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CORNELL 
 
 UNIVERSITY 
 
 LIBRARY 
 
 Goodkind Book Fund 
 
 In Memory of 
 
 MARTIN H. GOODKIND 
 
 Class of 1887 
 
Cornell University 
 Library 
 
 The original of tliis book is in 
 tine Cornell University Library. 
 
 There are no known copyright restrictions in 
 the United States on the use of the text. 
 
 http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924006847697 
 
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HISTORY 
 
 ABIIGTOJ^f BAPTIST ASSOCIATION, 
 
 iFiaoDyn isov to 1857. 
 
 By EDWAED L. BAILEY, A. M., 
 
 PABTOE OF BZEZAN BAPTIST CHUEOH, CABBOHSALE, PA. 
 
 '§egmmttg at |a«saUm." 
 
 PHILADELPHIA: 
 
 J. A. WAGENSELLER, NO. 23 NORTH SIXTH ST. 
 
 1863. 
 
ACKNOWLEDGMENT. 
 
 The necessary means for publishing this History of 
 the Abington Baptist Association, have been generously 
 furnished by Rev. C. A. Fox, Isaac Dean, Esq., Ste- 
 phen Parker, Esq., Dea. Joseph B. Miller, and Rev. 
 Benjamin Miller, of Abington, Luzerne county; and 
 Hon. James Mumford, of Scott, and E. K. Norton, 
 Esq., of Clinton, Wayne county, Pennsylvania. 
 
C O 3<r T E IsT T S . 
 
 ANNALS OF THE ASSOCIATION. 
 
 Page. 
 
 Oeganization, .... - 13 
 
 First Decade, 1807-'17, ... 16 
 
 Second Decade, 1817-'27, - - . . 22 
 
 Third Decade, 1827-'37, .... 31 
 
 Fourth Decade, 1837-47, - - - 42 
 
 Fifth Decade, 1847-57, 56 
 
 historical sketches of the several chorches. 
 
 Abington, First, ... .82 
 
 Abington, West, . . ... 232 
 
 Abington Valley, ... . . 261 
 
 Aldenville, - .... 258 
 
 Ashland, 243 
 
 Berean of Caebondale, .... 205 
 
 Bethany, - - ... 108 
 
 Benton, - ... 167 
 
 Berlin, 222 
 
 Blakely, 199 
 
 Barryville and Shohola, - - - 267 
 
 Clinton, 159 
 
 Clifford, First, - • ... 127 
 
 Clifford, Second, 189 
 
 Covington, ... ... 211 
 
 Damascus, First, ... - . 134 
 
 Damascus, Second, - 246 
 
VI. CONTENTS. 
 
 Page. 
 
 Herrick, 177 
 
 honesdale, 192 
 
 hollisterville, ... - - 252 
 
 Hyde Park, ... - - - 218 
 
 Lebanon, 214 
 
 Lenox, 155 
 
 Mount Pleasant, 96 
 
 Mount Bethel, 249 
 
 Newton, 227 
 
 Palmyra, 75 
 
 Preston Centre, 265 
 
 Paupack Eddy, 180 
 
 Scranton, 269 
 
 Salem, 255 
 
 Scott, 146 
 
 Scott Valley, 117 
 
 Ten Mile Eiver, 185 
 
 Union, 238 
 
 biographical notices of the pioneer ministers, 
 pioneer pebachers. 
 
 Eev. Epaphras Thompson, . . - . 277 
 
 Eev. Samuel Sturdevant, .... 280 
 
 Eev. William Bishop, 285 
 
 pioneer pastors. 
 
 Eev. William Purdy, 292 
 
 Eev. John Miller, ((See Frontispiece,) - - 298 
 
 Eev. Elijah Peck, 306 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 There are in Pennsylvania seventeen Baptist Asso- 
 ciations, embracing nearly four hundred churches, with 
 a membership of some forty thousand. Their history 
 extending over the last century and a half, has never 
 been written and published in a connected and perma- 
 nent form. The materials for such a work, are widely 
 scattered and will ere long pass beyond recall, unless 
 
 Nora— There have been twenty-three Baptist Associations erganized in 
 Pennsylvania as follows, viz., Philadelphia, 1707; Redstone, 1776; Chemung 
 1796 : Juniata, 1800 ; Abington, 1807 ; Beaver, 1809 ; Susquehanna, 1818 ; North- 
 umberland, 1820 ; French Creek, 1823; Bridgewater, 1825; Washington, 1826; 
 Centre, 1830; Central Union, 1832 ; Monongahela, 1832 ; Bradford, 1835 ; Clarion 
 1837; Pittsburg, 1839 ; Tioga, 1842; Wyoming, 1842 ; Conemaugh, 1843; Clear- 
 field, 1846; North Philadelphia, 1858; and Ten Mile, 1868. The Redstone, 
 Chemung, Juniata, Conemaugh, Washington, and Susquehanna, have dis- 
 banded. 
 
 The history of the Susquehanna Association was written by the late Rev. 
 Joel Rogers, of the Wyoming Valley, and published in pamphlet form in 
 1832. The history of Chemung Association was written by the late Rev. 
 Thomas Smiley, A. M., of the White Deer Valley, in about 1830. The manu- 
 script is in the possession of his son, Thomas T. Smiley, M. D., of Philadel- 
 phia. The early history of Philadelphia Association, the oldest in the State, 
 and indeed in the United States, was written by the late Kev. Horatio Gates 
 Jones, D. D-, one of its pioneer pastors, and published in 1832-'33, in num- 
 bers in a Baptist periodical called The World, a, complete file of which is in 
 the Library of Horatio Gates Jones, Esq., son of the author and present clerk 
 of Philadelphia Association. 
 
VIU. PREFACE. 
 
 they are soon gathered and garnered in the form of 
 local histories, or deposited in the Library of the Baptist 
 Historical Society. The course of the Abington Bap- 
 tist Association, has been sketched in the following 
 pages as a slight contribution to the history of Penn- 
 sylvania Baptists. 
 
 In this work I have sought to correctly trace the 
 gradual growth of this Association, from its obscure 
 origin, through the first half century of its subsequent 
 existence. I have sketched its Annals, Churches, and 
 Pioneer Ministers, marking the various steps and stages 
 of its progress ; its reverses and revivals ; its trials 
 and triumphs. 
 
 The materials for these sketches have been carefully 
 gleaned at irregular intervals of opportunity or in- 
 clination, during the past ten years, from various 
 sources more or less reliable, as the published Minutes, 
 Church Records, Annual Letters, monumental inscrip- 
 tions and indistinct recollections of surviving friends. 
 The information thus furnished has not always been 
 entirely reliable or harmonious. In cases, however, of 
 doubt or discrepancy, by carefully culling and colla- 
 ting the different statements, the essential facts have 
 usually been satisfactorily determined, and such of 
 them recorded as seemed of sufficient interest or im- 
 portance. 
 
 It has not been my design to severely criticise the 
 
PREFACE. IX. 
 
 course or character of the Association, but rather to 
 present the bare facts of its history and leave others 
 more competent, to decide as to their beauties or blem- 
 ishes. Neither have I indulged in mere empty praise 
 or harsh censure of the numerous persons named in 
 these sketches. However, where it seemed necessary, 
 I have not hesitated to write plain things of some whose 
 general course may have been eminently proper and 
 praiseworthy, while I have not unfrequently made 
 honorable mention of others whose subsequent years 
 may have been marred by grave defects or even gross 
 and grievous apostasy. My notices of many of these, 
 have been but casual, and necessarily incomplete. 
 They were hastily sketched as they appeared at the 
 time, however ugly or elegant might have been their 
 posture or position. Thus seeming injustice may have 
 been done to both classes; the one receiving undue 
 praise, and the other unmerited censure. 
 
 In these sketches an occasional repetition will be 
 observed, both as to fact and language. This could 
 not easily be avoided on account of the intimate rela- 
 tion and general similarity existing among their nu- 
 merous subjects. The career of the six Pioneer Min- 
 isters noticed, possessed much in common and little in 
 contrast. The place and period of their birth and 
 ordination, were nearly identical. Their subsequent 
 lives were passed amid similar scenes and associations. 
 
X. PREFACE. 
 
 The thirty-five Churches sketched, were planted and 
 trained under kindred circumstances. A faithful de- 
 scription of one would be appropriate to all, with but 
 slight yariations. The fifty Anniversaries described, 
 were much alike in their general aspect and exercises, 
 afi"ording little opportunity for variety either in matter 
 or manner. I have, however, aimed in these sketches 
 to give prominence to peculiarities in their subjects and 
 thus secure a degree of variety and avoid as much as 
 possible the use of favorite phrases and stereotyped 
 expressions. 
 
 In closing this Preface I will not deny myself the 
 pleasure of recording my obligations to the numerous 
 persons who have kindly aided me in collecting materi- 
 als for this work. To the Rev. Zelotes Grrenell, whose 
 name stands prominent in the Annals of the Associa- 
 tion ; and the Rev. Charles Miller, the esteemed pas- 
 tor for so many years of the Clifibrd Church, I am 
 peculiarly indebted for timely assistance. I have also 
 received valuable information from the Revs. A. M. 
 Calkin, Rial Tower, J. M. Ball, J. B. Kenyon, Lewis 
 Peck, Benjamin Miller, J. B. Case, Charles Parker, 
 B. B. Bunting, D. W. Halsted, I. Bevan, and Elijah 
 Sturdevant ; also from Messrs. Thomas Y. Atherton, 
 S. Owen, E. K. Norton, Alvinzy Gardner, and many 
 others. Mrs. Sarah T. Cramer, of Greenfield, Mrs. 
 Eunice L. Torrey, of Bethany, and Mrs. Elizabeth H, 
 
PREFACE. XI. 
 
 Peck, of Mt. Pleasant, have also furnished dusty docu- 
 ments and rare reminiscences of much value and inter- 
 est. I am indebted to the pious care of the last named 
 for the preservation of the Manuscript Minutes of the 
 organization of the Association. 
 
 In the humble hope that this work may cherish the 
 memory of the Pioneers of this Association and en- 
 courage their sons and successors to emulate their pious 
 zeal and self-sacrificing example, and thus subserve the 
 cause of Christ and the good of man, it is now diffi- 
 dently submitted to the candid consideration of the 
 Christian public. 
 
 E. L. B. 
 
 CAKBONBitE Cut, Pa , Die. lal, 1863. 
 
ANNALS OF THE ASSOCIATION. 
 
 The Abington Association originated in a sensible 
 necessity. Three Baptist churches had been formed at 
 different periods and distant places in North-Eastern 
 Pennsylvania. The church at Palmyra, Wayne county, 
 was organized in the Fall of 1801 ; that at Abington, 
 Luzerne county, in the Spring of 1802, and that at Mt. 
 Pleasant, Wayne county, in the Autumn of 1807. 
 These churches were situated about thirty miles from 
 each other, and separated by an almost unbroken wil- 
 derness traversed by bridle paths or traced by blazed 
 trees with peculiar difficulty and often personal danger. 
 The ministers and members of these infant and isolated 
 churches, felt the necessity and importance of mutual 
 counsel and encouragement. Having ascertained the 
 wants and wishes of each other, from frequent inter- 
 views and friendly correspondence, a Convention of 
 delegates from these three churches, was held on 
 Saturday, December 26, 1807, at the log cabin of Rev. 
 John Miller, in Abington, for the purpose of forming an 
 Association " in order to gain a more general union 
 and fellowship for the promotion of the welfare of Zion 
 and spread of the Gospel in the world." The meeting 
 was opened by singing and prayer, and a sermon was 
 preached by Rev. Elijah Peck, from Ps. 118: 24. 
 2 
 
14 ANNALS OF THE ASSOCIATION. 
 
 " This is the day which the Lord hath made ; we will 
 rejoice and be glad in it." The Convention was then 
 called to order, and organized by appointing Rev. 
 Epaphras Thompson, moderator, and Mr. Nathaniel 
 Griddings, clerk. Letters were read from Abington and 
 Mt. Pleasant Churches, but from some neglect no letter 
 was forwarded from Palmyra Church. The first of 
 these reported 103 members ; the second, 8 ; and the 
 third about 29 ; making 140 as their total membership. 
 The following persons were present as delegates from 
 these churches, viz., from Palmyra, Rev. Wm. Purdy 
 and Wm. Purdy, Jr. ; from Abington, Rev. John Mil- 
 ler, Wm. Clark, Jas. Hulse, Roger Orvis, Jonathan 
 Dean and Nathaniel Giddings ; and from Mt. Pleasant, 
 Rev. Epaphras Thompson, Rev. Elijah Peck, and Sam- 
 uel Torrey. Rev. Samuel Sturdevant, of Braintrim, and 
 Rev. Davis Dimock, and Joel Rogers, a licentiate, of 
 Exeter, were also present and by request took seats in 
 the Convention and part in its deliberations. 
 
 The moderator having stated the object of the meet- 
 ing, the Convention proceeded to business. After list- 
 ening to an extract from the minutes of Shaftsbury 
 Association, on the nature and design of Associations, 
 and freely interchanging and fully harmonizing their 
 views and opinions, it was unanimously resolved " to 
 unite and combine to keep an annual Association, to be 
 called the Abington Baptist Association." A com- 
 mittee was then appointed to "draft the plan of a Con- 
 stitution for the churches in combination," and report 
 the same to the Convention on the next day, consisting 
 of the following persons, viz., Wm. Purdy, John Mil- 
 ler, Epaphras Thompson, Samuel Torrey, and Nathaniel 
 
ITS ORGANIZATION. 15 
 
 Giddings. Messrs. Davis Dimock and Joel Rogers were 
 also invited to "sit with and hear the committee." 
 
 The above committee reported on the following day, 
 a constitution which was unanimously adopted by the 
 Convention, setting forth in its preamble the cardinal 
 doctrines of the Bible and distinctive principles of Bap- 
 tists, in the following quaint language, viz., " Holding 
 the doctrines of three persons in one Godhead, the 
 same in essence, equal in power, but different in office 
 — the total depravity of mankind in their fallen estate — 
 the free grace of God manifested in the recovery of 
 those that believe in Christ — final perseverance of saints 
 from grace to glory — baptism by immersion — the res- 
 urrection of the dead — final judgment and the condem- 
 nation of the finally impenitent to as long duration as 
 the happiness of the righteous." Rev. John Miller was 
 also appointed to present a circular letter and preach 
 the introductory sermon at the first anniversary of the 
 Association. The Convention then dissolved and the 
 members dispersed. Thus originated the Abington 
 Baptist Association, 
 
16 ANNALS OF THE ASSOCIATION. 
 
 FIRST DECADE, 180T— 1817. 
 
 The First Anniversary was held at the house of Rer. 
 Wm. Purdy, in Palmyra, commencing on the second 
 Wednesday of October, 1808, John Miller preaching the 
 introductory sermon and perhaps officiating as moderator 
 on that occasion. The churches reported about 190 
 communicants. 
 
 The Second Anniversary was held at -the house of 
 Mr. Elijah Dix, in Mt. Pleasant, commencing on the last 
 Wednesday of August, 1809. It is presumed that Wm. 
 Purdy preached the introductory sermon and officiated 
 as moderator, thus meeting with the churches in a tri- 
 angular circuit and appointing their pastors to preach 
 and preside by a liberal rotation. The churches report- 
 ed 240 communicants. No minutes were printed of the 
 first three meetings of this body ; to supply this defi- 
 ciency the clerk was instructed to furnish each church 
 with a fair copy in manuscript for circulation among its 
 members for their information and improvement. 
 
 The Third Anniversary was held at Abington, Au- 
 gust 29th and 30th, 1810. Introductory sermon by 
 Elijah Peck ; Wm. Purdy moderator, and Nathaniel 
 Giddings clerk. Reported 14 baptisms and 250 com- 
 municants. " The church at Abington requested 
 brethren present, to assist in the ordination of Mr. 
 John Phillips as Deacon of said church." He was or- 
 d lined according to request with the usual appropriate 
 services. The sermon was preached by Rev. Luke 
 Davies, who was present as a messenger from Warwick 
 Association, the only body thus far admitted to fraternal 
 correspondence. 
 
FIEST DECADE. 17 
 
 The Fourth Anniversary was held at Palmyra, Au- 
 gust 28th and 29th, 1811. Introductory sermon by 
 Samuel Sturdevant ; Elijah Peck moderator, and John 
 Phillips clerk. Reported 23 Baptisms and 251 commu- 
 nicants. An unusual number of ministers were present, 
 as messengers from other Associations, aiding in the ser- 
 vices and adding to the interest of the occasion. Most 
 of the usual business was transacted on the first day of 
 the session, affording ample opportunity for devotional 
 exercises. On the second day, sermons were preached 
 by Revs. Benj. Pierce of Madison, "Wm. Bishop of Phila- 
 delphia, Lebbeus Lathrop and John Wintermote of 
 Warwick Association ; thus pleasantly and profitably 
 improving the time redeemed by dispatch in the usual 
 routine of business. 
 
 The Fifth Anniversary was held at Pittston, August 
 26th and 27th, 1812. Introductory sermon by Wm. 
 Bishop ; Wm. Purdy moderator, and Nathaniel Giddings 
 clerk. Reported 15 baptisms and 256 communicants. 
 Only nine delegates were present from the churches, 
 six being from Abington, and three from Palmyra Church, 
 but none from Mt. Pleasant Church. Mr. Phillips was 
 appointed to write the usual letter to Warwick Associa- 
 tion, and it was directed that in future the corresponding 
 letter be printed with the minutes. The time for hold- 
 ing the annual meeting of the Association was also 
 changed from August to the first Wednesday in Sep- 
 tember. Cheering sermons by Messrs. Purdy and 
 Miller appropriately closed the services of the session. 
 
 The Sixth Anniversary was held at Abington, Sep- 
 tember 1st and 2d, 1813. Introductory sermon by 
 John Miller ; William Bishop moderator, and John 
 
18 ANNALS OF THE ASSOCIATION. 
 
 Phillips clerk. Reported 3 baptisms and 252 commu- 
 nicants. Messrs. Ira Justin and Stephen Bishop, licen- 
 tiates of Abington Church, preached before the Asso- 
 ciation. One Potter and five Purdys represented Pal- 
 myra Church. No delegates were present from Mt. 
 Pleasant Church or from abroad. The session, however, 
 was pleasant and harmonious, but no business was trans- 
 acted of especial interest or importance. 
 
 The Seventh Anniversary was held at Palmyra, Sep- 
 tember 7th and 8th, 1814. Introductory sermon by 
 Lebbeus Lathrop ; John Miller moderator, and Ephraim 
 Torrey clerk. Reported 21 baptisms and 264 commu- 
 nicants. Rev. Henry Ball, from the "Warwick Associa- 
 tion, preached a sermon by invitation, and Mr. Phillips 
 was appointed Treasurer of the Association. The churches 
 were also requested to " raise money by contribution 
 once in each year, to defray the expenses of printing 
 minutes, and of our messengers to other Associations." 
 This is the first mention made of money in the minutes. 
 The Eighth Anniversary was held at Mt. Pleasant, 
 September 6th and 7th, 1815. Introductory sermon 
 by Lebbeus Lathrop ; William Bishop moderator, and 
 Rufus Grennell clerk. Reported 19 baptisms and 271 
 communicants. Revs. Levi Holcomb and Orange Spen- 
 cer were present as messengers from Franklin Associa- 
 tion, and a correspondence was opened with tliat body. 
 Delegates were also appointed to Warwick and Chemung 
 Associations. On the evening of the firet day of the 
 session, " meetings were held at several places in the 
 neighborhood." 
 
 The Ninth Anniversary was held at Abington, Sep- 
 tem.ber 4th and 5th, 1816, Introductory sermon by 
 
FIRST DECADE. 19 
 
 Jonathan Ferris ; John Miller moderator, and Nathaniel 
 Giddings clerk. Reported 13 baptisms and 283 com- 
 municants. The Treasurer made his first report as 
 follows, viz: "122.36 received and $13.00 expended." 
 The folio-wing extract from the circular letter of this 
 session will be read with a mournful pleasure : " It 
 seems as though the Lord had entered into a controversy 
 with us and commissioned the pestilence that walketh in 
 darkness and wasteth at noon-day, to ravage our land 
 and remove our fellow-laborers. Among those taken 
 from us, is our beloved brother William Bishop, who 
 had long and faithfully labored in the Gospel and whose 
 godly zeal, sage counsel and exemplary deportment 
 will long be remembered. From other portions of the 
 Lord's vineyard we have cheering intelligence. By our 
 brethren from the northward we learn that the Lord is 
 making bare his arm in the conviction and conversion of 
 sinners. We have also received similar information from 
 the State of Rhode Island. With great satisfaction 
 we learn that strenuous efforts are being made to diffuse 
 the ' glad tidings' among the benighted of Asia and 
 that it is also proposed to send missionaries among the 
 savages of our Western wilds." 
 
 The Tenth Anniversary was held at Palmyra, Sep- 
 tember 3d and 4th, 1817. Introductory sermon by 
 Levi Hall ; John Miller moderator, and John Phillips 
 clerk. Reported 20 baptisms and 289 communicants. 
 At this session the Bethany Church was admitted into 
 the Association. Rev. Lebbeus Lathrop, by request, 
 addressed " the congregation on the subject of a contri- 
 bution for domestic use," followed by a collection for 
 that object. This was the first collection taken in the 
 
20 ANNALS OF THE ASSOCIATION. 
 
 Association. It was also " recommended that contribu- 
 tions be made by the several churches and congrega- 
 tions of this Association, for the purpose of Domestic 
 Missions." 
 
 Thus ways were devised and means employed to se- 
 cure "material aid" for the support of Domestic Mis- 
 sions and supply of destitute neighborhoods. But noth- 
 ing had yet been done, as is presumed, to aid the cause 
 of Foreign Missions. A missionary spirit, the earnest 
 of missionary enterprise, was, however, early manifest- 
 ed by the ministers and members of the various churches 
 composing the Association. It was breathed in their 
 devotions and preached in their discourses. It was also 
 seen in their efforts to bring their families and friends 
 to Christ and bear the messages of mercy to different 
 and distant settlements. The same spirit was apparent 
 in the circular and corresponding letters of the Associ- 
 ation. These speak of the guilt incurred by "with- 
 holding what God has reserved for the promotion of his 
 cause and good of his people," and also of the encour- 
 agement given "to preach the Gospel in the name of 
 Jesus to the ends of the world;" and, again, of the 
 consolation derived from "hearing of the prosperity of 
 Zion and progress of the Redeemer's kingdom ;" and, 
 finally, of the hope entertained that " Zion may soon 
 become like a low spreading vine, many more finding 
 rest under her shadow, and the peaceful reign of Em- 
 manuel gladdening every heart on earth." Such were 
 the 'f Christian salutations" expressed by "the minis- 
 ters and messengers of this Association" in their circu- 
 lar letters of 1810 and '11, and corresponding letters 
 of 1812 and '13, and "sent greeting to the churches 
 
FIRST DECADE. 21 
 
 they represent" and to the "dear brethren of the War- 
 wick Association." 
 
 In the latter portion of this decade the cause of For- 
 eign Missions was repeatedly brought to the notice of 
 the Association, and its claims were persistently urged 
 upon the attention of the churches, by the Correspond- 
 ing Secretary of the "Baptist General Convention," 
 formed at Philadelphia in the Spring of 1814. It is 
 interesting to observe with what seeming suspicion and 
 apparent caution the subject was at first received and 
 entertained. It was, however, candidly examined and 
 finally cordially endorsed. At the annual meeting of 
 the Association in the Autumn of 1814, "Bro. Miller 
 presented a letter from the Missionary Society for For- 
 eign Missions, which, after some consultation, was post- 
 poned for further consideration at the next meeting." 
 The subject was resumed at the annual meeting in 1815, 
 and " it was voted that brother John Miller be a 
 standing Secretary to correspond with the Board of 
 Foreign Missions, and that he be directed to purchase 
 at least six copies of their Annual Report for the use of 
 the churches." Again, in 1816, "the Secretary was 
 instructed to send for ten copies of the ensuing Annual 
 Report." Finally, in 1817, "the Corresponding Secre- 
 tary was authorized to procure thirteen copies of the 
 ensuing Annual Report of the Baptist Board of Foreign 
 Missions, for the use of the Association." Thus the 
 cause of Foreign Missions was cautiously approached, 
 and information gradually acquired, until its character 
 was clearly appreciated and its claims were cordially 
 approved. In this manner and by these means the way 
 was prepared for intelligent action, persevering effort 
 and enlarged benevolence. 
 
22 ANNALS OF THE ASSOCIATION. 
 
 SECOND DECADE, 1817—1827. 
 
 At the commencement of this decade the Association 
 embraced three pastors and four churches, with a com- 
 paratively small and scattered membership. The 
 country was still new and the population poor and 
 sparce. Few houses of worship being yet erected, meet- 
 ings were statedly held at the most central places in 
 different neighborhoods, usually at private dwellings or 
 school houses, but frequently in log barns or even in the 
 leafy grove. The congregations, though usually small, 
 were uniformly earnest and attentive. 
 
 The Eleventh Anniversary was held at Bethany, 
 September 2d and 3d, 1818. Introductory sermon by 
 John Miller, who was moderator, and Rufus Grennell 
 clerk. Reported 84 baptisms and 375 communicants. 
 The Clifford and Greenfield Churches were admitted into 
 the Association ; the latter church being destitute of a 
 pastor, various brethren in the ministry were appointed 
 to supply it at stated times during the current year. 
 The interest of the occasion was greatly increased by th^ 
 presence and preaching of Revs. Elisha Tucker, from 
 the Franklin, and Zelotes Grenell, a licentiate, from the 
 Warwick Association. The rich and racy discourse of 
 the latter, from 1st Sam. 22 : 2 — a characteristic text — 
 was remarked at the time and is perhaps still remem- 
 bered by some with peculiar interest. During the 
 Associational year most of the churches had enjoyed 
 quite extensive revivals and received numerous acces- 
 sions. Grateful allusion was made to this, in the 
 following extract from the corresponding letter of that 
 year. " We are happy to say that the present session 
 
SECOND DECADE. 23 
 
 has given us great consolation. During the past year 
 many precious souls have been made the subjects of 
 Almighty grace." 
 
 The Twelfth Anniversary was held at Mt. Pleasant, 
 September 1st and 2d, 1819. Introductory sermon by 
 Levi Baldwin ; John Miller moderator, and Ephraim 
 Torrey clerk. Reported 38 baptisms and 410 commu- 
 nicants. Dea. Jeffery Dean was appointed Treasurer of 
 the Association in place of Dea. John Phillips resigned. 
 The usual number of messengers from corresponding 
 bodies were present, and participated in the duties and 
 deliberations of the meeting. Rev. Jehiel Wisner was 
 present as messenger from Ontario Association, and a 
 correspondence was opened with that body. " The ses- 
 sion," to quote from the corresponding letter, "was 
 pleasant and delightful. Though we cannot report 
 large accessions to our churches, yet the greatness and 
 goodness of God, are equally manifest in bringing a few 
 into his kingdom and leading them by his grace to 
 walk in his commands." 
 
 The Thirteenth Anniversary was held at Clifford, 
 September 6th and 7th, 1820. Introductory sermon by 
 Nathaniel Otis ; John Miller moderator, and Nathaniel 
 Giddings clerk. Reported 6 baptisms and 377 commu- 
 nicants. The moderator " was appointed as messenger 
 to Philadelphia Association, for the purpose of opening 
 a correspondence with that body." Also, a request 
 presented by Rev. Griffin Lewis, on behalf of Susque- 
 hanna Association, to open a fraternal correspondence, 
 was entertained, discussed and postponed. The subject, 
 however, was resumed at the following anniversary, and 
 the request was finally refused at the session of 1822, 
 
24 ANNALS OF THE ASSOCIATION. 
 
 on the ground of unsoundness in doctrine. On the 
 second day of the present session, the Association hav- 
 ing resolved itself into a council, proceeded to examine 
 Mr. Ira Justin, a licentiate of Clififord Church, and 
 ordain him as an Evangelist. The interest of the occa- 
 sion was greatly increased by the ordination services. 
 
 The Fourteenth Anniversary was held at Abington, 
 September 5th and 6th, 1821. Introductory sermon 
 by Na'than Hamed ; John Miller moderator, and Na- 
 thaniel Giddings clerk. Reported 61 baptisms and 437 
 communicants. The Association met for the first time 
 in a meeting house, the second erected within its bounds. 
 A house of worship had previously been built by Dea. 
 Thomas Shields, of Philadelphia, at Damascus, and was 
 now occupied by the Baptist church recently organized 
 in that place. Mr. Ira Justin was appointed to preach 
 at Tunkhannock on the first Lord's day in December, 
 and second in June following. 
 
 The Fifteenth Anniversary was held at Palmyra, 
 September 4th and 5th, 1822. Introductory sermon 
 by Zelotes Grenell ; Elijah Peck moderator, and Eph- 
 raim Torrey clerk. Reported 28 baptisms and 494 
 communicants. At this session the Damascus Church 
 was admitted into the body, and a correspondence was 
 opened with the Northumberland Association. The 
 churches did not report especial prosperity, but they had 
 continued steadfast amidst adverse interests and influ- 
 ences as is shown by the following extract from the 
 corresponding letter of that year : " Though we cannot 
 rejoice over large accessions, yet we bless the Lord that 
 the churches remain steadfast and contend earnestly for 
 the faith once delivered to the saints. This we con- 
 
SECOND DECADE. 26 
 
 aider of essential importance in times like the present 
 when men ■will not endure sound doctrine but are heap- 
 ing to themselves teachers after their own desires. 
 False prophets are abroad, who by fair speeches 
 deceive the hearts of the simple and decoy them down 
 the dark stream of 'damnable heresies' and delusive 
 hopes." 
 
 The Sixteenth Anniversary was held at Bethany, 
 September 3d and 4th, 1823. Introductory sermon by 
 Henry Ball ; John Smitzer moderator, and Sheldon Nor 
 ton clerk. Reported 66 baptisms and 564 communicants. 
 An unusual number of delegates from the churches, 
 were present, increasing the effect and interest of the 
 occasion. The monotony of previous years, was some- 
 what disturbed by the introduction of unusual subjects 
 for discussion. The baptismal formula, constitutional 
 amendments, ministerial education, and the morality or 
 immorality of dancing, were among the subjects enter- 
 tained and opposed or approved. The last subject, 
 presented by the Bethany Church in the form of a 
 query, was freely debated and finally disposed of in the 
 following manner : "We consider that dancing is highly 
 improper and ought not to be practised or encouraged 
 by any professing Christianity." The following query 
 was also proposed to corresponding bodies : "As the 
 Greek word haptizo means to immerse, would it not be 
 preferable in the administration of that ordinance, to 
 say, ' I immerse thee ?' " 
 
 The Seventeenth Anniversary was held at Damascus, 
 
 September 1st and 2d, 1824. Introductory sermon 
 
 by John Miller, who was moderator, and M. A. Bidwell 
 
 clerk. Reported 26 baptisms and 615 communicants. 
 
 3 
 
26 ANNALS OF THE ASSOCIATION. 
 
 The Eaton and Scott Churches were admitted into the 
 Association at this session. A letter was also "received 
 from the chairman of a Committee appointed by the 
 Philadelphia Association, on the subject of forming a 
 State Convention." The measure was approved and 
 delegates were appointed to aid in forming the proposed 
 Convention. The recent death of Rev. Wm. Purdy, 
 one of the pioneer pastors of this wild region, cast a 
 gloom over the deliberations of the meeting and filled 
 many hearts with sadness. A resolution was passed 
 tendering the sympathies of the Association to the 
 Palmyra Church, of which the deceased had been the 
 esteemed pastor since its organization, a period of nearly 
 a quarter of a century. 
 
 The Eighteenth Anniversary was held at Abington, 
 September 7th and 8th, 1825. Introductory sermon 
 by John Smitzer, who was moderator, and Sheldon Nor- 
 ton clerk. Reported 17 baptisms and 612 communicants. 
 A full delegation were present from the churches and 
 from abroad. The session was " distinguished by har- 
 mony in its counsels and an amiable spirit and uninter- 
 rupted glow of brotherly love. ' ' Mr. Sheldon Norton was 
 appointed Corresponding Secretary of the Association 
 in place of Rev. John Miller, resigned, and correspon- 
 dence was opened with the Berkshire Association. 
 The Committee appointed in 1823 to revise the rules of 
 order and constitution of the Association, reported at 
 this session, a constitution and rules of order which 
 were taken up by sections, discussed, amended and 
 adopted by the Association. Every attempt since made 
 to essentially modify this constitution, has thus far 
 signally failed, not so much on account of its intrinsic 
 
SECOND DECADE. 27 
 
 excellence as from the character of, or construction given 
 to its last Article. At the close of this session a vote 
 was passed for the first time, to "present the thanks 
 of the Association to the church and congregation, for 
 their kindness and hospitality." The obligation was 
 formerly considered mutual. 
 
 The Nineteenth Anniversary vras held at Mt. Plea- 
 sant, September 6th and 7th, 1826. Introductory 
 sermon by John Miller, who was moderator, and Shel- 
 don Norton clerk. Reported 26 baptisms and 628 
 communicants. The Gibson and Jackson Church was 
 admitted into the Association at this session, and appli- 
 cation was made by the Bridgewater Association to 
 open a fraternal correspondence, which was considered 
 " inexpedient at present, though we heartily rejoice at 
 their separation from the Susquehanna Association. ' ' The 
 application, however, was cordially granted at the next 
 session, when it was voted " that we open a correspon- 
 dence by letter and messengers with that body." 
 
 The Twentieth Anniversary was held at Palmyra, 
 September 5th and 6th, 1827. Introductory sermon 
 by Daniel Piatt ; John Miller moderator, and Sheldon 
 Norton clerk. Reported 26 baptisms and 633 commu- 
 nicants. Of the ten churches composing the Associa- 
 tion, only two reported settled pastors ; most of the 
 other churches, however, enjoyed occasional preaching 
 by licensed or resident ministers. About this time the 
 churches in this and other sections, were greatly an- 
 noyed and frequently deceived by numerous impostors 
 who were prowling over the country and palming them- 
 selves off on the community as regular ministers of the 
 Baptist denomination. The destitution of these feeble 
 
28 ANNALS OP THE ASSOCIATION, 
 
 churches, and seclusion of this wild region, furnished 
 an inviting field and ample protection for these " wan- 
 dering stars" and wicked pretenders. The names of not 
 less than eight of this character, were published in the 
 minutes of this session and the churches warned against 
 their pretensions ; and in order to guard more effec- 
 tually against their impositions, the personal peculiari- 
 ties of some were minutely described, and " the breth- 
 ren particularly requested not to invite a stranger to 
 minister to them in holy things unless he bear with him 
 credentials of a recent date and the most unmistakable 
 vahdity." Such were the pains taken and precautions 
 exercised to protect the churches, in their infancy and 
 inexperience, from the presence and preaching of men 
 of unsound principles and unsafe practices. 
 
 During this decade various objects of Christian be- 
 nevolence received a measure of attention and encour- 
 agement. Among these objects, the cause of Domestic 
 Missions occupied a prominent position. Small sums 
 were contributed by some of the churches and occasional 
 collections taken at the annual meetings of the Associa- 
 tion for this worthy object. At the session of 1818 the 
 Treasurer of the Association reported some six dollars 
 on hand for Domestic Missions, and a visiting brother 
 was " requested to solicit Rev. Levi Holcomb to come 
 and spend two weeks as our missionary within the 
 bounds of the Association, at five dollars per week." 
 Also at the session of 1821, a discourse was preached 
 on the claims of Domestic Missions, followed by a col- 
 lection of some ten dollars for that object, and a larger 
 committee was appointed " to prepare the minds of the 
 brethren for the formation of a Domestic Missionary 
 
SECOND DECADE. 29 
 
 Society." The subject was kept before the Association 
 in various forms until the session of 1827, when " the 
 committee on Domestic Missions, made a report, recom- 
 mending the formation of a Domestic Missionary So- 
 ciety," at the close of the session, distinct from the 
 Association. The report was adopted and after adjourn- 
 ment, " the members of the Association, and religious 
 friends generally, met and united in forming an Evan- 
 gelical Society whose principal object will be to have 
 the Grospel preached to the poor and destitute within the 
 bounds of the Association and parts adjacent." Messrs. 
 John Miller and Horace Jones were appointed " Agents 
 of this Society, to obtain subscriptions and invite the 
 attention of the friends of truth to this object." 
 
 The cause of Foreign Missions was also frequently 
 entertained, endorsed and encouraged by friendly reso- 
 lutions and fair promises. At the session of 1819, a 
 letter from Mr. Luther Kice, Agent of the Baptist Gen- 
 eral Convention, being presented, a vote was passed by 
 the Association, "expressing their entire approbation of 
 the measures already taken, and promising to use every 
 effort that their infant state would admit, to give infor- 
 mation and further the views of the Board." Also in 
 1821, " a letter from the Board of the Baptist General 
 Convention was read with deep interest, and the Asso- 
 ciation sincerely rejoice in the diffusion of the Gospel, 
 and feel disposed to afford every aid in their power to 
 promote its salutary influence." Again, at the session 
 of 1823, the Association say " that we entertain a high 
 sense of the evangelical exertions of the Baptist General 
 Convention — the Board of Managers — Agent and Mis- 
 sionaries," Finally, at the anniversary of 1824, a cir- 
 
30 ANNALS OF THE ASSOCIATION. 
 
 cular from the Baptist General Convention being re- 
 ceived and read, the Association "resolved that we 
 cherish an affectionate regard for that body, and bid 
 them God-speed in their labors of love." Thus the 
 claims of Foreign Missions were frequently entertained 
 and endorsed, yet little if any " material aid" was thus 
 far raised or rendered to that deserving object. 
 
 The cause of ministerial education was also introduced 
 during this decade, and aided by frequent collections. 
 Although most of the ministers in the Association were 
 self-educated, yet they were not indifferent to the grow- 
 ing intelligence of the people and increasing demand for 
 a learned as well as laborious ministry ; nor were they 
 unfavorable to raising funds and rendering facilities for 
 training young men called of God to the responsible 
 work of the Christian ministry. At the session of 1823, 
 it was " resolved that in future a collection be taken at 
 each annual meeting of the Association, for the benefit 
 of the Theological Seminary at Hamilton, N. Y." Also 
 at the session of the Association, in 1824, after a 
 discourse by Rev. John Sears, an address was delivered 
 on ministerial education by Rev. Howard Malcom, fol- 
 lowed by a collection of ten dollars for that object. 
 Again, at the session of 1825, " Rev. John Smitzer 
 made an affectionate and feeling address" on the same 
 subject, and a collection of upwards of eight dollars was 
 taken for the same object. Finally, at the session of 
 the Association in 1826, Rev. John Smitzer preached 
 a sermon on the office and object of the gospel ministry, 
 and a collection of some five dollars was taken " in aid 
 of the Theological Seminary at Hamilton. ' ' Thus prom- 
 ises issued in performances, and small amounts were an- 
 nually furnished in aid of ministerial education. 
 
THIRD DECADE. 31 
 
 THIED DECADE, 1827—1837. 
 
 The Association entered upon this decade with four 
 ordained ministers and ten churches scattered over an 
 extensive and promising field. The membership were 
 not numerous or wealthy, but a foundation was laid for 
 accelerated growth and increasing usefulness. The 
 church at Abington, the most prosperous in the body, 
 had already erected a convenient house of worship and 
 dismissed members to unite in forming four indepen- 
 dent churches. The forest had slowly/etired before the 
 hardy pioneer until the population generally were be- 
 ginning to enjoy most of the comforts and many of the 
 conveniences of civilized life. 
 
 The Twenty-first Anniversary was held at Abington, 
 September 3d and 4th, 1828. Introductory sermon by 
 Horace Jones ; John Miller moderator, and Sheldon 
 Norton clerk. Reported 97 baptisms and 736 commu- 
 nicants. At this session the Falls Church was added 
 to the body, and the Gibson and Jackson Church was 
 dismissed to unite with the Bridgewater Association. 
 Three of the churches reported settled pastors and most 
 of the others stated supplies, being chiefiy licensed min- 
 isters. To aid and encourage the more destitute 
 churches, quarterly meetings were appointed at Beth- 
 any in October, Clifibrd in January, and Scott in May 
 following; 
 
 The Twenty-second Anniversary was held at Canaan, 
 September 8d and 4th, 1829. Introductory sermon by 
 William Frear ; John Miller moderator, and Charles H. 
 Hubbard clerk. Reported 36 baptisms and 695 com- 
 municants. A Committee appointed on the state of 
 
32 ANNALS OF THE ASSOCIATION. 
 
 religion, made substantially tte following report, which 
 was embraced in the corresponding letter for the infor- 
 mation of other Associations : " Within the bounds of 
 this Association, many appear to possess a spirit of 
 engagedness, yet others seem to be indiiferent even in a 
 cause so glorious. During the past year some of the 
 churches have received a number of additions, while 
 others destitute of regular preaching, have remained 
 cold and careless. The cry, however, is often heard, 
 'come over and help us.' With us the present is an 
 important time. The recent opening of internal navi- 
 gation, has invited a numerous population and built up 
 a number of flourishing villages. Now is the time to 
 enter and occupy these inviting fields." During the 
 session a number of able sermons were preached by 
 ministers from abroad, to comparatively large, solemn 
 and attentive congregations. 
 
 The Twenty-third Anniversary was held at Clifford, 
 September 1st and 2d, 1830. Introductory sermon by 
 John Miller, who was moderator, and Sheldon Norton 
 clerk. Reported 96 baptisms and 782 communicants. 
 Most of the churches reported settled pastors, and a few 
 large accessions. This is gratefully alluded, to in the 
 following extract from the corresponding letter : " In 
 view of what Grod has accomplished, we should be en- 
 couraged to more vigorous exertions. He has prospered 
 us during the past year and caused our hearts to greatly 
 rejoice." On the second day of the session, Mr. Charles 
 Miller was ordained as pastor of the Clifford Church by 
 the ministers of the Association, agreeable to the re- 
 quest of that church of which he was a constituent 
 member and licensed minister. Rev. Zelotes Grenell 
 
THIRD DECADE. 33 
 
 preached the sermon from Ps. 126 : 6, "in which," ac- 
 cording to the minutes, " the office, work, and encour- 
 agement of the Gospel minister, were particularly 
 delineated." 
 
 The Twenty-fourth Anniversary was held at Bethany, 
 September 7th and 8th, 1831. Introductory sermon by 
 William House; John Miller moderator, and Charles 
 H. Hubbard clerk. Reported 77 baptisms and 873 
 communicants. At this session the Lenox and Lebanon 
 Churches were admitted into the Association, which now 
 embraced twelve churches and held correspondence with 
 as many sister Associations, located in this and an ad- 
 joining State. The influence of this fraternal correspon- 
 dence, was of essential service in the comparative absence 
 of r eligious papers and periodicals. It was the means 
 of attracting a number of ministers from various places, 
 to the annual meetings of this body, whose presence 
 and preaching were a fruitful source of interest and 
 instruction. They usually " came in the fullness of the 
 blessing of the Grospel" and were uniformly happy to 
 "impart some spiritual gift," or encourage some Chris- 
 tian grace. The minutes, too, of these corresponding 
 bodies, brought " Christian salutations" from distant 
 brethren, and frequently contained various and valuable 
 suggestions. At this meeting the Committee on these 
 minutes, reported " that they find an untiring zeal 
 manifested by our brethren for the spread of the Gospel 
 among the destitute, and would also recommend the 
 same to our brethren of this body." 
 
 The Twenty-fifth Anniversary was held at Blakely, 
 Sept. 5th and 6th, 1832. Introductory sermon by 
 Daniel Robinson ; John Miller moderator, and Charles 
 
34 ANNALS OF THE ASSOCIATION. 
 
 H. Hubbard clerk. Reported 36 baptisms and 924 
 communicants. The Canaan — now Clinton — andNicbol- 
 son— now Benton^cburches were received into the 
 Association at this session, and the painful and protracted 
 difficulty in Mt. Pleasant Church, was reported so far 
 adjusted as to encourage the hope of future peace and 
 prosperity in that distracted and divided body. A small 
 collection was taken to aid in completing the house of 
 worship in which the Association was convened, and a 
 commendable sympathy was also manifested with such 
 churches of the body as were destitute of settled pas- 
 tors and stated preaching, and ministering brethren 
 were requested to make them an occasional visit and 
 furnish them with a gratuitous supply. Various reli- 
 gious papers and periodicals were introduced to the 
 notice of the Association and recommended to the pat- 
 ronage of the churches, as a medium of " important and 
 useful information." 
 
