour County, Pa. ; studied theology at the Western Theological Seminary ; licensed to preach the gospel by the Presbytery of Saltsburg in 1861; ordained by the Presbytery of Erie, October 22, 1862, and installed as pastor of the congre- gations of Conneautville and Harmonsburg. Te was a delegate of the Christian Commission. (104.) JAMES HERVEY GRAY. 1861 ——. Mr. Gray was born in Ross County, Ohio ; studied theology at the Western Theological Seminary ; licensed to preach the gospel by the Presbytery of Alleghany City, April, 1861; ordained by the Presbytery of Erie, October 22, 1862; dismissed to the Presbytery of Clarion, April 25, 1866. (105.) WILLIAM T. HAMILTON, D. D. 1823 Dr. Hamitton is a native of England; licensed to preach the gospel by the Presbytery of Philadelphia, October, 1823; ordained by the Presbytery of Jersey July 24, 1824; restored to the ministry by the Presby- tery of Erie, April 15, 1863; name removed from the roll, April 26, 1865. He was for a time pastor of the church of Warren, Pa. BIOGRAPHICAL. 899 (106.) WILLIAM PORTER MOORE. 1857 ——. Mr. Moore was born at Tarentum, Pa.; graduated at Jefferson College in 1855; studied theology at the Western Theological Seminary ; licensed to preach the gospel by the Presbytery of Blairsville, October 8, 1857; ordained by the Presbytery of Clarion ; received . into the Presbytery of Erie, from that of Clarion, Sep- tember 26, 1863; stated supply at Oil City, Pa. Dur- ing a portion of the War of the Rebellion, Mr. Moore was chaplain of the 142d Regiment, Penn. Volunteers. (107.) GEORGE FAIRES CAIN. 1861 ——. Mr. Carnvis the son of George Faires and Rebecca (McCaffrey) Cain, and was born in Cumberland Coun- ty, Pa. He was a student of Dickinson College, Pa., and for seven years a member of the Carlisle Bar. He was licensed to preach the gospel by the Presbytery of Carlisle, November 9, 1861; ordained by the Presby- tery of Newton, and installed as pastor at Stroudsburg, Pa., May 28, 1863; received into Erie Presbytery from that of Newton, April 13, 1864; installed as pastor of Park Church, Erie, on the 11th of May following. (108.) WILLIAM MARSHALL ROBINSON. Mr. Rozinson, son of John and Jane Scott (Mar- shall) Robinson, was born in Indiana County, Pa.; graduated at Jefferson College in 1841; studied theol- ogy at the Western Theological Seminary ; licensed to 400 PRESBYTERY OF ERIE. preach the gospel by the Presbytery of Blairsville, June 19, 1844; ordained by the Presbytery of Zanesville, January, 1846; stated supply for ten years at Hebron and Brownsville, Ohio; pastor at Newark, Ohio, for seven years; stated supply at Wellsburg, West Virginia ; received into the Presbytery of Erie, from that of Washington, June 14, 1864; installed pastor of the Second Church, Mercer, June 15, 1864. He was a delegate of the Christian Commission. (109.) LUTHER MARTIN BELDEN. 1863 ——. Mr. Betpen was born at Sandisfield, Mass. ; gradu- ated at Washington College, in 1861; studied theology at the Western Theological Seminary; licensed to preach the gospel by the Presbytery of Redstone, April, 1863; ordained by the Presbytery of Erig, December 14, 1864; installed pastor of Sturgeonville and West- minster. (110.) JOHN RICE. 1849 ——. Mr. Rice was born at Paisley, Scotland ; graduated at Glasgow; studied theology at the Seminary of the Associate Reformed Church, Scotland; licensed to preach the gospel by the Presbytery of Paisley, August, 1849; received into the Presbytery of Erie from that of Saltsburg, April 26, 1865 ; stated supply of Fairfield and Sandy Lake. BIOGRAPHICAL. 401 (111.) HENRY BRUIN LAMBE. 