 The Twenty-sixth Anniversary was held at Starrucca, 
 September 4th and 5th, 1833. Introductory sermon 
 by John Miller ; Charles H. Hubbard moderator ; John 
 Miller and Sheldon Norton clerks. Reported 152 bap- 
 tisms and 1122 communicants. At this session the 
 Welsh Baptist Church of Carbondale was received into 
 the Association, which now embraced fifteen churches, 
 with twelve ordained and four licensed ministers. The 
 churches having become comparatively numerous and 
 being so widely scattered, it was proposed by the Abing- 
 ton Church to divide the Association. This proposition, 
 after being reported on by a committee, was submitted 
 to the decision of the churches. It was revived at the 
 next session, discussed, and finally postponed to the fol- 
 
THIRD DECADE. 35 
 
 lowing year, when the Association voted " that it is in- 
 expedient to divide at present," since which this ques- 
 tion has not been seriously entertained. 
 
 This session was fully attended and seems to have 
 been one of especial interest, from the hopeful conver- 
 sion of many of the impenitent and healthy growth of 
 most of the churches during the current year. It was, 
 however, a season of peculiar anxiety from the sensible 
 presence of the leaven of Antinomianism which had pene- 
 trated and pervaded the lifeless membership of some of the 
 churches. Necessary measures were initiated to cast 
 out this leaven and encourage a missionary spirit, by 
 diffusing religious intelligence and promoting personal 
 effort in the cause of missions, Bible distribution, Sab- 
 bath Schools, and kindred enterprises. 
 
 The Twenty-seventh Anniversary was held at Abing- 
 ton, September 3d, 4th and 5th, 1834. Introductory 
 sermon by Henry Curtis ; John Miller moderator, and 
 Sheldon Norton clerk. Reported 67 baptisms and 1081 
 communicants. The Herrick Church was added to the 
 Association at this session, and Rufus Grennell was re- 
 quested to continue to act as Treasurer. A number of 
 ministers from abroad were present, adding much to the 
 interest of the occasion, by their fraternal advice and 
 faithful sermons. Near the close of the session a series 
 of resolutions on various moral and missionary subjects, 
 were offered and after being fully discussed, were adopt- 
 ed, urging upon the members of the different churches 
 the duty of earnest effort and enlarged benevolence. 
 
 The Twenty-eighth Anniversary was held at Damas- 
 cus, September 2d, 3d and 4th, 1835. Introductory 
 sermon by John Miller, who was moderator ; Smith 
 
36 ANNALS OF THE ASSOCIATION. 
 
 Bixby and G. V. Walling clerks. Reported 19 bap- 
 tisms and 1009 communicants. At this session the 
 church at Paupack Eddy was admitted into the Associa- 
 tion, increasing the number of its churches to seventeen. 
 The usual business of the body was harmoniously 
 transacted, and useful sermons were preached by a num- 
 ber of brethren at home and from abroad. The session 
 seems to have been one of anxious solicitude for the 
 peace and purity of the churches. The recent death of 
 Rev. Elijah Peck, one of the pioneer pastors of the 
 Association, was noticed in the following appropriate 
 preamble and resolution : " Whereas, it has pleased 
 an all-wise Providence during the past year to remove 
 from us by death, our beloved Bro. Elijah Peck, who 
 has long been a member of this Association ; therefore 
 resolved, that it is our Christian duty to patiently sub- 
 mit to the afflictive stroke which has severed him from 
 his family and friends, and closed his labors in the 
 church militant." 
 
 The Twenty-ninth Anniversary was held at Clifford, 
 September 7th and 8th, 1836. Introductory sermon by 
 Henry Curtis ; John Miller moderator ; Smith Bixby 
 and Rufus Grrennell clerks. Reported 38 baptisms and 
 975 communicants. At this session some three minis- 
 ters were added to the body, and a fraternal correspon- 
 dence was opened with the Bradford Association. Rev. 
 Henry Curtis was appointed Corresponding Secretary 
 of the Association, and notice was given in the minutes 
 of the several quarterly meetings of the " Baptist Con- 
 ference of Ministers and Deacons," to be held as follows, 
 viz., in October, at Montrose; in January, at Bethany; 
 and in July, at Middletown, Susquehanna County. The 
 
THIRD BECADE. 37 
 
 one in April was "dispensed with on account of the 
 general meeting to be held in Philadelphia about the 
 same time." 
 
 The following resolutions will indicate the prompt 
 approval by the Association of the proposed organiza- 
 tion of the Pennsylvania Baptist Convention, and pro- 
 visional formation of the American and Foreign Bible 
 Society, " Resolved, that we cordially approve the 
 resolution adopted by the Baptist Missionary Associa- 
 tion of Pennsylvania, respecting the organization of a 
 State Convention." " Whereas, the American Bible 
 Society, by its decision in February last, has virtually 
 excluded us from all participation in its funds so far as 
 foreign distribution is concerned, unless we conceal a 
 part of the counsel of Grod, relative to the ordinance of 
 baptism, and whereas the providence of God has opened 
 a great and effectual door whereby it becomes the duty 
 and privilege of the Baptist denomination to supply 
 more than one-half of the population of the globe ; 
 therefore resolved, that we form a Bible Society auxil- 
 iary to the American and Foreign Bible Society, and 
 earnestly recommend to all our brethren to give imme- 
 diate and efficient aid to its funds." Accordingly the 
 " Abington Baptist Association Bible Society, auxili- 
 ary to the American and Foreign Bible Society," was 
 formed, having for its " sole object the promotion of 
 the wider circulation of the Holy Scriptures faithfully 
 translated." This Society was sustained within the 
 bounds of the Association until the Autumn of 1841, 
 when it was formally disbanded, leaving "the funds for 
 this object to be raised in the same manner as those for 
 other benevolent societies." 
 4 
 
38 ANNALS OF THE ASSOCIATION. 
 
 The Thirtieth Anniversary was held at Bethany, 
 September 6th and 7th, 1837. Introductory sermon by 
 John Miller, who was moderator ; Kufus Grennell and 
 James Mumford clerks. Reported 28 baptisms and 
 981 communicants. 
 
 This session was scarcely distinguished from prece- 
 ding ones in its business transactions and devotional 
 exercises. It was, however, characterized as pre-emi- 
 nently "pleasant and interesting," yet the general joy 
 was somewhat chastened by the recollection of the 
 recent deaths of two esteemed ministers. The subdued 
 grief and Christian sympathy of the Association were 
 expressed in the following recommendation, viz., " We 
 recommend affectionate condolence with our sister 
 church at Damascus, in the severe loss which they have 
 sustained in the death of .their devoted pastor, Eld. 
 Smith Bixby, and also in the death of Eld. Enoch 
 Owen ; and that the churches in this body be requested 
 to present their earnest prayer to the Grreat Disposer of 
 events, still to supply not only Damascus, but all our 
 destitute churches with pastors, after His own heart." 
 The experience of the current year is perhaps fairly re- 
 presented in the following extract from the correspond- 
 ing letter prepared by Rev. Levi Baldwin, viz., " Many 
 of the churches of this body are destitute of pastors. 
 The past year has not been marked by the outpouring 
 of the Spirit of God ; still some drops of mercy have 
 fallen notwithstanding our unworthiness^ and the hearts 
 of many of the saints have at times been sweetly re- 
 freshed." 
 
 This decade was distinguished by frequent struggles, 
 resulting at least in the partial triumphs of various 
 
THIRD DECADE. 39 
 
 reformatory measures and movements. It was marked 
 by peculiar zeal in the temperance reform. Until this 
 period most of the churches occupied exceedingly low 
 ground on the temperance question. Moderate drink- 
 ing was patiently tolerated, while manifest drunkenness 
 was promptly disciplined. It was, however, found that 
 tippling uniformly tended to excess, and that to escape 
 the one, the other must be abandoned. This subject, 
 agitated for a time in the churches, was finally intro- 
 duced into the Association for friendly discussion and 
 fraternal advice. At the session of 1829, theJoUowing 
 resolution in substance was discussed and adopted : 
 " That we consider the time to have arrived when every 
 Christian can most essentially subserve the cause of 
 humanity by making every consistent effort for the pro- 
 motion of temperance, and that it be recommended to all 
 the members of the different churches of this body, to 
 exert all their influence to abolish the custom of using 
 ardent spirits, except for medical purposes." Also, at 
 the session of 1833, the following resolution was unani- 
 mously adopted : " That we continue to urge upon all 
 the members of the churches of this Association the in- 
 creasing importance of abstaining from the sale and use 
 of ardent spirits as a drink, and we hope that our 
 friends will be everywhere active and useful in promo- 
 ting the cause of temperance reform." At the session of 
 1834, this resolution slightly modified was again adopted. 
 At the session of 1835, '36, and '37, the following ra- 
 tional opinion was expressed and published in the min- 
 utes : " That in the opinion of this Association, the prac- 
 tice of making, vending or using ardent spirits as a 
 drink, is morally wrong and ought to be perseveringly 
 discountenanced by every Christian." 
 
40 ANNALS OF THE ASSOCIATION. 
 
 This decade was also marred by doctrinal discussions. 
 At an early period the leaven of Antinomianism, had 
 been gradually infused into some of the churches, 
 silently working and diffusing itself until some two 
 ministers and numerous members were brought under 
 its blighting sway. This sentiment had remained con- 
 cealed behind the " doctrines of grace," until it was 
 drawn from its ambush in its zeal to oppose various be- 
 nevolent efforts and organizations. A number of 
 churches had suffered greatly from its chilling influence ; 
 it was also the means of dividing some and distracting 
 others. In 1834, upwards of 40 members who had em- 
 braced this sentiment, left the Greenfield, and in 1836, 
 some 50 withdrew from the Abington Church. It came 
 near rending the Clifford and ruining the Palmyra 
 Church. 
 
 This sentiment, however, met with little favor in the 
 Association as a body. At its session of 1833, the fol- 
 lowing resolution was adopted : " That we utterly dis- 
 claim any responsibility for the opposition which has 
 been manifested by those who profess to be Baptists, in 
 periodical publications or otherwise, to the. cause of 
 missions — ^to the publiffation and distribution of the 
 Bible — ^to the Bible instruction of the young in Sabbath 
 Schools, and to other benevolent efforts and Christian 
 charities." In 1835, the Association entreated the 
 brethren not to encourage the circulaition of the " Signs 
 of the Times," on account of its anti-mission teachings 
 and tendencies, and also resolved to discontinue the 
 customary correspondence with the Chemung and Wat- 
 wick Associations for similar reasons. At the same 
 session the following preamble and resolution were 
 
THIRD DECADE. 41 
 
 adopted : " Whereas, some of our brethren belonging 
 to several churches within the Association, appear to 
 entertain conscientious doubts of the propriety of the 
 course which the Association is taking to promote the 
 spread of the Grospel among the destitute according as 
 the Lord hath prospered us ; therefore resolved, that 
 the Association do hereby assure them of our affection- 
 ate regard ; of our steadfast adherence to the princi- 
 ples of the doctrines of Christ as set forth in our con- 
 fession of faith, and of our sincere desire that they may 
 come up with us to the help of the Lord against the 
 mighty; and we entreat them to solemnly inquire 
 whether the opposition and bitterness manifested by 
 some against missionary operations^ do not arise chiefly 
 from covetousness or a want of ardent piety, and cor- 
 rect views of moral and religious obligation." This 
 was followed in 1836, by the publication of a pamphlet 
 written by Eev. Henry Curtis, and entitled " The Truth 
 AS IT IS," in which the previous course of the Associa- 
 tion on the subject of missions, is faithfully reviewed 
 and ably vindicated from the charge of anti-mission ten- 
 dencies. This anxiety and agitation of doctrinal ques- 
 tions and religious obligations, was followed by a clearer 
 sense of personal responsibility and more vigorous 
 measures for the promotion of the various objects of 
 Christian benevolence. The cause of Foreign Missions, 
 Home Evangelization, Ministerial Education, Bible Dis- 
 tribution and Sabbath School Instruction, enlisted the 
 sympathies and developed the resources of the Associa- 
 tion. 
 
42 ANNALS OF THE ASSOCIATION. 
 
 FOURTH DECADE, 1837—1847. 
 
 At the opening of tliis decade the Association em- 
 braced seventeen churches and seven ordained and four 
 licensed ministers, and upwards of a thousand commu- 
 nicants. The Abington Church numbered nearly three 
 hundred, and the Bethany not, far from a hundred 
 and fifty members. Each of the remaining churches, 
 reported less than a hundred, ten of which fell below 
 fifty communicants. From these statistics, if will be seen 
 that the laborers were unequal to the harvest ; some of 
 the churches were favored with settled pastors, while 
 others enjoyed but ah occasional supply. In some 
 cases one minister preached for two or more churches. 
 It will also be noticed that Rev. Henry Curtis acted as 
 moderator of the Association during this entire decade. 
 
 The Thirty-first Anniversary was held at Abington, 
 September 5th and 6th, 1888. Introductory sermon by 
 Henry Curtis, who was moderator ; James Mumford 
 and Rufas Grennell clerks. Reported 123 baptisms 
 and 1080 communicants. 
 
 The business of this session was harmoniously trans- 
 acted, and a series of resolutions were adopted, recom- 
 mending various moral reforms and missionary organi- 
 zations, to the confidence and support of the churches. 
 Among these was the following resolution copied from 
 the minutes of the previous year : " That we recommend 
 to the churches in this Association to take into prayer- 
 ful consideration the subject of slavery and its efi"ects on 
 the church and the world, that they may learn their 
 duty on this important subject." The following extract 
 from the corresponding letter of this year will indicate. 
 
FOURTH DECADE. 43 
 
 the general prosperity of the Association during that 
 period: " We still have some reason to rejoice that 
 God has visited some of our churches during the past 
 with year a blessed revival of his work. Sinners have 
 been made to weep for their sins ; saints have rejoiced 
 in holy solemnity while precious souls have been born 
 into the Kingdom, and we believe that the seal of 
 God's eternal and electing love has made its impres- 
 sion on many hearts." 
 
 The Thirty-second Anniversary was held at Damas- 
 cus, September 4th and 6th, 1839. Introductory ser- 
 mon by John Miller ; Henry Curtis moderator ; Isaac 
 P. Olmstead and Rufus Grennell clerks. Reported 
 129 baptisms and 1195 communicants. 
 
 This session was scarcely distinguished from that of 
 the previous year, the same series of resolutions being 
 adopted, excepting that on slavery. In place of the 
 usual- Circular Letter, the Constitution of the Associa- 
 tion, Rules of Order and Articles of Faith, were pub- 
 lished in the minutes of this year. The following ex- 
 tract from the corresponding letter of this session will 
 sufficiently indicate the general prosperity of the 
 churches : " The letters sent from the several branches 
 of our Zion, present a scene of varied character, but of 
 solemn and gratifying interest. Some of the churches 
 are rejoicing in abundant harvests and in the smiles of 
 uncommon prosperity ; others are thirsting for like visi- 
 tations, yet none we trust are wholly destitute of the 
 precious fruits of ' righteousness and peace and joy in the 
 Holy Ghost.' The general aspect of the cause of 
 Christ in this region is cheering, and we are in duty 
 bound to thank God and take courage. The wants and 
 
44 ANNALS OF THE ASSOCIATION. 
 
 woes of a world lying in wickedness, cease not to at- 
 tract our attention, nor does the sight of our eyes fail 
 to affect our hearts. Indeed, the crisis is such in the 
 providence of God, as to imperatively demand the 
 prayerful and persevering efforts of all his people." 
 
 The Thirty-third Anniversary was held at Clifford, 
 September 2d and 3d, 1840. Introductory sermon by 
 Henry Curtis, who was moderator ; D. P. Leach and 
 John Miller clerks. Reported 188 baptisms and 1397 
 communicants. 
 
 At this session the Ten Mile River Church was re- 
 ceived into the Association. An unusually large num- 
 ber of ministers were present from corresponding bodies, 
 who took an interesting part in the public exercises. 
 Besides the usual resolutions, the following was adopted : 
 " Whereas, in our opinion the ordinary mode of Inde- 
 pendence Celebrations in many instances endangers 
 life ; is destructive of good morals, and lays strong 
 temptations to evil in the way of the rising generation ; 
 therefore, resolved, that we recommend that Christians 
 especially encourage, by their example and influence, 
 the observance of the 4th of July in the promotion of 
 benevolent objects, such as the Sabbath School or tem- 
 perance cause, or that the time be spent in the worship 
 of God." The current year seems to have been one of 
 much encouragement. "The past season," as the record 
 runs, " has been one of uncommon prosperity. ' The 
 Lord hath done great things for us, whereof we are 
 glad.' " 
 
 The Thirty-fourth Anniversary was held at Bethany, 
 September 1st and 2d, 1841. Introductory sermon by 
 John Miller ; Henry Curtis moderator ; D. F. Leach 
 
FOURTH DECADE. 45 
 
 and Lora W. Stone clerks. Reported 112 baptisms 
 and 1468 communicants. 
 
 At this session the Eaton Church was dismissed to 
 unite with the Bridgewater Association. "An inter- 
 esting letter" was received from the Philadelphia Asso- 
 ciation, and a vote was passed to respond to the same, 
 " as near as may be, in the spirit of that communication," 
 and the Secretary was also instructed " to correspond 
 with sister Associations by writing to them individually." 
 The custom, however, of printing a corresponding letter 
 in the minutes, was not discontinued ; the letter of 
 this session furnishes the following as to the state of 
 religion in the churches : " Our meeting has been one 
 of lively interest, but has discovered to us that we have 
 no time to sleep, for the enemy of all righteousness has 
 seemed to take advantage of the peculiarly trying times 
 which we have experienced in worldly affairs during 
 the past year ; and while we have been busy here and 
 there, he has industriously and, alas ! too effectually 
 sown the seeds of apathy and spiritual sloth among the 
 churches. Some, however, have come up with sheaves 
 of rejoicing and have made our hearts glad with the 
 recital of what God has done in their midst." The 
 collectiops at this meeting were unusually liberal ; that 
 for Foreign Missions amounting to $25, and for Domes- 
 tic Missions, being $37.66 ; this latter was ordered to 
 be divided between the New York and Pennsylvania 
 Baptist Conventions. It was also voted "that we 
 highly approve of the labors of the missionaries of these 
 societies in this Association, and that our Correspon- 
 ding Secretary be authorized to request their re-ap- 
 pointment," 
 
46 ANNALS OF THE ASSOCIATION. 
 
 The'^Thirty-fifth Anniversary was held at West Abing- 
 ton, September 7th and 8th, 1842. Introductory ser- 
 mon by Henry Curtis, who was moderator ; Virgil 
 Grennell and E. K. Norton clerks. Reported 162 
 baptisms and 1512 communicants. 
 
 The Honesdale and Second Clifford Churches were 
 admitted at this session. An unusual number of minis- 
 ters from abroad were present. The following repre- 
 sented the Bridgewater Association, viz.. Revs. Davis 
 Dimock, Jesse B. Worden, Albert L. Post, William K. 
 Mott, Davis D. Gray and Jonathan Melvin. The last 
 named was a grand-son of the eccentric John Leland. 
 Rev William Shadrach represented the Pennsylvania 
 Baptist Convention, and presented his "Penny Plan," 
 which was endorsed by the Association and recommend- 
 ed to the churches, but it seems to have early proved a 
 failure in practice as every such plan must of necessity. 
 The corresponding letter of this year contains the 
 following cheerful account of the meeting and the state 
 of the cause : " Our present session has been delight- 
 fully harmonious and of unusual interest. It has been 
 a feast of fat things. The missionary spirit, we hope, 
 has received a new impulse, and for the year to come, 
 notwithstanding the pressure of the times, we hope to 
 do more in advancing the Kingdom of Christ and for the 
 circulation of the Word of life among the destitute than 
 we have done heretofore. The year past has been dis- 
 tinguished by very special manifestations of Divine favor 
 to some of the churches connected with us, and from 
 what' we learn of the spiritual condition of others, as 
 presented in their annual epistles, we feel to thank Grod 
 and take courage." 
 
FOURTH DECADE, 47 
 
 The Thirty-sixth Anniversary was held at Damascus, 
 September 6th and 7th, 1843. Introductory sermon 
 by D. F. Leach ; Henry Curtis moderator ; E. K. Nor- 
 ton and L. L. Demming clerks. Reported 102 baptisms 
 and 1613 communicants. 
 
 At this meeting the Blakely Church was received 
 into the body, and a correspondence opened with the 
 Wyoming Association, recently set off from the Bridge- 
 water. Until this time the pastors of the churches 
 had usually been designated as "Elders," but the 
 clerks of this year, took the liberty of publishing them 
 as "Bishops." At the next Anniversary of the Asso- 
 ciation the following resolution was offered and ordered 
 to lie over until the next session : " Resolved, that in 
 printing the statistics of our Association, the pastors of 
 the churches be designated as Bishops, that being their 
 scriptural appellation." This harmless innovation, how- 
 ever, seems, to have failed to receive the sanction of the 
 Association and soon disappears from the minutes. It 
 may be well to observe that either term is scriptural and 
 appropriate as applied to the pastor of a church or min- 
 ister of the Gospel. These terms are employed inter- 
 changably in the following passages : Acts 20 : 17, 28. 
 Titus i : 5, 7, and 1 Peter 5 : 1, 2. As much cannot 
 be said of the term Reverend, now in common use, since 
 it occurs but once in the sacred Scriptures and then is 
 applied to the Supreme Being. " Holy and Reverend 
 is His name." Ps. Ill: 9. Many have doubted the 
 propriety of applying this title to a mere creature. Its 
 use, however, has become quite general and may be 
 admissable when it is employed merely as a convenient 
 ministerial designation. The Christian law is, "Esteem 
 
48 ANNALS OF THE ASSOCIATION. 
 
 them very highly in love, for their works' sake." This 
 title may merely express that esteem ; if it does more, 
 it is certainly inappropriate. 
 
 The Thirty-seventh Anniversary was held at Clifford, 
 September 4th and 5th, 1844. Introductory sermon 
 by Henry Curtis, who was moderator ; B. K. Norton 
 and Austin Davenport clerks. 
 
 The Welsh Baptist Church, of Carbondale, having 
 united with Oneida Welsh Association, was dropped at 
 this session, and a correspondence was opened with that 
 and the Tioga Association. The interest of this meet- 
 ing was greatly increased by the presence and preaching 
 of Rev. Archibald Maclay, of New York, Agent of the 
 American and Foreign Bible Society. A collection of 
 upwards of thirty dollars was taken in aid of this So- 
 ciety, and the following resolution passed : " Resolved, 
 that the Association entertain grateful feelings for the 
 attendance at our session, of our venerable father in 
 the Bible cause, Rev. Archibald Maclay, D. D., and we 
 earnestly and affectionately urge the American and 
 Foreign Bible Society to send an annual delegation to 
 our Association." The Bible Society of North-Eastern 
 Pennsylvania, organized at the house of Alvinzy Gard- 
 ener, in Abington, December 22, 1843, changed its 
 name and constitution at this session, and was henceforth 
 known as "the Lackawanna and Lackawaxen Bible So- 
 ciety," auxiliary to, the American and Foreign Bible 
 Society, having for "its object to raise funds for sup- 
 plying the destitute in our own neighborhood, with the 
 Word of God and to aid the Parent Society in its ef- 
 orts to circulate the Bible throughout the world." This 
 
FOURTH DECADE. 49 
 
 Society has been among the most permanent and 
 prosperous auxiliaries of the Parent Society. 
 
 The Thirty-eighth Anniversary was held at Hones- 
 dale, September 3d and 4th, 1845. Introductory ser- 
 mon by John Miller ; Henry Curtis moderator ; E. K. 
 Norton and Austin Davenport clerks. Reported 25 
 baptisms and 1521 communicants. 
 
 On account of the languishing condition of religion 
 in the churches, the Association passed the following 
 resolution : " In view of the lack of spiritual zeal in 
 the churches of this Association, we devote one hour 
 to-morrow morning to devotional exercises." The 
 morning came and the hour was occupied in devotional 
 exercises. Fervent prayer was offered by brethren M. 
 M. Everets, Rial Tower, Nathan Hand, James P. Stal- 
 bird and John Baldwin. The Association subsequently 
 resolved, " That we recommend to the churches of this 
 Association, to hold a meeting of fasting, humiliation 
 and prayer, on the first Thursday in November next, 
 for the purpose of calling upon God, that he may for- 
 give the sins of his people, and revive his work in the 
 hearts of all that profess to love his name, and implore 
 his mercy in behalf of sinners." Near the close of the 
 session, " a committee of six was appointed to propose 
 such amendments to the present constitution of this 
 Association as they may think necessary, to be pub- 
 lished, together with said constitution, in the minutes of 
 the current year ; and that the churches belonging to this 
 body be and hereby are requested to instruct their dele- 
 gates or say in their letters to the next session of this 
 Association, whether they are in favor or against such 
 amendments." The above committee consisting of 
 5 
 
50 ANNALS OF THE ASSOCIATION. 
 
 brethren Virgil Grennell, Henry Curtis, Rufus Grren- 
 nell, Davis D. Gray, Austin Davenport and E. K. 
 Norton, prepared an amended constitution which was 
 published in the minutes of this year, together with the 
 constitution in force, but it did not receive the sanction 
 of two-thirds of the churches, and consequently was 
 not adopted. 
 
 The Thirty-ninth Anniversary was held at Abington, 
 September 2d and 3d, 1846. Introductory sermon by 
 Alexander Smith ; Henry Curtis moderator ; Silas Finn 
 and Lor a W. Stone clerks. Reported 17 baptisms and 
 1517 communicants. 
 
 The business of this session embraced few subjects 
 out of the usual routine. A correspondence was opened 
 with the Clarion Association, and the Mt. Pleasant and 
 Lebanon Churches having united, their names stand to- 
 gether in the minutes, each church still having its own 
 clerk. The following confession and apology is em- 
 braced in the corresponding letter of this year : "In 
 connection with our sister Associations, we have to 
 mourn over our apathy and want of Christian energy. 
 We have reason for deep humiliation before God, in 
 view of our coldness and want of primitive zeal in our 
 Mstster's cause ; the result of which has been, that few 
 have been added to our number by baptism. It may 
 be proper to say that we still hold the doctrines common 
 to our denomination. We feel an interest in the Mis- 
 sion and Bible cause, and others of a kindred nature. 
 We welcome your delegates now present and hope we 
 may together 'contend earnestly for the faith once 
 delivered to the saints,' and be found humbling ourselves 
 under th« mighty hand of God, that Zion may shine 
 forth in all her pristine glory." 
 
FOURTH DECADE. 51 
 
 The Fortieth Anniversary was held at Clinton, Sep- 
 tember 1st and 2d, 1847. Introductory sermon by M. 
 M. Everets ; Henry Curtis moderator ; B. K. Norton 
 and Virgil Grennell clerks. Reported 93 baptisms 
 and 1433 communicants. 
 
 The Callicoon Church was added to the body at this 
 session, and the Abington Church reported that they 
 had revised their records and thus " account for the 
 discrepancy between their returns of this and the pre- 
 vious year." It would seem that the revision had 
 resulted in eliminating some 76 nominal members. This 
 fact will also account, in part, for the apparent diminu- 
 tion in the numerical strength of the Association. The 
 " Christian Chronicle," a denominational paper estab- 
 lished at Philadelphia, in the Autumn of 1845, was 
 endorsed in the following sensible resolution : " That 
 we regard the Christian Chronicle among the first class 
 of religious papers, as a channel of valuable information, 
 and would recommend that every member of our churches 
 take, pay for and read it." Rev. Eugenic Kincaid, re- 
 turned Missionary, was present at this session, and by 
 his graphic delineations of missionary life and labor, 
 added much to the interest of the occasion. He de- 
 livered an address on the subject of Foreign Missions, 
 and preached in behalf of the American and Foreign 
 Bible Society. He also seems to have represented the 
 University recently located at Lewisburg, under the 
 direction of Prof. S. W. Taylor, A. M. The following 
 was presented by Mr. Kincaid, and published in the 
 minutes of this year ; " The Preparatory Department 
 of this Institution, has been for one year in successful 
 operation. During the Winter session, upwards of 50 
 
52 ANNALS OF THE ASSOCIATION. 
 
 pupils were present, and more than 70 during the Sum- 
 mer session, just closed. Several of the students are 
 prepared to enter the Freshman Class of the Collegiate 
 Department this Fall, and it is expected that a Sopho- 
 more Class will also be organized at the opening of the 
 coming session." 
 
 The former part of this decade was distinguished by 
 numerous revivals. During the first six years, nearly 
 a thousand converts were added to the several churches, 
 twelve of which received the most numerous accessions. 
 One hundred and thirteen were added to the church at 
 Damascus ; ninety-three to that at Greenfield, and 
 ninety-one to the Abington Church. It would, per- 
 haps, be difiicult to point out the various means and in- 
 strumentalities employed and blessed in promoting this 
 gracious work. It may, however, be safe to name the 
 following as among the more obvious and important. 
 Protracted meetings were frequently held and so con- 
 ducted as to greatly promote this gracious work. In 
 the minutes of 1837 and '38, the following resolution 
 was conspicuously published : " That we recommend to 
 each of the churches in this Association, to hold a Pro- 
 tracted Meeting during the year, in humble dependence 
 on Grod for his blessing, and that judicious and faithful 
 brethren in sister churches be invited to attend." This 
 recommendation of the Association was, doubtless, acted 
 upon by many of the churches, resulting in the hopeful 
 conversion of sinners and the comfort and encourage- 
 ment of saints. The pastors of the churches belong- 
 ing to the Association, did most of the preaching at 
 these meetings. Among the more earnest and success- 
 ful of these, were Revs. Henry Curtis, James Clark, 
 
FOURTH DECADE. 53 
 
 John Miller, William K. Mott, Joseph Curren, D. F. 
 Leach, Silas Finn, and Daniel E. Bowen. The other 
 pastors, however, were not idle and did not labor in 
 vain on theii^espective fields. More or less prosperity- 
 attended most of the churches during this favored 
 period. How many pious souls among the private 
 members, wrestled in prayer in their closets, at the 
 domestic altar and in the assemblies of the saints, may 
 not now be known or here recorded, but their record is 
 on high and will not be forgotten when God makes up 
 his jewels and crowns his redeemed. 
 
 The latter portion of this decade was marked by 
 general coldness and declension. During the last four 
 years, comparatively few converts were added to the 
 churches. The vision tarried and the blessing was 
 withheld. The pious mourned and the wicked triumphed. 
 The causes of this state of things may not now be traced 
 out or treasured up for our aid and admonition. It 
 does not seem that they were even then fully compre- 
 hended. The churches complained, in their annual 
 letters, of their lack of faith and lamented their want 
 of energy and earnestness. The Association passed 
 resolutions deploring the general coldness, and in 1846 
 recommended " the first Wednesday of December as a 
 day of fasting and most devout and fervent prayer to 
 Almighty God for the outpouring of his Spirit upon 
 our churches, and the revival of his work in our hearts." 
 The corresponding letters of these years also breathe 
 out confessions and complaints, and fill the air with 
 longings and lamentations. The closing year, however, 
 brings some tokens of good, and a more cheerful spirit 
 pervades and animates the body. 
 
54 ASNALS OF THE ASSOCIATION. 
 
 During this decade a persevering effort was made to dif- 
 fuse religious knowledge among the churches and develop 
 an intelligent spirit of missionary zeal and Christian be- 
 nevolence among the membership. In 1838,'the first year 
 of this decade, the following resolutions, copied in part 
 from the minutes of the previous year, were presented by 
 a committee consisting of Revs. John Miller, William 
 Frear and Henry Curtis, and passed by the Associa- 
 tion : " Resolved, that this Association considers it 
 very important that religious intelligence be more gen- 
 erally diffused among the churches ; we do, therefore, 
 most earnestly recommend to our brethren that they 
 take, read and pay for a religious periodical, such as 
 the Grospel Witness of New York ; the Baptist Register 
 of Utica ; the Baptist Record of Philadelphia ; and the 
 American Baptist Magazine." "Resolved, that the 
 ministers of this Association be requested to preach on 
 the subject of the Bible cause, once or more during the 
 year, and take up a collection for that object. Also, 
 that we warmly recommend to the members of our 
 churches, a continued and increasing attention to the 
 direct scriptural instruction of the young, in the family 
 circle, Bible Classes and Sabbath Schools." Another 
 resolution requests the churches to provide subscrip- 
 tion books, with a separate column for each of the fol- 
 lowing objects, viz.. Foreign and Domestic Missions, 
 American and Foreign Bible Society, Sabbath Schools, 
 Tract Distribution, and Ministerial Education. These 
 or similar resolutions, were passed and published from 
 year to year, and the subjects they embraced were con- 
 stantly kept before the churches and earnestly urged 
 upon the attention of their members. This persistent 
 
FOURTH DECADE. 55 
 
 eflfort was not altogether fruitless, but tended to form 
 correct views of duty and foster an enlarged and en- 
 lightened benevolence. The amount raised during this 
 period for various benevolent objects, fully justifies this 
 favorable conclusion. 
 
56 ANNALS OF THE ASSOCIATION. 
 
 FIFTH DECADE, 1847—1857. 
 
 The Association, at the commencement of this de- 
 cade, embraced nine ordained and three licensied minis- 
 ters laboring for twenty churches, eight of which were 
 situated in Wayne County, six in Luz&rne, four in Sus- 
 quehanna and the remaining two on the east of the Del- 
 aware in the State of New York. The region covered 
 by the Association, embraced the northern portion of 
 Luzerne County, most of Wayne and the eastern part 
 of Susquehanna. This tract is nicely balanced across 
 the Moosic mountain, extending down its north-eastern 
 slope to the Delaware river and its south-western to 
 the Susquehanna. It is variegated by rugged hills and 
 rich valleys, beautiful forests and cultivated fields ; it 
 is striped by river and lake and bound together by rail- 
 way and canal — the outlets of iron and coal but the in- 
 lets of error and crime ; it is dotted over with the bust- 
 ling city, busy village and beautiful hamlet, teeming 
 with a dense, enterprising population, as various in 
 creed and character as in origin and language. The 
 farming, mining and other interests have invited a het- 
 erogeneous population, composed chiefly of the shrewd 
 Yankee, and slow Grerman ; the stern Scotchman and 
 impulsive Welshman, with the passionate and prejudiced 
 Irishman. On such a field, among such a people, the 
 progress of the cause must necessarily be slow and its 
 prosperity somewhat limited. The scene of its most 
 signal triumphs, has been among the American popula- 
 tion in the farming districts. A foothold, however, has 
 been gained in most of the towns and villages, the cen- 
 tres of influence and nationalities. 
 
FIFTH DECADE. 57 
 
 The Forty-first Anniversary -was held at Blakely, 
 September 6th and 7th, 1848. Introductory sermon 
 by Henry Curtis ; M. M. Everets moderator ; H. D. 
 Walker and Silas Finn clerks. Reported 21 baptisms 
 and 1423 communicants. 
 
 The Berean Church of Carbondale, was received into 
 the Association at this meeting, and the request of the 
 Second Clifford Church to be " dropped from the min- 
 utes," was refused as unconstitutional. The state of 
 religion in the churches was not the most encouraging, 
 yet the present session seems to have been one of much 
 interest, furnishing, however, few salient points. It 
 was voted, " that in view of the facilities afforded for 
 the education of our sons and daughters in a school of 
 established reputation within the limits of our Associ- 
 ation, we do most cordially recommend to our brethren 
 and to parents generally, to patronize the Madison 
 Academy, located at Abington Centre, under the care 
 of its worthy principal, H. D. Walker." Besides the 
 usual vote of thanks " to the members and friends of 
 the Blakely Church for the kind and hospitable manner 
 in which they have entertained us," it was also re- 
 solved, " that the thanks of this Association be pre- 
 sented to Mr. and Mrs. Lillibridge for their generous 
 hospitality in entertaining the clergy during the ses- 
 sion." 
 
 The Forty-second Anniversary was held at Bethany, 
 September 5th and 6th, 1849. Introductory sermon 
 by T. 0. Judd ; Silas Finn moderator ; A. 0. Han- 
 ford and Austin Davenport clerks. Reported 19 bap- 
 tisms and 1396 communicants. 
 
 The request of the Covington and " First" Lebanon 
 
58 ANNALS OF THE ASSOCIATION. 
 
 churclies for admission into the Association, was granted. 
 A committee consisting of Eevs. Henry Curtis and John 
 Miller, was appointed to visit the Herrick and Second 
 Clifford churches and report at the next session. Dur- 
 ing the current year upwards of five h^^ndred dollars 
 were raised by the several churches for benevolent ob- 
 jects, distributed as follows, viz., for Foreign Missions, 
 $62.30; Pennsylvania Baptist Convention, $243.96; 
 New York Baptist Convention, $6.00 ; Lackawanna 
 and Lackawaxen Bible Society, $171.55; and for print- 
 ing Minutes, $19.51, making a total of $508.84. This 
 perhaps is about the average yearly amount "for this 
 decade. The prevalent low state of religion in the 
 churches seems also to have occupied the earnest at- 
 tention of the Association. The Circular Letter of 
 this year, was an able discussion of the causes of the 
 low state of Zion, written by Rev. Henry Curtis, in 
 .which he names the following as among the more obvi- 
 ous causes of this state of things, viz., a spirit of 
 worldly-mindedness — the neglect to cultivate personal 
 and family reUgion — the too common neglect of cove- 
 nant obligations — the want of co-operation between 
 churches and pastors, and finally the want of fervent 
 and effectual prayer for a greater measure of the Holy 
 Spirit. 
 
 The Forty-third Anniversary was held at Abington, 
 September 4th and 5th, 1850. Introductory sermon 
 by Henry Curtis, who was moderator ; Lora W. Stone 
 and William A. Miller clerks. Reported 56 baptisms 
 and 1402 communicants. 
 
 The Newton and Hyde Park Churches were added 
 to the body at this session. The record of business 
 
FIFTH DECADE. 59 
 
 presents little of especial interest. Near tte close of 
 theflneeting, Rev. Andrew Hopper reported the pro- 
 ceedings of a missionary convention, held at Clinton, in 
 the preceding February ; "whereupon it was ordered 
 that the resolutions, then and there adopted, be incor- 
 porated in the minutes, for the purpose of directing the 
 attention of all the churches more fully to the necessity 
 of supplying destitute neighborhoods with the preached 
 Gospel." The following is the substance of the resolu- 
 tions to which allusion is made : " That each church 
 should seek to promote personal piety and mutual peace 
 among its members, and endeavor to sustain an efficient 
 pastor, as best adapted to a healthy growth, and per- 
 manent prosperity. Also that the Association be 
 requested to appoint a standing missionary committee, 
 whose duty it shall be to correspond with the Pennsyl- 
 vania Baptist Convention, with a view to the appoint- 
 ment of suitable men to labor on prominent and 
 promising fields within our borders ; and that it be 
 recommended to brethren in destitute churches, and 
 neighborhoods to correspond with said committee, sta- 
 ting their condition and the character of the field they 
 wish cultivated, and also the probable amount they can 
 raise for the support of preaching." The above sugges- 
 tion was acted upon and six brethren were appointed as 
 a missionary committee — this committee expired with 
 the close of this decade. 
 
 The Forty-fourth Anniversary was held at Ten Mile 
 Eiver, September 3d and 4th, 1851. Introductory 
 sermon by John Miller ; Andrew Hopper moderator ; 
 Lewis L. Still and W. G. Baker clerks. Reported 99 
 baptisms and 1606 communicants. 
 
60 ANNALS OF THE ASSOCIATION. 
 
 At this session the Berlin, Union, Welsh of Carbon- 
 dale, and West Abington churches were received 'into 
 the Association, and the Tioga, Ontario, Madison, Cort- 
 land and Welsh Oneida Associations were " ordered to 
 be stricken from our list of correspondents." The 
 Constitution, Rules of Order and Articles of Faith of 
 the body, were re-produced in the minutes of this year. 
 A full supply of Agents, a painful necessity of the 
 times, was present at this meeting ; Revs. J. L. Rich- 
 mond, William Rees and Gilbert S. Bailey, representing 
 the Pennsylvania Baptist Convention, American and 
 Foreign Bible Society, and American Baptist Home 
 Mission Society. 
 
 The following resolution, passed by the Association, 
 will suitably mark the sudden destruction of the first 
 Clinton meeting-house. "In the providence of Grod, 
 the late destructive whirlwind which swept over this 
 section of country, having caused the entire destruction 
 of the Baptist meeting-house in Clinton, and leaving 
 the church and congregation without a suitable place 
 of worship by reason of this calamitous event ; there- 
 fore, in order to sympathize with our brethren in their 
 distress and afford them aid in rebuilding, we earnestly 
 recommend their case to the prayers and liberality of 
 the churches of this Association. " 
 
 The Forty-fifth Anniversary was held at West Abing- 
 ton, September 1st and 2d, 1852. Introductory sermon 
 by C. C. Williams, who was moderator, and Andrew 
 Hopper clerk. Reported 149 baptisms and 1661 com- 
 municants. 
 
 The Ashland and Second Damascus Churches were 
 admitted into the body at this session. After the letter 
 
FIFTH DECADE. 61 
 
 from the latter church was read, the Association, at the 
 request of the moderator, who had been similarly remem- 
 bered at the previous meeting, " united with Rev. Rial 
 Tower in solemn prayer to God on behalf of our brother, 
 Rev. John T. Mitchell and his family, because of the 
 severe afflictions visited upon them in the form of sick- 
 ness and bereavement." Besides passing the usual 
 resolutions on various benevolent organizations, the 
 Association endorsed the " Maine Law" in the follow- 
 ing somewhat wordy though suiSciently pointed resolu- 
 tion : " That this Association believe the Maine 
 Liquor Law to be based on the principles of right, hu- 
 manity, and religion, and like the law of God, lays the 
 axe at the root of the tree and places the responsibility 
 of the evils and woes of intemperance where it justly 
 belongs, and like the blessed Gospel, throws into the 
 waters that have been rolling a tide of bitterness and 
 desolation, of temporal and eternal death over the 
 nations, an element by which they are sweetened and 
 made the streams of life, gladness and salvation. Also 
 that we recommend to each of the churches composing 
 this body, to appoint one or more of its members whose 
 duty it shall be to make an effort to secure the names 
 of the entire membership, as petitioners to our Legisla- 
 ture, praying them to enact a similar law at their next 
 session." If this prayer was made, it was never an- 
 swered, as men still continue to put the bottle to their 
 neighbor's lips according to law. 
 
 The Forty-sixth Anniversary was held at Honesdale, 
 September 7th and 8th, 1853. IntroductO?^*- sermon 
 by Wm. K. Mott, who was moderator ; E. L. Bailey an4 
 6 
 
6,2. ANNALS OF THE ASSOCIATION. 
 
 Homer Greimell clerks. Reported 154 baptisms and 
 1661 communicants. 
 
 The Mt. Bethel Chua-ch' -was- adkJed to the body at 
 this session, and a committee of three, was appoLiitedl to 
 collect the necessar j feets and documents, and compile 
 and publish a COTapsrehensive history of the churches 
 composing the Association. But few agents or nmrfs- 
 ters from alroad were in attendance. Rev. Davis 
 Dimodk, of Montrose> kowever^ was^ preseat and on the 
 second day of the session, preached an interesting ser- 
 mon &om Ps. 32 : 1, 2, on The Blessedness of Imputed 
 Righteousness; The occasion was (Mie of mueh interest 
 to the ministers and messengears present, andl must have- 
 been no Itess 80/ to. this venerabie father in Israel. Hie 
 had been present at the organization of the Association, 
 nearly a half century since, when it embraced bi»t thasee 
 feeble churches, and as many pastors, together with 
 some l^O' ccHraniUiniaants. It now embraced 27 chut'ehesy 
 18 ordained and 8 licensed nsijnisters, with a member- 
 ship approaching two thousand. The comparison was 
 Hiiteresting- ancE t&e contrast encouraging. He had 
 witnessed the feeble in&ncy of the Association, an^ 
 watched its gradual growth).. He now saw it in its ma- 
 ture years- aad manly strength. To one wh®. ha4 
 dfevoted the efforts of a long life to. ike cause of Christ,, 
 such a sight a»4 isetrespeet must have been of thrilling: 
 imiieitest and an occasion of devout gratitude. 
 
 The Forty-seventh Anniversary was held at Benton„ 
 September 6th and Xth, 1854. Introdiuct?&ry sermon 
 by Sajj&ffdi Lea,fih.; G. A.. Fox moderator; E. L. 
 Bailey and A. Q. Hanford derks. Reported 136. bap- 
 tisms and; 1696 communicants- 
 
JHTTH DECADE. 63 
 
 The Salem and Hollisterville Churches vere admitted 
 as members of the body, and the Callicoon Church was 
 dismissed to unite with another Association. Rev. 
 Zelotes Greneil was present for the first time as a 
 minister of this body, haying recently settled as pastor 
 of the Honesdale Church, He bad, however, long 
 taken a deep interest in the prosperity and progress of 
 the Association, having attended most of its anniversa- 
 ries from 1818, and by his presence and preaching 
 adding much to the profit and pleasure of such occa- 
 sions. The body, though moderately anti-slavery, had 
 not, up to this period, expressed a decided opinion on 
 that exciting question. At this session, however, the 
 Association passed the following brief but comprehen- 
 sive resolution, which was .published in the minutes of 
 this and two subsequent years : " Resolved, that we be- 
 lieve the system of Slavery as it exists in the United 
 States, to be a great and growing evil, and that we 
 pledge our interest and influence to prevent its ex- 
 tension and promote its extinction." To this was 
 added in 1856, "And that the time for action has now 
 come." 
 
 The Forty-eighth Anniversary was held at Hollis- 
 terville, September 5th and 6th, 1855, Introductory 
 sermon by E. L. Bailey ; Henry Curtis moderator ; B. 
 L. Bailey and Homer Grrennell clerks. Reported 98 
 baptisms and 1772 communicants. 
 
 The Aldenville Church was admitted into the Asso- 
 ciation at this session. On the evening of the first 
 day, the usual order of business was agreeably varied 
 by the ordination of Messrs. James Waite and William 
 Potter as Deacons of Hollisterville Church, by the fol- 
 
64 AXNALS OF THE ASSOCIATION. 
 
 lowing appropriate services, viz., sermon by Rev. Wm. 
 K. Mott ; charge to the candidates by Rev. Henry 
 Curtis ; consecrating prayer by the preacher, and im- 
 position of hands with other ministers ; address to the 
 church by Rev. D. C. Haynes, agent of the American 
 Baptist Publication Society. On the second day, in 
 addition to the usual resolutions, the two following were 
 passed ; the one correcting a casual evil ; the other 
 indicating a sensible necessity : " That we recommend 
 to the churches of this body, in receiving ministers 
 from other denominations and in ordaining l)rethren of 
 our own, to use the utmost care to take no step in such 
 matters, without freely consulting neighboring sis- 
 ter churches according to the usages of the denomina- 
 tion." Also, " That we affectionately and earnestly 
 request the churches of this Association, to set apart 
 the first Monday of January next, as a day of solemn 
 prayer and fasting, and to implore the reviving influ- 
 ences of God's Holy Spirit to rest upon the churches." 
 
 The Forty-ninth Anniversary was held at Abington, 
 September 3d and 4th, 1856. Introductory sermon by 
 Henry Curtis ; E. K. Norton moderator ; E. L. Bailey 
 and Homer Grrennell clerks. Reported 98 baptisms 
 and 1661 communicants. 
 
 The opening sermon of this session was historical, 
 embracing brief notices of various early ministers, the 
 Missionary character and the present duties and ne- 
 cessities of the Association. The discourse was listened 
 to with much interest, and by request was published in 
 the Christian Ohroniole of Philadelphia. The Abington 
 Valley Church united with the Association, and tho 
 Welsh Church of Carbondale "stood not on the 
 
FIFTH DECADE. 65 
 
 manner of its going, but went at once," leaving tie 
 body still one short of thirty, the desirable round 
 number. The matter of corresponding with neighbor- 
 ing Associations, having become a mere formality, it 
 "was voted, " That we dispense with the usual form of 
 receiving messengers from, and sending them to cor- 
 responding bodies." Besides endorsing the American 
 Baptist Publication Society, in common with various 
 other denominational institutions, it was resolved, 
 " That we request the Society to appoint a colpoxteair 
 to labor in this Association for the coming year, and 
 tliat we raise fl50, the amount of his annual salary." 
 Measures were devised to secure the sum pledged, and 
 it was added in another part of the minutes, that Mt. 
 D. W. Halstead had already received an appointment 
 from the Publication Society, to labor within the bounds 
 of the Association, and had " commenced canvassing 
 the field, in order to seek out and supply the destitute 
 and others with religious books and tracts." The timie 
 of holding the annual meeting was changed by the con- 
 currence of 21 churches of the 29, from the first to the 
 fourth Wednesday of September. 
 
 The Fiftieth Anniversary was held at Damafious, 
 September 24th and 25th, 1857, Introductory sermon 
 hy 0. L. Hall ; 0. A. Fox moderator ; J. N. Folwell 
 and 0. L. Hall clerks. Beporlfed 65 baptisms and 
 1641 communicants. 
 
 This session was one of much interest but marked by 
 few peculiarities. Some strange faces were present 
 and many familiar ones, while some of the latter were 
 absent, having been called to their rest and reward. 
 Among these were Hon. Moses Thomas pf PamascjjSj 
 
66 ANNALS OF THE ASSOCIATION. 
 
 Dea. L. L. Demming of Honesdale, and Rev. John Milk- 
 ier of Abington, one of the pioneer pastors of the 
 Association. These were affectionately named in the 
 letters from their respective churches. Rev. Henry 
 Curtis, long among the most prominent and useful 
 members of the body, was not present to occupy his 
 usual place and exert his accustomed influence on the 
 counsels of his brethren. The cause of his absence 
 was alluded to in the letter from the Clinton Church. 
 " Since our last anniversary," they say, "our highly 
 esteemed pastor has been sadly and severely afflicted. 
 He continued to preach for us until March last, when 
 God in his mysterious providence, deprived us and the 
 world of his labors at least for a season." E. L. Bailey 
 was elected Corresponding Secretary in place of Mr. 
 Curtis, and a Jubilee Meeting of the body, to celebrate 
 its Semi-Centennial Anniversary, was appointed to be 
 held at Abington, commencing on Saturday, December 
 26, 1857. 
 
 At the appointed place and time, a large number of 
 ministers and members belonging to the various churches 
 composing the Association, convened and organized by 
 appointing Rev. 0. A. Pox chairman, and Rev. J. N. 
 Folwell scribe. The exercises were commenced at 10 
 o'clock, A. M. After singing by the choir and prayer 
 by Rev. J. B. Kenyon, the opening sermon was preach- 
 ed by Rev. Wm. K. Mott of Hyde Park, from Isa. 56 : 
 2. Theme — The Increase and Stability of the Ohureh. 
 The afternoon session was pleasantly and profitably 
 occupied by prayer and conference, a large number of 
 brethren and sisters taking part in the exercises. The 
 occasion was one of deep interest and solemnity. At 
 
FIFTH DECADE. 67 
 
 the evening meeting a committee of three was appointed 
 to secure the necessary funds for publishing the history 
 of the Association, in course of preparation. The 
 minutes of the organization of the Association on the 
 26th of December 1807, were read by E. L. Bailey, 
 and also an Historical Discourse from 1 Sam. 7: 12, 
 prepared by Rev. Zelotes Grenell t)f Port Jervis. This 
 was followed by a season of conference, after which the 
 meeting was closed with prayer and benediction by 
 the chairman. 
 
 The services were resumed on the morning of the 
 following day, it being Sabbath, at lOj- o'clock. The 
 opening services were conducted by Rev. Charles Mil- 
 ler, followed by a sermon from Rev. T. J. Cole, on Isa. 
 61 : 10. Theme — The World's Jubilee. After an 
 intermission of fifteen minutes the services were resum- 
 ed and the audience listened to a feeling and experi- 
 mental sermon by Rev. Charles Miller; from 1 John 
 3:1. This was followed by a deeply interesting sea- 
 son of confession and exhortation. In the evening 
 E. L. Bailey preached from Heb. 2 : 3, on The Great 
 Salvation. The meeting closed with a solemn season of 
 prayer and conference. The stifled utterance and fall- 
 ing tear evinced the interest and earnestness felt in the 
 occasion and exercises. Thus closed the Semi-Centen- 
 nial Celebration of the Abington Baptist Association. 
 Eive persons were present at this meeting, who had 
 also been present at the organization of the Association 
 fifty years before, viz., Dea. Jeffrey Dean and his wife 
 Sybil, Jonathan Hall, Mrs. Sophia Clark and Mrs. 
 Prudence Stone. Who of us will attend the Century 
 Celebration in 1907 ? What hand will trace the Annals 
 
68 ANNALS OF THE ASSOCIATION. 
 
 of this Association during the coming half century ? 
 The middle portion of this decade was marked by- 
 numerous additions to the churches by baptism, while 
 its commencement and close were comparatively desti- 
 tute of revival influences. There was, however, during 
 this entire period, much earnest and enlightened effort 
 on behalf of various missionary and other benevolent 
 objects. The contributions of the churches to these ob- 
 jects, were generally more liberal and regular than 
 they had been in former years. Among the objects 
 patronized, the Bible cause seems to have elicited the 
 greatest share of interest and received the most liberal 
 support. On the 22d of December, 1843, " The Bible 
 Society of North-Bastern Pennsylvania" had been 
 formed, having for its " single object to aid in circula- 
 ting the Scriptures in all lands." On the 3d of Sep- 
 tember, 1844, the constitution of this Society was 
 simplified, and its name was changed to " The Lacka- 
 wanna and Lackawaxen Bible Society," indicating the 
 field of its operations along the Delaware and Susque- 
 hanna slopes of the Moosic Mountain. Its object was 
 to " raise funds for supplying the destitute in our own 
 neighborhood with the Word of God, and to aid the 
 Parent Society in its efforts to circulate the Bible 
 throughout the world." Any person could become an 
 annual member by contributing fifty cents yearly, or a 
 life member by the payment of ten dollars. Its oiE- 
 cers consisted of a President, four Vice Presidents, a 
 Secretary and Treasurer. Provision was also made for 
 the appointment of a solicitor in each church of the 
 Association, to collect funds, ascertain the amount of 
 destitution in his own neighborhood, and report the 
 
FIFTH DECADE. 69 
 
 same to the Secretary of the Society. The annual 
 meetings of the Society were to be held in connection 
 with those of the Association, and also semi-annual 
 meetings at such places as were most central and con- 
 venient. Bible Depositories were established at Carbon- 
 dale and Honesdale. 
 
 At the opening of this decade, the machinery of the 
 Society was in successful operation. The Treasurer 
 reported at the annual meeting in 1848, some four 
 hundred dollars raised during the current year for the 
 objects of the Society, the most of which had been 
 passed over to the Parent Society, divided about 
 equally between donations and the purchase of Bibles 
 and Testaments. During the first four years, the 
 ■Society had distributed, by sale or grant, upwards of 
 two thousand volumes. During the following year the 
 Society raised nearly three hundred and fifty dollars 
 by the sale of books and contributions from the churches, 
 and distributed more than three hundred and fifty 
 Bibles and Testaments. The receipts of 1850 fell 
 somewhat below those of the previous year, while the 
 books distributed were greatly in excess. 
 
 The Society continued its work of faith and labor of 
 love through the remaining portion of this decade, 
 raising funds, exploring the field, purchasing Bibles 
 and Testaments, and distributing the same by sale or 
 grant among the destitute and others, through its so- 
 licitors and colporteurs. By the latter, the most des- 
 titute portions of the field were thoroughly canvassed 
 and abundantly supplied. In the Summer of 1852, a 
 colporteur canvassed the Lackawanna Valley under the 
 direction of this Society. He made the following re- 
 
70 ANNALS OF THE ASSOCIATION. 
 
 port which was pubhshed in the minutes of this year. 
 " Most of my time, while in the employ of the Society, 
 has been occupied in the distribution of Bibles and 
 Testaments, either by sale or grant, among the inhabi- 
 tants of the Lackawanna Valley. This valley takes its 
 name and direction from the Lackawanna river. It 
 extends from Carbondale City, south-west to Pittston, 
 a distance of twenty-five miles. For some distance 
 down the valley the mountains on either side close in 
 their rocky fronts at intervals until they almost meet ; 
 but as you follow on down, they retire in gentle slopes 
 and the valley spreads out into broad cultivated farms 
 and beautiful waving woodlands. The valley also' 
 abounds in sources of mineral wealth. Its iron ore is 
 said to be rich and abundant ; its anthracite coal un-* 
 surpassed and inexhaustable. The farming and min- 
 ing interests invite a heterogeneous, enterprising popu- 
 lation ; hence, the representatives of almost every land 
 and language, creed and character, meet and mingle 
 their discordant elements in this valley. The original 
 settlers, chiefly from New England, were in some cases 
 sceptical in their opinions. This feature adheres in 
 Some degree to their descendants, some of whom are 
 avowed deists, others are careless sinners, while a few 
 are devout Christians. Most of the American popula- 
 tion are supplied with the Scriptures ; but such as are 
 not, accept a Bible thankfully and in many cases are 
 able and willing to purchase one. The Grerman popu- 
 lation are quite numerous. They are in most cases 
 either formal Protestants or liberal Catholics. The 
 former are usually supplied with the Scriptures ; the 
 latter are to some extent, but if not, they are uniformly 
 
FIFTH DECADE. 71 
 
 Willing to accept a Bible. The Welsh population are 
 also numerous. They are uniformly Protestants and 
 generally supplied with Bibles, both in Welsh and 
 English. But if a family should! chance to be destitute, 
 they are anxious to be supplied- The Irish population 
 are no less numerous than the Welsh and German. 
 They are with few exceptions, rigid Catholics, strongly 
 prejudiced and difficult of access. Most of them are 
 destitute of the Slcriptua^s. Some, howeTer^ are sup- 
 plied with the Douay Bible; others are anxious to 
 secure it. In a majority of cases they are unwilling to 
 accept a ' Protestant Bible' as they are accustomed to 
 call it ; but many of them are wilhag, and some seem 
 even anxious to receive and read the sacred Scriptures. 
 About fifty families of this latter class have been 
 gladly and gratuitously suppUei This is the valley in 
 which your colporteur has lived, and these are the peo 
 pie among whom he has labored during the past three 
 months. In that time about a thousand families have 
 been visited ; above five hundred Bibles and Testaments 
 distributed, and nearly a hundred destitute familiea 
 supplied." 
 
 In 1854 a calporteur was employed to explore 
 another and less destitute portioa of the field. In the 
 Annual Report of the Society for this year, the follovr- 
 ing statements are made : " Our esteemed brother D. 
 W. Halsted has been employed as our colporteur, for a 
 few weeks during the past Winter, in the northern 
 portion of Wayne County. In his report to the Board 
 he gives the following interesting accoxmt of bis labors : 
 'I found a few destitute of the Word of God, though 
 not as many as had been represented. I traveled among 
 
72 ANNALS OF THE ASSOCIATION. 
 
 the Irish Catholics, but usually found them supplied 
 with " Douay" or Protestant Bibles. I learned that 
 two colporteurs had explored this section some three 
 years since and one during the past year. As far as I 
 went I supplied all who wished to be, with Bibles and 
 Testaments either by sale or donation. I also dis- 
 tributed religious tracts and conversed with many on 
 the interests of the soul. These labors have tended to 
 interest me more and more in the Bible cause and in the 
 salvation of sinners, and I hope that they may yet re- 
 sult in lasting good to others.' Brother Halsted was 
 employed about three weeks ; during that time he 
 traveleld some three hundred miles, visited about two 
 hundred families and distributed near one hundred Bi- 
 bles and Testaments." 
 
 It will be unnecessary to minutely trace the onward 
 course of this Society during the three subsequent years 
 of this decade. It, however, continued its benevolent 
 work until the Autumn of 1858, when it was deliber- 
 ately disbanded, there seeming to be no further neces- 
 sity for a denominational society of this character. 
 The field of its successful efforts, was now comparative- 
 ly supplied and facilities for meeting any new or dis- 
 covered want, were numerous and ample. As the last 
 act of the Society before adjourning sine die, the fol- 
 lowing resolutions, after a free and full discussion, were 
 adopted : " Rssolved, that the Treasurer of this Socie- 
 ty, be and is hereby authorized after cancelling all the 
 debts of the Society, to pay the balance of the funds in 
 his hands to the American and Foreign Bible Society ; 
 also that Rev. Charles Miller, a pioneer minister of the 
 Association, be authorized to receive and distribute by 
 
FIFTH DECADE. 73 
 
 sale or gift, the balance of Bibles and Testaments now 
 belonging to this Society." Thus commenced, con- 
 tinued and closed the Lackawanna and Lackawaxen 
 Bible Society, one of the distinguishing features of the 
 fifth decade of the Association. 
 7 
 
HISTORICAL SKETCHES 
 OF THE SEVERAL CHURCHES. 
 
 The thirty-five Churches that follow, have been 
 sketched in the order of their recognition. The his- 
 tory of each has been traced from its origin until the 
 Autumn of 1857, excepting in the case of three dis- 
 banded before, and three organized after that date. 
 The Second Clifford Church became extinct in 1850 ; 
 the Herrick, and Mt. Pleasant in 1851. The Falls 
 Church lives in the Newton, and the Lebanon in its 
 original designation. The history of the Preston Cen- 
 tre, Barryville and Shohola, and Scranton Churches, 
 is commenced with their origin in 1858—9, and continued 
 until the Fall of 1863. The Eaton, Welsh, Callicoon, 
 and Jackson and Gibson Churches, once connected with 
 this body, have been dismissed to unite with other As- 
 sociations. Their history, therefore, has been omitted 
 as not belonging to this Association. 
 
 PALMYRA CHURCH. 
 
 The "Lackawa Settlement," — now Paupack — com- 
 menced in 1774, was among the earliest settlements 
 made in north-eastern Pennsylvania. It was situated 
 in Northampton — now Pike county — on the south- 
 eastern side of the Wallenpaupack creek, some five 
 miles above its confiuence with the Lackawaxen. The 
 
76 HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 Indian path leading from "fair Wyoming on Susquehan- 
 na's side" to " Coshutunk" — now Cochecton — on the 
 Delaware, passed through this ancient settlement. The 
 pioneer population were chiefly from Connecticut, and 
 took an active part in the unnatural war carried on 
 between the "Yankees" and " Pennamites," as well as 
 in the nobler struggle for national independence. Soon 
 after the peace of the nation and neighborhood was 
 secured, the tide of imigration, stayed for a time, again 
 began to set in, and a number of families, some of whom 
 were Baptists, settled in the place and immediate vicin- 
 ity. 
 
 In 1788, Mr. Silas Purdy, who had been an officer in 
 our revolutionary struggle, moved from Orange county, 
 N. Y., and settled with his family in the wilderness 
 some two miles nearly north of the "Lackawa Settle- 
 ment," on the north-western bank of the Wallenpaupack. 
 He entertained Baptist sentiments and a hope in Christ, 
 but was not a communicant of any church. His wife 
 was a regular member of the Baptist church in the 
 place from which they had emigrated. In 1792, Mr. 
 William Purdy settled with his family about two miles 
 north of his brother Silas, on a large tract of wild land 
 which he had previously purchased. He was a mem- 
 ber and a licentiate of the Pleasant Valley Baptist 
 Church, on the opposite side of the Hudson from his 
 late home in Orange county, N. Y. His wife and one 
 or two of his children were also members of the church. 
 He at once commenced preaching in his immediate 
 neighborhood, and soon extended his labors into adja- 
 cent settlements. 
 
 The Purdy Settlement situated in Palmyra, Wayne 
 
PALMYRA CHURCH. 77 
 
 county, was occasionally visited by various ministers of 
 the Baptist denomination. In 1800, Rev. Lebbeus 
 Lathrop of Orange county, N. Y., preached in the 
 place and baptized Silas Purdy, Jr., Jacob Purdy, Miss 
 Jane Purdy and the wife of Wm. Purdy, Jr., with one 
 other. In the Spring of 1801, as is believed. Rev. 
 Epaphras Thompson of Mt. Pleasant, also preached in 
 the settlement and baptized Miss Phebe Purdy. In 
 September of that year, the Palmyra Baptist Church 
 was recognized with fifteen constituent members, by a 
 council convened for that purpose. Mr. William Purdy 
 was also ordained on the same day as pastor of this 
 infant church. Revs. Epaphras Thompson, John Caton 
 of Brookfield, N. Y., and William Bishop of the Lacka- 
 wanna Valley, officiating on this interesting occasion. 
 Mr. Purdy immediately baptized three of his own sons, 
 namely, William, Ebenezer, and James. 
 
 Soon after its organization Messrs. Asa Cobb, Daniel 
 Bowers and Asa Jones were appointed Deacons of this 
 church. The subject of doctrine and discipline was 
 next introduced. In 1802 the church resolved to hold 
 communion at the Lord's table with none except bap- 
 tized believers, and in the following year, that it is the 
 duty of every male member who is head of a family, to 
 maintain domestic worship, and that the female mem- 
 bers ought to pray daily, in secret. The church also 
 voted that the moderator be instructed to make strict in- 
 quiry of'-all the members, once in three months, whether 
 they have complied with the requirements of these reso- 
 lutions. In addition the church appointed an annual 
 meeting to be held on the last Thursday of October, at 
 which all of the members were expected to be present if 
 
78 HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 possible, and participate personally in the exercises. 
 In 1804, covenant meetings were appointed to be beld 
 on tbe last Saturday of each month, commencing at 
 precisely 2 o'clock in the afternoon. 
 
 On the 26th of December, 1807, this church united 
 with the Abington and Mt. Pleasant Churches, in form- 
 ing the Abington Association. Key. Wm. Purdy and 
 Wm. Purdy, Jr., represented the church on that occa- 
 sion. 
 
 In the Fall of 1810, the church reported to the As- 
 sociation 47 as their total membership, about 30 of 
 whom had been added by baptism. In the following 
 year the church again tightened the reins of discipline, 
 when it was resolved that any member who is absent 
 from covenant meeting, must render the reason for such 
 absence at the ensuing monthly meeting. From this 
 date until 1817, the church remained nearly stationary 
 as to numbers and perhaps graces. Few changes oc- 
 curred and little was accomplished. In 1818 it shared 
 with most of the other churches composing the Associa- 
 tion in a refreshing shower of reviving influences, 
 greatly strengthening its graces and increasing its effi. 
 ciency. They reported to the Association of this year 
 eighteen received by baptism, and 64 as their total 
 membership. This was, however, the culminating point 
 in their numerical , prosperity. In the following year 
 they reported but two added by baptism and eleven 
 dismissed by letter, reducing their number to 54. A 
 calm more to be dreaded than a storm now followed. 
 From this time until 1823 few changes occurred in the 
 church of especial interest or importance. The year 
 1824 was marked by the death of Rev. Wm. Purdy, 
 
PALMYRA CHURCH. 79 
 
 the worthy pastor of the church from its organization, 
 a period of nearly a quarter of a century. During that 
 time he had faithfully preached the "glorious Gospel" 
 and baptized some forty converts ; sympathized with 
 them in their joys and sorrows ; married their chil- 
 dren and buried their dead. They reported to the 
 Association of that year, 48 as their total membership, 
 and returned Mr. George Dobell as a licentiate and 
 supply of the church. 
 
 Mr. Dobell continued to supply the church with 
 general acceptance, occasionally aided and encouraged 
 by the presence and preaching of neighboring pastors. 
 In 1829 he was ordained as pastor of the church and he 
 continued to sustain that relation until 1840, a period of 
 some eleven years. During this time some of the churches 
 belonging to the Association, were greatly agitated by 
 the anti-mission leaven, creating unpleasant divisions 
 and measurably retarding their spiritual prosperity. A 
 party was formed and organized at Abington as an 
 " Old School" Baptist Church. Mr. Wm. House also 
 headed a party at Providence, in the Lackawanna Val- 
 ley, and Mr Dobell exerted his influence in the same 
 direction at Palmyra, almost rending and nearly ruining 
 the church. The occasional visits, however, of neigh- 
 boring ministers was the means of saving it from utter 
 extinction, and staying the blighting influence of " Old 
 Schoolism." The following extract from the letter of 
 the Palmyra Church to the Association in 1837 will 
 perhaps furnish a fair specimen of the temper and 
 tendency of this anti-mission movement. After confess- 
 ing their "coldness, stupidity and barrenness," they 
 say " we feel aggrieved by some of the proceedings of 
 
80 HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 ttis Association. Some of our brethren have seen fit 
 to adopt a number of new modes or societies recom- 
 mended and practiced by some of our sister churches. 
 We cannot go into these new modes which the Associa- 
 tion has adopted or recommended, since we can find 
 neither example nor precept in the Word of God to 
 justify them." 
 
 From 1840 to '52 the church was destitute of a 
 settled pastor and stated preaching, but during that 
 time it maintained a feeble existence and occasionally 
 represented itself to the Association by letter and dele- 
 gates. In the Summer and Autumn of the latter year 
 Rev. L. L. Still preached for them frequently, and Rev. 
 Henry Curtis also visited them occasionally. The 
 faithful labors of these brethren were measurably bless- 
 ed and the church was somewhat aroused and revived. 
 They say in their letter to the Association of that year, 
 " that the voice of the turtle is again heard in our 
 land ; seven converts have been planted in the likeness 
 of the Saviour's death, and others seem inclined to fol- 
 low in the same consecrated path." Rev. Sanford 
 Leach supplied them a portion of the time in 1853, and 
 extended his labors into the Spring of the following 
 year. They reported to the Association in the former 
 year 11 added by baptism and 42 as their total 
 membership, and also said in their letter that they had 
 heard the songs of the redeemed and again witnessed 
 the prosperity ©f Zion. In the Spring of 1854, Rev. 
 Newell Callender was engaged as a supply and soon 
 after ordained as pastor of the church. His labors 
 were greatly prospered. They reported to the Asso- 
 ciation in the Fall of that year 17 received by baptism 
 
PALMYRA CHURCH. 81 
 
 and 18 dismissed by letter to form a new church at 
 "Jones' Settlement," some seven miles west, leaving 
 44 as their total membership. They also said in their 
 letter that they had enjoyed two precious revivals dur- 
 ing the past year. Again, in 1855 they say that the 
 presence of the Lord seems to be still enjoyed. Their 
 covenant and prayer meetings are well attended and are 
 usually seasons of much interest. They have been 
 deprived by sickness, of the labors of their pastor since 
 the first of June, but they hope that he may soon be 
 restored to his wonted health. Six beloved members 
 have died, among whom were Reuben and Solomon 
 Purdy, pillars in the church since its organization. 
 Rev. 0. L. Hall of Hollisterville, supplied them one- 
 half of the time during the following Winter. They 
 say in their letter to the Association in 1856, that they 
 have enjoyed uninterrupted peace and harmony during 
 the year and that they are supplied at present by Mr. 
 J. M. Ball, whom they have licensed to preach the 
 Gospel. Finally in 1857, they reported 36 as their 
 total membership, and acknowledged their gratitude to 
 God for the mercies of the past year ; yet they re- 
 gretted that Zion has slept and the prayer meeting has 
 been neglected. Mr. J. M. Ball continues to preach 
 for them once in two weeks with general acceptance. 
 
82 HISTORICAL CHURCHES. 
 
 FIRST ABINOTON CHURCH. 
 
 Most of the early settlers in Tunkhannock, now Ab- 
 ington, entertained Baptist sentiments. Mr. William 
 Clark, his wife and son Jeremiah, who had settled in 
 this wilderness in 1800, were esteemed members of the 
 Baptist Church at Plainfleld, Conn., whence they had 
 emigrated. In the following year they were joined in 
 the settlement by Mr. Jonathan Dean with his family, 
 who was also a worthy member of the Baptist church 
 at Exeter, Rhode Island. In February, 1802, Mr. John 
 Miller with his family and a few other Baptist members 
 also settled in Abington. Meetings for singing, prayer 
 and exhortation were now established and sustained as a 
 means of mutual comfort and encouragement. On the 
 22d of May following. Rev. Samuel Sturdevant visited 
 the place and preached at the house of Mr. Clark, 
 when the following brethren and sisters were organized 
 as a church, viz., Jonathan Dean, Wm. Clark, John 
 Miller, Geo. Gardener, Jeremiah Clark, Mary Clark, 
 Polly Miller, Russel Hall and Alice Lewin, Polly 
 Hall " covenanted to walk with them so far as light 
 should appear," and Samuel and Mary Wall were 
 '* willing to travel with this people in the public worship 
 of God." The following covenant was produced at this 
 meeting and adopted as a bond of union and rule of 
 conduct, viz., " We do voluntarily covenant with each 
 other to maintain the cause and interest of our blessed 
 Redeemer as we may be assisted by Divine grace, mak- 
 ing the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament the 
 rule of our faith and practice ; to watoh over each other 
 for good, and to attend to all the laws and ordinances 
 
FIRST ABINGTON CHUKCH. 83 
 
 of God's house, and also to keep mp religious worship in 
 our families by vocal prayer." 
 
 In June following, Mr. John Miller " began to im- 
 prove his gift by way of preaching." Under his zeal- 
 ous labors " a reformation commenced," and during the 
 Summer a number of the impenitent were hopefully 
 converted. At a covenant meeting held on the 4th of 
 September subsequent, Samuel Hall related his re- 
 ligious exercises and submitted himself to the watch- 
 care of the church. Also, on the 3d of October 
 following, after the members had " renewed covenant 
 with a good degree of union and comfort, John Lewin, 
 Stephen Parker, Henry Hall, John Clark and Jacob 
 ©rmsby told their experience and they were received 
 with satisfaction." Again on the 6th of November 
 following, James Dean and Sheldon Wall ; and on the 
 evening of the next day Phineas Reynolds, Freelove 
 Reynolds, and Mercy Hall, related their exercises and 
 " dedicated themselves to the Lord, to the satisfaction 
 and fellowship of the brethren." None of these, how- 
 ever, were baptized as we can learn, there being no one 
 in the place qualified to administer that ordinance. 
 
 It was now decided to call a council of recognition. 
 Accordingly various brethren were invited from neigh- 
 boring Baptist churches and convened, November 17th, 
 1802, at the house of Mr. Wm. Clark in Abirigton, 
 Luzerne county, Penna., "to view their order" and 
 give them fellowship as a Grospel church. The council 
 was composed of brethren from churches as follows, 
 viz., Rev. Samuel Sturdevant from Usher ; Mr. Davis 
 Dimock from Exeter ; Rev. Wm. Bishop and Mr. Na- 
 thaniel Giddings from Pittston and Providence ; Rev. 
 
84 HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 Wm. Purdy, Deas. Asa Cobb and Daniel Bowers from 
 Palmyra; Messrs. Uslier Moore, James Hulse and 
 Sylvanus South worth from Brookfield, N. Y., Rev. 
 Wm. Purdy officiating as moderator and Mr. Nathaniel 
 Griddings acting as clerk. Nine persons, five males and 
 four females, — the same with substituting the name of 
 Mary Parker for that of Russel Hall, who had previ- 
 ously organized as a church, — presented themselves with 
 their letters of commendation and Articles of Faith for 
 recognition. After private consultation the council, 
 however, decided that the number of communicants 
 were not sufficient to entitle them to recognition. It 
 was then proposed to suitably increase the number by 
 baptizing such of the converts " as might feel a free- 
 dom to go forward" in that ordinance. Accordingly six 
 young men as follows, viz., John Lewin, James Dean, 
 Jacob Ormsby, Henry Hall, John Clark and Phineas 
 Reynolds, "voluntarily presented themselves and re- 
 lated their experience to general satisfaction." These 
 were baptized on the morning of the following day by 
 Rev. Samuel Sturdevant and recognized with the "nine 
 covenanted members," by the council, as the Abington 
 Baptist Church. " The church," as the record runs, 
 " then proceeded to call Mr. John Miller to the minis- 
 try of the Word and present him to the council, request- 
 ing his ordination to that office." After the usual 
 examination he was ordained according to request as 
 follows, viz., Rev. Samuel Sturdevant offered the con- 
 secrating prayer ; Rev. Wm. Bishop gave the charge, 
 and Mr. Davis Dimock made the concluding prayer. 
 Thus- closed a season of peculiar interest and precious 
 influence. 
 
FIRST ABINGTON CHURCH. 85 
 
 From this time until the formation of the Association, 
 December 26th, 1807, the church moved forward in 
 great harmony and happiness under the pastoral la,bors 
 of Mr. MiUer, lengthening its cords and strengthening 
 its stakes. During that period upwards of forty were 
 a,dded to the church by letter, and about the same num- 
 ber by baptism, increasing its membership to more than, 
 one hundred. On > the 4th of December, 1802, Mr. 
 Jonathan Dean was appointed clerk of the church, and 
 it was voted that the members bear the expenses of the 
 church ia proportion to their ability as deterinined by a 
 committee Ichosen for that purpose. In this manneii 
 incidental expenses were provided for from time to tim© 
 but the pastor continued to labor without a stated sal- 
 ary until the year 1806, when it was determined do. 
 "raise the sum of eighty dollars fordhe support of^the 
 Gospel." This amount; was raised from year to year 
 until 1810, when it was increased, to one hundred dol- 
 lars, half to be paid in money at the expiration of six' 
 months and the balance in. produce at the close of the 
 current year. Thus a partial support was provided for 
 the' pastor and occasionally enlarged or diminished ia> 
 proportion, io the means and liberality of the members. 
 
 During .this period the church greatly enlarged its 
 bounds. The labors of the pastor were not confined tO' 
 his immediate: neigkboEhoiid:! but were extended to adja- 
 cent settlements. The Baptist church at Pittston hav- 
 ing become few in numbers, fourteen of the.remaimrig 
 members at their request, were received. May .17th, 
 1806, as a branch of this church, with the privilege of 
 holding covenant meetings and enjoying occasional; 
 preaching. .At a meeting- for business, March 21st^: 
 8 
 
86 HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 1807, the church appointed " meetings for public -vror- 
 ship for the ensuing year as follows, viz., one half of 
 the time at the Middle Settlement ; one fourth at the 
 West Settlement, and one fourth at the East Settlement 
 and Elkwoods with supplies at Pittston, Thombottom 
 and mouth of Tunkhannock." This arrangement with 
 slight modifications was continued until branches were 
 formed, and churches were finally organized at all of 
 these out-stations except Thornbottom — here the thorns 
 choked the Word and it became unfruitful. 
 
 From the constitution of the Association to the 
 Autumn of 1817, a period of ten years, the church 
 continued to enjoy a measure of prosperity under the 
 abundant labors of the pastor, receiving frequent addi- 
 tions by letter and baptism until it embraced upwards 
 of 200 communicants. Unpleasant cases, however, of 
 difficulty and discipline began to be occasionally intro- 
 duced during this period, which still mar the records 
 of the church and reputation of the dead. The pastor 
 made an annual report of his various labors, at the 
 April meeting of the church, when he was invited to 
 continue the pastoral charge, and a committee was 
 chosen to determine the amount of his salary, and make 
 appointments at the different stations for the ensuing 
 year. This became an established practice of the 
 pastor and church. Other officers were also chosen as 
 gifts were developed and necessity demajided, Messrs. 
 Wm. Clark and James Hulse were appointed Beacons of 
 the church, February 27th, 1808, and ordained to that 
 office on the 3d of June following. Revs. Ehjah Peck 
 and Epaphras Thompson officiating on that occa- 
 sion. On the 26th of November ensuing Mr. Jefltey 
 
FIRST ABINGTON CHURCH. 87 
 
 Dean was cliosen clerk of the clmrch, in place of Jona- 
 than Dean resigned, a position he occupied some twenty 
 years. He was succeeded in 1828 by Mr. Ezra Wall, 
 who yielded the office in 1832 to Mr. Wm. Dean, 
 who served the church in this capacity during some 
 twenty years. In 1852 Mr. Joseph B. Miller was 
 chosen to that office, a position he still sustains. 
 Assistant clerks were also appointed from time to time 
 to keep a record of the business meetings at the various 
 out-stations, and transmit the same to the principal clerk 
 to be transfered to the church book. These assistant 
 clerks usually officiated as Deacons in their respective 
 neighborhoods. Mr. John Phillips was chosen one of 
 the principal Deacons of the church, April 10th, 181 
 and ordained to that office at the session of the Associa- 
 tion in the following Autumn. 
 
 In the year 1814 and '15 the church seems to have 
 enjoyed a gentle and general revival, extending to dif- 
 ferent and distant settlements where numbers were 
 baptized and added to the various branches of the parent 
 stock. As this refreshing was preceded, so it was fol- 
 lowed by frequent though not numerous accessions to 
 the membership of the church. 
 
 During the next ten years, from 1817 to '27, some 
 peculiar trials marked the course of the church and 
 greatly marred its internal harmony. Comparatively 
 large additions, however, were occasionally made, as well 
 as numerous dismissions granted, thus rising and falling 
 in its numerical prosperity. In the Autumn of 1818, 
 the church reported 23 received by baptism and 74 dis- 
 missed by letter, chiefly to form new churches at Clif- 
 ford and Greenfield. In the following year, 14 and in 
 
^8 HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 1821, 43 were received by jbaptiBm, indicating revival 
 seasons. Onthe 27tli of ApriV 1822, Messrs. Jeremiah 
 Gr. Northrop and JefireyDean were chosen assistant 
 Deacons; the former, after Ij^ving purchased to hin^self 
 "a good degree and great Ijoldness in the faith," ,wa5 
 gathered to his fathers ; the latter ^till survivasand is 
 now the senior Deacon of the church, a man, naturally 
 9autiqus,and retiring, hut graciously wise and reliable, 
 ^ince his appointment to that office other faithful men 
 ha vebepn associated with him in "serving tables." Mi;, 
 Isaac OCillinghast was Deacon of the church for a number 
 of years, a man " universally esteemed-.',' He was one of 
 the constituent members of West Abington ,Cburob and 
 died in 1852, loved and lamented. More recently Mr- 
 Stephen Wright, and "Joseph aiid|]B^enjamin," twin 
 sons of the pastor, have, also, served, the, cause as 
 
 , ^aithf^l and- efficient Deacons. J. .^^ -^j . 
 
 'In 1824 some eighteen members were dismissed- tQ 
 jtinite with others in- forming a new churph at. Eaton, 
 opposite the mouth of the Tunkha-nnock. Early in 
 J825 a protracted difficulty between two .private mem- 
 
 . ^erp foreshadowed still soi^er trials, rec^uiring^heyadvice 
 of a council which was convene^ in April of- that year. 
 Ift 1826 t}\e- peace of the ph,urch and popularity of the 
 pastor, were greatly endangered by floating rumors of 
 conduct as monstrous as : immoral. After exhausting 
 the prudence and patience of the members, a council of 
 brethren from neighboring churchesj was convened in 
 jiugust ^(^, that year, to investigate . the reports and 
 render advice. The reports were considered ground-; 
 less by the council, and present danger seemed to be 
 ^.yerted, but other difficulties and new disaffections 
 
FIRST ABINGTON CHURCH. 89 
 
 growing out of these and preyious matters in dispute, 
 another council was convened in April, 1827, but fail- 
 ing to harmonize contending parties, and effect an 
 amicable settlement, the difficulty and disaffection con- 
 tinued and finally culminated in the exclusion of a large 
 number of valuable members. It is a pleasant relief to 
 return from these painful reminiscences to efforts and 
 evidences of prosperity and progress. During this de- 
 cade, perhaps in 1820 and '21, the church erected a 
 plain but comfortable house of worship, situated about 
 a half mile nearly south-east from the present meeting 
 house, on a pleasant and picturesque elevation overlook- 
 ing a wide range of field and forest, the first built by 
 any church belonging to the Association. Previously 
 to this, however, individual enterprise had erected a 
 convenient house of worship on the eastern slope of the 
 Moosic mountain near the banks of the Delaware, subse- 
 quently owned and' occupied by the Damascus Church. 
 The church entered on the next ten years, from 1827 
 to '37, in the midst of a gracious and general revival — 
 the seventh enjoyed since its organization. This work 
 commenced early in the Winter of 1827 at the " Prickly 
 Ash," on the southern borders of Nicholson township, 
 in a conference meeting, and continued to grad- 
 ually spread until it reached the various portions of the 
 church and aroused the whole community. In January, 
 1828, eleven persons met at the school house near the 
 meeting house, and enjoyed a solemn season of prayer 
 and confession. Other meetings were occasionally held 
 at different places, the interest continuing to rise until 
 the work moved forward with amazing power, reclaim- 
 ing the wandering, and converting the impenitent. 
 
90 HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 Some 60 were baptized by the pastor in one month 
 during the revival and received into the church. They 
 i;eported to the Association in the Autumn of that year, 
 83 received by baptism, and 244 as their total member- 
 ship. During a few subsequent years occasional ad- 
 ditions were made by baptism, but no changes of espe- 
 cial interest marked the course of the church until 
 1832, when 36 members were dismissed to constitute 
 the Nicholson Church, now Benton— reducing its mem- 
 l^ershjp, to 15Q. „ This loss, however, was more than bal- 
 anced by the accessions of the, following year, ,when they 
 reported 81 received by baptism and 284 as tljeir total 
 ipembership. They say in their letter to the Associ- 
 ation in the following Autumn, that they " have shared 
 during the past year in aij extensive and gracious revi- 
 v^al. S^^ints have been refreshed^and pinners reclaimed. 
 The cause of temperance has also ma4e cheering pro- 
 gress, and a spirit of missionary , enterprise has been 
 man^ested. Three Sabbath schools are sustained within 
 the bounds of the church." This refreshing, however, 
 was followed by what the pastor quaintly calls the 
 "anti-nomiap bustle," which considerably affected the 
 gieneral, interests of the church, drying up and drawing 
 off some 50 of the members, who were finally dropped in 
 1836, having previously erected their standard and un- 
 furled their banner as an " Old School" Baptist 
 church, still clinging to the name and claiming to be a 
 continuation of the Abington Church. Some of these 
 "signs of the times," as they were appropriately term- 
 ed, subsequently became dissatisfied with their new and 
 negative position and returned from time to time to 
 their old and active relations, but others still remained 
 
FIRST ABINGTON CHURCH. 91 
 
 away, maintaining a separate organization and conceal- 
 ing a dim light in an " empty pitcher." The Abington 
 Church proper reported to the Association in the Au- 
 tumn of 1837, 237 communicants, and said in their 
 letter, that " a concert of prayer had been held in 
 several portions of the church, and a spirit of Missions 
 successfully cultivated. Small collections had .been 
 taken for the Burman Mission and some funds secured 
 for the Bible Society. Sabbath congregations had 
 been larger during the year than at any former 
 period." 
 
 The first half of the next ten years, from 1837 to 
 '47, was marked by frequent additions and uniform 
 prosperity. The church reported to the Association in 
 the Fall of 1888, eight returned from the " Signs," 45 
 received by baptism and 289 as their total membership. 
 This revival commenced at the "Union School House," 
 under the preaching of Rev. James Clark, and it seems 
 to have extended under the labors of the pastor to other 
 portions of the church. It continued, abating some- 
 what in 1841, until the Autumn of 1843, when the 
 church embraced 324 communicants, the largest num- 
 ber reported at any period of its history. They say 
 in their letter to the Association of that year, that 
 " some of their members have been drawn away; others 
 have died and a number are^on beds of sickness, yet a 
 kind Father has been pleased to grant the visits of his 
 grace and accessions to our membership. Brotherly 
 love continues and all seem to be ' endeavoring to keep 
 the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace,' It is an 
 occasion of gratitude that the life of our pastor is still 
 spared and his labors are still enjoyed. Having culti- 
 
92 HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 vated this field upwards of forty years, it is surprising 
 that such large congregations should continue to attend 
 his stated appointments ; larger the present year if we 
 are not mistaken than during any previous one." This, 
 perhaps, was the culminating point in the popularity 
 of the pastor as well as in the numerical prosperity of 
 the church while under his protracted ministry. The 
 following three years were remarkable chiefly for the 
 entire absence of any additions by baptism, an isolated 
 instance of so long duration. This decade, however, 
 closed with an extensive revival. In the Autumn of 
 1847, the church reported to the Association, 51 bap- 
 tisms and 271 communicants, being apparently reduced 
 by revising the list of members and erasing a number 
 of names from the church record. 
 
 The remaining ten years of the history of this church, 
 from 1847 to '57, were distinguished by various changes — 
 changes of pastor and policy in matters of minor im- 
 portance. A new generation of men, in part, having 
 arisen, modified measures were adopted, perhaps an im- 
 provement in many respects on the past, at least better 
 adapted to the present tastes and wants of the church 
 and community. But the same doctrines were preach- 
 ed and ordinances practiced. These are adapted to all 
 times and places. In the Fall of 1848, the church 
 reported 259 communicants but no baptisms, and only 
 three the following year, indicating as is presumed, the 
 period when the present commodious house of worship 
 was built and dedicated. The material, and spiritual 
 temple seldom rise side by side ; the one usually delays 
 or damages the other ; the former if not built in " trou- 
 blous times," frequently produces them. The pastor, 
 
FIRST ABINGTON CHURCH. 93 
 
 from his advanced age, being unable to meet tbe wants 
 and wishes of the church and community, in the Spring 
 of 1850, Rev. Andrew Hopper became associated with 
 him, at his request, in the pastoral charge. Under 
 •their united, though not always harmonious labors, the 
 cause was measurably prospered and some 30 persons 
 .were baptized into the fellowship of the church, increas- 
 ing its membership to 307, as reported to the Associa- 
 tion in the following Autumn. In December of that year, 
 j55 members took letters of dismission to form the West 
 Abington Church, and Mr. Hopper resigned his co- 
 pastorate to take charge of the new church, leaving 
 Mr. Miller sole pastor of the old church and reducing 
 its membership by these and subsequent dismissions, to 
 231, as reported to the Association, in the Fall of 1851. 
 In the Summer of 1852, a number of members hving in 
 the " Olmsted Settlement," were set off as a branch of 
 this church ; in the following Autumn a revival com- 
 menced at that place, under the labors of Messrs. 
 ^harles Parker and 'Benj, Miller, .licentiates of the 
 .church, and continued - until some 40 persons were 
 baptized and added to the branch in that " settle- 
 ment." 
 