1860 ——. Mr. Lampe is a native of Ireland ; licensed to preach the gospel by the Presbytery of Alleghany City, Sep- tember, 1860; ordained by the Presbytery of Erie, July 11, 1866, and installed as pastor of the church of Mil- ledgeville, Pa.; released from his charge May 8, 1867 ; dismissed to the Presbytery of Blairsville, June 26, 1867. Mr. Lambe was a chaplain during the War of the Rebellion, and suffered imprisonment at the hands of the enemy in Texas. (112.) JAMES JUNIUS MARKS, D. D. 1835 ——. Dr. Marxs is the son of the late General William and Alice Anna (Hanson) Marks, of Alleghany Coun- ty, Pa.; graduated at Jefferson College in 1831; studied theology at the Western Theological Seminary ; licensed to preach the gospel by the Presbytery of Ohio, May, 1835; ordained by the Presbytery of Palmyra, February, 1838; received into the Presbytery of Erie, October 23, 1866, from the Presbytery of Ohio. Dr. Marks was chaplain of the 63d Regiment Pennsylva- nia Volunteers during the War, and was for a time a prisoner of war in the hands of the enemy. (113.) ROBERT STANSBURY VAN CLEVE. 1865 ——. Mr. Van CLevE was born at Beaver Meadow, Pa. ; graduated at Princeton College in 1868, and Princeton 26 402 PRESBYTERY OF ERIE. Seminary in 1866; licensed to preach the gospel by the Presbytery of New Brunswick, April, 1865; ordained by the Presbytery of Erie, December 14, 1866; dis- missed to the Presbytery of Buffalo, May 8, 1867; pas- tor of the congregation of Westfield, New York. (114.) JOHN J. GRIDLEY. 1837 ——. Mr. Gripiey was born at Chesterfield, N. H.; grad- uated at the Wesleyan University ; licensed to preach the gospel by the Methodist Episcopal Church, January 14, 1857; ordained by the same, June, 1840; received into the Presbytery of Erie, May 8, 1867. 115.) JAMES JONES SMYTH. 1844 ——. Mr. Suyrx was born in Londonderry, Ireland. He is the son of William and Jane (Crawford) Smyth. He was graduated A. B., at Trinity College, Dublin, in 1839, and A. M., at Glasgow University in 1840, and pursued his theological studies at Glasgow and Edin- burgh. He was licensed to preach by the Presbytery of Winchester, April 21, 1844; ordained by the Pres- bytery of East Hanover, April 15,1849. He was prin- cipal of Winchester Academy, and of Petersburg In- stitute in Virginia, for many years. Afterwards was pastor at Sussex Court House, Virginia; stated supply in North Carolina ; also pastor at Greensboro, North Carolina. Afterwards was stated supply at Shelbyville, Indiana ; at the present time stated supply at Pleasant- ville and Concord, Erie Presbytery. BIOGRAPHICAL. 403 (116.) DAVID PATTON. 1865 ——. Mr. Parton is the son of Archibald and Elizabeth S. Patton, and was born in Mercer County, Pa. He graduated at Jefferson College in 1860, was a student for a time at the Western Theological Seminary, and completed his theological course at the Reformed Sem- inary at Philadelphia. After this he was in the Army of the United States for upwards of three years, when he was licensed to preach the gospel by the Pittsburgh Reformed Presbytery, on the 19th day of May, 1865. On the 27th day of June, 1866, he was ordained by the same Presbytery, and installed as pastor of Cochranton and Shenango congregations. On the 25th day of September, 1867, Mr. Patton, together with his congre- gation, Cochranton, were received under the care of the Presbytery of Erie. PART III. —_—— HISTORICAL NOTICES OF CHURCHES. CHURCHES. —_+— MOUNT PLEASANT. Tuis church is in Beaver County, Pa., near to the present town of Darlington. It was probably organized by Rev. Thomas Edgar Hughes (1), in the year 1798 © or 1799. It is, moreover, probably the first church that was organized within the ancient bounds of the Pres- bytery of Erie. Its first pastor was Mr. Hughes, in- stalled August 28, 1799, in connection with New Salem. He was released from his charge of Mount Pleasant, November 19, 1840. He was succeeded by Rev. Wil- liam D. Smith. The next pastor was Rev. Arthur B. Bradford, who was released from his charge in 1845, or 1846. The next pastor was Rev. R. §. Morton (80), ordained and installed June 14, 1848; released from his charge in 1851. The next pastor was Rev. J. Wat- son Johnston, installed in 1853, released from his charge in 1856 or 1857. He was succeeded by Rev. A. W. Boyd. The present pastor elect is Rev. Albert Dil- worth. It is now under the care of Beaver Presbytery. NEW SALEM. Tuis was one of the early churches. Rev. Thomas Edgar Hughes was pastor from 1799 to 1808. After 408 PRESBYTERY OF ERIE. this, it was long vacant. Rev. Ezekiel Glasgow was in- stalled August 31,1813; died, April 23, 1814. The next pastor was Rev. William Reed, ordained and in- stalled April 11, 1821; released in 1860. Rev. D. L. Dickey is now pastor. s / YOUNGSTOWN, OHIO. Tus is one of the oldest churches within what was anciently the Presbytery of Erie. The early records are lost. It is probable that it was organized about the year 1800. The first pastor was Rev. William Wick (2), who was ordained September 3, 1800. He was installed at Youngstown, Ohio, in the summer of 1801, having been settled for a time at .Neshannock. He labored at Youngstown, Ohio, and Hopewell, then in Mercer County, Pa. He continued to be pastor of these churches until his death, March 29,1815. The second pastor was Rev. John Core,} installed pastor, June 25, 1817, in connection with Brookfield, Ohio. He was released, April 10, 1823, after a successful pas- torate of six years, during which over one hundred were added to the church. After Mr. Core’s removal, Rev. Enoch Bouton sup- plied the church until 1826. He was succeeded by Rev. Nathan Harned (34), who labored there until 1826. In 1830, Rev. Ward Stafford was installed as pastor. He was released in 1837. Rev. C. A. Board- man succeeded Mr. Stafford, and commenced his labors in 1838 or 1839. He terminated his labors in October, 1854. He was succeeded by Rev. Frederick H. Brown, who supplied the church until 1859, but was not regu- 1 Afterwards in Clarion Presbytery ; born, 1785; licensed, 1816 ; died, May 17, 1854. CHURCHES. 409 larly installed. On November 9, 1859, the present pas- tor, Rey. Levi B. Wilson, was installed as pastor. The old people of the church speak of revivals of religion in the years of the past. In later years, 1858, 1862, and 1866, were years of the power of the Most High. Previous to 1831, the congregation worshipped in a log building. In 1826, or 1827, a brick building was commenced, but never finished. In 1831, a frame building of modest pretensions was completed and oc- cupied. During the year 1866, a.large, commodious brick structure was commenced, that will soon be com- pleted. The congregation, at the division of the church, adhered to the branch popularly known as the New School. HOPEWELL. Tuts church is in Lawrence County, Pa., and is one of the earliest churches organized in the bounds of the old Presbytery of Erie. The date of its organization is not now known, but it was toward the close of the last century. The first pastor was Rev. William Wick (2), who was ordained and installed by the Presbytery of Ohio, September 3, 1800, in connection with Neshan- nock. Mr. Wick was pastor until his death, March 29, 1815. The next pastor was Rev. William Wood (10), who commenced his pastorate, in connection with Neshannock, March 11, 1816; released, June 25, 1829. He was succeeded by Rev. William Nesbit, who was ordained and installed, October 7, 1829; re- leased, October 6, 1840. The next pastor was Rev. Henry Webber (63) ; installed, April 11, 1849; re- leased, June 29, 1853. Rev. William Nesbit was again installed in May, 1854; released, April 6, 1858. The present pastor, Rev. James P. Fulton, was installed 410 PRESBYTERY OF ERIE. May 28,1867. This church is under the care of the Presbytery of Beaver. BEAVER. THIs congregation was under the care of the Pres- bytery of Erie, at a very early day. In 1808, it passed to that of Beaver, and in 1854, to that of Alleghany City. The first pastor was Rev. Ezekiel Glasgow ;7 or- dained and installed, August 31, 1813; died, April 23, 1814. He was succeeded by Rev. William McLain, who was installed April 7, 1824. It has been served successively by Rev. A. B. Quay, Rev. B. C. Critchlow, Rev. W. G. Taylor, and others, as stated supplies. The present pastor is Rev. D. P. Lowary. COOL SPRING. Tuts church is in Mercer County, Pa., and was