 In the Spring of 1853, Mr. Miller resigned his 
 charge of Abington, Church, having been its esteemed 
 pastor since its organization in 1802, a period of more 
 than a half century. During that time the church had 
 enjoyed some fourteen general revivals' and received 
 into its fellowship by baptism upwards of six hundred 
 members: The church had also dismissed members to 
 form six whole churches and parts of six others, and 
 raised up and licensed some seven brethren to preach 
 
94 HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 the Gospel, most of whom were subsequently ordained 
 and settled as pastors of Baptist churches. Indeed, few 
 ministers have labored so long on the same field with 
 an equal degree of efficiency and success. 
 
 Rev. Charles A. Fox became the second pastor of 
 this church in the Spring of 1853, dividing his labors 
 between this and the West Abington Church, a relation 
 he still sustains with ample -ability and general accep- 
 tance. In the Summer following his settlement, 60 
 members were dismissed to form the Mt. Bethel Church 
 in the " Olmsted Settlement." The old church report- 
 ed to the Association in the following Autumn, 24 bap- 
 tisms and 172 communicants, and also said in their 
 letter that " in the early part of the past Winter, our 
 prayer meetings became more frequent and interesting. 
 The Spirit of God came gently down upon the people, 
 and some of our children and neighbors began to in- 
 quire the way to Zion, and a few souls have been made 
 to rejoice in God as the rock of their salvation." Dur- 
 ing the following year a united effort was made to 
 restore a healthy discipline and secure a living member- 
 ship. In the latter part of Summer and earlier part of 
 Autumn, earnestness in prayer, fervor in preaching, and 
 attention in hearing, indicated an approaching revival. 
 At times the cloud seemed ready to break and the 
 shower to descend, yet the vision tarried and the blessing 
 was withheld. At length in February, 1855, the gath- 
 ering cloud of mercy broke and a refreshing shower 
 descended on the thirsty soil, causing the seeds of truth 
 to germinate and plants of grace to grow. Some thirty 
 were hopefully converted, most of whom united with 
 the church ; a number of wanderers were reclaimed and 
 
FIRST ABINGTON CHURCH. 95 
 
 the brethren were greatly strengthened and encouraged. 
 The church reported to the Association in the Fall of 
 that year, 21 baptisms and 143 communicants, and said 
 in their letter, that " no intoxicating drinks are sold in 
 our village and very few profane the name of God, 
 owing, we think, to the influence of truth, as professed 
 and presented by the church, the only necessary organi- 
 zation for the regeneration of the world." The follow- 
 ing extract from their letter to the Association will, 
 perhaps, fairly close this extended sketch. They said 
 in 1856, that they could not report that degree of con- 
 secration to God or enjoyment in his service that they 
 would desire, yet they were united even in their coldness 
 and were doing something for objects of Christian benevo- 
 lence on a systeniatic plan. They deprecated the efforts 
 making for the extension of slavery in our land and the 
 kindred tendency of the rum power. Again, in 1857, 
 they said that they were constrained to acknowledge 
 the wonderful mercy of God toward them through all 
 their ups and downs during the past half century. 
 They met with the Association for the fiftieth time, 
 never having failed since its organization. On the 26th 
 of December of this year, a Jubilee Meeting was held 
 with this church to celebrate the Semi-Centennial Anni- 
 versary of the Association, the pastor of the church pre- 
 siding on that interesting occasion, one long to be 
 remembered by those who were present, but repeated, 
 perhaps, by none. This church is the proUfic mother 
 of churches, the Banyan tree of this fruitful region, 
 
 " BrancKIng so broad along that in the ground 
 The bending twigs take root ; and daughters grow 
 About the mother tree ; a pillar'd shade, 
 High over-arch'd, with echoing walks between." j 
 
96' HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 MOUNT PLEASANT CHURCH. 
 
 Many of the pioneers of Mt. Pleasant entertained 
 Baptist sentiments. Mr. Samuel Stanton, the first set- 
 tler in the place, came from Preston, Connecticut, and in 
 the Spring of 1791, settled with his family in this wilder- 
 ness. He and his wife were Free Communion Baptists. 
 They were joined in the, settlement from time to time 
 by various persons, of the same faith, chiefly from New 
 England. "In the Spring of 11793, the.publip worship 
 of God on the Sabbath, was commenced in the settle- 
 ment. Having.no minister of the Gospel to preach for. 
 them, they read and listened to printed discourses." 
 At the request of Mr. Stanton and others, *Rev. David 
 
 * Mr. David Jayne was bom in Ooshen, N. Y., in 1760. He bommenoed 
 preaching at Wantage, N. J., in 1782, and was at this time, as the record runs, 
 " very popular among one class of hearers; owing as is presumed to manage-' 
 ments of voice, exercises of body and configurations of aspect, after the man-,- 
 ner of the separatists." According to the same authority, he was ordaine'd to 
 the ministry in 1783 at Lower Smithfield, Northampton'courity,Pennsylvania.' 
 His name appears in the minutes pf the, Fhila'delphia Aesodiation^ as pastor of 
 the Baptist church in that place, from the time, of its recognition in' 1784 until. 
 1799. He was subsequently settled at New Bedfotd— now Owego, N. ■?;, and 
 reported in the minutes of the Oheinung Association in 1806 and '7, as pastor- 
 pfthe infant church of that place; in 1809 the following warning was pub- 
 lished in the minutes of that body ; — " This Association warns all churches 
 and the Baptists in general against David Jayne, formerly in connection with 
 ua but now expelled from the church at Owego, for holding and preaching 
 that the wicked have no immortal part and will be annihilated at the day of 
 judgment." In ajournal kept by Eev. John Lawton, of a missionary tour 
 made in the Summer of 1811, in south-western New York and north-eastern 
 Pennsylvania, incidental allusion is made to the same name and perhaps per- 
 son, in the following severe language:— "This, church," — Candor, N. Y. — 
 " has passed through great trials and has excluded a'number of its members 
 on account of their adherence to David Jayne and hi? 94'<i"s^ 'tenets." ^ i^ 
 beUeved, however, that Mr. Jayne was subsequently reclaimed from his error.s 
 and restored to his ministry and membership. . After living for many years 
 in New York and Pennsylvania, he returned to New -tersey where he resumed 
 his ministerial labors and finally died in the affection and confidence of his 
 Christian brethren. 
 
MOUNT PLEASANT CHURCH. 97 
 
 Jayne, a minister of the Baptist denomination, visited 
 the place and preached to the people. It is believed 
 that this was the first sermon ever preached in the set- 
 tlement. On the 28th of June, 1796, the following 
 persons organized as a "Free Communion Baptist 
 Church" in Upper Smithfield, Northampton, now Mt. 
 Pleasant, Wayne county, Pennsylvania, viz., Samuel 
 Stanton, Joseph Tanner, Martha Stanton, Lydia Tan- 
 ner, Margaret Dix and Rhoda Stearns. 
 
 In the Autumn of 1800, Rev. Epaphras Thompson, 
 a regular Baptist minister from Bristol, Connecticut, 
 came into the "Beech Woods" and commenced preach- 
 ing at Mt. Pleasant. His sermons were highly prized, 
 and it was proposed to secure his permanent services, 
 but not agreeing with the leading members of this little 
 band, in his views on the limitations of communion, the 
 proposed settlement was indefinitely postponed. By 
 request, however, he held "an argument" with Mr. 
 Stanton on the communion question, " which ended in 
 strife and confusion." They now agreed to separate, 
 and Mr. Thompson preached his farewell sermon, in- 
 tending to retire from the field, but finally a compro- 
 mise was effected between the contending parties, and 
 he consented to remain and resume his labors. Unbap- 
 tized persons were not to be admitted to communion in 
 the church, but members were to be at liberty to com- 
 mune with other denominations at their pleasure or 
 convenience. With this understanding the church was 
 re-organized and Mr. Thompson and others became 
 members. It now embraced 14 communicants and was 
 styled the "First Baptist Church of Wayne county." 
 
 Mr. Thompson having accepted the pastoral charge 
 9 
 
98 HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 of the church., settled with his family in the place and 
 resumed his labors with renewed zeal and efficiency. 
 His efforts were greatly blessed and an extensive revi- 
 val immediately followed. The work of grace commenced 
 in the settlement, continued to spread, and the church 
 to expand until with its branches, it embracfid upwards 
 of 200 communicants, scattered over a wide range of this 
 wild region. Besides sustaining regular appointments 
 in the settlement, meetings were occasionally held 
 on the Sabbath and during the week in private dwell- 
 ings at various out-stations in order to accommodate 
 the scattered membership and benefit remote as well as 
 adjacent neighborhoods. To supply the increasing 
 wants of this extensive field, a number of gifted persons 
 residing at different points, were ordained as Evangelists 
 and sent forth to preach the Gospel among the pioneer 
 population scattered along the Delaware and Susque- 
 hanna slopes of the Moosic mountain. Messrs. Joseph 
 Reader of Mt. Pleasant, and Gideon Lewis of " Elk- 
 woods," were the first set apart to this office and ap- 
 pointed to this work. In June of 1806, Mr. Elijah 
 Peck of Mt. Pleasant, and about the same time, Messrs. 
 Enoch Owen of Cochecton and Ebenezer Ingraham 
 "recently from Nine Partners," were also ordained as 
 Evangelists. 
 
 But in the midst of this ample provision and general 
 prosperity, the communion controversy was again open- 
 ed and agitated in the church. A majority being secured 
 in favor of "free communion," it was now adopted as a 
 " sentiment" by a vote of the members. In consequence 
 of this retrograde movement, Messrs. Thompson and 
 Peck with six others, obtained letters of dismission and 
 
MOUNT PLEASANT CHURCH. 99 
 
 organized on the 16th of September, 1807, as an inde- 
 pendent body. On the 9th of October following, they 
 were recognized as the " Strict Baptist Church of Mt. 
 Pleasant," by a council of brethren convened for that 
 purpose from Abington and Palmyra churches. The 
 names of the constituent members were as follows, viz., 
 Epaphras Thompson, Elijah Peck, Samuel Torrey, 
 Benj. Newton, Rhoda Stearns, Elizabeth Torrey, Phebe 
 Newton and Rhoda Kennedy. Revs. Wm. Purdy, 
 John Miller and others, were present and participated 
 in the services of recognition. The storm having passed 
 and the waters subsided, the ark now rested on Mt. 
 Pleasant, "wherein few, that is eight souls, were 
 saved." 
 
 Thus originated the Mt. Pleasant Church proper ; 
 its progress and decline will be sketched in the follow- 
 ing pages. The church immediately adopted such mea- 
 sures and employed such means as were designed to 
 promote its interests at home and extend its influence 
 abroad. On the 17th inst., it was "voted to continue 
 covenant meetings on the Saturday before the third 
 Sunday of each month and hold communion on the day 
 following ; a letter was also received from the brethren 
 on the Delaware, requesting Mr. Peck to attend with 
 them on Saturday next." In compliance with this re- 
 quest Messrs. Peck and Torrey attended meeting on the 
 24th inst., at the house of Mr. Amos Tyler on the Dela- 
 ware, and " found the brethren halting between two 
 opinions, or fearful to take a stand on Gospel ground." 
 On the next day, however, they " had a refreshing sea- 
 son under the preaching of Mr. Peck, at the meeting 
 house. ' ' On the 26th of December following, the church 
 
100 HISTORICAX SKETCHES. 
 
 was represented in a convention held at Abington for 
 the purpose of forming an Association. Rev. Epaphras 
 Thompson officiated as moderator of the meeting, and 
 Rev. Elijah Peck preached the introductory sermon on 
 that interesting occasion. The minutes of the conven- 
 tion are preserved in the records of Mt. Pleasant 
 Church. 
 
 The course of the church during the next four years 
 was marked by various changes and occasional acces- 
 sions. At the beginning of this period the church was 
 quite small and the members were somewhat scattered. 
 Without a central or convenient place of worship, meet- 
 ings were statedly held on the Sabbath and frequently 
 during the week at log cabins or barns at different, and 
 often distant settlements. The pastor did not devote 
 his efforts exclusively to Mt. Pleasant or the immedi- 
 ate vicinity, but commenced preaching occasionally at 
 Bethany, "Elkwoods," Cochecton, "Nine Partners," 
 and at various other points, as the wants of the field 
 or wishes of the members might seem to indicate or 
 require. Seasons of refreshing were enjoyed at most 
 of these stations and materials gathered from which in- 
 dependent churches were subsequently formed. 
 
 In 1808, the church passed through some trials and 
 at times complained of unusual coldness, but continued 
 to enjoy a measure of peace and harmony. In March 
 of this year, a letter of commendation was granted to 
 Mr. Thompson, as he proposed to leave the place and 
 labor in a branch of Abington Church, and the hand of 
 fellowship was extended to Mr. Peck as pastor of Mt. 
 Pleasant Church — a position he sustained most of the 
 time until his decease. In April following, the wife of 
 
MOUNT PLEASANT CHURCH. 101 
 
 the pastor united with the church, " to their great joy 
 and satisfaction." On the second of February, 1809, 
 Mr. Benjamin Newton was appointed clerk of the 
 church in place of Mr. Samuel Torrey, who was about 
 to remove from the place. One painful case of disci- 
 pline is reluctantly recorded. Reports prejudicial to 
 the moral character of Rev. Epaphras Thompson, hav- 
 ing come to the knowledge of various members of Ab- 
 ington Church, in the bounds of which he was then 
 living, that church communicated the same by letter in 
 July of this year, to the Mt. Pleasant Church, of which 
 he was still considered a member. The case being enter- 
 tained and the facts investigated, Mr. Thompson was 
 finally excluded from the church on a charge of dis- 
 honesty and drunkenness. On the 19th of November 
 following, at the request of Mr. Elkanah Tingley, Mr. 
 Peck visited the settlement at "Nine Partners," and 
 baptized one person, and on the next Sabbath he 
 preached at Bethany in the house of Mr. Ephraim 
 Torrey, baptized four converts and administered the 
 Lord's Supper to these, and three others previously 
 baptized. On the 13th of December following, he bap- 
 tized five persons in the vicinity ; on the 25th inst., 
 one, and on the 19th of May, 1810, three more also 
 went forward in that ordinance. The church reported 
 to the Association in the Fall of this year, 12 and in 
 that of the following, 28 communicants. On the 23d 
 of May, 1812, Mr. Peck " visited the Elkwoods set- 
 tlement and found it to be a religious time," baptizing 
 one person and admitting four others as members of 
 the church. While the cause was thus prospering 
 abroad, the claims of the field at home were not for- 
 
102 HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 gotten or neglected. Frequent additions by letter and 
 baptism of persons residing at Mt. Pleasant, were grate- 
 fully recorded. The cburch reported to the Associa- 
 tion in the Autumn of this year, five baptisms and 33 
 communicants. 
 
 During the next ten years, little of especial interest 
 transpired within the bounds of the church. The pas- 
 tor continued his usual labors and the church received 
 occasional accessions. Among these were some persons 
 of superior ability, who exerted a moulding influence 
 on the subsequent character of the church. Thus far, 
 for want of suitable gifts or recognition of them, the 
 pastor was left to " serve tables" without the assistance 
 of regular Deacons. These, however, were furnished 
 from abroad. On the 16th of July, 1814, Dea. Peter 
 Spencer, and on the 20th of May, 1815, Dea. Rufus 
 Grrennell united with the church, both from Connecti- 
 cut, the one recommended by the church of Gruilford, 
 and the other by that at Winchester. On the 17th of 
 September following, Mr. Sheldon Norton, also recom- 
 mend>ed by the church at the latter place, was received 
 as a member of the church. In the Summer of 1817, 
 a number of valuable members were dismissed to form 
 a church at Bethany. 
 
 It is, however, unnecessary to dwell on this part of 
 its history ; a brighter portion invites our attention. 
 In the Summer of 1822, the members of the church 
 were measurably revived and a number of the impeni- 
 tenf hopefully converted. The church reported to the 
 Association in the Autumn of this year, 12 baptisms 
 and 52 communicants. This, however, was but the 
 shadow of good things to come. In the following 
 
MOUNT PLEASANT CHURCH. 103 
 
 Summer a refreshing shower descended on the thirsty 
 soil, causing the seeds of truth to germinate and plants 
 of grace to grow. The gracious work having com- 
 menced in the church, continued to spread until it per- 
 vaded the entire community. At a covenant meeting, 
 held June 7th, 1823, an unusual interest was manifested 
 by the members present. About the middle of the 
 month, "the Lord was pleased," as the record runs, 
 " to visit his people with his presence and sinners with 
 his grace." On the 29th of the same month. Rev. 
 John Smitzer, of Bethany, came to the aid of the 
 pastor and preached with marked effect. He baptized 
 10 persons on the same day, five of whom belonged to 
 the family of Mr. Peck and two were children of Dea. 
 Rufus Grennell. The meetings continued peculiarly 
 interesting and converts were graciously multiplied 
 during the Summer and following Autumn. At a 
 special meeting for business, August 22d of this year, 
 Mr. Rufus Grrennell was recognized as Deacon of this 
 church, and Mr. David Horton was also appointed to 
 that office. The church reported to the Association in the 
 following Autumn, 27 baptisms and 81 communicants. 
 On the 20th of November, 1824, Rev. Enoch Owen be- 
 came a member of this church, recommended by the 
 Damascus Church — a relation he sustained some nine 
 years. The church reported to the Association in the 
 Fall of 1825, seven baptisms and 98 communicants. 
 
 During a few subsequent years, the church declined 
 in numbers and became distracted in its counsels. Two 
 parties were formed and the relations of the pastor 
 suspended. The church or the Canaan branch was 
 supplied with preaching a portion of the time in 1827 
 
104 HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 and '28, by Rev. Horace Jones ; in 1829 and '30, by- 
 Rev. Charles H. Hubbard; in 1831, by Rev. Alex. 
 Smith, and in 1832 the relations and labors of Mr. 
 Peck were resumed. In the year 1830, an extensive 
 revival was enjoyed within the bounds of the church, 
 under the labors of Mr. Hubbard. The church report- 
 ed to the Association in the Autumn of i;hat year, 31 
 baptisms and 101 communicants. This was the meri- 
 dian of its numerical strength. From this time the 
 church commenced and continued to gradually decline 
 uiitil it ultimately disbanded. 
 
 During the next ten years, few changes occurred in 
 the downward course of the church, worthy of a perma- 
 nent record. Some interesting seasons were enjoyed 
 and a few additions by baptism, were reported. Cases 
 of discipline and exclusion were frequent, and often 
 painful. On the 31st of December, 1831, Mr. John 
 Tiffany was appointed Deacon of the church. During 
 most of 1834, the church was destitute of stated 
 preaching on account of the impaired health of the 
 pastor. Mr. Peck died March 16th, 1835, lamented 
 by a large circle of relatives and friends. In the Sum- 
 mer of 1837, Dea. David Horton died, and in the follow- 
 ing Autumn, Mrs. Rhoda Stearns also deceased while 
 residing at Harford. She was one of the constituent 
 members of the church and had been a professor of 
 religion upwards of a half century. In July, 1839, 
 Rev. Joseph Curren, pastor of the Clinton Church, was 
 engaged to supply this church one-fourth of the time 
 for four months. The church reported to the Associa- 
 tion in the following Autumn, one baptism and 32 com- 
 municants. 
 
MOUNT PLEASANT CHURCH. 105 
 
 The course of the ahurch during the concluding ten 
 years of its history was equally barren of general in- 
 terest. The church was destitute of stated preaching 
 from 1840 to '45, but covenant meetings were occa- 
 sionally held and were sometimes seasons of peculiar 
 interest. On the 6th of September, 1845, Eev. John 
 Baldwin met with the church and a general settlement 
 was made of existing difficulties. The members present 
 agreed, as they frequently had before, to live in peace 
 and labor in harmony, and Mr. Baldwin accepted an in- 
 vitation to become their pastor. On the 4th of October 
 following. Revs. Henry Curtis and John T. Mitchell 
 met in council with the church and advised the brethren 
 to change the name of the church to Mt. Pleasant and 
 Lebanon ; each branch to appoint a Deacon, celebrate 
 the Lord's Supper and hold monthly covenant meetings. 
 This advice was complied with and a portion of the 
 Lebanon Church united with the Mt. Pleasant Church. 
 Mr. John Tiffany was continued as Deacon of the 
 branch at Mt. Pleasant, and on the 1st of November of 
 this year, Mr. G-aylon Wilmarth was appointed Deacon 
 of that at Lebanon. The record of this double church 
 is a blank with one exception, until January 9th, 1851, 
 when a meeting was held at the house of Mr. Lewis 
 Peck and the church disbanded. Thus these two 
 branches peacefully expired in each others embrace. 
 
 The following were among the principal causes of the 
 gradual decline and ultimate dissolution of the Mt. Plea- 
 sant Church. 
 
 The dismission of members contributed to this sad 
 result. Valuable members were frequently dismissed 
 for the purpose of forming new churches at various 
 
106 HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 points in the surrounding region. .Independent churdies 
 were organized in the vicinity- of Mt. Pleasant, at dif- 
 ferent times and places, as follows, viz., a church was 
 recognized at Bethany in 1817 ; at Damascus in 1821 ; 
 at Scott in 1823 ; at Gibson and Jackson in 1825 ; at 
 Deposit, Lebanon and Canaan — now Clinton — in 1831, 
 and at Herrick in 1834. Some of the constituent 
 members of most, if not all, of these churches, were 
 dismissed from the Mt. Pleasant Church. The new 
 interest at Canaan absorbed a number of valuable mem- 
 bers and at first assumed the venerable name of the 
 parent church. Thus for a time it proved a formidable 
 rival, but finally became a friendly ally of the church 
 at Mt. Pleasant. 
 
 Again, the peace and prosperity of this church, were 
 sadly marred by internal discord and dissensions. Some 
 of the members seem to have been exceedingly con- 
 tracted in their views and tenacious of their opinions ; 
 easily offended and difficult to become reconciled. By 
 such persons, matters of comparatively small impor- 
 tance were made the occasion of protracted disputes 
 and painful alienations. Personal difficulties were often 
 brought before the church or its committee, for settle- 
 ment without having previously taken the prescribed 
 steps of Gospel labor. Charges of trespass, slander 
 and breach of promise, were among the more important 
 preferred and persisted in ; some of which were amica- 
 bly settled but others were prolonged and resulted in 
 unpleasant discipline and ultimate exclusion. Thus the 
 church was wasted and weakened by internal discord 
 and dissensions. But in the midst of this fraternal 
 strife and general confusion there were some bright ex- 
 
MOUNT PLEASANT CHUKCH. 107 
 
 amples of devoted piety and consistent character. The 
 cause was not entirely left to the sport of faction or the 
 rule of weak and wicked men, but some born in the 
 storm and rocked in the tempest, have since endured the 
 calm and rejoiced in the sunshine, and are now esteemed 
 members of other churches, and distinguished ornaments 
 to the Christian cause. Here we conclude this extend- 
 ed notice of the origin and growth, the decay and dis- 
 solution of the Mt. Pleasant Church and erect it as a 
 beacon light on the rugged rocks of discord and dissen- 
 sion, as a timely warning to benighted mariners who 
 may perchance hereafter be drawn into these dark 
 waters or driven into these dangerous seas. 
 
108 HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 BETHANY CHURCH.' 
 
 The present site of Bethany having been selected and 
 surveyed for a county-town, a settlement was com- 
 menced upon it in 1801, which soon became a pleasant 
 and prosperous village. The place was visited occa- 
 sionally at an early period by various Baptist ministers 
 mostly located in the surrounding region. In the Fall 
 of 1807, Rev. Bpaphras Thompson, of Mt. Pleasant, 
 preached at Bethany and continued for a time, as is 
 presumed, to frequently visit the place and vicinity. In 
 the Summer and Autumn of 1809, an interesting revi- 
 val was enjoyed in Bethany and adjacent, neighbor- 
 hoods. Congregations were comparatively large and 
 remarkably attentive; a general seriousness seemed to 
 pervade the minds of the entire community and "a 
 number of persons were made the hopeful subjects of 
 converting grace." In the Summer of that year. Rev. 
 Elijah Peck, pastor of Mt. Pleasant Church, baptized 
 three persons at Bethany, and in the following Au- 
 tumn he also baptized four more and administered the 
 sacrament of the Lord's Supper. " It was a glorious 
 day indeed," as the record runs, " to many precious 
 souls." On the 12th of December following, a meeting 
 was held at the house of Mr. David Bunnell, at which 
 five persons were received as candidates for baptism. 
 On the next day Mr. Peck preached at the house of 
 Mr. Coleman, and baptized the above candidates. " It 
 was a day of much love and true humiliation before 
 God." On the following Sabbath, Rev. *" Jesse Hart- 
 
 * Rev. Jesse Hartwell was born in Bowe, Franklin County, Massachusetts, 
 Feb. 24ih, 1771 ; ho died November 21sfc, 1860, in Perry, Lake County, Ohio. 
 
BETHANY CHURCH. 109 
 
 well, of Massachusetts, attended meeting at Bethany, 
 and preached twice to great satisfaction, and on the 
 following day baptized Mr. Ephraim Torrey." The 
 ordinance was administered in the Lackawaxen creek, 
 a few rods below the present residence of Rev. Henry 
 Curtis. 
 
 In the Spring of 1810, Mr. Peck again visited the 
 place and baptized three converts. "It was a time," 
 according to the record, "of rejoicing in the Lord." 
 In the Summer of 1811, Rev. John Lawton, of New 
 York, while on a missionary tour under the patronage 
 of the " Hamilton Missionary Society," came to Beth- 
 any and " preached twice in the court house." Rev. 
 Wm. Purdy, of Palmyra, was also accustomed to 
 preach at Bethany and adjacent settlements. 
 
 These persons, baptized at various times near Beth- 
 any, united with the Mt. Pleasant Church and acted as 
 a branch of that body until a few members of Palmyra 
 Church and " elsewhere," having settled in the imme- 
 diate vicinity, it was deemed advisable to organize as 
 an independent church. Accordingly a meeting was 
 held in the house of Mr. Isaac Dimmick, December 
 28th, 1816, " for the purpose of taking into considera- 
 tion so important and desirable an object," and. a com- 
 mittee of three was appointed to draft a Covenant, 
 Articles of Faith and Practice and report the same at a 
 subsequent meeting for inspection and approval, ^he 
 above committee reported progress at a meeting held in 
 the house of Mr. "Wm. Purdy, Jr., January 4th, 1817; 
 at a meeting held on the 8th inst., at the house of Mr. 
 Benj. Raymond, the committee made a final report as 
 contemplated, and Articles of Faith and- Covenant were 
 10 
 
110 IIISTOMCAL SKETCHES. 
 
 adopted. Meetings for worship and business were held 
 by the brethren and sisters from time to time until 
 June 7th, 1817, when a council, composed of delegates 
 from Palmyra, Abington and Mt. Pleasant churches, 
 was convened at the court house in Bethany, Wayne 
 County, Pa., for the purpose of recognizing them as 
 an independent church, Rev. John Miller oiEciating as 
 moderator, and Dea: Roger Orvis acting as clerk of the 
 cotincil. Revs. "Wm. Purdy, Elijah Peck and others 
 were present as delegates and participated in the delib- 
 erations of the meeting. After a preparatory sermon by. 
 the moderator, from 1 Cor. 6 : 20, eighteen persons, 
 eight males and ten females, presented themselves with 
 their letters of commendation, covenant, Articles of 
 Faith and Practice and received fellowship ag the Regu- 
 lar Baptist Church of Bethany. 
 
 A meeting of the church was held on the 11th of 
 July following, for the purpose of making such regula- 
 tions as were necessary to promote the peace of the 
 church and prosperity of the cause. Mr. Wm. Purdy, 
 Jr., was appointed standing moderator, and Mr. Ephraim 
 Torrey clerk of the church. It was also decided to 
 hold ooivenant meetings on the first Saturday of each 
 month and celebrate the Lord's Supper on the Sabbath 
 following— subsequently changed to once in two months. 
 The church united with the Association in the follow- 
 ing Autumn- — ^the first admitted into that body. 
 
 The church moved forward harmoniously, enjoying 
 occasional preaching by Mr. Peck, and others from 
 abroad, hut was anxiously seeking to secure the servi- 
 ces of a settled pastor. On the 28th of January, 1819, 
 Mr^ Wm. Purdy, Jr.., was chosen Deacon of the church 
 
BETHANY CHURCH. Ill 
 
 and requested " to exercise his gifts by way of public 
 improvement." On the 10th of September, 1820, Mr. 
 John Smitzer visited the place and preached for the 
 church. Six persons were baptized on the same day 
 by Rev. Elijah Peck. On the 8th of October following. 
 Rev. Nathaniel Otis, missionary of the "New York 
 Missionary Society," preached in the place, baptized 
 four persons and administered the Lord's Supper to the 
 church. On the 17th of November of that year, letters 
 of dismission were granted to Mr. Wm. Purdy, Jr., and 
 other members of his family, about to emigrate to the 
 West, and a call was given to Rev. John Smitzer to 
 take the pastoral charge of the church. On the 8th pf 
 December following, Mr. Ephraim Torrey was chosen 
 Deacon and Dea. Osborn Olmsted, formerly a Deacon 
 of the Bethel Baptist Church of New York, was re- 
 quested to officiate in th%t capacity in this church. 
 In the Autumn of 1821, Mr. Smitzer responded to the 
 call of the church and assunied the pastoral charge, 
 dividing his labors during the first year between this 
 church, that at Damascus, and the Canaan branch of 
 Mt. Pleasant Church ; subsequently the Bethany and 
 Damascus churches shared his entire labors. He con- 
 tinued to serve the cause in this manner until the Spring 
 of 1826, when he resigned his charge and retired from 
 the field, highly respected by the church and commu- 
 nity. Under his labors the church at Bethany was 
 measurably prospered and gradually enlarged, more 
 than doubling its membership and greatly increasing its 
 efficiency. It however, passed through some trials, 
 during that period, cases occurring of protracted diffi- 
 culty and painful discipline, some resulting in exclu- 
 
112 HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 sion, others in reconciliation. It was a season of both 
 planting and pruning. The church reported to the 
 Association, in the Autumn of 1826, 45 communicants. 
 During the next three years the church was destitute 
 of a settled minister but continued to sustain stated 
 meetings and a salutary discipline. In the Fall of 1829, 
 Rev. Charles H. Hubbard accepted the pastoral charge 
 of the church, supplying the Mt. Pleasant Church a 
 portion of the time for about two years ; subsequently 
 his labors were divided between the Bethany and 
 Damascus churches, thus continuing to serve the cause 
 until the Spring of 1832, when he resigned his charge 
 of the former church. He was a man of rare talents, 
 respectable attainments and agreeable address. His dis- 
 courses were well digested and arranged, abounding in 
 brilliant thoughts and forcible illustrations. Under his 
 labors the church was greatly prospered and enlarged. 
 A precious revival was el'^oyed in 1831, continuing 
 through most of the year. Backsliders were reclaimed, 
 excluded members restored and repenting sinners hope- 
 fully converted. The church reported to the Association 
 in the Autumn of that year, 45 baptisms and 98 com- 
 municants. During this revival valuable gifts were 
 developed and encouraged. On the 28th of May, of 
 that year, Mr. Lucian Hayden, a young man of respec- 
 table promise, was licensed to preach the Gospel, and 
 on the 11th of June following, Mr. Charles A. Fox, re- 
 cently from Masonville, N. Y., was also "regularly 
 licensed as a preacher of the Gospel." After various 
 and valuable labors in different and distant places, he 
 has returned to the Association and is now the esteem- 
 ed pastor of Abington Church. On th^lst of October 
 
BETHANY CHURCH. 113 
 
 following, Mr. Joseph A. Hubbard was chosen Deacon 
 of the church. 
 
 In the Fall of 1832, Rev. Henry Curtis accepted the 
 pastoral charge of the church and continued to sustain 
 that relation until the Autumn of 1845, a period of 
 thirteen years. The field was ample and his labors 
 were abundant. Besides his regular appointments at 
 Bethany village, he was accustomed to preach statedly 
 at Honesdale, Smith Hill and Paupack Eddy. He also 
 supplied the church at Canaan in 1834 ; that at Pau- 
 pack Eddy in 1838 ; that at Damascus in 1839, and for 
 some years subsequent. Under his efficient labors the 
 church at Bethany was greatly prospered and gradually 
 enlarged. During the time nearly 150 persons were 
 rpceived by baptism, and in 1843, the church embraced 
 210 communicants. This was the culminating point in 
 its numerical prosperity. From this time its member- 
 ship began to gradually diminish, chiefly on account of 
 the dismission of members to form independent churches 
 at various points in the surrounding region, and also the 
 floating character of the population occasioned by the 
 removal of the county courts in 1842, from Bethany to 
 Honesdale. When Mr. Curtis retired from the field 
 in 1845, the church embraced 133 communicants. 
 
 It remains merely to notice some incidents of general 
 interest, that occurred from time to time under his pas- 
 toral charge. On the 27th of April, 1833, Mr.Eli- 
 phalet Wood was chosen Deacon of the church. Hav- 
 ing faithfully served the cause in that relation, he died 
 May 10th, 1842, on the day Honesdale Church was 
 recognized. On the 5th of October, 1834, Mr. Isaac 
 Brown was also chosen Deacon, and on the 27th of No- 
 
114 HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 vember, 1841, Mr. L. L. Demming was elected to that 
 office. He subsequently transferred his membership to 
 Honesdale Church, of which he was an esteemed Dea- 
 con until his decease. On the 11th of June, 1842, 
 Messrs. E. L. Reed and C; M. Hayden were also ap- 
 pointed Deacons of the church. At a still later period 
 Mr. Homer Brooks was elected to that responsible 
 office. Many of these, after having " purchased to 
 themselves a good degree," have been called to their 
 gracious reward ; others still survive to serve the cause 
 and watch over the interests of the church. On the 
 3d of March, 1834, Rev. Charles H. Hubbard was ex- 
 cluded from the church ; two years subsequent he was 
 restored to membership, but not to the ministry. 
 
 In 1841, the church built a meeting house at a cost 
 of $1700, and occupied it for the first time, January 
 9th, 1842 ; it was dedicated to the worship of God, on 
 the 18th of February following, by appropriate religious 
 services. Until this time the various meetings of the 
 church had been held in the court house, fire-proof, 
 Academy building and private dwellings, as were most 
 convenient. A series of meetings was immediately 
 commenced in the new meeting house and continued 
 from day to day during some weeks. The pastor was 
 aided by Rev. Lewis Raymond from Cooperstown, 
 N. Y. During this meeting the members of the church 
 were greatly revived and a large number of the impeni- 
 tent were hopefully converted. The gracious work 
 extended to the village of Honesdale and resulted in 
 the formation of an independent church at that place. 
 The Bethany Church reported to the Association in the 
 following Autumn, 47 received by baptism. During 
 
BETHANY CHURCH. 115 
 
 the protracted pastorate of Mr. Curtis, cases of disci- 
 pline were numerous in the church and frequently 
 unpleasant. It was a season of both watering and 
 weeding. 
 
 The pastors subsequently settled with this church 
 remained but a brief period. On the first Sabbath of 
 October, 1845, Rev. M. M. Everets commenced his 
 labors as pastor of the church and continued to sustain 
 that relation during two years. His efforts were zeal- 
 ous and faithful. Difficulties, however, between a 
 former pastor and some influential members greatly 
 . marred the peace and prosperity of the church. They 
 reported to the Association in the Fall of 1846, three 
 received by baptism and 133 as their total membership, 
 and also said in their letter that their present state was 
 lamentable. Rev. Andrew Hopper was the next pastor 
 of the church. His labors commenced in I^ovember 
 1847, and closed in the Spring of 1850. During that 
 period a number of members were dismissed to form the 
 Lebanon and Berlin churches. The church reported 
 to the Association in the Autumn of 1850, 67 commu- 
 nicants. In December of that year. Rev. L. L. Still 
 accepted the pastoral charge of the church and con- 
 tinued to serve the cause in that relation upwards of a 
 year. His laT)ors closed in the Spring of 1852, when 
 the church reported 54 communicants. 
 
 In February, 1853, Rev. Henry Curtis again became 
 pastor of the church and sustained that relation during 
 some three years. Under his labors a few additions 
 were received. The church report to the Association 
 in the Autumn of 1854, seven baptisms and 54 commu- 
 nicants, and also say in their letter that they are few 
 
116 HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 and feeble compared with what they once were, many 
 having died, others backslidden or totally apostatized, 
 and at least seven churches having been formed of 
 members chiefly from this church. Some mercy drops, 
 however, have fallen in their midst and a few souls have 
 been hopefully converted. Again, they say in their let- 
 ter to the Association in the Pall of 1855, that they are 
 " faint yet pursuing." The Gospel is faithfully preach- 
 ed to them by their pastor, yet without any marked or 
 immediate results. Harflaony prevails in a good degree 
 and a hope is entertained of better days. In the 
 Spring of 1856, Eev. Newell Callender became pastor 
 of the church and continued to preach for them one- 
 fourth of the time during the year. Rev. T>. W. Hal- 
 sted was the next pastor of the church and still occupies 
 that position. They report to the Association in the 
 Autumn of 1857, 36 communicants, and say in their 
 letter that they are still in a very feeble state and in 
 danger of losing their house of worship on account of a 
 debt that has been suffered to remain upon it. This 
 debt has since been cancelled through the efforts of the 
 present pastor, and liberality of some of the members, 
 and other generous friends. 
 
SCOTT VALLEY CHURCH. 117 
 
 SCOTT VALLEY CHURCH. 
 
 The "East Settlement" was early occupied by Rev. 
 John Miller as an out-station, and it is frequently named 
 in the ancient records of Abington Church. Messrs. 
 Roger Oryis, and Zerah Scott were among the pioneers 
 of that settlement, and were also among the first acces- 
 sions to this venerable church. Having emigrated from 
 Cornwall, Addison county, Vermont, they settled with 
 their families in 1800, in what is now Scott, Luzerne 
 county, Penna., and immediately commenced covenant 
 meetings — the first meetings of the kind, as is believed, 
 established by regular Baptists within the present bounds 
 of the Association. The first of these meetings, was 
 held at the log-cabin of Mr. Orvis, and was attended 
 by three brethren with their wives, viz., Roger and 
 Mariamni Roxana Orvis, Zerah and Sybil Scott, Isaac 
 and Eleanor Tripp. The first four were regular Bap- 
 tists and bore letters of commendation from the Corn- 
 wall Church. *Mr. Tripp at this time belonged to 
 
 * This Isaac Tripp was in early life a resident at " Capoase Meadows" in the 
 Lackawanna valley. In the eighteenth year of his age, and soon after the 
 Wyoming massacre, he was talcen captire by the Indians and with others 
 marched to Canada. On the way he experienced the most excruciating suf- 
 ferings from the gnawings of hanger and cruel treatment of the savages who 
 bound his hands behind him and compelled him to i:un the gauntlet. At 
 Niagara he met his cousin, Miss Frances Slocum, who was also a captive from 
 the Wyoming valley. They planned their escape but their intentions being 
 discovered by their captors, they were separated never more to meet on 
 earth, and young Tripp was sold to the English and compelled to enter their 
 service, in whicJi he reluctantly continued until the close of the revolutionary 
 war. He now returned to his early home and resumed the peaceful pursuits 
 of the farm. He moved to Scott, Luzerne county, and finally settled in the 
 Elkwoods in Susquehanna county. His wife died in Clifford, May 10th, 1816, 
 aged 67 years. He followed her to the grave April 15th, 1820, aged 60 years. 
 The remains of both now repose in the burying ground near Clifford corners. 
 
118 HISTOKICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 the Free Communion Baptist church of Mt. Pleasant, 
 but subsequently he and his wife, formerly a member at 
 Pittston, united by letter with the regular Baptist 
 church of Abington. At a meeting for public worship 
 held at the house of Mr. Orvis on the fifth Sabbath of 
 July, 1803, "Eoger Orvis, Zerah Scott, Benj. Potts, 
 Hosea Phillips, Mariamni Roxana Orvis, Sybil Scott, 
 Mary Potts, Polly Hobbs and Priscilla Sacket tendered 
 covenant and. united with the Abington Church." 
 
 ' These covenant and preaching meetings thus com- 
 menced, were held from time to time at such private 
 dwellings as were most central and convenient, usually 
 pausing in their annual circuit at the log cabins of 
 Messrs. Roger Orvis, Micah Vail and Samuel Callen- 
 der. At a later period, these meetings were occasion- 
 ally held at the houses of Messrs. Abraham Whetherby, 
 Wilmot Vail and various other brethren, where they 
 would be cordially received and could be conveniently 
 entertained. These were precious seasons to the pioneer 
 settlers of this comparative wilderness, reviving former 
 scenes and recalling favorite associations. Besides 
 these usual means, other instrumentalities were em- 
 ployed to sustain the infant cause and secure a thriving 
 interest in this growing settlement. On the 21st of 
 February, 1807, the church appointed Messrs. Roger 
 Orvis, Zerah Scott, and Benj. Potts "to keep up meet- 
 ings in the 'East Settlement.' " Also, August 22d of that 
 year, Mr. Orvis was chosen Deacon, and on the 31st of 
 December following, Mr. Micah Vail was appointed 
 treasurer for this settlement. Thus from time to time 
 different persons were enlisted, and various gifts em- 
 ployed to develop the pecuniary resources and cultivate 
 
SCOTT VALLEY CHUKCH. 119 
 
 the spiritual graces of the members composing this 
 braach of the old church. The pastor continued to 
 preach in the settlement on some four Sabbaths in each 
 year, and to baptize occasional converts into the fellow- 
 ship of this branch. He was also accustomed to attend 
 covenant meetings and communion seasons as well as 
 funeral and other occasions. Under his persevering 
 labors a sufficient jjumher of members were finally- 
 gathered to constitute an independent church. He was 
 present on the 18th of September, 1817, when they 
 organized as such and adopted Articles of Faith, ren- 
 dering advice and giving his approval. 
 
 A council of recognition was convened on Saturday, 
 the 18th of October following, at the house of Mr. 
 Micah Vail, composed of brethren from Abington, 
 Pahnyra, Mt. Pleasant and Bethany churches, Rev. 
 Elijah Peck officiating as moderator and Mr. Nathaniel 
 Giddings acting as clerk. Thirty -two persons, 14 males 
 and 18 females, presented themselves, to the council, 
 with letters of djsmission from Abington Church, and 
 their Articles of Faith and church covenant, and re- 
 ceived fellowship as the Greenfield Baptist Church by 
 appropriate and impressive services. The council then 
 adjourned to CliiFord, for the purpose of recognizing a 
 church in that place on the following Monday. 
 
 It will be necessary to notice little more than a few 
 incidents in the history of the first ten years of this 
 church. During this period Rev. John Miller contin- 
 ued to supply the church occasionally, and administer 
 the ordinances. Their covenant meetings were held on 
 Saturday before the second Sunday of each month, and 
 church meetings as occasion required for the discipline 
 
120 HISTOEICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 of unfaithful members and transaction of other neces- 
 sary business. Both public and private meetings were 
 held at the dwellings of various brethren, as were most 
 convenient, alternating during the latter portion of this 
 decade, between Greenfield and Blakely, with occasional 
 variations "over the mountain." 
 
 On the 21st of February, 1818, Mr. Elisha Smith 
 was elected clerk of the church. In May following, it 
 was "voted to raise twenty-five dollars by equality for 
 the support of the Gospel" and a committee of two 
 was appointed " to visit the brethren at Clifi'ord and re- 
 quest that Messrs. Ira Justin and John Finn may 
 preach among us a certain portion of the time." These 
 two brethren were constituent members and licentiates 
 of that church. They commenced their public career 
 side by side, but their course soon began to diverge and 
 finally became widely separated. In July following, 
 the above committee reported that the CliiFord Church 
 had granted the request. Accordingly Messrs. Justin 
 and Finn were engaged to supply the -^urch once in 
 four weeks for six months, alternating their labors with 
 each other and with those of Rev. John Miller. Mr. 
 Finn finally united with the church, April 8th, 1820, 
 and continued to labor as a supply during some seven 
 years. On the 1st of January, 1822, a council Iv'as con- 
 vened for his ordination, but declined the service. On 
 the 27th of October, 1827, he was excluded from the 
 church for immoral conduct. His subsequent career 
 fully justified the decision of the council and action of 
 the church in his exclusion ; " waxing worse and worse," 
 he has passed through the various stages of Mormanism, 
 Universalism and Spiritualism. It is, however, a relief 
 
SCOTT VALLEY CHURCH. 121 
 
 to learn that many of his relatives and descendants 
 have avoided the evil of his ■ways and become esteemed 
 members of Baptist churches. 
 
 When this church united with the Association in the 
 Autumn of 1818, it embraced 39 communicants. On 
 the 24th of October following, Mr. Roger Orvis was 
 chosen Deacon of the church, a position he sustained 
 with eminent ability and faithfulness until the Spring 
 of 1839, when he moved with his companion to Cliiford, 
 where they have since deceased. On the 23d of June, 
 1821, Mr. Samuel Vail was appointed clerk of the 
 church, Mr. Smith having resigned the place on account 
 of his advanced age and growing infirmities. On the 
 25th of September, 1824, Messrs. Wilmot Vail and 
 Samuel Callender, Jr., were chosen Deacons of the 
 church, and on the 6th of May, 1827, Mr. Harvey 
 Vail was appointed clerk, in place of Mr. Samuel Vail 
 resigned. Such were some of the changes that marked 
 or marred the first decade of this church. During 
 that time 26 persons were received into its fellowship 
 by baptism, increasing its membership to 56 in 1824, 
 and 51 in 1827. 
 
 Bie church experienced various changes during the 
 next ten years. It entered upon this period without a 
 settled pastor, but continued to enjoy stated supplies; 
 Rev. John Miller still preached for the church occa- 
 sionally. In 1828 Rev. Charles Miller frequently 
 visited the place and preached for the people. During 
 the Summer and Autumn of 1829, Rev. James Clark, 
 under appointment of the "Baptist Missionary Con- 
 vention of the State of New York," supplied the 
 church and baptized numerous converts within its 
 11 
 
122 HISTORICAL SKETCHES, 
 
 bounds. In December lof tbis year, Rev. Wm. House, 
 from New Jersey, united with the church and accepted 
 the pastoral charge. For a time the cause was greatly 
 prospered under his efficient labors. The church re- 
 ported to the Association in the Fall of 1830, 31 bap- 
 tisms and 101 communicants. It had already sent out 
 a number of vigorous branches and spread over a field 
 of great extent and promise, embracing at this time 
 within its bounds, Greenfield, Blakely, Providence, and 
 Covington. In the Summer of this year a few Bap- 
 tists from Wales settled in Carbondale and in the follow- 
 ing Autumn united with this church. Others followed 
 in their wake from time to time_ during 1831, '32 and 
 '33, amounting in all to some thirty members. Among 
 these were Dea. John Bowen, James Bowen,' Rev. Wm. 
 Richmond and Wm. Thomas. Mr. James Bowen was 
 licensed to preach the Gospel,' August 19th, 1831, but 
 died February 2d, 1832. On the 22d of February, 
 1833, Mr. Wm. Thomas was also licensed to preach 
 the Gospiel. In March following these Welsh members, 
 29 in all, took letters of dismission and organized as 
 the First Baptist Church of Carbonda,le, thus timely, 
 though not timidly, leaving the rocking vessel and es- 
 caping the gathering storm. The church was now 
 slowly nearing the whirlpool of Anti-nomianism. The 
 pastor and some 45 of the members having imbibed 
 anti-mission principles, separated from the church in 
 ■the Spring of 1834, and formed an " Old School" Bap- 
 tist church at Providence, in the Lackawanna valley. 
 
 The church was now left destitute of a pastor and 
 distracted by previous disputes and disaffections. The 
 usual meetings, however, were resumed in the Summer 
 
SCOTT VALLEY CHURCH. 123 
 
 of that year, and Dea. Roger Orvis was appointed clerk 
 of the church, the previous one having gone off with 
 the " Signs of the Times." In the following Autumn 
 Rev. Levi Baldwin united with the church and accepted 
 the pastoral charge. He sustained this relation until 
 the Spring of 1837, a period of nearly three years. 
 During that time the church experienced a calm and 
 remained nearly stationary as to numbers, reporting 
 some 58 communicants to the Association in the Au- 
 tumn of each year. During this decade the various 
 meetings of the church were held at school houses in 
 place of private dwellings as formerly, and some 66 
 persons were baptized on a profession of faith and re- 
 ceived into its fellowship. 
 
 The course of the church during the next ten years 
 was relieved by a protracted season of revival and also 
 chastened by unpleasant cases of discipline. At the 
 beginning of this period the church was enjoying peace 
 and an occasional sermon from Revs. Charles and John 
 Miller. Their visits were timely and valuable. About 
 this time Mr. John Gr. Wetherby was appointed clerk 
 of the church. In February, 1839, Rev. James Clark 
 visited the place and preached on two Sabbaths. The 
 state of his health, however, prevented his baptizing 
 two brethren who were received as candidates for that 
 ordinance. In March, Rev. Wm. K. Mott commenced 
 preaching for the church and continued his labors until 
 the following Winter. His efforts were not in vain but 
 were attended with immediate and marked results. The 
 members were revived and a large number of the im- 
 penitent were led to seek salvation. He baptized three 
 converts on bis first visit, and twenty-five in April fol- 
 
124 HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 lowing, thus continuing to administer the ordinance 
 from month to month, until the church reported to the 
 Association in the following Autumn, 70 baptisms and 
 117 communicants. During this meeting discipline 
 was also restored and delinquents were admonished. 
 On the 29th of June, Messrs. Levi Sylvius, Eobert 
 Berry and Nathan Callender were chosen Deacons of 
 the church. In September following Rev. James Glark 
 again visited the place and soon after accepted the 
 pastoral care of the church, dividing his labors chiefly 
 between this and the Benton Church. He sustained 
 this relation for some two years with great faithfulness. 
 The church reported to the Association in the Fall of 
 1840, 13 baptisms and 126 communicants. On the 
 8th of May, 1841, Mr. Nathan Callender was licensed 
 "to improve his gift in the Zion of God," and on the 
 5th of September following, Mr. James P. Stalbird 
 was also granted " liberty to improve" in the same 
 manner. 
 
 About this time Rev. William K. Mott became pastor 
 of the church, dividing his labors between this field 
 and that at Pittston. He continued to serve the cause 
 in this relation during some six years with much effi- 
 ciency and measurable success. In the Autumn of 
 1842, the church reported to the Association, 10 bap- 
 tisms and 132 communicants. This was the culmina- 
 ting point in its numerical prosperity. On Jhe 4th of 
 April, 1843, 27 members were dismissed to form a 
 church at Blakely. During this and a few subsequent 
 years, a number of persons were excluded from the 
 church. On the 3d of January, 1846, it was " resolved 
 that, in the opinion of this church, a connection witU 
 
SCOTT VALLEY CHURCH. 125 
 
 the Society called ' Odd Fellows,' is inconsistent with 
 a standing and fellowship in the church of Jesus 
 Christ." After an unpleasant experience, however, of 
 some nine years, the church rescinded this resolution 
 but not without giving great offence to some, especially 
 to one of the Deacons, who immediately abandoned the 
 church. On the 23d of June, 1847, Mr. Nathan Oal- 
 lender was ordained to the Grospel ministry by a council 
 of brethren convened for that purpose. He succeeded 
 Mr. Mott as supply of the church, but sustained that 
 relation only a short period. The church reported to 
 the Association in the following Autumn, one baptism 
 and 91 communicants. It had received during this 
 decade 108 persons by baptism. 
 
 The course of the church during the next ten years 
 was quite uniform, presenting few changes and furnish- 
 ing few incidents of especial interest or importance. In 
 January, 1848, Rev. Daniel E. Bowen is named as pas- 
 tor of the church. In the following month he took 
 letters of dismission for himself and three sisters, for 
 the purpose of uniting with a few others in forming an 
 English church at Carbondale. From this time until 
 October, 1849, the church was destitute of regular 
 preaching, when the services of Mr. Wm. A. Miller 
 were secured as a stated supply. On the 27th of 
 March, 1850, he was ordained as pastor of the church, 
 a relation he sustain eduntil December, 1855, when he 
 resigned his charge and retired from the field, generally 
 esteemed as a faithful minister. Under his labors the 
 cause was measurably prospered and frequent additions 
 were received. During the Summer and Autumn of 
 1852, a gentle and general shower of grace descended 
 
126 HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 on the church and community. The members were 
 graciously revived and a number of the impenitent were 
 hopefully converted. The church reported to the Asso- 
 ciation in the Fall of that year, 27 baptisms and 107 
 communicants. In 1853, nine persons were received by 
 baptism, increasing the total membership of the church 
 to 112, a higher number than was reported in any sub- 
 sequent year. On the 6th of Dec, 1855, the name of 
 the church was changed from Greenfield to 8eott Val- 
 ley, to correspond with a change previously made in the 
 name of the Township, and indicate the usual place of 
 holding meetings. In May, 1856, the pastoral services 
 of Rev. Rial Tower were secured for one-half of the 
 time. He still labors for the church in that relation. 
 The church reported to the Association in the following 
 Autumn, 12 excluded and 65 as their total membership, 
 reduced to 61 in the following year. In January, 1857, 
 the name of Mr. M. L. Miller first occurs as clerk of 
 the church in place of Mr. Wetherby, resigned and re- 
 moved from the place. On the 23d of April of this 
 year, their house of worship, a neat and commodious 
 building, was dedicated in the midst of a snow storm so 
 unpleasant that few attended the interesting services. 
 During this closing decade 55 persons were added to 
 the church by baptism, making a total of 215 since its 
 organization. 
 
FIRST OLIFrORD CHURCH. 127 
 
 FIRST CLIFFORD CHURCH. 
 
 At an early period, Baptist views, variously shaded, 
 were introduced among tbe scattered settlers of an un^ 
 defined region formerly known as "Elkwoods." It 
 is, however, presumed that the present township of 
 Cliflford, Susquehanna county, Penna., embraces the 
 southern portion of that region formerly designated by 
 this suggestive name. 
 
 As early as 1802, Rev Epaphras Thompson, then 
 pastor of the "First Baptist Church ©f Wayne coun- 
 ty," commenced preaching occasionally in this portion 
 of ElkT^'oods and adjacent settlements. His labors were 
 blessed in the conversion of souls. A number of per- 
 sons scattered over this wild region and baptized by 
 Mr. Thompson, were received as members and organ- 
 ized as a branch of the church of which he was the 
 esteemed pastor. Previous to the Summer of 1806, 
 perhaps in the Spring of that year, Mr. Gideon Lewis, 
 then living in Elkwoods, was ordained as an Evangelist 
 with especial reference to the spiritual interests of this 
 branch. The members gathered in this settlement 
 under the labors of Messrs, Thompson and Lewis, 
 practiced "Free Communion," but in other respects 
 their principles and practices were in harmony with 
 those of Regular Baptists. 
 
 In the Autumn of 1802, as is believed. Rev. John 
 Miller, of Abington, also commenced preaching occa- 
 sionally in the southern portion of Elkwoods. He held 
 a meeting in the log cabin of Mr. Amos Harding, at 
 what is now Clifford Corners, on the 4th Sabbath of 
 June, 1803, and probably baptized one or more con- 
 
128 HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 verts. On the 2d Sabbath of July, 1804, Mr. Adam 
 Miller and his wife, parents of Rev. Charles Miller, 
 becoming dissatisfied with "free communion," were re- 
 ceived as members of Abington Church, recommended 
 by "Mr. Thompson's church as baptized persons." 
 Others also residing in Elkwoods, perceiving the incon- 
 sistency of inviting to the Lord's Table such persons as 
 they would not receive to membership in the church, 
 broke from their moorings and drifted in the same di- 
 rection. These and others who were baptized from 
 time to time, were finally organized as a branch of 
 Abington Church, with the privilege of holding cove- 
 nant meetings and enjoying occasional preaching by 
 the pastor of the parent church. Mr. James Hulse 
 one of the principal Deacons of that church, lived in 
 the Elkwoods and led the meetings of this branch when 
 destitute of preaching. In 1812, Mr. Ira Justin united 
 with this branch and soon commenced preaching for 
 them, alternating with Rev. John Miller. 
 
 Thus Baptist principles were planted and pruned in 
 this comparative wilderness, until a sufficient number of 
 members were gathered and trained to organize as an 
 independent body. In the midst of a gracious revival, 
 a council of brethren from Abington, Palmyra, Mt. 
 Pleasant, Bethany and Greenfield churches, was called 
 to recognize them as a Gospel church. The council 
 of recognition convened in the " Union School house," 
 on Monday, October 20th, 1817, and organized by ap- 
 pointing Rev. John Miller moderator, and Mr. Ephraim 
 Torrey clerk. Thirty-four persons then presented 
 themselves with their letters of dismission from Abing- 
 ton Church, together with their Articles of Faith and 
 
FIRST CLIFFORD CHORCH. 129 
 
 Covenant, and after the usual examination, were recog- 
 nized by the council as the Baptist Church of CliflFord, 
 by appropriate public services. 
 
 The church commenced its course with a prospect of 
 much prosperity and usefulness. The clerk, of the 
 council made the following record in his private memo- 
 randum : " The glorious work is going on in a neighbor- 
 hood lately notorious for vice and immorality. ' ' During 
 the progress of this revival a comparatively large num- 
 ber were hopefully converted and admitted to member- 
 ship. Mr. Ira Justin, a licentiate of the church 
 continued to supply them with much acceptance. On 
 the 15th of November following, Mr. James Reaves 
 was appointed Deacon of the church — in the following 
 year having taken a letter of dismission, he was suc- 
 ceeded in that office by Mr. Eliab Farnam who con- 
 tinued to serve the cause in that relation until hia 
 decease, March 30, 1854 — a period of thirty-six years. 
 When the church united with the Association in the 
 Autumn of 1818, they reported 40 baptisms and 16 
 communicants. During the following year three per- 
 sons were added to the church by baptism, increasing its 
 membership to 83 ; in 1820, some 30 members were 
 dismissed to form a Baptist Colony in the State of Ohio, 
 leaving the church with but 55 communicants. In the 
 Autumn of this year, the Association met for the first 
 time with this church ; on the second day of its session 
 Mr. Ira Justin was ordained to the work of the ministry 
 and as pastor of the church, a relation be sustained for 
 gome four years, at the close of which he resigned his 
 charge and removed to Western New York. The church,, 
 left destitute of a pastor for some three years subse- 
 
130 HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 qiient, gradually declined in spiritual life but remained 
 nearly stationary as to numerical strength. In 1826, 
 Mr. Charles Miller, one of the constituent members, 
 began to " improve his gift" and supply the church. 
 "At this point," says one, "we took courage and 
 resolved to build a house for the worship of God, After 
 holding two meetings for business, we secured a suitable 
 site for the house and raised a subscription of nineteen 
 dollars, payable to Charles Miller, in cash, labor and 
 fnaple sugar. With this we commenced building ; 
 some of the high minded laughed at us but when they 
 saw us go about the work with all hands and good 
 Courage, they came to our aid and gave us a pledge of 
 five hundred dollars. This strengthened our hands and 
 the Lord encouraged our hearts." The house_ was not 
 yet completed in the Autumn of 1830. It was built of 
 wood, 38 by 40 feet on the ground, at a total cost of 
 about twelve hundred dollars. It is pleasantly situated 
 in a small village at Clifford Corners. 
 
 The church entered upon the next ten years with 
 ample facilities for increasing usefulness. They were 
 erecting a convenient house of worship and enjoying a 
 stated supply. In 1829, Rev. James Clark came to 
 their aid and preached with marked success and faith- 
 fulness. Under his labors a number of sinners were 
 hopefully converted. The church reported to the Asso- 
 ciation in the Fall of this year, 15 baptisms and 66 
 communicants. On the second day of the annual meet- 
 ing of the Association, which was held with this church 
 in the Autumn of 1830, Mr. Charles Miller was ordained 
 to the ministry of the Word and as pastor of the church. 
 He has sustained this relation with occasional intervals, 
 
FIRST CLIFFOKD CHURCH. 131 
 
 until the present time. He has uniformly enjoyed the 
 esteem and confidence of the church and community. 
 His labors and influence have not been entirely confined 
 to his immediate charge but have extended over a com- 
 paratively wide field. Under his ministry the church 
 enjoyed uniform prosperity and made gradual progress 
 until 1834, when it was divided and distracted in its 
 counsels by the influence of Anti-nomianism. This dis- 
 turbance continued to annoy the church and retard its 
 progress for some two or three years, during which a 
 number of members, were excluded and but few were 
 added by baptism. However, near the close of this 
 decade, peace was restored and prosperity again began 
 to smile on the cause. 
 
 The next ten years, commencing with 1838, embrace 
 tjie most prosperous portion of the history of this 
 church. This was the culminating period of its numeri- 
 cal strength. In 1839, a precious revival was enjoyed 
 under the faithful labors of the pastor. " The Holy 
 Spirit," says our informant, " was poured out like the 
 dews of heaven," gently distilling and greatly refresh- 
 ing the thirsty soil. The church reported to the Asso- 
 ciation in the Autumn of this year, 28 baptisms and 
 99 communicants — increased to 109 in the following 
 year. Near the close of 1841, seven members were 
 dismissed to unite in forming the Second Olifi'ord 
 Church. In February, 1843, Eev. Henry Curtis, of 
 Bethany, came to the assistance of the pastor and 
 "preached the Word with marked power." The 
 church reported to the Association in the following 
 Autumn, IS baptisms and 113 communicants — 'its maxi- 
 mum number. In 1846 Mr. William A. Miller, son of 
 
132 HISTOBICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 the pastor, was licensed to "improve his gift" in 
 preaching the Gospel. In 1847, the pastor having 
 heen confined at home for a long time to ■watch by the 
 bed-side of an invalid wife, Kev. Almon Virgil accepted 
 an invitation to supply the church one-half of the 
 time for one year. Under his efficient labors the 
 church prosperously closed its third decade. 
 
 In 1848 the church entered upon the concluding ten 
 years of its history with 100 communicants. This 
 period is marked by a general and gradual decline in 
 numerical prosperity. The pastor. Rev. Charles Mil- 
 ler, continued to supply the church so far as his domes- 
 tic afflictions would permit. In 1850 Mr. Robert P. 
 Hartly, a licentiate, accepted an invitation to preach 
 for the church for one year. He was ordained as 
 pastor. May 1st, 1851, but soon resigned his charge 
 and removed from th« field. This was followed by a 
 season of refreshing, during which a number of persons 
 professed faith in Christ and identified themselves with 
 his cause. In the Summer of this year eight members 
 were dismissed to unite with others in forming the 
 Union Church at East Clifford. The church reported 
 to the Association in the following Autumn, 15 dismis- 
 sions, 16 baptisms and 99 communicants.. Few changes 
 marked the course of the church until 1856, when 
 Rev. Wm. A. Miller is reported as pastor of the church. 
 They say in their letter to the Association of this year, 
 that they are surrounded by various isms, and great 
 dearth prevails in their midst, which have checked the 
 growth, if not endangered the lives of the plants of 
 grace. They are, however, encour^iged by the promise, 
 "They that be planted in the house of the Lord, shall 
 
FIRST CLIFFORD CHURCH. 133 
 
 flourish in the courts of our God." Their former 
 pastor, Rev. Charles Miller, on account of peculiar 
 cares, has retired from active service, but they enjoy 
 the pastoral labors of Rev, William A. Miller one-half 
 of the time. In 1857, Rev A. 0. Stearns became 
 pastor of the church, dividing his labors between this 
 and the Union Church. They report to the Associa- 
 tion in the Autumn of this year, 16 erasures and 62 
 communicants, and say in their letter that Father 
 Charles Miller continues to preach for them occasionally 
 as health and strength permit. It is now forty years 
 since this church was constituted. During that time, 
 besides those already named, the following brethren 
 have served as Deacons, each but for a short time, on 
 account of removals and other causes, viz., James 
 Wells, David Mackey, Alfred Merriman and D. W. 
 Halsted. Mr. Franklin Finn, elected to this office, 
 February 20th, 1841, still serves the cause in that ca- 
 pacity. Also, during that period 175 persons have been 
 baptized into the fellowship of this church. 
 12 
 
134 HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 FIRST DAMASCUS CHURCH. 
 
 In the Autumn of 1820, Rev. John Smitzer visited 
 Damascus and vicinity, but was not invited to preach on 
 account of his views on the limitations of communion. 
 However, after a mission of four weeks in Bethany and 
 adjacent settlements, on his return to New York he 
 called at the residence of Mr. Stephen Mitchell, who 
 was not then a professor of religion. His wife, how- 
 ever, had once belonged to the same church with Mr. 
 Smitzer, who had been appointed to labor with her 
 for uniting with a Free Communion Baptist church. 
 At this interview he also formed the acquaintance of 
 three other sisters of that society, with whom he held 
 a protracted conversation, at the close of which he as- 
 sured them that the time would come when some Pres- 
 byterian minister would preach to a church of that 
 order, and hold up the ordinance of baptism by immer- 
 sion as most absurd and ridiculous, and then invite them 
 to the communion. These sisters would not admit that 
 such a circumstance could ever occur. It, however, did 
 occur some six weeks from the time the prediction was 
 made, which so grieved these four sisters that they 
 retired to the burying ground near the meeting house 
 and gave vent to their feelings in mutual tears. This 
 cured them of open communion. A number of others 
 belonging to the Free Communion Baptist church soon 
 sympathized with them in their trials, and finally 
 adopted similar opinions, among whom were Rev. 
 Enoch Owen, and Mr. David Corwin, since an able 
 minister of the Gospel. 
 
 Early in the Autumn of the following year, Mr. 
 
FIRST DAMASCUS CHUKCH. 135 
 
 Smitzer having been appointed by the Missionary So- 
 ciety in New York, to labor in Wayne county, Pennsyl- 
 vania, again visited Damascus and commenced preach- 
 ing with marked efficiency and success. Under his 
 labors a number of the impenitent were soon hopefully 
 converted, and some twelve persons, formerly connected 
 with other churches, were organized as a regular Bap- 
 tist church, adopting the Articles of Faith and church 
 covenant of the Bethel Baptist Church of New York. 
 A council of recognition was convened at Damascus, 
 Wayne county, Pennsylvania, August 26th, 1821, com- 
 posed, as is believed, of Rev. EUjah Peck, of Mt. Pleas- 
 ant, Deas. Bphraim Torrey and Osborn Olmsted and 
 Mr. Jonathan Jennings of Bethany. Nineteen persons, 
 five' males and fourteen females, seven of whom were 
 baptized in the Delaware by Mr. Smitzer on the same 
 day, presented themselves with their Articles of Faith 
 and were recognized as the regular Baptist church of 
 Damascus, by appropriate and impressive religious ser- 
 vices. The sermon was preached by Mr. Smitzer from 
 Zech. iv: 10. "For who hath despised the day of small 
 things," after which the crowded congregation for 
 greater convenience, withdrew from the * meeting house 
 to an adjoining grove, under whose overshadowing trees 
 with their wide spreading branches, this little band, with 
 
 * This meeting Ixouae, the first owned and occupied by any church of the 
 Association, was built in 1800, by Dea. Thomas Shields, of Philadelphia, and 
 with the lob on which ifc stands, deeded to certain persons in trust for the use 
 of a Regular Baptist church and society when organized. Accordingly, soon 
 after the namascus Church was organized, a charter was obtained, and trus- 
 tees were appointed, to whom the house and lot were deeded. This house 
 was occupied for years by the church and is still standing on the north side 
 of the turnpike, near a quarter of a mile west of the present meeting house, 
 as a lasting monument to the far reaching faith of its benevolent donor. 
 
136 HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 united hearts and hands, entered into solemn covenant 
 with Grod and each other. The hand of fellowship was 
 then extended to them by Rev. Elijah Peck, on behalf 
 of the council. The congregation now returned to the 
 meeting house, when the church and council united in 
 celebrating the Lord's Supper, after which these solemn 
 services were closed by singing the Union Hymn, com- 
 mencing, "From whence doth this union arise." 
 
 Thus organized and provided with a pastor, under 
 whose labors they had been gathered, the brethren pro- 
 ceeded to appoint other necessary officers. On the 8th 
 of September, Mr. Jonathan Yerkes was chosen clerk, 
 and on the 3d of the next November, Mr. Isaac Brown 
 was unanimously elected Deacon of the church. At a 
 subsequent meeting delegates were appointed to repre- 
 sent the church at the Association, in the Autumn of 
 1822, and request admission into that body. The re- 
 quest was granted and the church with 44 communicants 
 was admitted into the Association, Rev. Enoch Owen, 
 one of their messengers, receiving the hand of fellow- 
 ship. 
 
 At a meeting for business, October 12th, of that 
 year, Mr. David Corwin related his exercises before 
 the church, with reference to the work of the ministry. 
 The brethren were at first in much doubt as to granting 
 him a license, since he was afflicted with an impediment 
 in his "speech and was also quite illiterate, being unable 
 to even read a hymn or a chapter intelligibly. He, 
 however, was not offended or disheartened. Upon the 
 second or third trial he stood up before the church 
 with tears and declared in the fervor of his soul, that 
 it was the absorbing and controling desire of his heart 
 
FIKST DAMASCnS CHURCH. 137 
 
 to preach the everlasting Gospel, it being his solemn 
 and abiding conviction that God, by his Holy Spirit, 
 •was calling him to this great and glorious work, but if 
 this privilege should be denied him, he had delivered his 
 own soul ; the entire and fearful responsibility was now 
 rolled upon the church. The appeal was effectual. He 
 was finally licensed to preach the Gospel. From this 
 period, by diligent study and constant exercise of his 
 ministerial gifts, he began to rapidly improve in know- 
 ledge and eiBciency. He has since been the successful 
 pastor of a number of large churches in an adjoining 
 State and is still an able and influential minister of the 
 New Testament. The Avriter remembers meeting him, 
 perhaps in 1852, at "Burnt Hills," in New York, when 
 he heard him declare in presence of a number of his 
 brethren in the ministry, in fitting and fervent words, 
 his increasing love and appreciation of the responsible 
 work of the Christian ministry. Raising his manly 
 form, with a smile on his countenance, he said in sub- 
 stance that the longer he preached the Gospel, the more 
 he loved the work ; it was, indeed, a great privilege, an 
 exalted service, worthy of the tongue and talents of an 
 Angel. Such was, and is, David Corwin. 
 
 On the 7th of December, 1822, Mr. Stephen Mitchell 
 was chosen Deacon of the church, and on the 8th of Feb- 
 ruary following, he was ordained to that office, together 
 with Mr. Isaac Brown, previously appointed. The or- 
 daining prayer was ofiered by Mr. Owen, and the 
 charge to the candidates was given by the pastor. The 
 Association met with this church for the first time, in 
 the Autumn of 1824, when they report 12 received by 
 baptism and 86 as their total membership. On the 9th 
 
138 HISTOKICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 of July, 1825, Mr. John T. Mitchell was chosen clerk 
 of the church, in place of Mr. Jonathan Yerkes, re- 
 signed. 
 
 On the 11th of March, 1826, Mr. Smitzer resigned 
 his charge of the church and retired from the Associa- 
 tion. Under his faithful labors the church had been 
 formed and fostered. During the first year of his 
 settlement, he supplied this church once a month, de- 
 voting the remainder of his time to the cause in Beth- 
 any and Canaan. During the subsequent years, his 
 labors were equally divided between this and Bethany 
 Church. For the first four years a constant revival 
 was enjoyed in the Damascus Church ; but two cove- 
 nant meetings occurring without some one or more 
 asking admission, and but four months passing without 
 some one or more being baptized. Thus the church 
 grew and members multiplied under his zealous labors. 
 Among the apparent causes of his efficiency and success, 
 aside from his preaching, were his pastoral visits from 
 house to house, and particular care to exercise a faith- 
 ful discipline. 
 
 The church was now destitute of a pastor, but was 
 supplied a portion of the time by Rev. Enoch Owen, a 
 resident minister and constituent member. Rev. Ho- 
 race Jones was the second pastor of the church. His 
 labors commenced in May, 1827, and continued about 
 three years. During the first two years a portion of his 
 time was devoted to the interests of the cause at Canaan. 
 Under his labors few changes occurred in the church of 
 general interest. On the 24th of April, 1830, Mr. 
 Samuel Hedden was chosen Deacon of the church and 
 still hqids that office. 
 
riRST DAMASCUS CHUECII. 139 
 
 Eev. Charles H. Hubbard was the third pastor of the 
 church. He sustained this relation from December, 
 1830, to February, 1834, a period of about three years. 
 His labors were chiefly divided between this and the 
 Bethany Church. During a temporary absence from 
 the people of his charge, the pulpit was supplied by 
 Mr. Robert C. Brisbane, a licensed minister. In the 
 year 1832, the church erected a house of worship, which 
 was dedicated November 7th, of the same year. But 
 two ministers were present, the pastor and Rev. Zelotes 
 Grenell, of Orange County, New York. The latter 
 preached the dedication sermon from Ps. 26 : 8. The 
 following record is from the pen of the pastor. " Ac- 
 cording to previous appointment, the meeting was 
 continued during seven days. Brethren in the minis- 
 try expected, did not arrive, and Bro. Grenell was under 
 the necessity of leaving on the second day of the meet- 
 ing. The friends of Zion began to tremble for the 
 result of the efibrt, yet urgently sought help at the 
 throne of grace. God heard and answered prayer ; his 
 Spirit 'came down like rain on the mown grass.' A 
 number of backsliders were reclaimed, and impenitent 
 hopefully converted during the meeting, and at its close 
 others were still inquiring the way to Zion." 
 
 In January, 1832, the pastor was aided in a series of 
 meetings by Rev. Joseph H. Chamberlain ; also in Feb- 
 ruary, 1834, a meeting of days was held, conducted 
 chiefly by Revs. Henry Curtis, S. P. Griswold and J. 
 H. Chamberlain, during which a refreshing shower of 
 grace descended on this thirsty hill of Zion. " The 
 preaching," as the record runs, " was heart-searching, 
 and manv seemed to feel the force of truth, the full 
 
140 HISTOKICAL SKETCUES. 
 
 efifects of which will be known only at the last day." 
 On the 14th of May of that year, Mr. Alfred B. Hub- 
 bard was ordained to the work of the ministry, and on 
 the 19th of August following, *Mr. Bezaleel Tyler was 
 chosen Deacon of the church. 
 
 After the resignation of Mr. Charles H. Hubbard, 
 the church was destitute of stated preaching until April, 
 1835, when Rev. Smith Bixby was chosen as their 
 fourth, pastor. He sustained this relation until Decem- 
 ber, 1836, when he sickened and died, while on a visit 
 to his friends in Susquehanna county, loved and la- 
 mented by the church and community. At the time of 
 his decease the church embraced 84 communicants. 
 During an interim of some nine months, the pulpit was 
 supplied by Mr. John T. Mitchell, who had received 
 license to preach in 1834. In November, 1837, Rev. 
 
 * When Mr. Tyler offered himself to the church for membership, in 1S22 
 or,'23, he related the following dream which has been strikingly fulfilled. He 
 had long felt that it was his daty to be baptized, but was in doubt as to the 
 propriety of what is called Close Communion. He read and conversed on the 
 subject but was still left in doubts and darkness. His Bible and conscience 
 seemed to direct him to the Regular Baptist Church, but his feelings and 
 friends urged him to unite with another denomination. Finally one evening 
 while in this dilemma, feeling especially anxious to know and do the will of 
 God, he prayed earnestly that the Lord would reveal his duty to him in a 
 dream. Accordingly that night in his sleep he dreamed that he was in a field 
 harvesting corn. Afler completing three shocks and considering them as so 
 many denominations — the shock on the right representing the Free Will 
 Baptist Church, that on the left the Presbyterian Church, and that in the cen- 
 ter the Regular Baptist Church — he kneeled near by them and prayed that the 
 Lord would show him his duty, after which he sat down to await and witness 
 the result. Presently he saw a number of stalks from the shock on the right 
 fall off and pass over to the shook in the centre, thus continuing until the 
 shock on the right was so reduced that it fell on the ground. He also saw a 
 few stalks from the shock on the left fall away and unite with that in the 
 centre, and what remained soon became dry and husky. When he awoke he 
 felt that though it was only a dream yet it was in answer to prayer and should 
 satisfy his mind as to his duty. He accordingly offered himself to the First 
 Damascus Church, the one represented by the shock in the centre. 
 
FIRST DAMASCUS CIITJECH. 141 
 
 Joseph Currin became the fifth pastor of the church, 
 and continued to serve the cause in that relation until 
 April, 1839, when the church report some 80 as their 
 total membership. August 25th, 1838, was observed 
 as a day of fasting and prayer in view of the low state 
 of Zion. During the ensuing Autumn, some 15 souls 
 were hopefully converted and gathered into the fold of 
 Christ. 
 
 Rev. Henry Curtis was the sixth pastor of this 
 church. His labors commenced in May, 1839, and 
 were divided between this and the Bethany Church. In 
 the following Autumn, the Association held its second 
 meeting with this church. On the 23d of November 
 following, Mr. Geo. S. Young was chosen clerk of the 
 church, in place of Mr. John T. Mitchell, who was or- 
 dained on the 28th of the same month, to the work of 
 the ministry. Rev. John Miller moderator of the coun- 
 cil, preaching the sermon from Acts 11 : 24. In 
 January, 1840, a series of meetings were held, in 
 which the abundant labors of the pastor, aided by Rev. 
 Wm. K. Mott, were greatly blessed in the descent of 
 the Spirit and conversion of souls. Special labor was 
 subsequently performed by the pastor, in connection 
 with some of the members in the vicinity of Ten Mile 
 River. The Spirit of the Lord was poured out upon 
 that hitherto neglected neighborhood and many believ- 
 ing, were baptized. As the result of these Labors chiefly, 
 a church was constituted in that place on the 18th of the 
 following August, with 29 communicants. In March, 
 1841, the pastor, aided by Mr. Mitchell, held a meeting 
 of days in the " South Settlement," within the bounds 
 of the church, in which the people of God, in that sec- 
 
142 HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 tion, were refreshed and made to rejoice in beholding 
 repenting sinners turning to Grod. In the Autumn of 
 1843, the Association convened for the third time with 
 this church. In February, 1844, the pastor, aided by- 
 some Aarons and Hurs, labored for some weeks in the 
 destitute district of Callicoon, New York. The efforts 
 of the servants of God were blessed, and their hearts 
 made to rejoice in an abundant harvest of souls. Not 
 only in that place was the power of Grod manifested, but 
 the Holy Spirit, like one continuous wave of mercy, 
 passed over this entire region, refreshing the hearts of 
 the people of God and sweetly inclining many of the 
 ungodly to seek the salvation of their souls. In Febru- 
 ary, 1845, Mr. John S. Dodge was licensed to " im- 
 prove his ministerial gifts in the doctrine of our Lord 
 wherever God in his providence may open a door." On 
 the 15th of June, 1847, a church was organized at Cal- 
 licoon, of 21 members, dismissed chiefly from this church. 
 On the 3d of February, 1849, Rev. Henry Curtis re- 
 signed his charge of the church and retired from the 
 field, where he had preached the Gospel for some ten 
 years with unabated zeal and unusual success. The 
 church at this time embraced upwards of 100 commu- 
 nicants. 
 
 After a brief interim, the services of Rev. John T. 
 Mitchell were engaged for six months, commencing on 
 the 16th of June following. In view of the deadly 
 cholera and other diseases that were sweeping over the 
 country, the first Friday of the ensuing August was 
 appointed and observed as a season of fasting, humilia- 
 tion and prayer to God that he would graciously re- 
 strain his righteous judgments and remember mercy in 
 
FIRST DAMASCUS CHURCH. 143 
 
 deserving wrath. Early in 1850, Mr. Wm. C. Ulyat, 
 a licentiate, supplied the desk for some eight or ten 
 weeks. By request, Mr. Mitchell continued his labors 
 until May of that year, when Rev. Truman 0. Judd 
 became the seventh pastor of the church. He sustain- 
 ed this relation for two years. On the 19th of Decem- 
 ber, 1851, a church was constituted in West Damascus 
 of 11 members, formerly connected with this church. 
 In the Autumn of that year, the church report three 
 added by baptism and 104 as their total membership, 
 and also say in their letter to the Association, that they 
 are grateful for the faithful ministrations of the Word, 
 but confess their neglect of the important duties it in- 
 culcates. Social intercourse has been withheld, and 
 Christian confidence seems to be relaxing. Mr. Judd 
 resigned his charge of the church in May, 1852, and 
 retired from the Association. 
 
 Rev. Andrew Hopper was the eighth pastor of the 
 church. His labors commenced in the Spring of 1852, 
 and continued until December, 1854. In February, 
 1853, Mr. George Lukens was appointed clerk of the 
 church in place of Mr. Young, resigned. During this 
 month a series of meetings were held by the pastor, re- 
 sulting in great good, verifying the promise, " I will be 
 as the dew imto Israel." In the Autumn of 1854, the 
 church report to the Association eight received by bap- 
 tism and 91 as their total membership, and also say in 
 their letter that they deplore the want of consistency in 
 some, yet they have been measurably revived. Two 
 have been restored to fellowship, and a few souls have 
 been hopefully converted and added to the church. 
 Since May last, they have enjoyed the labors of their 
 pastor only one-half of the time. 
 
144 HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 Rev. John C. Shearman was the ninth pastor of this 
 church. He had formerly been a minister among the 
 Six Principle Baptists, but coinciding in his views with 
 the Regular Baptists, he was admitted to membership in 
 the Damascus Church, and subsequently recognized as 
 a minister of the Gospel by a council of brethren con- 
 vened for that purpose. He supplied the church once 
 in two weeks, for some time previous to May, 1855, 
 when his entire services were secured. Under his eflEi- 
 cient labors, confidence was restored and the cause 
 revived. At a covenant meeting held in March of that 
 year, Mr. Abijah M. Calkin, for some twenty years a 
 worthy member of the Presbyterian church of Cochec- 
 ton, N. Y., offered himself for membership, and was 
 unanimously received. He was baptized by the pastor 
 on the 2 2d of April following, and was soon after li- 
 censed to preach the Gospel. He was ordained to the 
 work of the ministry November 28th, 1855, by a coun- 
 cil of brethren invited for that purpose. In the Sum- 
 mer of that year, the church purchased a lot pleasantly 
 situated on the west bank of the Delaware, a few 
 rods below the meeting house, and erected on it a tasty 
 and convenient parsonage, through the efforts of the 
 pastor and liberality of brethren and friends. A series 
 of meetings were commenced in January, 1856, and 
 continued for 90 days, conducted by the pastor, assisted 
 by Mr. Calkin, then principal of the Union Academy of 
 Damascus. During the progress, however, of the meet- 
 ings he resigned his connection with the school and 
 devoted his entire efforts to the ministry. When the 
 meetings commenced the members of the church were 
 comparatively cold and careless, but were soon moved 
 
FIRST DAMASCUS CHURCH. 145 
 
 to earnest prayer and eiFort for the salvation of souls. 
 Their cry was heard and labors blessed. A large num- 
 ber of the impenitent were constrained to seek an inter- 
 est in Christ and devote themselves to his service. The 
 church report to the Association of that year, 50 re- 
 ceived by baptism and 130 as their total membership. 
 In May of this year, Messrs. Nathan Tyler and William 
 E. Raymond were chosen Deacons of the church, and 
 subsequently ordained to that office. In November 
 following, Mr. Shearman resigned his charge of the 
 church and retired from the field, highly respected by 
 the brethren and community. Rev. A. M. Calkin now 
 became the tenth and sole pastor of the church, a rela- 
 tion he still sustains with general acceptance. The 
 Association held its semi-centennial anniversary with 
 this church in the Autumn of 1857, when they report 
 6 received by baptism and 132 as their total member- 
 ship. After welcoming the Association to their house 
 and homes, they say in their letter that they have en- 
 joyed a good degree of union and harmony ; the Spirit 
 of the Lord still lingers in their midst, yet they fear 
 that the spirit of the world is making some inroads. 
 They mourn the death of Mr. Moses Thomas and three 
 others. Mr. Thomas died February 19th, of this year, 
 on the same day that Rev. John Miller of Abington 
 finished his course ; the one a pioneer member ; the 
 other a pioneer minister. 
 13 
 
146 HISTORICAL SKETCHES, 
 
 SCOTT CHURCH. 
 
 The township of Scott is situated on the western 
 side of the Delaware river, in the north-eastern corner 
 of Pennsylvania, and embraces the extreme northern 
 portion of Wayne county. Near the close of the 
 eighteenth century, settlements were commenced in 
 this wilderness by a hardy and industrious population, 
 chiefly from New England. In addition to the neces- 
 sary work of securing comfortable homes, by opening 
 the forest and erecting log houses and barns, many of 
 the pioneers spent a portion of their time in hunting 
 and fishing, while the more energetic and enterprising 
 occupied the Winter and Spring seasons in lumbering 
 and rafting. It is not uncommon to read in the early 
 records of this church during the months of March 
 and April : " No covenant meeting — most of the breth- 
 ren gone down the river." 
 
 Among the early settlers of this region was a num- 
 ber of regular Baptists. Mr. Ezekiel Sampson, a 
 licensed minister, was one of the pioneers of this wil- 
 derness. As early as January 1st, 1796, he rode on 
 horseback some twenty miles, guided by marked trees, 
 and officiated at the first marriage in Mt. Pleasant. 
 The parties were Mr. Silas Kellogg and the eldest 
 daughter of Mr. Jirah Mumford. Messrs. John and 
 Benjamin Whitaker were also among the early settlers 
 of this vicinity, and were esteemed members of the 
 Baptist church of Tompkins — now Deposit — up the river 
 in the State of New York, the former of whom is 
 still living, at an advanced age. It was this John 
 Whitaker who so generously carried a stranger across 
 
SCOTT CHURCH. 147 
 
 the Delaware river, on his shoulders, in the Autumn 
 of 1801. He knew not at the time how unnecessary 
 was the service rendered, — for this traveler was never 
 after accustomed to fear or avoid water — or how much 
 native shrewdness, restless energy and Baptist influence, 
 he was forwarding into Pennsylvania. That stranger 
 was Mr. John Miller, then on his way to seek a home 
 in Abington. 
 
 The Scott Church was recognized, November 5th, 
 1823, with 14 constituent members, by a council of 
 brethren convened at the house of Mr. Squire Whita- 
 ker for that purpose, from the following churches, viz.. 
 From Tompkins — Benjamin Coburn, John and Benja- 
 min Whitaker ; from Masonville — John B. Ballard, 
 John Balcom and Lewis Schofield ; from Windsor — 
 Samuel Buel and Asa Hoadly ; from Mt. Pleasant — 
 Rev. Elijah Peck, Rufus, Homer and Ovid Grrennell ; 
 from Bethany — David Bunnell ; and from Damascus — 
 Rev. John Smitzer. Among the constituent members 
 were Ezekiel Sampson, Squire Whitaker, Jirah Mum- 
 ford, Jr., and his wife Mary. The last two had 
 recently been baptized, the first in the settlement who 
 went forward in that ordinance, and they now bore let- 
 ters of commendation from the Mt. Pleasant Church. 
 
 At the first covenant meeting held by this church on 
 the 22d of the above month, Mr. Jirah Mumford, Jr., 
 was appointed Deacon, and Mr. Squire Whitaker clerk ; 
 Mr. Charles Matteer was also received as a candidate 
 for membership and baptized perhaps on the following 
 day by Rev. Jason Corwin, of the Franklin Associa- 
 tion. On the 21st of February, 1824, Messrs. James 
 Mumford, Henry H, and George Sampson were admit- 
 
148 HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 ted as candidates for baptism, and baptized by Bev. 
 John Smitzer, of Bethany. The church now embraced 
 18 members, the number reported when it was received 
 into the Association in the Fall of this year. 
 