or- ganized by Rev. Samuel Tait (3), most probably in the year 1800, as he was ordained its first pastor, November 19, of that year. This was in connection with the church of Salem. Mr. Tait continued to preach a portion of his time at Cool Spring, until 1813, when, by some ar- rangement between that congregation and Mercer, the people of Cool Spring agreed to worship at Mercer, and Cool Spring became practically disbanded. This arrangement continued until 1827, when, on petition of the people of Cool Spring, the church was reorganized.2 On the 24th day of June, 1829, Rev. Ira Condit (24) was installed pastor for the one third of his time. This relation continued until his death, October 24, 1836. 1 Born in Beaver County, 1788; Jefferson College, theology with Dr. McMillan; licensed, October 17, 1810. 2 Min. ii. 227. CHURCHES. 411 Rev. David Waggoner (54) then supplied the church for a short time, giving them one third of his time. The next pastor was Rev. James G. Wilson (49), in- stalled in 1842, in connection with Salem, one half his time at each. This pastorate continued until 1850. The present pastor, Rev. John W. McCune (82) was ordained and installed June 23, 1852, in connection with Sandy Lake; one half his time to each. At the ' present time, he gives two thirds of his time to Cool Spring. The church edifices have manifested a grad- ual improvement in architecture. ‘The account of the first building has been given. The people now oc- cupy the third church edifice, a comfortable and neat structure. This church has been blessed with many revivals. ¢ SALEM. Turis church is also in Mercer County, Pa., and is first known as Upper Salem. It was organized in 1800. The first sermon in this congregation was preached on the banks of the Shenango, near where Greenville now stands. Mr. Tait preached the first Sabbath, and Mr. Stockton (4) the next. After this, preaching was en- joyed at a tent near the site of the present Salem church. ‘J. Irwin, notice of, 391, 155. “Joseph, ‘188. “ W.D., 407. Smoking accommodations, 70. Smyth, J. Jones, notice of, 402, 168. Slate Lick, history of, 420. Slippery Rock, history of, 431. owden, N. R., 414, Speer, T. P., 441. Spelman, J. i. , notice of, 396. Springfield, history of, 436, 134. Stated Clerks, 172. Stated Clerk’s Bill, 52. ee Joseph, "biography of, Stratton, W.O., Struve, é. V. ee of, 351, 152. Sturgeonville, history of, 453. Sugar Creek, history of, ‘449. Sugar Grove, history of, 454. Supplies, 42, 53. Switt, Dr. E. P. , 159. E. E., 432. ayaa of Western Pennsylvania, 142. Tait, Samuel, biography of, 185, 31. Taylor, Robert, biography of, 361, 159. “ William G., 410. ue William M., 426. William Howell, 445. Temperance, 81, 116. Territory, 5 Times, 3. Tinker, Reuben, 446. Titusville, history of, 445. Tokens, 23. Tour of Macurdy, 36. Travelling, 13, 20. Townley, J. H., 148. Trunkey, Judge, 363. 463 Union, Armstrong Co., history of, 421. Union, Erie Co., history of, 446. Vacancies, 56, 100 Vance, Joseph, 440. Vance’s Fort, 4. Van Cleve, R. S., notice of, 401, 167. Van Liew, John, D.D., notice of, 369, 101. Venango, history of, 455. Vote of Presbytery, 139. Waseonets D., notice of, 380, 145, Walker, R. B., D. D., 427. Wallace, B. a D. D., 127. Warren, F. V., 446. “ Pa., history of, 444. ° 0. history. of, 437. Washington, history of, 446. Washburn, D., notice of, 380, 146. Waterford, history of, 443, Waterloo, history of, 453. Webber, H., history of, 384, 148. West, N., D.D., biography of, 331. Westfield, Pa., history of, 425. N. Y., history ‘of, 446. Wick, William, ‘biography of, 182. Williams, L. W., biography of, 343, 152. Williams, Samuel, 434. Willson, William, notice of, 389. Wilson, J. G., notice of, 377, 182. “LL. B., 409. Wilson’s Presbyterian Historical Almanac, 272. Wood, William, biography of, 216. Wortman, M. Is, 429. Wright, James, ‘424. Wylie, William, D. D., biography of, 203, 33, 48. Young, Loyal, D D., 435. Young, James, 154. Youngstown, history of, 408. Zahniser, G. W_ notice of, 390, 154.