 During the following five years few changes marked 
 or marred the course of the church. Covenant and 
 other meetings were statedly held, usually in private 
 dwellings and frequently at the house of Mr. James 
 Hanford, who had not yet become a member of the 
 church. Bev. Ezekiel Sampson was their chief sup- 
 ply ; Bevs. John Smitzer, James Clark and Elijah 
 Peck also preached for the church occasionally. Some 
 four persons were added by baptism during this period, 
 and in the Autumn of 1829 the church reported 25 
 communicants. Early in the following Winter tokens 
 of good were apparent. A broken series of meetings 
 were held in the place by Bev. Michael Frederick, of 
 Great Bend, Pennsylvania, aided by Bev. Charles H. 
 Hubbard, of Bethany. The name of Bev. G. W. 
 Leonard also frequently occurs in this connection, and 
 during most of the following year. The members of 
 the church were revived, backsliders reclaimed and a 
 comparatively large number of sinners were hopefully 
 converted. In the Fall of 1830, the church reported 
 31 baptisms and 58 communicants, more than doubling 
 its membership. The following abstract from their 
 letter to the Association was printed in the minutes : 
 " The church at Scott, during the past year, have been 
 blessed with a powerful revival and efficacious work of 
 grace. They have formed a Temperance Society, 
 which embraces most of the inhabitants. This church 
 is also a Missionary Society and will raise from seven- 
 
SCOTT CHURCH. 149 
 
 ty-five to a hundred dollars for Domestic Missions. 
 They are now destitute of a pastor." On the 1st of 
 December, 1839, in the midst of this revival, Mr. 
 Squire Whitaker was appointed second Deacon, and 
 Mr. James Mumford clerk of the church, and on the 
 29th of the same month, the two Deacons previously 
 appointed, were ordained to that office. Revs. Fred- 
 erick, Hubbard and Leonard officiating on that occa- 
 sion. 
 
 During the following ten years, the church experi- 
 enced peculiar and painful trials. Some of the mem- 
 bers, becoming cold and careless, neglected their cove- 
 nant vows and indulged a contentious spirit. This 
 unfaithfulness was not confined to the younger and 
 less experienced members, but affected some of the 
 older and more able, reaching even to the Deacons of 
 the church. By the exercise of a somewhat tardy 
 discipline, some of the wandering and disaffected were 
 reached and reclaimed, but others persisting in their 
 unfaithfulness, were finally and reluctantly excluded. 
 In 1831, Rev. James Clark preached occasionally for 
 the church, and the services of Rev. Ezekiel Sampson 
 were enjoyed on the first and second Sabbath of each 
 month. The name also of Mr. Charles A. Fox, a 
 licentiate of Bethany church, occurs once and again 
 in the records of this year, indicating that he was 
 present and perhaps preached. In 1833, Mr. David 
 Benedict was appointed clerk of the church, and in 
 the Autumn of this year, the Association held its 
 twenty-sixth Anniversary at Scott, and was "greeted 
 with a hearty welcome." In February, 1835, Rev. 
 Isaac D. Jones commenced laboring for this church 
 
150 HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 one-quarter of the time, and continued to faithfully 
 serve them during some three years. In December of 
 this year he held a brief series of meetings, aided by 
 Rev. Henry Curtis, resulting in a few conversions and 
 some four additions to the church by baptism. The 
 name of Rev. J. W. Parker also occurs occasionally 
 in this connection. In the Autumn of 1837, the 
 church represented their condition to the Association 
 as follows : " We have enjoyed the labors of Elder I. 
 D. Jones one-quarter of the time during the past year. 
 Brother Ezekiel Sampson still continues to labor with 
 us in word and doctrine. At our last covenant meeting 
 one female related her experience and Was received 
 as a candidate for baptism — she dated her first serious 
 impressions about two years ago, to a protracted meet- 
 ing conducted by Brother Curtis, in our settlement." 
 
 In March, 1839, Rev. J. J. Fuller becamie pastor of 
 the church, a relation he sustained through the current 
 year. His labors were greatly blessed in strengthening 
 the church and leading sinners to Christ. At a cove- 
 nant meeting, held on the 26th of October of this year, 
 the pastor and Rev. D. D. Gray being present, thirteen 
 persons, eight males and five females, offered themselves 
 for membership, and were baptized by the pastor on the 
 following day. Some of these were old hopers but most 
 were young converts. The Lord's Supper was then 
 administered, and the record of the day closed as fol- 
 lows : " The Lord is doing great things for us whereof 
 we are glad. Blessed be His holy name forever and 
 ever." On the 30th of this month, three more were 
 baptized, and also on the 24th of November following, 
 three others went forward in that ordinance. On the 
 
SCOTT OnURCH. 151 
 
 22d of May, 1840, Albert 0. Hanford was appointed 
 clerk, and in the following Autumn, tlie church reported 
 21 baptisms and 56 communicants. 
 
 The next ten years were distinguished by various 
 changes, both of a pleasant and painful character. Mr. 
 Silas Finn, a licensed minister, labored for the church a 
 portion of the time during 1841. Rev. James Spencer 
 became pastor of the church in the Summer of 1843, a 
 relation he sustained for a number of years. In the 
 Autumn of this year the records present evidence of an 
 awakening among the members of the church. On the 
 28th of October, the covenant meeting was quite fully 
 attended, and it seems to have been a season of much 
 interest and encouragement. " The brethren and sis- 
 ters," as the record runs, "were revived in the temper of 
 their minds and resolved to go on, by the help of Ood, 
 and to be oftener found at the feet of Jesus, imploring 
 the influence of his Spirit." This season seems to have 
 been followed by a protracted effort, resulting in much 
 good to the cause. On the 17th of February, 1844, 
 " after receiving a refreshing from the presence of the 
 Lord, the church met for the examination of candidates 
 for baptism." Four persons were accepted and bap- 
 tized by the pastor on the following Sabbath. On the 
 25th of this month five more persons went forward in 
 the ordinance of baptism. Others followed from time 
 to time during the following month. On the 27th of 
 April, Mr. Wm. Sampson was appointed clerk, soon 
 after, however, succeeded by Mr. David Benedict, who 
 had previously served the church in that capacity. In 
 the Fall of this year the church reported to the Associa- 
 tion .14 baptisms and 63 communicants. During the 
 
152 HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 ftext three years nothing occurred in the course of the 
 church worthy of especial notice. At a church meeting 
 held on the 19th of January, 1848, " a committee was 
 appointed to call on Elder Spencer and inquire into 
 reports in circulation against his ministerial and Chris- 
 tian character." This was followed by a councilon the 
 10th of May subsequent, which, however, arrived at no 
 definite conclusion as to the merits of the« case, but 
 "feeling the weighty truth that in the multitude of 
 councellors there is safety, recommend the church to 
 call another and larger council." The church, however, 
 did not act upon this recommendation, but proceeded on 
 the 26th of August following to exclude Mr. Spencer 
 from the church, " he having, by unchristian conduct, 
 forfeited his Christian and ministerial character." The 
 shock seems to have staggered the church and disheart- 
 ened many of its members. During 1849 an occasional 
 covenant meeting was held and but thinly attended. 
 
 On the 26th of January, 1850, a covenant meeting 
 was held, when the following hopeful record was made : 
 " The brethren and sisters present were in union, and 
 manifested a desire for the prosperity of the church. 
 Elder Tower came in after the meeting commenced." 
 He was also present at the covenant meeting held on 
 the 23d of March following, when one person was re- 
 ceived on experience, two by letter, and one as a candi- 
 date for baptism ; the ordinance was administered on 
 the following day by Rev. Rial Tower, who, with Rev. 
 Silas Finn, continued to preach for the church from 
 time to time, during most of this year. On the 26th 
 of April, 1851, Mr. 0. L. Hall, a licensed minister, was 
 present at the covenant meeting, and on the 24th of the 
 
SCOTT CHURCH. 153 
 
 following month united with the church. Under his la- 
 bors, the church was somewhat revived, and a number 
 of accessions were received. Mr. N. M. Benedict was 
 appointed clerk, and in the Autumn of this year, the 
 church reported to the Association five baptisms and 60 
 communicants. On the 22d of November, Mr. Hall 
 took a letter of dismission, and Messrs. JamesMumford 
 and Benjamin Sampson were elected Deacons of the 
 church. 
 
 The remaining portion of the history of this church 
 will, perhaps, be fairly represented in the following ab- 
 stracts of their annual letters to the Association. In 
 the Pall of 1852 the church was destitute of a pastor, 
 but had enjoyed occasional visits during the year from 
 ministering brethren. They mourned the death of two 
 aged and honored members, Dea. Jirah Mumford and 
 Henry Sampson. In the Autumn of 1853, they said_ 
 that B-ev. Rial Tower had preached for them a part of 
 the past year and his labors had been blessed. Rev. J. 
 B. Worden was preaching for them one-fourth of the 
 time, and they had a flourishing Sabbath school and a 
 large supply of books. In October of this year, Rev. 
 J. W. Vanhorn commenced laboring on this field with 
 marked success. On the 23d of this month, near 
 twenty persons were baptized into the fellowship of the 
 church, and "all felt," as the record runs, "to rejoice 
 in the refreshing from the presence of the Lord." A 
 number of wanderers were also restored, and others 
 were baptized from time to time. The church entered 
 upon the year 1854 greatly revived and strengthened. 
 They reported to the Association in the following Au- 
 tumn, 35 additions and 91 communicants. This plea- 
 
154 HISTORICAL SKEXCHES. 
 
 sant state of things, however, was soon sadly marred. 
 Early in the year 1855, rumors were afloat prejudicial 
 tp the moral character of the pastor. Oij the 3d of 
 February, a committee was appointed to investigate 
 the reports in circulation against Mr. Vanhorn, but 
 seem to have failed to establish their truth. His 
 wickedness, however, soon became so notorious that 
 tjie church, on the 17th of March following, were con- 
 strained to promptly exclude him from their fellowship. 
 During the remaining portion of this year the church 
 enjoyed an occasional sermon by Rev. E. C. Cookj as 
 it seems, from the appearance of his name in the re- 
 cords. In the Fall of 1856, the church reported to the 
 Association 83 members, and said in their letter that 
 they yet exist as a church, though feeble indeed and al- 
 most in despair. In consequence of failure on the part of 
 jffetended spiritual guides, many of them have neglect- 
 ed their duty, broken their vows to Christ and the 
 church, and refused to aid in supporting the Gospel. 
 They have Rev. H. Sherwood, late of New York, labor- 
 ing for them one-fourth of the time, and maintain an 
 interesting Sabbath school. They ask the prayers and 
 sympathy of their brethren. During the year 1857, 
 the church still reeling under repeated strokes, fails to 
 rally or represent itself to the Association. The field, 
 however, is still promising, and faithful brethren and 
 sisters remain, and will, it is confidently hoped, yet 
 gather up their strength and gird themselves for the 
 conflict on the scene of their former trials and tri- 
 umphs. 
 
LBNOX CHURCH. 155 
 
 LENOX CHURCH. 
 
 The Baptist church in Lenox, Susquehanna county, 
 Pennsylvania, was recognized December 15th, 1830, 
 with thirteen constituent members, five males and eight 
 females, by a council called for that purpose from Abing- 
 ton, Clifford, Jackson and Gibson, Harford and Bridge- 
 water churches. Rev. Davis Dimock, of Montrose 
 officiated as moderator, and Mr. Ezra Wall, of Abing- 
 ton, acted as clerk of the council. 
 
 On the 26th of March, 1831, Mr. Levi M. Mack was 
 licensed to preach the Gospel, and on the 14th of Sep- 
 tember following, he was ordained as pastor of the 
 church. He sustained this relation until the Autumn 
 of 1833, when he took a letter of dismission and emi- 
 grated to the West. Under his pastoral labors the 
 church was comparatively prosperous, and nine were 
 added to its membership by letter and baptism. The 
 church was now left destitute of a settled pastor but 
 continued to sustain public worship on the Sabbath. 
 The exercises were conducted by lay brethren, and 
 usually consisted in prayer, conference and reading 
 sermons. Rev. Charles Miller, of Clifford, preached 
 occasionally for the church and administered the ordi- 
 nances. Little progress was made from 1835 to '37, 
 and few additions were reported. The Sabbath and 
 covenant meetings were sparsely attended on account 
 of the locality of some and coldness of others, yet a few 
 members continued firm to their purpose and faithful 
 to their profession. In February of 1837, an earnest 
 effort was made to revive the languishing cause. The 
 prayer of faith was answered and the labors of the 
 
156 HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 faithful were blessed. A number of persons were 
 brought to Christ, seven of whom were baptized on a 
 profession of their faith, and received as members of 
 .the church. They report to the Association of that 
 year twenty-six as their total membership. 
 
 In February of 1838, Mr. Rial Tower was appointed 
 Deacon of the church, Dea. John Robinson having re- 
 moved from the vicinity. During this year, Mr. Geo. 
 W. Schofield preached for the church as a supply. 
 Under his labors the. cause was strengthened and sin- 
 ners were converted. They reported to the Association 
 19 added by baptism and 41 as their total membership. 
 On the 27th of October of that year, Dea. Rial Tower 
 received license to preach the Gospel, and accepted an 
 invitation to supply the church. During 1839 and '40, 
 the church experienced some trials, and finally convened 
 an advisory council, but with what result, we are not 
 informed. The cause, however, seems to have received 
 little if any advantage. On the 22d of August, 1840, 
 Mr. Zerah Scott resigned his office as Deacon of the 
 church, and Mr. Freeman Tingley was appointed to fill 
 the vacancy, a position he still occupies with much 
 ability and general acceptance. In December of 1841, 
 Rev. D. D. Gray, of Jackson, visited the church by 
 request and commenced a series of meetings which 
 resulted in the restoration of comparative peace and 
 harmony. A number of the impenitent were hopefully 
 converted, and in the year following seven were added 
 to the church by baptism. In 1843 one was baptized 
 and some were excluded. On the 22d of August, 1844, 
 Dea. Rial Tower was ordained to the work of the min- 
 istry and as pastor of the church, Rev. J. B. Worden 
 
LENOX CHtTECH. 157 
 
 officiating as moderator of the ordination council, and 
 Rev. Silas Finn acting as clerk. Mr. Tower has con- 
 tinued to serve tlie church as pastor, with occasional 
 intervals, up to the present time. In the Spring of 
 1845, he was assisted by Rev. Silas Finn in a series of 
 meetings. The church was revived and sinners were 
 converted. In April of that year the pastor baptized 
 five persons into the fellowship of the church. In 
 January of the following year. Rev. D. F. Leach also 
 aided the pastor in a meeting which continued some 
 three weeks. It resulted in little apparent good to the 
 community, yet the members of the church were partial- 
 ly aroused and revived. Nothing further of especial in- 
 terest transpired in the church until 1850, when some 
 were excluded and others dismissed. In 1851 the 
 pastor resigned the charge of the church, and an effort 
 was made to secure the services of another minister, but 
 ultimately failed. In the following year, however, the 
 church engaged the services of Rev. Charles Miller as 
 an occasional supply. He administered the Lord's 
 Supper regularly and preached as often as other duties 
 would permit. On the 29th of April, 1853, Mr. Tower, 
 at the request of the church, resumed the pastoral 
 charge, and preached with renewed zeal and success. 
 The congregations increased and tokens for good were 
 apparent. In the Autumn of that year Mr. E. A. 
 Francis, an Evangelist, came into the vicinity and held 
 meetings during a number of weeks at various points 
 within the bounds of the church. His labors were 
 earnest and arduous. The meetings resulted in the 
 hopeful conversion of a number of the impenitent, some 
 14 
 
158 HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 of whom belonged to the family of the pastor. Ten 
 were baptized and united with the church. 
 
 The remaining portion of the history of the church 
 will, perhaps, be fairly represented by a few extracts 
 from their annual letters to the Association. They 
 say in their letter of 1854, that they have passed 
 through scenes of joy and sorrow — joy over the con- 
 version of sinners^ and sorrow for the exclusion of some 
 of their number. However, love and harmony prevail ; 
 they have an interesting Sabbath School and female 
 prayer meeting, and are doing something far the cause 
 of temperance. They add in 1855, that they are 
 favored with the labors of their pastor most of the 
 time, and occasional visits of other ministering breth- 
 ren. They do not sustain a Sabbath School, and cove- 
 nant meetings are but thinly attended. Again they 
 say in 1856, that the year past has not been one of 
 uninterrupted prosperity, yet numerous blessings have 
 been bestowed. They are favored with the labors of 
 their pastor one-half of the time ; his labors are well re- 
 ceived and it is hoped will result in great good. Cove- 
 nant meetings are usually well attended and the prayer 
 meeting, Bible Class and Sabbath School,, are in a pros- 
 perous and promising conditiotn. Finally, in 1857, 
 they say their members are few and much scattered ; 
 while some are detained from the sanctuary by poor 
 health, others seem to wish to be excused. Mr. Tower 
 continues to preach for them one-half of the time. 
 They anticipate building a house of worship, which is, 
 much needed by the church and community. 
 
CLINTON CHURCH. < 159 
 
 CLINTON CHURCH. 
 
 In 1814 or '15, Rev. Elijah Peck, pastor of the Mt. 
 Pleasant Church, commenced preaching, once a month, 
 at the house of Mr, Levi Norton, in Canaan — now 
 Clinton — Wayne county, Pennsylvania. In his ab- 
 sence, meetings were conducted by Dea. Rufus Gren- 
 nell, at this aad other places in the vicinity. At this 
 time the region was so wild and the population so scat- 
 tered, that many were obliged, ia attending meetings, to 
 travel for miles over bridle paths guided by blazed trees 
 through the dense forest. Mr. Peck continued his visits 
 for some seven or eight years. During this period, a 
 few, residing in this vicinity, were baptized into the 
 fellowship of the Mt. Pleasant Church. 
 
 Rev- John Smitzer, pastor of the Bethany Church, 
 was the next preacher in this settlement. His laJbors 
 commenced in 1823, and were enjoyed at intervals, for 
 some two or three years. He baptized a large number 
 ©f persons, considering the sparceness of the population- 
 Rev. Horace Jones, pastor of Damascus Church, suc- 
 ceeded him and preached statedly during most of 1827 
 and '28, Mr, Thomas Teasdale, a licentiate of Mew- 
 ton Church, New Jersey, next supplied the brethren in 
 Canaan for a few months. Rev. Charles H. Hubbard 
 also preached f«r them one-fourth of the time, for two 
 or three years. Mr. Alexander Smith commenced 
 laboring on this field in the Winter «f 1830-'51, amd 
 was ordained in the following Summer. The ordina- 
 tion services were held in the barn of Dea. Rufus Gren- 
 nelL Revs. Jones, Hubbard, Teasdale and Smith, were 
 employed and paid by the brethren residing in Canaan, 
 
160 HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 Having procured letters of dismission from the Mt. 
 Pleasant Church, " the brethren and sisters" residing 
 in Canaan, met on the 23d of October, 1831, at the 
 house of Dea. Rufus Grennell, " to consider the pro- 
 priety of calling a council of brethren from sister 
 churches" to recognize them as a "separate church 
 of Christ," Rufus Grennell officiating as moderator and 
 D. S. West as clerk. The moderator and clerk, -with 
 Mr. Charles A. Fox, irere appointed a committee to 
 report a Covenant, Articles of Faith and Practice, at 
 an adjourned meeting to be held on the 4th of Novem- 
 ber following, and Rev. Alexander Smith, of Franklin, 
 New York, was " particularly requested to visit us and 
 sit in council at the time appointed for the recognition 
 services." On the 4th of November, the brethren met 
 pursuant to adjournment and heard and adopted a Cove- 
 nant, Articles of Faith and Practice which were report- 
 ed by the committee. David S. West, Reuben Peck, 
 Rufus and Ovid Grennell were also appointed to repre- 
 sent them in the council to be held on the 10th instant. 
 
 The council convened November 10th, 1831, at the 
 house of Dea. Rufus Grennell, in Canaan, composed of 
 brethren from Abington, Bethany and Mt. Pleasant 
 churches. Revs. Alexander, Smith, Charles H. Hub- 
 bard and Charles A. Fox, were also present to partici- 
 pate in the services. After the council had listened to 
 their Articles of Faith and Covenant, and considered 
 " their difficulty in enjoying church privileges and the 
 gifts among them, which ought to be brought into im- 
 mediate exercise, they unanimously agreed that in order 
 to promote their Christian enjoyment, and for the ad- 
 vancement of Christ's kingdom in the world, that they 
 
CLINTON CHURCH, 161 
 
 he constituted into a separate and distinct churcli, by 
 tlie name of the First Baptist Ckurcli of Christ in 
 Canaan." There were twenty-four constituent mem- 
 bers, ten males and fourteen females. 
 
 The church held its first covenant meeting on the 
 19th of this month, and on the 3d of December tlie 
 first candidate for baptism was received, and baptized 
 on the following day, by Rev. Q. W. Leonard, of the 
 Gibson and Jackson Church, who also administered the 
 ordinance of the Lord's Supper. At a covenant meet- 
 ing held on the 17th of this month, "Mr. Ovid Gren- 
 nell was chosen clerk, and Brother Charles A. Fox was 
 requested to continue his labors during the present 
 Winter." Mr. Fox preached for them about three 
 months and then returned to Hamilton, N. Y., to re- 
 sume his studies. 
 
 On the 14th of April, 1832, Bev. Charles H. Hub- 
 bard, then preaching for the Bethany and Damascus 
 churches, was invited to " preach and officiate in the 
 duties of pastor, one-fourth of the time," until a perma- 
 nent pastor could be obtained. Mr. Hubbard accepted 
 the invitation and supplied them as his other engage- 
 ments would permit. At this meeting a committee was 
 appointed to correspond with ministering brethren in 
 reference to a permanent settlement. In July of this 
 year, the church agreed to raise one hundred and fifty 
 dollars to secure the labors of Rev. Henry Curtis one- 
 half of the time ; the other half to be devoted to the 
 Bethany Church. He accepted the invitation and 
 entered upon his labors with this church in March, 
 1833 ; a relation he sustained at this time during some 
 two years. At a covenant meeting, held September 
 
162 HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 20th, 1832, " a committee of three was appointed to 
 select a number of tunes to be recommended to the 
 church and congregation to be learned and used in pub- 
 lic worship." It would be a gratification to know what 
 success attended this novel experiment of congregational 
 singing, with a limited number of tunes. A committee 
 was also appointed to make arrangement for a place of 
 public worship. Previous to this time, meetings had 
 been held chiefly at the house of Dea. Grennell. 
 This committee made arrangements with the proprie- 
 tors for the control of the "North Canaan School 
 house," for the purpose of worship ; and also with the 
 owner of the lot on which it stood. The church and 
 congregation enlarged the house and occupied it as a 
 place of public worship, except when it was used for 
 school purposes, during some fourteen years. When 
 the house was otherwise used, meetings were held in pri- 
 vate dwellings. In November, 1833, a meeting of days 
 was held, conducted by Revs. Henry Curtis and Alex- 
 ander Smith; as the fruits of which the church was 
 revived and some 12 or 15 were received by baptism. 
 
 In the Autumn of 1834, Mr. Geo. V. Walling, a li- 
 centiate from the State of New York, was invited to 
 preach for the church. He accepted the invitation and 
 labored for the church during some two years. In 
 November, 1835, a council was convened for his ordi- 
 nation. Rev. Davis Dimock, of Montrose, officiating as 
 moderator, and Rev. Alexander Smith acting as clerk. 
 Revs. Dimock, Curtis and Smith Bixby remained and 
 conducted a meeting of days " much to the encourage- 
 ment of the church." 
 
 In June, 1837, Rev. Jos. Curren was called to the 
 
CLINTON OHUKCH. 163 
 
 pastorate of the church, a relation he sustained for some 
 five years. In November, the pastor was assisted in 
 conducting a meeting of several days and evenings, by 
 Rev. D. P. Purdun, of New Jersey. The church was 
 revived, backsliders were reclaimed and sinners con- 
 verted to God. About twenty-five were baptized into 
 the fellowship of the church by the pastor, during the 
 following three months. Rev. James Spencer, from 
 New Jersey, was called to the charge of the church in 
 June, 1842. His labors extended through the year. 
 In January, 1844, Rev. D. P. Purdun became pastor 
 of the church, a relation he sustained for some ten 
 months ; during this period several were added by bap- 
 tism. In the Fall of this year the church reported to 
 the Association, 15 baptisms and 86 communicants. 
 
 In December, 1845, Rev. Henry Curtis was again 
 called to the pastorate of the church, a relation he 
 sustained during some twelve years, to general accep- 
 tance. In the opening of 1847, a meeting of several 
 days was held, in which the pastor was assisted by 
 Rev. William K. Mott. Ten were added to the church 
 as the fruit of this meeting. 
 
 The first meeting-house was completed and opened 
 for public worship in the Autumn of 1846. The dedi- 
 cation sermon was preached by Rev. William K. Mott. 
 This house was destroyed by a hurricane on the 25th 
 of July, 1851. A new house was erected on the 
 same site, and dedicated on the 24th of January, 1855, 
 Rev. Zelotes Grenell preaching the sermon on that 
 occasion. The basement, however, had been occupied 
 for some three years previous. From this date a series 
 of meetings were held, in which the pastor was aided 
 
164 HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 for a short time, by Rev. E. L. Bailey, of Carbondale. 
 Rev. Newell Callender also rendered such assistance 
 as his other duties would permit. These meetings 
 were continued with more or less frequency during 
 some three months. In the Autumn of this year the 
 church reported to the Association, 41 baptisms and 
 136 communicants. The following was published in the 
 minutes of this year in the digest of letters : " The 
 Clinton Church have completed and dedicated, in Janu- 
 ary last, a neat and commodious house of worship. 
 An interesting revival followed. Brethren and sisters 
 became aroused to a sense of their responsibilities, and 
 humbled themselves before God. Unbelief and de- 
 spondency yielded before the gracious manifestations 
 of divine power. The refreshing descended like the 
 gentle shower and continued to spread until it pervaded 
 the entire community. The converts are from every 
 class and condition — from eleven to seventy-eight years 
 of-age. Husbands with their wives, parents with their 
 children, have yielded their hearts and consecrated 
 their lives to the service of God." 
 
 Mr. Curtis continued to labor as a pastor of the 
 church until the Spring of 1857, when, much to the 
 regret of the brethren, he retired from the field in a 
 state of physical debility, mental gloom and spiritual 
 despondency. He preached his last sermon on the 
 15th of March, from 2 Cor. ii : 15, 16, dwelling on 
 the following heads : The fearful contrast between the 
 saved and the lost; The relation of the ministry to 
 both classes ; God will be glorified in the destiny of 
 each, and his character fully vindicated. Soon after 
 Mr. Curtis had retired, the church invited Rev. D. W. 
 
CLINTON CHURCH. 165 
 
 Halsted to supply them. He accepted tlie invitation 
 and is still faithfully laboring on this promising field. 
 
 It has been twenty-six years since this church was 
 constituted. During that time they have enjoyed the 
 labors of various pastors for a longer or shorter period, 
 and have also been destitute for some four years, but 
 not of preaching above, perhaps, a month at any one 
 time. They have divided the labors of their pastors 
 with the Herrick, Bethany, Damascus, Mt. Pleasant, 
 Carbondale and Aldenville churches. In the absence 
 of preaching they have maintained public services, 
 either by listening to a printed sermon or by the exer- 
 cise of the gifts of the members. A Sabbath School 
 or Bible Class has been sustained during the Summer 
 seasons. Covenant meetings have been regularly held 
 once a month and communion occasions have been en- 
 joyed every two months, except when destitute of an 
 administrator, which has not been frequent. 
 
 The church has been favored with three general re- 
 vivals and other seasons of refreshing more or less 
 extensive. Most of their accessions have been the 
 fruit of these revival seasons, and have usually proven 
 as steadfast and reliable as those received in times of 
 less general interest. These seasons of especial revival 
 have, perhaps, been as various in their manifestations 
 as in their general results and influence. At one time 
 the heavenly refreshing would pour down like the driv- 
 ing and drenching shower, sudden in its coming and 
 brief in its stay ; at another it would distil like the 
 silent and gentle dew, gradual in its approach and 
 protracted in its duration, moistening and mellowing 
 the soil and causing the seeds of truth to spring up 
 and the plants of grace to bud and bloom. 
 
166 HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 The church has been favored with the services of five 
 Deacons, four of whom are still living and continue 
 their oflScial relations, viz., Rufus Grennell, Austin 
 Davenport, Hiram P. Loomis and E. K. Norton. 
 William Bailey, the remaining one of the number, has 
 been gathered to his rest and reward. The Trustees 
 of the church are Messrs. Francis Griswold, Lemuel 
 Stone, S. E. North, D. H. Peck and E. K. Norton. 
 Mr. Virgil G. Gaylord is the present clerk. The 
 church now embraces 123 communicants. 
 
BENTON CHURCH. 167 
 
 BENTON CHURCH. 
 
 In the Summer of 1832, a number of brethren and 
 sisters, members of Abington Church, residing in Nich- 
 olson Township — now Benton, Luzerne county, request- 
 ed letters of dismission for the purpose of organizing as 
 an independent church. The request was acceeded to 
 by the Abington Church and letters of dismission were 
 granted. A council of brethren from Abington, CUf- 
 ford, Lenox and Greenfield churches, was called and 
 convened in Nicholson, July 4th, 1832, to recognize 
 said brethren and sisters as a Gospel church. The 
 meeting was held in the barn of Mr. Hiram Green, 
 " being thought more convenient," as the record runs, 
 " than the school house," the usual place of holding 
 meetings. The council organized by appointing, Rev. 
 John Miller moderator, and Deacon Jeffery Dean 
 clerk. Twenty four brethren and sisters, fourteen 
 males, and ten females, presented letters of recommen- 
 dation and requested to be recognized as the " Regular 
 Baptist church of Nicholson." Their Articles of Faith 
 being approved, the council proceeded to recognize the 
 above brethren and sisters by the following order of 
 religious services, viz.. Sermon by Rev. WilHam House, 
 from Isa. 42 : 11. " Let the wilderness and cities 
 thereof lift up their voice," &c. Address and hand of 
 fellowship by Rev. John Miller ; concluding prayer by 
 Rev. Charles Miller. The exercises seem to have been 
 appropriate and profitable. The text employed on the 
 occasion, is beautifully discriptive of the condition of 
 this infant church in a comparative "wilderness," and 
 admirably adapted to inspire a hope of future prosper- 
 
168 HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 ity. No doubt the preacher developed and applied 
 these leading thdughts to the condition and prospects of 
 the church. The pioneer ministers in these wilds and 
 woods, were eminently personal and practical in their 
 preaching. The occasion often suggested a text and 
 the circumstances furnished a theme. This practical 
 mode of address was among the causes of their power 
 and popularity. 
 
 Their first meeting for business was held in the 
 "Franklin School House," July 21st, 1832, at which 
 Messrs. Ezra Reynolds and Earl Manchester were ap- 
 pointed Deacons ; Stephen Reynolds, chorister, and 
 George Reynolds, assistant. The Saturday before the 
 third Sunday in each month, was selected for covenant 
 meetings, subsequently changed to the Saturday before 
 the fourth Sunday ; also Saturday before the second 
 Sunday in August, for an annual meeting for business, 
 afterwards held quarterly on Saturday preceding the 
 second Sunday in November, February, May and Au- 
 gust. Delegates were also appointed to represent the 
 church at the Association to meet in Greenfield on the 
 first "Wednesday in September next, and instructed to 
 request admission into that body. The request was 
 presented and the church admitted into the Association. 
 An interesting revival immediately followed, resulting 
 in much good to the church and community. A large 
 number, considering the sparceness of the population, 
 were hopefully converted. On the 22d of October, 
 following, fourteen were baptized and admitted into the 
 church. Five more were added by baptism on the 11th 
 of November. Occasional accessions continued to be 
 received until the next session of the Association, when 
 46 are reported as their total membership. 
 
BEOTON CHTJECH. 169 
 
 The records present nothing further of especial inter- 
 est until January 29th, 1834, when a meeting for busi- 
 ness was held, and a committee of two appointed to 
 raise " a sum by voluntary subscription" for the support 
 of preaching among them, and also to confer with Rev . 
 John Miller in regard to securing his services. At a 
 meeting for business, held on the 10th of May following, 
 the above committee reported, that Mr. Miller would 
 attend with the church once a month for the coming 
 year and be present at covenant meetings and Sabbath 
 Schools, when convenient, and also meet occasionally 
 with the church at other times, and that the sum raised 
 should be appropriated to Missionary purposes. The 
 report was adopted and the gratuitous services of Mr. 
 Miller were secured. 
 
 The records present numerous and frequent cases of 
 discipline, chiefly on account of irregular attendance on 
 the meetings of the church. Some of the delinquents 
 rendered satisfactory excuses for their absence, but 
 others persisted and were finally excluded. A spirit of 
 benevolence, however, seems to have prevailed to some 
 extent among the members. At a meeting for business, 
 February 7th, 1835, a committee was appointed to pre- 
 pare a book with columns for various objects of Chris- 
 tian benevolence, and secure subscriptions. Among 
 these objects the support of the Grospel among them- 
 selves, occupied a prominent place. August 10th, of that 
 year, a vote was passed to pay Rev. Isaac Moore one hun- 
 dred and thirty dollars for half of the time during the 
 coming year, provided his services could be secured. 
 On the 22d of the same month, Mr. Moore and wife 
 were received as members of the church, and his ser- 
 15 
 
170 HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 vices secured as pastor, but enjoyed for only a short 
 time. He and his wife took letters of dismission, June 
 26th, 1836. The church was now left destitute of 
 stated preaching. Cases of discipline continued to be 
 frequent and often painful. Among others, one of the 
 constituent members was disciplined and finally ex- 
 cluded, not having attended with the church since its 
 recognition. It is unnecessary, however, to dwell 
 longer on this dark portion of their history. 
 
 In May, 1837, the services of Rev. Geo. W. Schofield, 
 were engaged for half of the time during the coming 
 year. In the Fall of that year, the work of the Lord 
 was abundantly revived, a large number hopefully con- 
 verted, and the church greatly encouraged. Between 
 September, 1837, and May of the following year, some 
 forty were baptized and received into the church. Thus 
 within a few months, their numerical strength was 
 nearly doubled. It would be pleasing to know who was 
 the favored instrument in promoting this interesting 
 revival, but when the records " hold their peace" their 
 history must be silent. The name of Rev. James Clark 
 appears in this connection and indicates, perhaps, by 
 whom Jacob was enabled to arise. He is reported in 
 the minutes of the Association for 1839 and '40, as 
 pastor of the church. 
 
 At a meeting for business, August 29th, 1839, the 
 name of the church was changed from Nicholson to 
 Benton, and measures were taken to decide on a location 
 and procure means to erect a house of worship, but the 
 whole project was soon after abandoned. Nothing fur- 
 ther of especial importance is recorded until April 
 24th, 1842, when Mr. Silas Finn and wife were re- 
 
BENTON CHURCH. 171 
 
 ceived into the church by letter, and his services en- 
 gaged. He was ordained as pastor of the church, Feb. 
 9th, 1848, by a council of brethren from Abington, Ben- 
 ton, Clifford, Lenox, Scott and Grreenfield churches ; 
 Rev. John Miller officiated as moderator, and Rev. 
 Wm. K. Mott as clerk. The public services of ordina- 
 tion were conducted by Revs. Wm. K. Mott, John 
 Baldwin, Henry Curtis, John Miller, Charles Miller 
 and Rial Tower. " The exercises were solemn and im- 
 pressive." 
 
 During the Fall of 1842 and Winter following, most 
 of the members were measureably revived, and some 
 sinners hopefully converted. The work commenced 
 chiefly with one or two brethren residing at some dis- 
 tance from the usual place of holding meetings, in a 
 neighborhood of Unitarians and Universalists. Here 
 meetings for prayer, conference and preaching, were 
 appointed ; they were at first thinly attended, but con- 
 tinued to increase in interest and numbers until the 
 house was filled with an attentive and often anxious 
 audience. During the Winter the meetings were re- 
 moved and held for some weeks at a more central point, 
 and the pastor was encouraged by the presence and 
 aided by the preaching of Mr. Mott. The church re- 
 port to the Association in 1843, thirteen received by 
 baptism and 92 as their total membership. The work, 
 however, does not seem to have pervaded the entire 
 church or reclaimed all the wandering. Numerous 
 cases of discipline continue to be reported, often result- 
 ing in exclusion ; yet at this time " a good degree of 
 union existed" among the active members. Happy for 
 pastor and people had this bond of Union and harmony 
 
172 HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 been strengthened and perpetuated ! But such is not 
 our privilege to believe or pleasure to record. 
 
 The meetings of the church were held at various 
 places, subject to the wishes or whims of the members. 
 A vote was passed, March 1st, 1845, to hold meetings 
 during the coming year at the "Yellow School House," 
 on the first three Sundays of each month, and at the 
 "Franklin School House," on the fourth Sunday; cove- 
 nant and other church meetings to be held at the latter 
 place. This arrangement, however, did not prove per- 
 manent; subsequently other changes were made for 
 reasons and to places unnecessary to mention. 
 
 August 1st, 1845, Mr. Orin Browning was appointed 
 chorister in place of Stephen Reynolds, and the annual 
 meeting for business changed to Thursday preceding 
 the fourth Sunday in August. During the following 
 Winter a number of the impenitent were brought to a 
 knowledge of the truth and received into the church. 
 Six were baptized January 4th, 1846, and others soon 
 followed. The church reported to the Association of 
 that year, nine added by baptism and 95 as their 
 aggregate membership. 
 
 A committee of two was appointed February 14th, 
 1846, to ascertain the minds of the members, and de- 
 cide on a location for a house of worship, but at a 
 subsequent meeting, discharged without making a re- 
 port. It was found difficult as it seems, if not impossi- 
 ble, to harmonize conflicting preferences of members 
 residing in different localities. Thus a second time an 
 important object was thwarted and the cause retarded, 
 for want of individual concession and sacrifice for the 
 general good. This was but the shadow of coming 
 
BENTON CHURCH. 173 
 
 events. Conflicting views on various subjects had 
 long existed among the members, but had thus far been 
 restrained and an open rupture delayed until January 
 1st, 1847. At a meeting for business held on that day, 
 various subjects in dispute were presented and dis- 
 cussed; among these, were the office and duties of 
 Deacons ; the obligation of minorities to acquiesce in the 
 decisions of majorities and various other kindred sub- 
 jects. Opposite opinions, doubtless honestly entertained, 
 were warmly advocated ; two parties were formed, and 
 the church was divided. Two letters were sent to the 
 next Association but both were refused and a council 
 was recommended. 
 
 On the 6th and 7th of September, 1847, the Baptists 
 of Benton held a meeting in the "Yellow School House," 
 for the purpose of becoming united and harmonious. 
 Rev. Andrew Hopper officiated as chairman of the 
 meeting. After a free and full interchange of views, a 
 committee was appointed to draft resolutions as a basis 
 of union. The report of the committee was adopted by 
 the brethren and harmony restored. 
 
 At the same meeting, Mr. Wm. Travis was chosen 
 Deacon of the church. On the 6th of October follow- 
 ing, Dea. Earl Manchester died, leaving the church 
 with but two Deacons. The vacancy occasioned by his 
 death was filled January 31st, 1848, by appointing Mr. 
 Hiram Grreen to the office of Deacon. On the 15th of 
 April following, Mr. Green resigned his office and Mr. 
 Joseph Chase was chosen to fill his place. 
 
 About this time an effort was made to raise a speci- 
 fied sum for the support of the ministry by voluntary 
 subscription, but this mode not proving successful, re- 
 
174 HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 course was had to a system of equalization to rai&e the 
 necessary amount. This mode also failing, the church 
 vibrated for some time between the two modes of rais- 
 ing a salary, but finally settled for a time on the latter, 
 and agreed March 24th, 1849, to continue the services 
 of Rev. Silas Finn. If the mind and the means for 
 usefulness were always commensurate, a system of 
 eqnalization would prove satisfactory and successful. 
 
 In December following, Mr. Finn resigned his charge 
 of the church. They were now left destitute of a pas- 
 tor, but were supplied by Mr. Charles Parker, from 
 April, 1850, until the following meeting of the Associa- 
 tion. For some time subsequent, they were supplied 
 by Mr. H. D. Walker, principal of the Madison Acad- 
 emy, at Abington Centre. In their letter to the Asso- 
 ciation in 1862, they say, "it is a source of grief to us 
 that we are not all of the same mind, speaking and 
 doing the same things. Eld. John Miller is our pastor 
 and preaches one-fourth of the time at the 'Yellow 
 School House,' and Mr. Silas Finn one-fourth of the 
 time at Benton Centre." 
 
 February 3d, 1852, a meeting of the church was called 
 to consider the propriety of building a house of worship ; 
 the meeting decided to build but one house and that it be 
 located on a lot owned by Mr. H. Chambers, at Benton 
 Centre. A committee was appointed on the 3d of No- 
 vember following, to solicit subscriptions and donations 
 for building their house of worship. Their efforts were 
 crowned with success. The house was erected at a cost 
 of $2316.39, and dedicated to the worship of God, March 
 2d, 1853, by appropriate religious services. The occa- 
 sion was one of much interest and of great importance 
 
BENTON CHURCH. 1T5 
 
 to the future prosperity of the cause. April 1st, 1853, 
 Rev. Silas Finn resumed his pastoral charge of the 
 church. Under his faithful and efficient labors disaf- 
 fected members -were reconciled, and a good degree of 
 -prosperity was restored. But he did not deem it his 
 duty to continue his labors on the field. Accordingly 
 on the 12th of August, 1853, he resigned his pastoral 
 charge of the church to take effect on the 1st of Octo- 
 ber following. The church reluctantly accepted his 
 resignation. He had labored as their pastor " for near 
 thirteen years with approved success." 
 
 He remained, however, within the bounds of the 
 church and continued to supply their desk a portion of 
 the time, until April, 1855, when an invitation was ex- 
 tended to Rev. Benj. Miller to become their pastor and 
 preach for them at least one-half the time. The invi- 
 tation was accepted and Mr. Miller entered on the 
 duties of the pastoral office on the 14th of July follow- 
 ing. Under his labors the church have thus far enjoyed 
 a good degree of peace and prosperity. They speak in 
 their letter to the Association in 1855, of trials from 
 external errors and isms, but enjoy internal union and 
 harmony. Convenant meetings are usually well at- 
 tended and a desire is expressed for the prosperity of the 
 cause. A number of old hopers have been awakened 
 and added to their membership. They are not forget- 
 ful of the cause of Christ at home and abroad ; these 
 objects share in their sympathies and contributions. 
 They say in their letter to the Association in 1856, 
 that they enjoy the labors of Mr. Benj. Miller one- 
 fourth of the time but are anxious to be able to sustain 
 the weekly ministrations of the word. In 1857 they 
 
176 HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 report eleven received by baptism and 97 as their total 
 membership, and also say in their letter to the Associa- 
 tion, that during a portion of the past Spring, meetings 
 were held by their pastor, aided by Mr. D. W. Halsted, 
 which resulted ii;i the hopeful conversion of many pre- 
 cious souls, and were the means of reclaiming some who 
 had sadly wandered. 
 
HERRICK OHURCH. 177 
 
 HERRICK CHURCH. 
 
 This church was recognized in Herrick, Susquehanna 
 county, Pennsylvania, June 11th, 1834, with ten con- 
 stituent members, seven males and three females. The 
 council of recognition was composed of brethren from 
 Abington, Benton, Bridgewater, Clifford, Jackson and 
 Gibson, Scott and Greenfield churches. Rev. Johii 
 Miller officiated as moderator, and Deacon Earl Man- 
 chester as clerk. Their Articles of Faith having been 
 presented and approved, the following brethren and 
 sisters were recognized as the " Regular Baptist Church 
 of Herrick," viz., Jacob Lyons, Thomas Burns, Martin 
 Bunnell, Benjamin Coon, Silas Finn, Benjamin Watrous, 
 Alexander Burns, Mahala Lyons, Harriet Coon and 
 Emily B. Finn. The sermon of recognition was 
 preached by the moderator, from Matt. 16 : 18, and 
 hand of fellowship extended to the church by the same ; 
 the concluding prayer was offered by Rev. Charles 
 Miller, of Clifford. 
 
 On the 5th of July following, Jacob Lyons was 
 chosen Deacon of the church, and Benj. Watrous clerk. 
 At a subsequent meeting, Messrs. Finn and Lyons were 
 appointed to represent the church in the Association, 
 to meet at Abington on the first Wednesday of Septem- 
 ber, 1834, and request admission into that body. The 
 request was acceded to and the church admitted into 
 the Association. 
 
 The early history of this church vras marked by few 
 changes worthy of particular notice. The labors of a 
 settled pastor were not enjoyed, yet covenant and other 
 meetings were statedly held, and the business of the 
 
178 HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 cliurcli was conducted in an orderly manner. DeKn- 
 quents were promptly looked after and difficulties ami- 
 cably settled. Occasional accessions are reported and 
 other changes recorded. The church report to the 
 Association in 1836, five received by baptism, and a 
 total membership of eighteen. 
 
 In the minutes, of the Association for 1839 and '41, 
 Rev. Joseph Currin is returned as pastor of the church. 
 His labors were divided between this and the Clinton 
 Church. 
 
 At a meeting for business, September 26th, 1840, Mr. 
 Silas Finn related his exercises before the church with 
 reference to the work of the ministry, and received 
 "liberty," as the record runs, "to improve his gift." 
 He was subsequently licensed to preach the Gospel, and 
 in the Spring of 1842, he and his wife were dismissed to 
 unite with the Benton Church. 
 
 In the minutes of the Association for 1842 and '43, 
 Rev. John Baldwin is reported as pastor of the church. 
 His labors were enjoyed one-fourth of the time, during 
 most of two years, and measurably blessed in the ad- 
 vancement of the cause and conversion of the impenitent. 
 On the 14th of July, 1842, six were baptized and re- 
 ceived into the church. In the Winter following, the 
 church held a protracted meeting, conducted chiefly by 
 Mr. George A. Hogeboom, which resulted in much good. 
 " The church," as their letter to the Association reads, 
 " seemed to be quickened and some professed faith in 
 Christ." They report to the Association in 1843, two 
 received by baptism and an aggregate membership of 
 thirty-one. This was the culminating point in their 
 numerical prosperity. From this time their number 
 
HERRICK CHURCH. 179 
 
 gradually diminished until the church finally disbanded. 
 
 At the annual session of the Association in 1849, a 
 committee of two was appointed to visit this and the 
 Second Clifibrd Church, to ascertain their condition, 
 render assistance, and report to the next meeting of the 
 Association. The committee made a report as contem- 
 plated in their appointment, which was adopted, but not 
 recorded in the minutes. No favorable change, how- 
 ever, was effected in the condition of these churches ; 
 their disease had become chronic, and soon ripened into 
 dissolution. 
 
 The records of the Herrick Church present a blank 
 from October 21st, 1848, to July 13th, 1851. At the 
 latter date, a meeting for business was held and the 
 church gently breathed out its feeble life in the follow- 
 ing language : " The few remaining brethren of the 
 Regular Baptist Church in Herrick, met and on due 
 consideration agreed to disband." 
 
 Here we conclude this imperfect sketch of the growth 
 and decay of the Herrick Church, and erect it as a 
 monument over its untimely grave. 
 
180 HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 PAUPACK EDDY CHURCH. 
 
 In the year 1832, Mr. James Purdy, son of Rev. 
 William Purdy, moved with his family from " Purdy- 
 town," and settled in the vicinity of Paupack Eddy, 
 Wayne county, Pennsylvania. He and his wife were 
 the only Baptists living at the time in the immediate 
 neighborhood. They established and sustained a prayer 
 meeting in connection livith members of other denomina- 
 tions. In January, 1833, Rev. Henry Curtis, pastor 
 of Bethany Church, visited the settlement and held a 
 " three days' meeting." His faithful laibors were 
 blessed and a " precious work of grace followed." A 
 number were hopefully converted, and during the year 
 seventeen persons living in the vicinity of Paupack 
 Eddy, were admitted as members of Bethany Church, 
 four by letter and thirteen by baptism ; one more was 
 baptized the following year. Mr. Curtis continued to 
 visit the place occasionally to preach the Grospel and 
 administer the ordinances. 
 
 On the 29th of November, 1834, the Paupack Eddy 
 Church was recognized with eighteen members, seven 
 males and eleven females, by a council of ministers and 
 members, convened for that purpose, from Bethany, 
 Canaan, Damascus and Palmyra churches. Thirteen 
 of the constituent members were from the Bethany 
 Church. During the year following its organization, 
 the church was supplied with preaching by Mr. John 
 Capron, one of the constituent members, having previ- 
 ously been " approved by the Bethany Church in 
 holding meetings." At the close of his labors he took 
 a letter of dismission and emigrated to the West. On 
 
PATJPACK EDBT CHURCH, 181 
 
 the 9th of July, 1835, delegates were appointed to the 
 Association and instructed to request admission into 
 that body. The request was granted and the chiirch 
 admitted into the Association at its annual rneeting, 
 held at Damascus in September following. 
 
 Rev. Henry Curtis continued to visit the church 6c^ 
 casionally when destitute of stated preaching, and ad- 
 minister the ordinances. His labors were highly prized 
 by the members and of essential service to the caiise. 
 Under his preaching a revival commenced in the Au- 
 tumn of 1837, and continued during the Winter follow- 
 ing. The members were moved to labor and pray and 
 sinners to repent and beKeve. The church report to 
 the Association in 1838, eleven received by bapti^til 
 and twenty-four as their total membership. 
 
 About this time the services of Mr. George Y. Wal- 
 ling, a licentiate of Clinton Church, were engaged one- 
 half of the time for one year. He preached for the 
 church with general acceptance until he was compelled, 
 on account of impairfed health, to resign his charge and 
 retire from the field. The Church was destitute of 
 stated preaching until the Autumn of 1840, when the 
 ministerial labors of Rev. D. F. Leach, pastor of the 
 church at Ten Mile River, were engaged one-half of 
 the time. He continued to preach for the church with 
 occasional intervals during the four subsequent yearS. 
 Under his faithful labors the church was strengthened 
 and the membership enlarged. A series of meetings 
 were held soon after his settlement, resulting in gr6a* 
 good to the cause. Sinners were converted and saints 
 encouraged. As the fruits of this meeting, ten were 
 baptized and added to the church, increasing its nuni- 
 16 
 
182 HISTOfilCAL SKETCHES. 
 
 her to thirty-three. Again in the Winter of 1842 and 
 '43, a meeting of days was held and a large number of 
 the impenitent professed faith in Christ, whose second 
 coming was believed by many to be at hand. This be- 
 lief seems to have pervaded and excited the public 
 mind, and doubtless exerted its influence on the meet- 
 ings, and also on the motives of those who made a pro- 
 fession of religion. The church report to the Associa- 
 tion in the Fall of 1843, thirty received by baptism 
 and fifty-six as their total membership. The present 
 prosperity of the church, however, was of but short 
 continuance. Adversity soon followed. The church 
 was distracted and disheartened by internal dissentions 
 and diflSculties. Most of the male members who had 
 made a profession of religion in prospect of the speedy 
 coming of Christ, when the time appointed had passed 
 and their anticipations were disappointed, turned back 
 to the world and followed no more with the Saviour. 
 In 1844, Mr. Leach resigned the pastoral care of the 
 church and in the following Spring, removed to Port 
 Jervis, N. Y., to take charge of the church in that 
 place. 
 
 Having thus far neglected to appoint Deacons, the 
 church now realized the necessity of such oflicers to aid 
 the pastor and watch over the general interests of the 
 cause. Accordingly in April, 1845, Messrs. Lemuel 
 Daniels, Elias Murrey and John Milham were chosen 
 as Deacons of the church. The last named still serves 
 the cause in that capacity. This year the church com- 
 pleted and dedicated their house of worship. It was 
 convenient and pleasantly situated on the north bank 
 of the Lackawaxen near its confluence with the Wallen- 
 
PAUPACK EDDY CHURCH. 183 
 
 paupack creek. The location at present is not the best 
 adapted to accommodate the population. 
 
 After being destitute of regular preaching for some 
 months, the services of Mr. Harvey H. Gray, a licen- 
 tiate from Bridgewater Association, were secured and 
 enjoyed for six months. He then resigned his charge 
 and returned to his home in Susquehanna county, on 
 account of the state of his health. Rev. M. M. Everet 
 was the next pastor. He commenced preaching for 
 the church in 1847, and continued his services one- 
 half of the time for one year. His labors were highly 
 appreciated by the members, and measurably blessed. 
 During his term of service he baptized three persons 
 into the fellowship of the church. Rev. J. P. Stalbird 
 having settled in the vicinity of the church, accepted 
 an invitation to become pastor. After laboring upwards 
 of a year in this relation, he also resigned his charge 
 and moved to Berlin to take the oversight of the church 
 in that place. Rev. L. L. Still accepted the pastoral 
 charge of the church in April, 1852. He remained 
 through the year and then resigned, the church not 
 feeling able to give him a living support. In May, 
 1853, Rev. Sanford Leach accepted the charge of the 
 church. His labors were divided between this and three 
 other churches in the vicinity, assisted by Rev. J. B. 
 Case, who was a member of the church and resident of 
 the place. Under the labors of the two the church be- 
 came distracted and disheartened. Mr. Leach, however, 
 retired from the conilict near the close of the year. 
 Mr. Case now became the sole pastor, and an effort was 
 made to restore discipline. They report to the Associ- 
 ation in 1854, two received by baptism and forty-six as 
 
184 HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 their total membership. Two letters and two sets of 
 delegates were sent to the next annual meeting of the 
 Association; both were rejected and the brethren of 
 the church were recommended to make an earnest and 
 prayerful effort to restore union and harmony. Mr. 
 Case soon after resigned and removed from the place. 
 The church say in their letter to the Association in 
 1856, that the past two years have been fraught with 
 sorrow and darkness. They are scattered but not 
 entirely forsaken or discouraged. Covenant meetings 
 are statedly held and but sparcely attended, nearly 
 one-half of their membership having withdrawn from 
 the church without letters of dismission,. They report 
 thirty as their total membership. This church ia 
 evidently on the road to ruin unless better counsels 
 prevail and confidence is restored. They made no re- 
 port to the Association in 1857. It is feared tha^t the 
 church will soon become extinct. 
 
TEN MILE RIVER CHURCH. 185 
 
 TEN MILE RIVER CHURCH. 
 
 In tlie Spring of 1840, Messrs. E. Tyler, A. F. 
 Bush and Thompson Parsons, commenced holding 
 prayer meetings at Ten Mile River, in Sullivan coun- 
 ty, N. y. The meetings were continued, increasing 
 in interest and attendance. The brethren were en- 
 couraged and the unconverted were not entirely indif- 
 ferent. It was now thought advisable to secure some 
 suitable person to preach and aid in conducting the 
 meetings. Accordingly an invitation was given to 
 Rev. Henry Curtis, pastor of Damascus Church, to 
 come to their assistance. He responded to the call and 
 commenced a series of meetings, aided by Mr. Daniel 
 F. Leach, a student from Hamilton Literary Institu- 
 tion. The Word preached was attended with convincing 
 and converting power, leading Christians to pray and 
 labor, and sinners to cry " men and brethren what shall 
 we do to be saved?" Soon a number of the anxious 
 were indulging hope in an all-sufficient Saviour. The 
 meetings were continued with increasing interest and 
 power. The subject of believers baptism and church 
 membership now began to claim attention and elicit 
 discussion. As usual, candid inquiry resulted in a 
 sense of obligation to make a public profession of Christ 
 by baptism, and become identified with his people. A 
 number of persons manifested a desire to unite with a 
 Baptist church. This desire being made known to the 
 Damascus Church, situated some fourteen miles above, 
 on the Delaware River, a special meeting was appoint- 
 ed by that church and held at Ten Mile River, to hear 
 experiences and receive candidates for baptism and 
 
186 HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 membership. A number of the converts presenting 
 themselves at this meeting, were cordially received and 
 baptized on a profession of faith, by Mr. Curtis, and 
 became a branch of Damascus Church. Others united 
 ■with this branch from time to time, until it embraced 
 29 communicants. 
 
 Occupying a field so extensive and so far from the 
 parent church, it was decided to request letters of dis- 
 mission, and organized as an independent body. Ac- 
 cordingly letters of dismission were secured, and a 
 council of recognition convened August 18th, 1840, at 
 Ten Mile River. Twenty-nine persons presented them- 
 selves to the council, 16 males and 13 females, and re- 
 ceived fellowship as an independent church. The 
 services were of a highly interesting character and left 
 a. favorable impression. 
 
 When the church united with the Association at its 
 session in September following, Mr. D. F. Leach is re- 
 ported as supply. He was ordained pastor of the 
 church, on the 30th of the same month, and continued 
 to sustain that relation until May of 1845, dividing his 
 services between this and the Paupack Eddy Church. 
 XJnder his labors the cause was measurably prospered. 
 In October of 1840, Messrs. William Hawks and To- 
 bias Fox were chosen Deacons of the church, and or- 
 dained to that office in the following year. The church 
 report to the Association in 1841, nine received by 
 baptism and 43 as their total membership, increased 
 the following year to 46. In 1843, they report 44 as 
 their total membership, and say in their letter to the 
 Association, that the past year has been one of adver- 
 sity. Several of the members had, within a few months, 
 
TEX MILE RIVEE CHURCH. 187 
 
 scattered into different neighborhoods, and were living 
 from seven to ten miles from the usual place of holding 
 ■worship ; others had been detained from the meetings 
 by prevailing sickness in their families and among their 
 neighbors. The grave had also closed over a number 
 accustomed to meet with them, among whom was a be- 
 loved sister, the companion of Dea. Hawks, whose 
 faithfulness and fervor had greatly endeared her to the 
 members of the church. In 1844, they Report one re- 
 ceived by baptism and 43 as their total membership. 
 
 In the Spring of 1845, the services of Mr. James P. 
 Stalbird, a Hcentate of Blakely Church, were secured. 
 He was subsequently ordained pastor of the church, and 
 sustained that relation during some three years. The 
 cause seems to have made some progress under his la- 
 bors. In 1846, the church report 40 as their total 
 membership, and say in their letter to the Association, 
 that they still enjoy the labors of Mr. Stalbird a part 
 of the time. Congregations had been comparatively 
 large and covenant meetings quite interesting. Three 
 weekly prayer meetings had been sustained by a few as 
 in former years. The Sabbath School, however, had 
 been somewhat neglected. In 1847, the church was 
 measurably revived and the cause strengthened. They 
 report to the Association of that year, 11 received by 
 baptism and 51 as their total membership. 
 
 In 1848, Rev. M. M. Everet accepted the pastoral 
 charge, dividing his labors between this and the church 
 at Paupack Eddy. He continued to serve the cause in 
 this relation until 1852, when he resigned and retired 
 from the Association. Under his faithful labors, the 
 church enjoyed a degree of prosperity and received 
 
188 ' HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 some accessions by baptism. Two were baptized in 
 1848, the same number in the following year, and one 
 in 1850. In 1852, the church report four received by 
 baptism and 64 as their total membership — the culmi- 
 nating point in their numerical prosperity — and say in 
 their letter to the Association, which met with them 
 that year, that they are grateful for the mercies of the 
 past year ; had tokens of a deep and solemn work of 
 grace, but the enemy of all righteousness, by weakening 
 the faith of the brethren, disappointed their hopes. A 
 few, however, were hopefully converted. 
 
 Rev. J. R. Ross was the next pastor of the church. 
 He commenced supplying them while teaching an Aca- 
 demy at Narrowsburgh, and finally in the Autumn of 
 1852, accepted an invitation to assume the pastoral 
 charge of the church. He resigned in May of 1854, 
 and removed from the Association. His labors were 
 faithful, but without any marked results. 
 
 In 1854, Mr. Stalbird again accepted the charge of 
 the church, and has continued to sustain that relation 
 until the present. Little has occurred during his min- 
 istry worthy of particular notice. The church report 
 in 1856, two received by baptism, and 58 as their 
 total membership, but complain of their scattered con- 
 dition and want of activity and earnestness in the cause 
 of the Master. In 1857, they report 50 communicants, 
 and say that they cannot tell of prosperity and progress 
 in the service of Christ. They, however, still cling to 
 the Word and promise of God, and hope for brighter 
 and better days, 
 
SECOND CLIFFORD CHURCH. 189 
 
 SECOND CLIFFORD CHURCH. 
 
 The records of this church have been either carelessly 
 lost or culpably destroyed ; hence, it will be impossible 
 to present a complete notice of its brief but erratic 
 course. A few disconnected facts, however, have been 
 gathered from various reliable sources. 
 
 Ten persons, six males and four females, residing on 
 the western slope of " Elk Hill," in Clifford, Susque- 
 hanna county, Pennsylvania, were recognized, Decem- 
 ber 8th, 1841, as the Second Baptist Church of Clifford, 
 by a council of delegates from various neighboring 
 churches, -convened for that purpose. Mr. Wm. Tripp 
 was chosen Deacon of the church soon after its organi- 
 zation, but he did not long survive to serve the cause in 
 that capacity. He died September 7th, 1842, on the 
 second day of the session of the Association, at which 
 the church was admitted into that body. They report 
 in the Autumn of that year four received by letter and 
 fourteen as their total membership. 
 
 The meetings of the church were usually held in the 
 "Brundage School House," on the "Collar road." 
 Rev. Charles Miller, who had formerly occupied this 
 place as an out-station, continued to preach for this 
 church occasionally for some two years after its organi- 
 zation. Mr. George A. Hogeboom was licensed by this 
 church and preached for them about one-half of the 
 time during some seven years. They say in their let- 
 ter to the Association in the Fall of 1843, that they 
 have been preserved in unity of spirit and permitted to 
 enjoy many precious privileges. Under the occasional 
 preaching of Mr. Hogeboom, their congregations are 
 
190 HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 attentive and comparatively large, notwithstanding a 
 considerable portion of the community are emigrants 
 from Wales and prefer to hold separate meetings, con- 
 ducting their public services in a foreign language. 
 
 The church report to the Association in the Autumn 
 of 1844, 14, and in 1846, 16 communicants, and say in 
 their letter of the latter year, that they have passed 
 through some trials and mourn over their own barren- 
 ness and the indifference of the young to their eternal 
 interests. They are without" a settled pastor but have 
 been favored with occasional preaching by Rev. Charles 
 Miller, George A. Hogeboom and Wm. A. Miller, dur- 
 ing a portion of the past year. In 1847, the church 
 was supplied by Rev. Wm. McKowan during some six 
 months. They report to the Association in the Autumn 
 of that year, one received by baptism and 17 as their 
 total membership. In the Fall of 1848, the church 
 sent a request to the Association to be dropped from 
 the minutes, without assigning any reason. They also 
 say in their letter that they have been favored during 
 the past year with the labors of Mr. Hogeboom whom 
 they believe God has raised up in their midst that sin- 
 ners may be warned and saints comforted. The re- 
 quest, however, of the church to be "dropped" was not 
 granted by the Association, it being considered uncon 
 stitutional. At the session of the Association in 1849, 
 Revs. John Miller and Henry Curtis were appointed to 
 visit this and the Herrick Church, learn their condition, 
 and report to the next Anniversary. One or both of 
 this committee visited these churches as contemplated 
 but without effecting any favorable change in their po- 
 sition and prospects. They had gone beyond the reach 
 
SECOND CLIFFORD CHURCH. 191 
 
 of remedies or hope of recussitation. The Second 
 Clifford Church made no further report to the Associa- 
 tion, and continued to decline until December 1st, 1850, 
 ■when it formally dissolved and the remaining members 
 dispersed. Such was the erring course of this feeble 
 church, foreshadowing its untimely dissolution. Its 
 obscure grave is situated near that of its elder sister, 
 Herrick Church, being separated only by the " Elk 
 Hill," whose lofty summit casts its morning shadow on 
 the one, and extends its evening shades over the other 
 — a fitting gloom for faithless graves. 
 
192 HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 HONESDALB CHURCH. 
 
 As early as 1833, Rev. Henry Curtis, pastor of 
 Bethany Church, commenced preaching occasionally 
 at the district school house in the village of Honesdale. 
 He continued to occupy this place as an out-station 
 until a sufficient number of members were gathered to 
 form an independent church, usually preaching at five 
 o'clock on the afternoon of every other Sabbath. 
 During this period Mr. Curtis baptized Mr. Franklin 
 DavoU, living in the village, and several more residing 
 in the vicinity. 
 
 In February, 1842, the church at Bethany com- 
 menced holding a series of meetings, in -which the 
 pastor was assisted by Rev. Lewis Raymond, and con- 
 tinued them from evening to evening for some weeks. 
 During the progress of these meetings a large number 
 of persons were hopefully converted, and upwards of 
 40 were buried with Christ in baptism. At the close 
 of this meeting in Bethany, Mr. Raymond commenced 
 a series of meetings with the brethren at Honesdale. 
 These meetings were held in the *" Tabernacle" and 
 continued day after day for some four weeks. During 
 this time more than 20 professed faith in Christ, seven 
 of whom were added by baptism to the Bethany 
 Church. A number of Baptist members having set- 
 tled in the village and vicinity, it was now decided to 
 
 ■^ This Tabernacle, the first building erected at Honesdale, was situated oa 
 a point of land formed by the confluence of the Dyberry and Latikavraxen 
 creeks. It was built in 1826 and used for a lime as a work shop, but was sub- 
 sequently enlarged and occupied successively by the Presbyterian, Methodist 
 and Baptist societies, as a place of worship, until they could erect " Temples" 
 more costly and convenient. 
 
HONESDALE CHURCH. 193 
 
 organize a church in the place. Accordingly a council 
 of brethren from Bethany, Clinton, Damascus, Mt. 
 Pleasant and Ten Mile River churches, was convened 
 in Honesdale, May 10th, 1842, at the request of the 
 first named church, for the purpose of recognizing the 
 brethren and sisters residing in that place and vicinity 
 as an independent church. Twenty-nine persons, 14 
 males and 15 females, presented themselves to the 
 council, 26 having letters from Bethany, two from Da- 
 mascus and one from Mt. Pleasant, and received fel- 
 lowship as the Honesdale Baptist Church. The public 
 services of recognition were conducted by Revs. Henry 
 Curtis, D. F. Leach, Lewis Raymond and A. B. Hub- 
 bard. The occasion was one of peculiar interest and 
 solemnity. 
 
 Although the revival had subsided, yet some of its 
 fruits remained to be gathered and garnered. On the 
 14th inst., two members were added to this infant 
 church by letter, and 13 persons received as candidates 
 for baptism. These went forward in that ordinance on 
 the following day. In the next June, five more were 
 received by letter and three by baptism. When the 
 church united with the Association in the following 
 Autumn, it embraced 54 communicants. Thus far the 
 church had been supplied chiefly by Rev. D. F. Leach, 
 and occasionally by Revs. L. Raymond, H. Curtis and 
 A. B. Hubbard. In August, however, the services of 
 Mr. Daniel L. McGrear, were secured. He was re- 
 ceived as a member of the church, February 9th, 1843, 
 and ordained as pastor on the 9th of March following, 
 a position he held until the following June, when he 
 resigned his charge and retired from the field. He 
 17 
 
194 HISTORICAL SKETCHES, 
 
 has since made shipwreck of morals and the ministry. 
 About this time the church received a valuable acces- 
 sion of 10 members from the Clinton Church, among 
 whom were Messrs. Virgil Grennell and E. K. Norton, 
 whose pecuniary aid and personal efforts were of essen- 
 tial service to the cause. 
 
 In October of this year, Rev. D. D. Gray was set- 
 tled as pastor of the church. He found the church in 
 an unsettled state, from the inexperience of some, and 
 floating character of the village portion of its members. 
 His efforts and influence were of immediate service to 
 the distracted cause. In March, 1844, a series of 
 meetings were held and greatly blessed in healing divi- 
 sions, and restoring backsliders. A number of persons 
 were also hopefully converted and received into fellow- 
 ship. The church reported to the Association in the 
 following Autumn, 13 baptisms and 102 communicants. 
 
 The " Tabernacle," thus far used as a place of wor- 
 ship, being unsightly and inconvenient, the church 
 resolved in the Spring of this year, to "rise and build" 
 a suitable house of worship on a pleasant site previous- 
 ly purchased. On the 19th of June following, the 
 frame was raised. From this time until the house was 
 opened for worship, a period of some 12 months, the 
 attention of pastor and people, was almost wholly ab- 
 sorbed in this new enterprise. The limited means of 
 the members, were taxed to the highest point of patient 
 endurance, and money was constantly demanded to 
 meet necessary expenses ; hence, the business meetings 
 of the church, related almost entirely to pecuniary mat- 
 ters. Their house of worship was finally so far finished 
 and furnished, as to be convenient for public worship. 
 
HONBSDALE CHURCH. 195 
 
 It was dedicated on the SOth of July, 1845, by appro- 
 priate religious seryices. Sermons were preached on 
 the occasion by Rev. John Dowling and Rev. Albert L. 
 Post. The house is 38 by 54 feet on the ground, be- 
 sides the porch in front, with a spire and galleries, bell 
 and basement, the whole, when completed, together with 
 the lot, costing $3775. Of this amount, little was obtain- 
 ed from abroad. When the house was dedicated and all 
 the available subscriptions collected, a debt remained 
 unprovided for, of about $1200. The house was imme- 
 diately insured, and the slips were rented. This was 
 an important epoch in the history of the church. In 
 April, 1846, Mr. Gray resigned his charge and re- 
 moved to his early home in Braintrim. He had been 
 pastor of the church about two years and a half. Du- 
 ring that time he had baptized some 12 converts and 
 labored assiduously in preaching the Grospel, warning 
 the impenitent, maintaining discipline and building a 
 commodious house of worship. The members, with few 
 exceptions, were strongly attached to him and exceed- 
 ingly anxiously to retain his valuable services. 
 
 Rev. Gr. S. Bailey, a young man of much promise, 
 suppUed the church about three months, but for some 
 reason, declined to settle as pastor. Rev. Alexander 
 Smith also supplied the church for some two months, in 
 the following Autumn, but on account of the situation 
 of his family, refused to accept the pastoral charge. 
 In September of this year, an effort was made to pay 
 up arrearages and reduce the remaining debt on the 
 meeting house. This effort was measurably successful. 
 
 In March, 1847, Rev. T. 0. Judd became pastor of 
 the church, and continued to serve the cause in that re- 
 
196 HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 lation, for three years. He was highly esteemed for 
 his piety and preaching, his sermons being ably written 
 and delivered. He, however, seldom attended prayer 
 meetings or visited among the members, thus greatly 
 limiting the sphere of his influence, and gradually di- 
 minishing the number of his congregation. Under his 
 labors the church enjoyed a usual degree of internal 
 peace, but remained nearly stationary as to numbers. , 
 In the Autumn of 1849, it embraced 101 communi- 
 cants. In February, 1850, the church appointed a 
 committee to correspond with distant members, and 
 drop from its record the names of such as could not be 
 heard from and had been absent more than a year. In 
 August of this year, Eev. C. C. Wilhams was settled 
 as pastor of the church, a position he held some two 
 years and eight months. Under his faithful labors, 
 congregations gradually increased in size and serious- 
 ness. One person was baptized in October and another 
 in December. In February, 1851, a committee was 
 appointed to visit absentees and urge them to regularly 
 attend the meetings of worship. In March, a series of 
 meetings were held, mostly for prayer and exhortation. 
 These meetings were well attended and resulted in great 
 good to the cause. The church reported to the Asso- 
 ciation in the Autumn of this year, 12 baptisms and 
 119 communicants. In December, 1852, another series 
 of meetings were held, in which the pastor was assisted 
 by Rev. William S. Hall, resulting in the hopeful con- 
 version of a number of persons, seven of whom were 
 baptized and received into the fellowship of the church. 
 In April, 1853, Mr. "Williams resigned his charge and 
 retired from the Association. During July and August 
 
HONESDALE CHURCH. 197 
 
 of this year, Mr. William B. Smitli, from Madison 
 University, supplied the church, to general acceptance. 
 
 In October following, Rev. Zelotes Grenell became 
 pastor of the church. Under his efficient labors the 
 cause was measurably prospered and congregations 
 were considerably increased. The church report to 
 the Association, in the Autumn of 1854, six received 
 by baptism, 12 by letter and 91 as their total member- 
 ship, and also say in their letter, that they are situated 
 in the midst of strong opposing interests and influences, 
 backed by talent, wealth and show ; consequently con- 
 gregations are comparatively small, but are steadily 
 increasing. They have reduced their pecuniary liabili- 
 ties to less than one-third of what they were two years 
 since. Their Sabbath School has greatly increased in 
 the number of scholars and volumes in the library. In 
 May, 1855, Mr. Grenell unexpectedly resigned his 
 charge of the church and retired from the field, greatly 
 to the regret of the church and congregation. The 
 hope had been indulged that he was permanently set- 
 tled and would close his protracted ministry with this 
 church. 
 
 For about eight months the church was without a 
 pastor and sometimes without preaching. Under these 
 circumstances, the congregation became broken up and 
 greatly reduced in numbers. The prayer meeting was 
 almost entirely deserted, except by a few faithful ones 
 who persevered in meeting together to weep over Zion 
 and pray for her prosperity. In January, 1856, Rev. J. 
 N. Folwell settled as pastor of the church, a position he 
 still occupies. He entered on his labors amid many 
 discouragements, but soon witnessed indications of re- 
 
198 HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 turning prosperity, in an increasing attendance at the 
 meetings and attention to the Word preached. The 
 members were reyived and some souls were hopefully 
 converted. The church reported to the Association in 
 the Autumn of this year, 16 baptisms and 92 commu- 
 nicants. The following year was marked and saddened 
 by the death of Dea. L. L. Demming who had " pur- 
 chased to himself a good degree and great boldness in 
 the faith." He was a deyoted Christian, a faithful 
 Deacon and liberal supporter of various objects of re- 
 ligious benevolence. He died greatly loved and 
 lamented by the church and community. He was, 
 however, missed and mourned, perhaps, by none more 
 than by his fellow-laborers, Deas. Franklin Davoll and 
 Eliphalet Wood, who, by their intimate relations with 
 him as standard-bearers in the church of Christ, had 
 learned to appreciate his wisdom and prize his worth. 
 The church report to the Association in the Autumn 
 of this year, six baptisms and 90 communicants, and 
 also say in their letter, that they have paid their last 
 debt of $700 on the meeting house, and also purchased a 
 parsonage property pleasantly situated, for $2000, on 
 which they have paid $500. They have enjoyed much 
 love and peace among themselves. They feel the need 
 of a refreshing from the presence of the Lord, and are 
 crying importunately to him to rain righteousness upon 
 them and cause them to become a strong people. 
 
BLAKELY CHURCH. 199 
 
 BLAKELY CHURCH. 
 
 At any early period a Baptist minister occasionally 
 penetrated the Lackawanna Valley as far up as Blakely, 
 preaching to small congregations and baptizing a few 
 converts. It is presumed that Rev. Wm. Bishop filled 
 occasional appointments in this portion of the valley. 
 It is known that Rev. John Miller frequently preached 
 at Providence, and occasionally in Blakely. " His vis- 
 its," says one living on the field, " were refreshing to 
 the children of God." In 1819, Mr. Samuel Callender 
 Jr., a member of Greenfield Church, settled in Blakely, 
 and with other members residing in the place, com- 
 menced holding prayer and covenant meetings as a 
 branch of that church. These were often seasons of 
 peculiar interest and profit. This branch also enjoyed 
 frequent supplies. On the 13th of May, 1820, the 
 church " voted that brother John Finn preach in Blakely 
 on the first and third Lord's day of each month." This 
 arrangement was complied with and continued with 
 some variations for a number of years. On the 25th of 
 September, 1824, Mr. Callender was appointed Deacon 
 of the church with special reference to the interests of 
 the Blakely branch. In the Winter of 1828-9, Mr. 
 Benj. Miller, a young convert from Abington, was en- 
 gaged as a school teacher in Blakely. " He felt and 
 manifested a deep interest in the prosperity of Zion and 
 salvation of souls. His efi"orts in connection with the 
 resident members were blessed in the hopeful conversion 
 of a number of precious souls." In April, 1829, Rev. 
 John Miller preached in Blakely and baptized six con- 
 verts. In December following, Rev James Clark also 
 
200 HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 preached in that place and baptized three persons, and 
 in February, 1830, he again preached in the place and 
 baptized three more converts. 
 
 A few months previously, Rev. Wm. House settled as 
 pastor of Greenfield Church, preaching for the Blakely 
 branch once in two weeks. For a time his labors were 
 greatly prospered, and frequent additions were made to 
 this branch. An ample house of worship was built 
 about the year 1832, chiefly through the efforts and 
 enterprise of Dea. Callender. In the Autumn of this 
 year the Association met in this unfinished house, and 
 took a collection to aid in its completion. The light of 
 prosperity, however, soon began to grow dim ; the night 
 of adversity gathered over the cause, and most of the 
 members of this branch, were composed "to rest on the 
 easy bed of Anti-nomianism. The pastor having im- 
 bibed and inculcated anti-effort principles, secured some 
 forty-five adherents, many of whom were connected with 
 this branch, and with these separated from the church 
 in the Spring of 1834, to form an "Old School" Baptist 
 church a few miles below Blakely, in the Lackawanna 
 Valley. Amid this general defection, a few, however, 
 connected with this branch, remained firm to their for- 
 mer principles, and continued to labor and pray for the 
 prosperity and progress of the waning cause. Their 
 efforts were not in vain ; their prayers were not un- 
 answered. About this time Rev. J. B. Chase supplied 
 them for a "few months with good results." In the 
 Autumn of this year Rev. Wm. K. Mott, who was labor- 
 ing in the valley, preached occasionally for a time at 
 Blakely. Under his efficient labors the languishing 
 cause soon began to revive and some souls were finally 
 
BLAKELY CHURCH. 201 
 
 led to seek Christ and identify themselves with his 
 cause. In the Spring and Summer of 1835, Rev. 
 Isaac Moore supplied the Grreenfield Church, preaching 
 occasionally for the Blakely branch. For a few subse- 
 quent years, it is presumed that Rev. Levi Baldwin 
 pastor of the church, preached occasionally for this 
 branch. The great revival of 1839, in Greenfield, 
 under the labors of Mr. Mott, spread over an extensive 
 territory, reaching in its progress the upper portion of 
 the Lackawanna Valley. In June of that year, Mr. 
 Mott preached at Baconville and baptized seven con- 
 verts, among whom were Messrs. J. B. Kenyon and 
 Newell Callender, since ordained to the work of the 
 ministry. In July following, six more were baptized 
 in Blakely. Others were also baptized in the vicinity 
 from time to time and added to this branch, until it em- 
 braced a sufficient number of members to organize as 
 an independent church. 
 
 A council of brethren from Abington, Benton, Beth- 
 any, Carbondale, Greenfield and Pittston churches, was 
 convened at the meeting house in Blakely, Luzerne 
 county, Pennsylvania, on the 27th of April, 1843, for 
 the purpose of recognizing the members of this branch 
 as a gospel church. Rev. Henry Curtis was chosen 
 moderator and Mr. Henry Hayden clerk of the council. 
 Twenty-seven persons, nine males and eighteen females, 
 then presented themselves with their Articles of Faith 
 and letters of dismission from the Greenfield church 
 and received fellowship as the Regular Baptist Church 
 of Blakely= The public services of recognition, were 
 conducted by Revs. Henry Curtis, Wm, K. Mott, Silas 
 Finn and Daniel E. Bowen, 
 
202 HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 When the church united with the Association in the 
 following Autumn, they say in their letter that, " dur- 
 ing the last Fall and Winter God was graciously pleased 
 to bless his work in the awakening and conversion of a 
 number of precious souls, increasing our numerical and 
 spiritual strength to such a degree as to call upon us to 
 organize as an independent body. Rev. Wm. K. Mott 
 continues to labor among us one-quarter of the time, 
 with much acceptance." Mr. James P. Stalbird, a 
 licentiate of the Greenfield Church, having united by 
 letter with the Blakely Church, was reported as a sup- 
 ply for this and the following year. Rev. Wm. K. 
 Mott continued to preach for this church a portion of 
 the time until the close of 1849. Curing that period 
 he baptized twelve persons into the fellowship of this 
 church. In October of this year, Mr. Benj. Bowen 
 was chosen Deacon of the church, a position he still 
 sustains. 
 
 In 1850, Rev. James Thompson officiated as pastor, 
 dividing his labors between this and the Covington 
 Church. In the following year Mr. Charles Parker, 
 a licentiate of Abington Church, supplied this church 
 one-half of the time for some nine months with general 
 acceptance. The church report to the Association in 
 the Autumn of this year, 37 communicants, and say 
 in their letter that they have met with no material 
 changes during the past year, save in the removal by 
 death of Dea. Samuel Callender, who has long been 
 one of the pillars in the church. Their heavy loss 
 they believe to be his eternal gain. Their numbers 
 being few and scattered, they seldom meet as a whole 
 in the capacity of public worship. 
 
BLAKELY CHURCH. 203 
 
 In the Spring of 1852, a reviyal commenced in the 
 Lackawanna Valley, under the labors of Mr. E. A. 
 Francis, who had spent the preceding Winter as a 
 school teacher near the " Capouse Works." Rev. 
 William K. Mott came to his aid and labored with 
 great efficiency. The following communication, dated 
 May 13th, was published in the American Baptist : 
 " A precious revival is in progress in the Lackawanna 
 Valley. It commenced a few miles above Hyde Park 
 and is on its way towards the head of the valley. The 
 revival cannot be said to be in any church or congrega- 
 tion ; the meetings are held chiefly in school houses 
 and private dwellings, members of various denomina- 
 tions taking part in the exercises. The Baptists, 
 however, have taken the lead and received most if not 
 all the accessions. Mr. Mott, pastor of the Baptist 
 church at Hyde Park, has done most of the preaching, 
 and within a few weeks past, baptized some thirty of 
 the converts, most of whom have united with the 
 Blakely Church ; others, though baptized, have not yet 
 become members of any church." The work continued 
 for some weeks, reaching in its progress almost every 
 class and condition. The church reported to the Asso- 
 ciation in the following Autumn, 59 baptisms and 98 
 communicants. On the 6th of August of this year, 
 Mr. Newell Callender was licensed to preach the Gos- 
 pel. In the following October, Rev. J. M. Lyons com- 
 menced laboring for the church as a supply and con- 
 tinued to serve the cause in that capacity for some 
 six months. In June of 1853, Rev. 0. L. Hall was 
 settled as pastor of the church, a relation he sustained 
 during' some nine months. The church reported to 
 
204 HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 the Association in the following Autumn, six bap- 
 tisms and 104 communicants. Mr. J. B. Kenyon, 
 previously appointed Deacon of the church, was licensed 
 to preach the Grospel, August 13th of this year, and 
 continued to supply the church until March 15th, 1855, 
 when he was ordained as pastor. He still sustains 
 that relation, giving a portion of his time to the inte- 
 rests of the cause, and receiving very little remuneration 
 for his services. The church reported to the Associa- 
 tion in the Fall of 1867, eight baptisms and 79 com- 
 municants. Since its organization 87 have been bap- 
 tized into its fellowship. 
 
BEREAN BAPTIST CHURCH, 
 
 OiRBONDALB OITT, PA. 
 
BEREAN CHURCH. 205 
 
 BEREAN CHURCH OF CARBONDALE. 
 
 Some of the earlier settlers of Carbondale enter- 
 tained Baptist sentiments. In the Summer of 1830, 
 a company of 20 Welsh emigrants, attracted chiefly by 
 the mining interests, settled in the place, among whom 
 were four Regular Baptists. Mr. John Bowen was a 
 Deacon, his brother James was a minister, and their 
 wives were members — embracing the elements of a 
 Gospel church. Their faith was not abandoned or zeal 
 abated by leaving home and crossing the ocean, but far 
 from friends and fatherland, among strangers speaking 
 another language, they clung the more closely to their 
 cherished creed and distinctive principles. Ways were 
 soon devised and means employed to promote their 
 spiritual interests and propagate their cherished senti- 
 ments. Meetings for prayer and preaching, were com- 
 menced at the house of Deacon Bowen, on the west 
 side of Main Street, on the site now occupied by the 
 store of Mr. Patrick Moflit, Jr. For a time, their 
 congregations were comparatively small, consisting of 
 only a few Welsh families. It was not long, however, 
 before some of their American neighbors of various 
 denominations, met with them occasionally, attracted 
 chiefly by the "songs of Zion, in a strange" tongue. 
 This curiosity was frequently improved by repeating 
 the substance of the services and sermon in English, 
 for the profit and pleasure of that portion of the audi- 
 ence unable to understand the Welsh language. Their 
 numbers were also augmented from time to time by 
 fresh emigrants from Wales, of whom a fair proportion 
 were Regular Baptists. 
 18 C. 
 
206 HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 These Welsh members having united with the Green- 
 field Church, soon became a prosperous branch of that 
 body, holding covenant meetings and enjoying occa- 
 sional preaching. In the Spring of 1833, they took 
 letters of dismission and organized as the First Baptist 
 Church of Oarbondale, with forty-three constituent 
 members. Their public worship was chiefly conducted 
 in the Welsh language, which is said to be peculiarly 
 rich in the expression of religious truths and emotions, 
 but was little less than harsh discord and unmeaning 
 jargon to the unaccustomed ear of their American 
 brethren, who were consequently still left destitute of a 
 religious home and regular preaching. Thus excluded 
 from congenial privileges, the few who had settled in 
 the place, remained for a number of years, attending 
 the meetings of other denominations, until the time 
 seemed to have arrived to erect the Baptist standard 
 and rally to its support and defence. 
 
 Accordingly a council of brethren from neighboring 
 churches, was convened at Carbondale, Luzerne county, 
 Pennsylvania, March 1st, 1848, and an English church 
 was recognized, of seven members, three males and four 
 females, as the Berean Baptist Church of Carbondale. 
 The following persons were constituent members, viz., 
 Rev. Daniel E. Bowen, John B. Lewis, Geo. R. Has- 
 kins, Mary Bowen, Sarah Glover, Louisa L. Berry and 
 Mary J. Cramer. The last two are still esteemed mem- 
 bers of the church. The public services of recognition 
 were Conducted by Revs. John Miller, Henry Curtis, 
 Charles Miller, Rial Tower and Silas Finn ; the first of 
 whom officiated as moderator, and the last acted as 
 clerk of the council. The occasion must have been one 
 
BBRBAN CHURCH. 20T 
 
 of peculiar interest and anxiety to the seven members 
 of this infant church, situated as they were, in the 
 midst of a great and growing population, rife with party 
 and prejudice ; also, destitute in a great measure of the 
 ordinary means of influence and not disposed to resort 
 to the usual modes of acquiring it, how could they hope 
 to sustain the position they had assumed or diffuse the 
 principles they had embraced ? The prospect was, in- 
 deed, dark and doubtful, except as it was relieved by 
 the spanning bow of promise. Thus sustained, they 
 moved silently and steadily forward, seeking divine 
 aid and employing the appointed means. 
 
 At their first, business meeting held on the 13th inst.. 
 Rev. Daniel E. Bowen was called to the pastoral charge 
 of the church, and measures were taken to secure 
 a suitable site for a house of worship. Also at a spe- 
 cial meeting for business, held on the 17th of April fol- 
 lowing, the plan for a meeting house was adopted and a 
 committee appointed to solicit the necessary material 
 aid. The whole project was, howevel-, finally aban- 
 doned, after incurring unnecessary expense and excit- 
 ing unpleasant feelings. On the 29th inst., Mr. Enoch 
 Jones was chosen Deacon of the church, and continued 
 in that ofiice until March 15th, 1851, when he took a 
 letter of dismission and returned to the Welsh Church. 
 Mr. Bowen having served the church as pastor some 
 five months, resigned his charge in the Autumn of 1848, 
 and also returned to the Welsh Church. During his 
 brief connection with the Berean Church, five were 
 added to its membership by baptism, 11 by letter and 
 one was received on experience. When the church 
 united with the Association in the Fall of that year, it 
 embraced 22 communicants. 
 
208 HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 The church was now left destitute of a settled pastor 
 and stated preaching, but continued to sustain covenant 
 and conference meetings, the clerk of the church, Mr. 
 D. W. Halsted, usually leading the public services, 
 and occasionally reading a printed sermon. Rev. 
 Henry Curtis became pastor of the church, in Febru- 
 ary, 1849, and continued to preach for them one-half 
 of the time until January, 1851, when he resigned his 
 charge and retired from the field, highly respected by 
 the church and community. During that period, the 
 church received frequent and valuable accessions to its 
 membership, both by letter and baptism. Mr. Homer 
 Grrennell was chosen Deacon of the church, August 
 18th, 1849, and still serves the cause in that capacity 
 with great usefulness and general acceptance. In 
 1850, the meeting house, formerly owned and occupied 
 by the Methodist Society, was purchased and moved 
 into its present location. By remodeling and repairing, 
 it was made convenient and comfortable. Rev. Charles 
 G-riffin was the third pastor of the church. His labors 
 commenced in March, 1851, and extended through the 
 year. He was ordained as pastor of the church, on the 
 22d of May following, by a council convened for that 
 purpose. While under his charge, a number were re- 
 ceived into the fellowship of the church and others dis- 
 missed. On the 20th of March of that year, Messrs. 
 Francis Perkins and A. 0. Hanford, were appointed 
 Deacons of the church ; the former, after having faith- 
 fully served the cause in that capacity a number of 
 years, took a dismission and removed from the place ; 
 the latter is still an esteemed member and efficient 
 Deacon of the church. During the Summer of 1852, 
 
BERBAN CHURCH. 209 
 
 wliile destitute of a pastor, tke members sustained 
 stated meetings and enjoyed an occasional supply from 
 abroad. Thus they continued until October of that 
 year, when Rev. Frederick Glanville became the fourth 
 pastor of the church. Soon after his settlement " the 
 work of the Lord was graciously revived ; saints were 
 moved to labor and pray, and sinners to repent and be- 
 lieve." His sermons were exceedingly able and highly 
 prized. In March, 1853, he, however, unexpectedly 
 resigned his charge and abruptly retired from the field. 
 
 Mr. E. L. Bailey commenced supplying the church 
 in May, 1853. He was ordained as pastor, January 
 12th, 1854, and still continues to sustain that relation. 
 At the same time, Messrs. Homer Grennell, Francis 
 Perkins and A. 0. Hanford, were also ordained as Dea- 
 cons of the church. This interesting occasion was fol- 
 lowed by a short series of evening meetings, in which 
 Rev. C. A. Fox rendered acceptable assistance. Du- 
 ring the meeting a few persons were hopefully converted 
 and most of the members measurably revived. 
 
 The remaining portion of this sketch, will, perhaps, 
 be fairly presented in a few extracts from the annual 
 letters of the church to the Association. They say in 
 the Fall of 1855, that they enjoy the stated ministry 
 of the word and ordinances of the Gospel, and sustain 
 two weekly prayer meetings and a flourishing Sabbath 
 School of about a hundred scholars. Again, in the 
 Autumn of 1856, they say that they continue to enjoy 
 the stated means of grace, and have received some ac- 
 cessions to their membership. They are also making 
 an effort to secure the necessary means to erect a suita- 
 ble house of worship, with favorable indications of 
 
2l0 HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 ultimate success. One brother has pledged a thousand 
 dollars for the object, and other members have sub- 
 scribed equally liberal in proportion to their means, 
 while the citizens generally seem disposed to render 
 material aid. Finally, in their letter to the Associa- 
 tion in 1857, they report 58 communicants, and say 
 that they have done something for various objects of 
 Christian benevolence abroad on a systematic plan, but 
 most of their limited means are required at home to 
 support regular preaching and build their meeting 
 house, the foundation of which is completed, and the 
 frame is being erected. It is to be constructed of wood, 
 in the Doric style of architecture, 40 by 64 feet on the 
 ground, and well proportioned in height, with a graceful 
 spire and spacious audience-rooms, and when finished 
 and furnished, will cost some five thousand dollars. 
 This young church formed in faith, yet feebleness, in 
 the midst of a needy and numerous/ population, has de- 
 servedly enjoyed the favorable notice and fostering 
 care of the Pennsylvania Baptist Convention, receiving 
 timely aid and frequent appropriations, until it has 
 well-nigh secured a prosperous and permanent position. 
 The meeting house was finally completed as pro- 
 posed, and dedicated to the worship of God, November 
 29th, 1859, by appropriate and impressive religious 
 services. 
 
COVINGTON CHURCH. 211 
 
 COVINGTON CHURCH. 
 
 It is an occasion of regret that we have been unable 
 to secure the necessary materials for a suitable notice 
 of this feeble church. The following facts, however, 
 have been gleaned from the published minutes of the 
 Association and early records of the Greenfield Church, 
 
 As early as February, 1818, Messrs. Samuel Cal- 
 lender. Senior and Junior, were appointed by this 
 church "to visit our brethren and sisters over the 
 mountain, and exhort them to their duty." Again in 
 September, 1820, one person from "over the moun- 
 tain" was baptized by Rev. Nathaniel Otis and ad- 
 mitted as a member of the Greenfield Church. A 
 covenant meeting of this church was also held, Novem- 
 ber 14th, 1829, at Turnersville, in Covington, Luzerne 
 county, Pennsylvania, at which Mira Holgate, Geo. G. 
 S. Jones and his wife, Elizabeth, related their Christian 
 experience and were baptized on the following day by 
 Rev. James Clark. Again on the 17th of April, 1830, 
 at a covenant meeting held by the above church in 
 "Drinker's Beech," as Covington was called, Hannah 
 Rice was received by letter and John Copeland was 
 baptized on a profession of faith, by Rev. Wm. House. 
 On the 20th of November following, Mr. John Holgate 
 was appointed Deacon of this branch of the Greenfield 
 Church, as it was now considered. 
 
 The brethren and sisters composing this branch, 
 continued to hold covenant meetings occasionally and 
 transact such church business as was necessary for 
 their spiritual interests and the general prosperity of 
 the cause in their immediate vicinity. Their number 
 
212 HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 was gradually increased by occasional additions by let- 
 ter and baptism. The pastor of Greenfield Church 
 continued to preach for them from time to time and 
 administer the ordinances as occasion required. 
 
 Thus the cause was sustained and measurably pros- 
 pered until shortly previous to the anniversary of the 
 Association in the Autumn of 1849, when the Coving- 
 ton Church was organized with sixteen constituent 
 members. Rev. James Thompson became pastor of 
 this feeble church and continued to sustain that relation 
 during some two years, dividing his labors in 1850, be- 
 tween this and the Blakely Church. Mr. Charles L. 
 Holgate was appointed clerk, and Mr. Godfrey Jones 
 Deacon of the church — positions they still occupy. In 
 the Autumn of 1850, the church report to the Associa- 
 tion, one received by baptism and two by letter, in- 
 creasing their membership to nineteen, and say in their 
 letter, that they are at peace among themselves and 
 continue to sustain an interesting and promising Sab- 
 bath School. Mr. Thompson also continues to preach 
 for them occasionally. In the Autumn of 1851, they 
 were destitute of a pastor, but continued to labor in 
 harmony. During most of the following year they 
 were supplied with preaching once in two weeks by 
 Messrs. Charles Parker and Benj. Miller, licentiates of 
 Abington Church. Under the labors of these brethren 
 the church was strengthened and a number of the im- 
 penitent were hopefully converted, six of whom were 
 baptized by Rev. Wm. K. Mott, of Hyde Park. They 
 report to the Association in the Autumn of 1852, six 
 baptisms and 23 communicants. Since this date the 
 membership . of the church has continued gradually 
 
COVINOTON CHURCH. 213 
 
 to diminish. The ahove brethren supplied the church 
 during a part of 1853, but without any apparent re- 
 sults. In the Fall of the following year, the church 
 report 19 communicants and say in their letter to the 
 Association, that they are few and scattered over a 
 wide field. They mourn on account of their want of 
 zeal in the cause of the Master. They are entirely 
 destitute of preaching, yet some four or five endeavor 
 to meet once a month for religious worship. A similar 
 state of things continued during 1855 and extended into 
 the following year. The church report to the Associa- 
 tion in the Autumn of 1856, 12 as their total member- 
 ship, and say in their letter that they do not hold 
 covenant meetings regularly but meet occasionally to 
 recount the mercies of the Lord and encourage the 
 hearts and hopes of each other. Rev. 0. L. Hall 
 preaches for them once in two weeks. In the Fall of 
 1857, the church made no report to the Association. 
 It is, however, presumed that they were destitute of 
 stated preaching and still few and feeble. The field 
 occupied by this small church is one of growing impor- 
 tance; comparatively solitary and secluded formerly, 
 it is now open to trade and travel by rail and road, 
 inviting a needy and numerous population. 
 
214 HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 LEBANON CHURCH. 
 
 The few facts embraced in this sketch have been 
 diligently collected from various sources, but chiefly 
 from the published minutes of the Association. 
 
 A Baptist church was organized with nine members, 
 in Lebanon, Wayne county, Pennsylvania, prior to the 
 meeting of the Association in the Autumn of 1831, 
 when it was admitted into that body, Mr. Alfred Wil- 
 marth receiving the hand of fellowship on behalf of the 
 church. They report in the Fall of 1832, four received 
 by letter, and 13 as their total membership, and also 
 say in their letter to the Association, that they have 
 been supplied with preaching one-fourth of the time 
 during the past year, by Rev. Enoch Owen, and that 
 they remain firm in the faith of the Grospel and desire 
 to be guided by the Saviour in all things. Again, they 
 say in their letter to the Association of the following 
 year, that having obtained help from God, they have 
 maintained their integrity in the midst of trials, enemies 
 and persecution, and are striving together for the faith 
 once delivered to the saints. They also report three 
 received by letter, and 16 as their total membership. 
 
 In 1834, one was added to the church by baptism, 
 increasing their membership to 17, but in the following 
 year, two were dismissed by letter, diminishing it to 
 15. Thus this little band continued under the faithful 
 labors of Mr. Owen, until his decease, November 14th, 
 1836. His death is noticed in the minutes of the Asso- 
 ciation of the following year, in fitting terms of fraternal 
 affection. He is represented by those who knew him 
 personally, as an excellent man and faithful minister. 
 
LEBANON CHURCH. 215 
 
 The church was now left without stated preaching, 
 but continued to maintain an independent existence 
 until the Autumn of 1845, when it disbanded and di- 
 vided, one portion becoming a branch of the Mt. Plea- 
 sant Church, and the other uniting with the Bethany- 
 Church. Little advantage was, however, gained by the 
 former union, as the Mt. Pleasant and Lebanon Church, 
 as it was now called, held a meeting at the house of Mr. 
 Lewis Peck, January 9th, 1851, and agreed, according 
 to the record, "to dissolve for the present." The 
 faint hope of a future resurrection expressed in this 
 agreement, has not yet been realized by this church, 
 but was anticipated by that portion of Lebanon Church, 
 which had become a branch of Bethany Church, as will 
 appear by the following account furnished in part by 
 Mr. S. Owen, son of Rev. Enoch Owen, and clerk of 
 the present Lebanon Church from 1852 to '55. 
 
 The branch of Bethany Church in Lebanon, was ac- 
 customed to hold Sabbath and covenant meetings, and 
 to transact such business as the interests of the cause, 
 or inclination of the members, seemed to indicate or re- 
 quire. In the Winter of 1847 and '48, Rev. Andrew 
 Hopper, pastor of Bethany Church, commenced preach- 
 ing for this branch one-fourth of the time. The popu- 
 lation of the place, having somewhat increased and a 
 number of Baptist members moved into the vicinity, 
 the proper time seemed to have arrived to organized as 
 an independent church. Accordingly, at a covenant 
 meeting of this branch, held June 22d, 1849, a com- 
 mittee was appointed to meet the church at Bethany, 
 and confer with the members in reference to the pro- 
 posed organization. The proposition having been ap- 
 
216 HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 proved by the church at Bethany, the members in 
 Lebanon, organized as an independent body on the 
 18th of August following, and adopted Articles of Faith 
 and a church Covenant. On the 30th of the same 
 month, they were recognized as the First Lebanon 
 Church, with 16 constituent members, by a council 
 convened from neighboring churches for that purpose. 
 Three persons were baptized on the same day and re- 
 ceived as members of this infant church. When the 
 church united with the Association in the Autumn of 
 that year, it embraced 19 communicants. Mr. Hopper 
 continued to supply this church until the 1st of May, 
 1850, when he resigned the pastoral charge and re- 
 moved to Abington. 
 
 The church, now left destitute of stated preaching, 
 continued to sustain prayer and covenant meetings and 
 a Sabbath School of some thirty scholars. They report 
 to the Association of that year eight received by letter 
 and on experience, and 27 as their total membership. 
 The services of Rev. L. L. Still, pastor of Bethany 
 Church, were enjoyed one-fourth of the time during 
 most of 1851. Under his labors the church was mea- 
 surably revived and " some souls enjoyed a sense of 
 pardon for sin." Rev. James P. Stalbird was the next 
 pastor. He commenced his labors in the Spring of 
 1852, and preached for the church one-fourth of the 
 time for one year. Near the close of his services, a 
 series of meetings were held and " some signs of good 
 were apparent." Rev. Sanford Leach was his suc- 
 cessor. He preached for the church one sermon on 
 each alternate Sabbath, from July, 1853, until-May of 
 the following year. During the Winter a series of 
 
LEBANON CHUKCH. 21T 
 
 meetings were held, resulting in good to the church 
 and community. Some backsliders were reclaimed and 
 a few sinners hopefully converted. Mr. Stalbird was 
 again invited to preach for the church. He accepted 
 the invitation and commenced his labors in May, 1854, 
 preaching for them one-half of the time, but how long 
 we are not informed. His congregations were com- 
 paratively large and attentive. 
 
 Little of especial interest transpired in the church 
 until the Winter of 1855 and '56, when an interesting 
 work of grace was experienced under the labors of Rev. 
 Newell Callender, and Mr. B. B. Bunting, a licentiate 
 of Aldenville Church. The meetings were commenced 
 in January, 1856, at the "Red School House," and 
 continued until the Ist of April following. The gra- 
 cious work begun at this place, spread to adjacent 
 neighborhoods where large numbers flocked to hear the 
 Word and witness the baptism of convet-ts. Mr. Cal- 
 lender now accepted the pastoral charge of the church. 
 In the Autumn of 1856, the church report to the Asso- 
 ciation, 13 baptisms and 45 communicants. In the 
 Fall of 1857, the church embraced 39 communicants. 
 They say in their letter of that year, that they enjoy 
 peace and harmony among themselves, and desire to 
 drink deep into the spirit of the Gospel. They are 
 destitute of regular preaching, but continue to sustain 
 a weekly prayer meeting. Messrs. Aaron Pulis, Gray- 
 Ion Wilmarth and Arthur Niles, are the present Dea- 
 cons of this church. When they were chosen to this 
 office or how faithfully they have served the cause, 
 we are not definitely informed. 
 -19 
 
218 HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 HYDE PARK CHURCH. 
 
 Except a mere outline furnished by the pastor of this 
 church, the materials for this notice hare been gathered 
 from the published minutes of the Association, and 
 other reliable sources. 
 
 Hyde Park, Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, is one of 
 a cluster of thriving villages that have recently sprung 
 up on a pleasant locality situated in a broad and cen- 
 tral portion of the Lackawanna Valley ; Providence 
 being about two miles north ; Dunmore about the same 
 distance north-east ; and Scranton about a half mile 
 south-east. These villages and vicinity embrace a 
 numerous and enterprising population attracted chiefly 
 by the mining and manufacturing interests. 
 
 As early as 1794 Rev. Wm. Bishop, a Baptist, and 
 the first minister of any denomination, living in the 
 valley, settled with his family at the present site of 
 Hyde Park, where he occasionally preached and en- 
 deavored to diffuse his distinctive principles among the 
 pioneer population. Under his faithful labors conver- 
 sions frequently occurred and a number of persons 
 residing in the place and along the valley, united with 
 the Pittston Church of which he was the esteemed pas- 
 tor. Indeed, the number was so great that this church 
 was known in 1802 as the " Pittston and Providence 
 Church." In 1806, it disbanded and a small portion 
 of the former membership became a branch of Abing- 
 ton Church, leaving the remaining portion scattered and 
 exposed like sheep without a shepherd. The Ather- 
 tons, and perhaps some others, living near Hyde Park 
 remained firm to their faith, so that the place was not 
 
HYDE PARK CHURCH. 219 
 
 left entirely destitute of the salt of Baptist sentiments. 
 
 A Baptist church, however, was re-organized at Pitts- 
 ton in the Autumn of 1833, and resumed its former in- 
 fluence in diffusing Baptist principles and moulding the 
 religious opinions of the heterogeneous population 
 scattered for miles up the Lackawanna Valley. Rev. 
 Wm. K. Mott, pastor of this church, preached occasion- 
 ally at Hyde Park, and baptized a number of converts 
 into the fellowship of the Pittston Church. Thus the 
 cause was situated and continued for some years. The 
 brethren and sisters living at Hyde Park and vicinity, 
 however, finally decided to organize as an independent 
 church. The council of recognition was convened at 
 that place September 12th, 1849, Rev. John Miller 
 officiating as moderator and Rev. Silas Finn acting as 
 clerk. Twenty-three persons, nine males and fourteen 
 females, presented themselves with letters of dismission 
 from their respective churches and received fellowship 
 as the Hyde Park Baptist Church. Rev. Wm. K. Mott 
 was one of the constituent members and pastor of the 
 church, a relation he still sustains, after years of pa- 
 tient toil and persevering effort. Messrs. E. A. Ather- 
 ton and J. C. Dunn were chosen Deacons of the church ; 
 both have since moved from the place. 
 
 When the church united with the Association in the 
 Autumn of 1850, they report one baptized and six 
 dismissed, reducing their number to eighteen, and say 
 that they occupy a difficult yet important field. They 
 have a flourishing Sabbath School and ample library. 
 They also report in 1851, two baptized, one received 
 by letter and 21 as their total membership, and say 
 they are about to erect a suitable house of worship. 
 
220 HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 Through the indomitable perseverance of the pastor 
 and liberality of members and friends, the house was 
 completed as proposed. It was built of brick, 38 by 55 
 feet, at a cost of $2600, and dedicated on the first Sab^ 
 bath of January, 1852, with appropriate religious ser- 
 vices. They report to the Association of that year, 
 seven received by baptism, five by letter and 33 as 
 their total membership and say in their letter that 
 their congregations have increased somewhat since they 
 have occupied their new house, and covenant and 
 prayer meetings are regularly held. During the past 
 Winter a glorious shower of mercy has fallen on a 
 portion of the valley some miles above, and a few drops 
 have descended on this thirsty spot, causing them to 
 thank God and take courage. 
 
 The above facts furnish, perhaps, a fair sample of 
 the many trials and partial triumphs of this church, 
 situated in the midst of a rapidly increasing yet con- 
 stantly fluctuating population. A few more extracts 
 from the annual letters of the church, will continue the 
 outline of its history and must complete this imperfect 
 sketch. In 1853 the church report five received by 
 baptism and 40 as their total membership, and in the 
 following year, say in their letter to the Association, 
 that they cannot communicate much of glad tidings and 
 would not indulge in delusive hopes, yet they still hope 
 to see a gracious revival in the valley, when these dry 
 bones shall be breathed into life and moulded into 
 form. Again, they say in their letter of 1855, that no 
 important changes have marked their course during the 
 past year. They think it becomes thein and others to 
 repent and forsake their sins and coldness in private 
 
HYDE PARK CHURCH, 221 
 
 rather than publish their confessions annually in a 
 penitential letter. In the foIlo-wing year they say that 
 they enjoy regular preaching and sustain a weekly 
 prayer meeting and flourishing Sabbath School. 
 Finally in 1857, they report to the Association 49 as 
 their total membership, and say they have nothing of 
 especial interest to communicate. Such has been the 
 uniform course of this church under the labors of their 
 esteemed pastor. Messrs. Thompson Peckens, Nathan- 
 iel Halsted and Reuben A. Henfy are the present 
 Deacons of the church. 
 
222 HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 BERLIN CHURCH. 
 
 A house of worship was erected in Berlin before the 
 church was orgaaized — thus reversing the usual order. 
 The inhabitants of " Smith Hill," in Berlin, Wayne 
 county, Pennsylvania, met at the " Old Smith School 
 House," on Saturday evening, February lOth^ 1849, 
 to consider the propriety of procuring a site for a 
 meeting house and burying ground. Mr. Charles B. 
 Seaman was called, to the, chair, and Mr. Samuel A. 
 Silsby chosen secretary. The object of the meeting 
 being stated and approved, a committee of seven was 
 appointed to "fix on said location," and report at a 
 subsequent meeting. At a meeting held at the same 
 place, on the 17th of March following, the above com- 
 mittee reported that they had selected a suitable site 
 for a meeting house and burying ground, " upon lands 
 belonging to John Smith, situated near the house of 
 Thomas W. Jones, on the west side of the road leading 
 from Honesdale to Big Eddy." The report was ac- 
 cepted and the following persons were appointed and 
 authorized to make contracts, collect funds and procure 
 materials, viz., John Smith, Benjamin Garratt, Charles 
 B. Seaman and Rev. Andrew Hopper. The committee 
 also reported, and the meeting adopted a preamble 
 and resolutions defining the conditions of occupancy ; 
 the following extract of which, will sufiiciently indicate 
 their general character, viz., " The said house of wor- 
 ship shall be designated as ' the First Baptist Church of 
 Smith Hill,' and be free to all denominations believing 
 in the holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, and hold- 
 ing the doctrines of repentance, regeneration, baptism 
 and a future state of rewards and punishments." 
 
BERLIN CHURCH. 223 
 
 The work was promptly commenced and vigorously 
 prosecuted ; tlie house was conipleted and dedicated on 
 the 14th of September following, with appropriate re- 
 ligious services. The house is a neat structure in a 
 pleasant location. 
 
 The members of Bethany Church, residing in the 
 Smith settlement, were accustomed, from the Spring of 
 1836, to hold stated meetings for covenant and confer- 
 ence. They met for this purpose in the new meeting 
 house for the first time, on the 22d of September, 
 1849. The day being stormy but few were present—* 
 none except male members. The subject of organizing 
 an independent church, was, however, introduced and 
 discussed and it was decided to give public notice ou 
 the Sabbath of a meeting to further consider the 
 propriety of the proposed measure. Accordingly on 
 the 30th inst., at the close of the usual services, an 
 invitation was given to all interested in the organiza- 
 tion of a church, to remain. "A goodly number 
 tarried." After a full interchange of views it was 
 determined to organize as an independent church, and 
 a committee was appointed to convene a council and 
 also to call on all the members of Bethany Church, or 
 other churches, residing in the vicinity and procure 
 letters of dismission for them from their respective 
 churches. 
 
 The council, composed of delegates from Bethany, 
 Lebanon, Honesdale, Damascus, Paupack Eddy and 
 Ten Mile River, convened according to invitation on 
 Thursday the 25th of October, 1849, in the new meet- 
 ing house, and organized by appointing Rev. J. T. 
 Mi^el^ell, med^rMqir, ^nd Pea. C- M. Hayden, clerk. 
 
224 HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 Twenty-two members, six males and sixteen females, 
 presented letters of commendation from Bethany 
 Church, together with their Articles of Faith and 
 church Covenant, and were recognized by the council 
 according to their request, as the First Baptist Church 
 of Berlin, by the usual order of religious services. 
 The following ministers took part in the public services 
 of recognition, viz., D. F. Leach, Andrew Hopper, H: 
 Curtis, M. M. Everts and J. T. Mitchell. 
 
 Rev. A. Hopper became the first pastor of this in- 
 fant church — his services to be shared with the Bethany 
 and Lebanon Churches — and continued to sustain that 
 relation until the Spring of 1850, when he resigned 
 his charge of these churches and removed from the 
 vicinity. The church was now left destitute of stated 
 preaching, yet weekly prayer and monthly covenant 
 meetings were regularly held and occasionally well 
 attended. 
 
 Oii the 3d of May, 1851, Rev. J. P. Stalbird having 
 settled at Smith Hill, united with the church by letter 
 from Ten Mile River, and accepted the pastoral charge. 
 The church also resolved itself into a committee of the 
 whole to visit delinquent members. On the 16th of 
 August following, delegates were appointed to attend 
 the Abington Association and instructed to ask admis- 
 sion into that body. The request was granted and the 
 church admitted into the Association with twenty-seven 
 communicants. 
 
 On the 25th of September, Mr. John Smith deceased. 
 He was one of the constituent members and occupied 
 a prominent place in the business aifairs of the church 
 and congregation, and bore most of the expense of build- 
 
BERLIN CHURCH. 225 
 
 ing the meeting house. On the 1st of May, 1852, the 
 pastor was released one-half of the time to supply the 
 Lebanon Church. The resignation of Mr. Stalbird 
 was accepted on the 2d of April, 1853, and Rey= San-: 
 ford Leach was secured as his successor. Under the, 
 labors of Mr. Leach the cause was revived and har- 
 mony restored. The work was gradual but gracious. 
 An occasional conversion and baiptism stirred the hearts 
 and strengthened the hands of pastor and people. 
 Three persons were baptized on the 5th of June fol- 
 lowing, and on the 6th of August four were received 
 as candidates for that ordinance, and two united with 
 the church by letter. Again, on the 25th of Novem- 
 ber four related their experience and were accepted as 
 candidates for baptism. Thus the gracious work 
 moved gradually forward. They report to the Associa- 
 tion in 1854, thirty-one as their total membershp and 
 say in their letter, that a spirit of union is manifest, 
 and a willingness to pray and labor for the advance- 
 ment of the cause and conversion of souls. Mr. Leach 
 resigned his pastorate last Spring ; since that time. 
 Rev. A. Hopper has preached for them every alternate 
 Sabbath. Covenant meetings are well attended and an 
 interest is felt in every good cause. 
 
 The church was, however, soon left destitute of stated 
 preaching, and the cause began to decline. Thus they 
 remained until the Spring of 1856, when Rev. Newell 
 Callender made them a timely visit, and continued to 
 preach for them occasionally. On the 9th of August, 
 of that year, he was chosen pastor of the church, and 
 Mr. Joseph N. Fairchild, attending the University at 
 Hamilton, New York, was licensed to preach the Gos- 
 
226 HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 pel, and dismissed from the church. He has since been 
 ordained to the ministry at West Troy, New York, 
 where he soon finished his course and entered upon his 
 reward. In November following, Mr. Callender held a 
 series of eveniiig meetings with the church. The efifort 
 was blessed and the membership of the church doubled. 
 They report to the Association in 1857, 25 received by 
 baptism, and 50 as their total membership, and say in 
 their letter, that they have great reason to thank the 
 Lord, that they still live and remain firm in the faith 
 of the Gospel. They held a protracted meeting last 
 November, in which their pastor labored devotedly, and 
 God owned and blessed the effort. Backsliders were 
 reclaimed and sinners converted. They have fre- 
 quently visited the baptismal waters. Mr. Callender 
 still labors with them one-fourth of the time ; their 
 congregations are large and covenant meetings well 
 attended. 
 
NEWTON CHURCH. 227 
 
 NEWTON CHUKCH. 
 
 This church is a continuation of the Falls Church, 
 the origin of which is involved in much obscurity. We 
 are not informed as to the precise date of its organiza- 
 tion. It was, however, constituted with six members, 
 some time in the Spring of 1828, in the southern por- 
 tion of Falls — now Newton — Luzerne county, Pennsyl- 
 vania. This little band had been gathered chiefly 
 through the instrumentality of Mr. Isaac D. Jones, a 
 licentiate, of the church at Exeter, on the opposite side 
 of the Susquehanna. The Falls Church, embracing 
 nine communicants, was admitted into the Association 
 at its annual meeting, held in the following Autumn. 
 Mr. Jones continued to supply the church with general 
 acceptance, and on the 21st of January, 1830, he was 
 ordained as an Evangelist, by a council convened at the 
 request of the Exeter and Northmoreland Churches. 
 The church at Falls was represented in the council, and 
 the services of Mr. Jones were retained. Soon after 
 his ordination, the church "enjoyed a precious revival" 
 under his faithful labors. Thirteen were received by 
 letter and baptism, and the membership was more than 
 doubled. Mr. Jones continued to preach occasionally 
 for the church, until the Autumn of 1833, when, it is 
 supposed, he retired from the field. They report to the 
 Association of that year, seven received by baptism, 
 and 30 as their total membership, and also say in their 
 letter, that they have received some of the precious 
 blessings of converting grace and taken sweet counsel 
 together, in meditating on the law of the Lord and 
 walking in the way of his commands. 
 
22^ HISTORiCAt SKETCHES. 
 
 This, however, was the meridian of their prosperity. 
 From this time, the church from various causes, began 
 to gradnally decline. Without regular preaching and 
 pastoral o&te, the members soon became distracted and 
 disheartened. Some abandoned the cause and united 
 with other denominations. Others yielded to the power 
 of appetite and fell into habits of intemperance. Thus 
 the cause was wasted and weakened. A feeble eifort 
 was occasionally made to raise the falling standard and 
 rally the scattered forces. Eev. John Miller preached 
 occasionally for them, from 1836 to '39j and Rev. 
 James Clark supplied them a part of the time during 
 1840 ; but all to little purpose ; the church had become 
 too weak to be revived. Covenant meetings, however, 
 were occasionally held until the Spring of 1845, when 
 they were entirely suspended. It gives us pleasure to 
 make honorable mention of such as remained faithful. 
 Catharine Litts and Catharine Smith, since deceased, 
 with a few others, were the last to desert the waning 
 cause or distrust the divine promise. But they, too, 
 finally retired from the unequal conflict, to weep in soli- 
 tude over the desolations of Zion. The light was now 
 extinguished and the lamp removed. 
 
 In the Winter of 1849 and '50, Rev. Silas Finn 
 visited the place and sought out the scattered members. 
 By his advice a meeting was called on the 2d of Febru- 
 ary, of that Winter ; the Falls Church was formally 
 disbanded and the Newton Church was immediately 
 organized with nine constituent members. Articles of 
 Faith and a church Covenant were also considered and 
 adopted. On the 20th of the same month this infant 
 church was recognized by a eouiicil <>f ministers and 
 
NEWTON CHURCH. 229 
 
 members convened for that purpose from Benton, 
 Eaton, Exeter, and Northmoreland churches. Revi 
 Wm. Frear officiated as moderator, and Rev. Silas Finn 
 acted as clerk of the council. Rev. Geo. W. Schofield 
 and others were present and participated in the exer- 
 cises. It was a season of peculiar interest as well as 
 anxiety to the few members of this feeble church. In 
 the midst of opposition, without a house of worship of 
 their own, they could but feel the importance of the 
 step they had taken and responsibility of the position 
 they had assumed. The pastoral services of Mr. Finn 
 were soon after engaged for one-half of the time and 
 were enjoyed during most of three years following. 
 His labors were highly prized and greatly prospered. 
 Frequent additions were received, and within a few 
 months the membership was doubled. When the 
 church united with the Association in the following 
 Autumn, it embraced eighteen communicants. 
 
 In ,1851 a shower of grace descended on the thirsty 
 soil, causing the desert to rejoice and blossom as the 
 rose. Some fifty persons were hopefully converted in 
 the vicinity; ten of whom were baptized by the paetpf 
 and admitted to fellowship in the church. They report 
 to the Association of that year, thirty-one as their total 
 membership. Their history during the year following, 
 is marked by few changes of especial interest or imporr 
 tance. The members lived in peace and labored in 
 harmony. The pastor did not devote his efibrts exclu- 
 sively to the spiritual interests of the church and con- 
 gregation, but he was accustomed to visit surrounding 
 neighborhoods-, preaching in school houses or private 
 dwellings, whenever and wherever a door was opened 
 20 
 
230 HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 or opportunity offered. He also sought out the ne- 
 glected and supplied the destitute mth Bibles and Tes- 
 taments. 
 
 Mr. Finn having resigned, Rev. John Miller and his 
 wife united with the church by letter in 1853, and he 
 accepted the pastoral charge — to preach one-half of 
 the time. His labors were measurably prospered. 
 They report to the Association of that year, eight re- 
 ceived by baptism and 38 as their total membership, 
 and also say in their letter, that covenant meetings are 
 well attended with increasing interest. In the follow- 
 ing year one was received by baptism and a usual de- 
 gree of prosperity continued. In the Winter of 1854 
 and '55 an especial effort was made within the bounds 
 of the churdi, under the direction of Mr. Benj. Miller, 
 a licentiate of Abington church, and son of the venera- 
 ble pastor. The meetings were blessed and a number 
 of the impenitent hopefully converted, who were subse- 
 quently baptized and admitted into the church. On 
 the 18th of April, 1855, Mr. Benj. Miller was ordained 
 to the work of the ministry by a council convened in 
 Newton, at the request of the Abington Church, of 
 which he was a member. He now became associated 
 with his father as pastor of Newton Church — each 
 preaching one-half of the time. This arrangement was 
 continued until the decease of the senior pastor, Febru- 
 ary 19th, 1857, when Mr. Benj. Miller became sole 
 pastor. Under his labors the church has prospered 
 and made some progress. They report to the Associa- 
 tion 'in 1856, three received by baptism and forty-four 
 as their total membership. They also say in their 
 letter to the Association in 1857, that they enjoy the 
 
NEWTON CHURCH. 231 
 
 faithful labors of Rev. Charles Parker, one-fourth of 
 the time. Their congregations are large and attentive. 
 They mourn the death of one of their most devoted 
 members, Rev. John Miller, a faithful minister, father 
 and friend. Messrs. S. H. Cooper and Benj. Rosen- 
 crans are the esteemed Deacons of this church. 
 
2gP2 HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 WEST ABINGTON CHURCH. 
 
 The First Abington Cliiirch extended oyer the "West 
 Settlement" for nearly half a century. Some of its 
 eenstituent members and many of its subsequent con- 
 verts resided in that neighborhood. Messrs. Jonathan 
 Dean, Greorge Gardner, James Dean and Phineas Rey- 
 nolds, were among its original members ', their names 
 also frequently appear in the early records of that 
 ©hurch. In March, 1803, " a meeting for public wor- 
 ship" was held at the house of Mr. Jonathan Dean, 
 and covenant and communion seasons were also at- 
 tended at the same place in July, November, December 
 and March following. In April, 1804, it was agreed 
 to hold "preparatory meetings and sacrament" at the 
 house of Mr. George Gardner on the first Sabbath of 
 each alternate month, commencing with July following. 
 This arrangement was continued for a number of years, 
 with occasional changes of time and place as conveni- 
 ence suggested or necessity required; the meetings 
 also becoming less frequent as other fields were entered 
 by the pastor and occupied by the church. Provision 
 was also made for holding prayer and conference meet- 
 ings in the absence of Mr. Miller, as he was frequently 
 detained from his appointments hj funerals, weddings 
 and other causes. In February, 1807, the church 
 selected Messrs. Jonathan Dean, George Gardner and 
 Phineas Reynolds " to appoint and keep up meetings 
 in the 'West Settlement.'" Experience suggested 
 other officers, and circumstances developed new gifts. 
 In December following Mr. James Dean was chosen 
 treasurer, and in January, 1808, Messrs. Jeremiah Cap- 
 
WEST ABINGTON CHTJKCH. 233 
 
 well and Daniel Reynolds were appointed leaders of 
 the singing for this settlement. For many years the 
 principal clerk and one of the Deacons of the church 
 were also residents of the neighborhood. 
 
 The foregoing facts and reflections will, perhaps, suf- 
 ficiently indicate the future progress of the cause and 
 privileges of the members, in this portion of the old 
 church. This interest, however, having come from the 
 root and continued under the rind of the original tree, 
 finally shot out and soon became a vigorous branch, pro- 
 ducing abundant fruit and ample foliage. Sustaining 
 this intimate relation and dependence, it was sensibly 
 aflfected by revivals or reverses originating in other 
 portions of the church, and in turn contributed in no 
 small degree to the trials and triumphs of the general 
 cause. In January, 1838, a revival commencing with 
 this branch, extended to the whole church and exerted 
 a lasting influence. At this date, Rev. James Clark 
 having closed a season of successful labors in Benton, 
 at the request of the brethren in West Abington, came 
 to their aid and commenced a series of meetings in the 
 " Union School House." The minds of the people 
 seemed to anticipate a gracious work. His first ser- 
 mon preached from 2 Samuel, 5 : 24, produced marked 
 and immediate results. " The sound of a going in the 
 tops of the mulberry trees," was distinctly heard and 
 promptly heeded. Saints began at once " to bestir", 
 themselve to earnest efibrt, and sinners to anxious 
 solicitude. This revival thus commenced, continued 
 deepening and widening in its onward sweep, until it 
 broke over its banks and bore away all barriers, flood- 
 ing and fertilizing the entire field. 
 
234 HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 In the following Summer, the members in West Ab- 
 ington commenced building their present meeting house, 
 which was subsequently completed and dedicated to the 
 worship of God, as is believed, on the 4th of July, 
 1839. It is a plain but substantial building, pleasantly 
 and was when erected, conveniently situated in the 
 midst of a moral and thrifty community of farmers, but 
 passing years and a growing village have left it com- 
 paratively isolated and antiquated. Besides building 
 a house of worship, an almost unanimous effort was 
 made by the members to become an independent 
 church, and secure the pastoral care of Rev. James 
 Clark, but both of these cherished objects were finally 
 yielded and abandoned in filial deference to the sup- 
 posed wishes of their venerable pastor. They con- 
 tinued to receive his usual care and consented to remain 
 subject to the old church, though riveling the " East 
 Settlement," in pecuniary means and benevolent con- 
 tributions. At a subsequent period a similar attempt 
 was made to secure the ministerial labors of Rev. Wil- 
 liam McKowan, who was a member of this branch and 
 in needy circumstances, but was also defeated by the 
 same silent, yet effectual influence. 
 
 Mr. Miller continued preaching for this branch once 
 in two weeks until the Spring of 1850, when at his 
 suggestion. Rev. Andrew Hopper, of Bethany, became 
 junior pastor of the church, arranging with the senior 
 pastor to alternate their labors between the "East and 
 West Settlements." During the Summer, however, 
 relations between the pastors becoming somewhat com- 
 plicated and entangled, the members in the "West 
 Settlement," finally concluded in the following Au- 
 
WEST ABINGTON CHURCH. 235 
 
 tumn, that it was their bounden duty to separate from 
 the old church and organize as an independent body. 
 Accordingly, letters of dismission were secured with 
 the cordial consent of the old church, and a council of 
 brethren from nine neighboring churches, was convened 
 December 19th of that year, at the meeting house in 
 West Abington, Rev. "Wm. K. Mott officiating as 
 moderator, and Rev. Rial Tower acting as clerk. 
 Fifty-six persons, 23 males and 33 females, all with 
 letters of dismission from the old church, except one, 
 then presented themselves with their Articles of Faith, 
 to the council and received fellowship as the West Ab- 
 ington Church. 
 
 Thus organized, the church proceeded to appoint 
 necessary officers and transact such business as the 
 interests of the cause and community seemed to de- 
 mand. On the 28th of December following, Mr. Isaac 
 Tillinghast, who had officiated jas Deacon in the old 
 church, was called to the same position in the new, and 
 Messrs. William Dean, E. D. Gardner and Benedict 
 Taylor, were also chosen Deacons of the church. On 
 the 15th of February, 1851, Mr. E. P. Tillinghast was 
 appointed clerk of the church, and Revs. John Miller 
 and Andrew Hopper were invited to continue their 
 pastoral relations. The former declining the invitation, 
 the latter became sole pastor of this infant church, 
 preaching for them one-half of the time until April, 
 1852, when he resigned his charge and retired from 
 the field. Under his labors the cause was measurably 
 prospered. When the church united with the Associa- 
 tion in the Autumn of 1851, they report one received 
 on experience, seven by baptism and 23 by letter, in- 
 
236 HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 creasing their total membership to 87. In the Spring 
 of 1852, Rev. Sanford Leach became pastor of the 
 church and sustained that relation through the current 
 year. During that time the church was called to 
 mourn the death of Dea. Tillinghast, a man universally 
 esteemed and lamented. A. W. Taylor a young man 
 of much promise also died in the triumphs of faith. 
 Mr. Leach near the close of his labors was aided in a< 
 series of meetings by Rev. C. H. Harvey, resulting in 
 the hopeful conversion of a number of persons. 
 
 In the Spring of 1853, Rev. Charles A. Fox became 
 pastor of the church, dividing his labors between this 
 and the old church. He still sustains this relation 
 with great faithfulness and general favor. Under his 
 ministry the church has enjoyed uniform peace and 
 prosperity. The clerk of the church having been re- 
 moved by death in July, 1853, Mr. Alvinzy Gardner 
 was appointed to that office in August following — a 
 position he still occupies, besides making himself gene- 
 rally useful. The church report to the Association in 
 the Fall of that year, 28 baptisms and 106 communi- 
 cants, and say in their letter that their interest in the 
 great moral reforms of the day, is still unabated ; they 
 believe the cause of God and humanity are identical. 
 
 Few changes of especial interest have marked or 
 marred the remaining history of this young but vigor- 
 ous church. The members have sustained Sabbath 
 Schools and prayer meetings, and manifested a com- 
 mendable spirit of Christian benevolence. They have 
 also borne a uniform and united testimony against 
 slavery as the " sum of all villanies," and intemper- 
 ance as the source of untold crime and misery. The 
 
WEST ABINGTON CHURCH. 237 
 
 church report to the Association in the Autumn of 
 1857, four baptisms and 113 communicants, and say in 
 their letter that they are endeavoring to sustain the 
 cause of Christ at home, and contribute to its universal 
 spread in the world. 
 
238 HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 UNION CHURCH. 
 
 Most of tlie members of this church reside in the 
 eastern part of Clifford, and southern portion of Her- 
 rick, Susquehanna county, Pennsylvania. " The city," 
 or McCawley's Mills, situated about two miles north of 
 Dundaff, had been for some years an out-station of 
 First Clifford Church, the pastor. Rev. C. Miller, 
 preaching here once a month. His visits, however, 
 were discontinued in the Autumn of 1850. Ministers 
 of the Methodist, Presbyterian and Old School Bap- 
 tist denominations also preached occasionally in the 
 vicinity. 
 
 In the Spring of 1851, Mr. D. W. Halsted, a mem- 
 ber of First Clifford Church, commenced holding stated 
 meetings in a school house at " the city." The services 
 consisted of singing, prayer and reading sermons. 
 The congregations soon became comparatively large 
 and attentive. In the latter part of June of that 
 year, the propriety of organizing an independent church 
 was introduced and discussed. Soon after, a number 
 of persons residing in the vicinity, who had been con- 
 nected with the Herrick and Second Clifford churches, 
 recently disbanded, were visited and consulted. Eight 
 living members were found among the ruins of Herrick 
 Church, but none survived the fall of Second Clifford 
 to unite in the new interest. Eight from First Clifford 
 Church, and one from Berean Church of Carbondale, 
 also united with the eight from Herrick, and organized 
 as an independent church. 
 
 On the 25th of July, 1851, a council of recognition 
 was convened at " the city," composed of delegates 
 
UNION CHUEOH, 239 
 
 from West Abington, Benton, Jackson and Gibson, 
 Greenfield and Carbondale churches. Eey. J. B. 
 Worden officiated as moderator of the council, and Rev. 
 Daniel E. Bowen acted as clerk. Seventeen brethren 
 and sisters presented letters of dismission from their 
 respective churches, together with their Articles of 
 Faith and church covenant, and were recognized as the 
 Union Baptist Church. The public services were con- 
 ducted by Revs. Charles Griffin, J. L. Richmond, A, 
 Hopper, D. E. Bowen and J. W. Parker. The inter- 
 view was pleasant and profitable. "Much," says one 
 who was present, " of the Spirit's influence was felt ; 
 it was good to be there." 
 
 On the following day two united with the church by 
 letter and one by baptism. The ordinances were also 
 administered by Rev. J. W. Parker, and his services 
 engaged for one-fourth of the time — the remaining 
 portion to be occupied by Mr. D. W. Halsted in read- 
 ing sermons and other religious services. The church 
 was prospered and encouraged with frequent additions 
 by letter and baptism. At the first covenant meeting 
 of the church, held on the 23d of August following, 
 Messrs. Alanson Halsted and Thomas Burns were ap- 
 pointed Deacons ; they still continue to serve the cause 
 in this capacity with general acceptance. When the 
 church united with the Association in the Autumn of 
 that year, they report nine received by letter and bap- 
 tism, and twenty-seven as their total membership. 
 
 Prom this time until the following May, they were 
 deprived of the labors of their pastor who was prostra- 
 ted by a painful and protracted sickness. During that 
 time, however, covenant meetings were Sustained and 
 
240 HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 stated services held on the Sabbath. An unpleasant 
 case of discipline was faithfully conducted and amica- 
 bly settled without discord or distraction. In the 
 Spring of 1852, the pastor being restored to compara- 
 tive health, resumed his labors and continued to preach 
 for the church one-fourth of the time until the 23d of 
 April, 1853, when he resigned his charge and retired 
 from the field. 
 
 The church, now left destitute of a settled pastor, 
 was regularly supplied by Mr. D. W. Halsted, previ- 
 ously licensed to "improve his gift" within its bounds. 
 By his changing with neighboring ministers, the sacra- 
 ment of the Lord's Supper was occasionally celebrated 
 in the church. The instrumentalities employed were 
 blessed ; Sabbath and covenant meetings increased in 
 interest until the house where they met was thronged 
 with attentive hearers. The members were moved to 
 prayerful effort, and sinners to seek salvation. In 
 December of that year, meetings were held days and 
 evenings. Rev. William A. Miller, of Greenfield, came 
 to their aid and assisted in the services. A few ser- 
 mons were also preached by Rev. William K. Mott, of 
 Hyde Park, and Rev. Silas Finn, of Benton. On the 
 1st of January, 1854, nine precious youth were bap- 
 tized and received into the church. 
 
 On the 25th of February following, Mr. D. W. Hal- 
 sted was licensed to "improve his gift" within the 
 bounds of the Association, and invited to supply the 
 church one-half of the time, and Rev. Wm. A. Miller 
 waS also chosen pastor of the church — to occupy the 
 remaining half of the time for. one year. In the Sum- 
 mer of 1854,. plans were devised and preparations made 
 
UNION CHURCH. 241 
 
 for building a house of worship. The frame was 
 erected September 4th of that year, and enclosed, and 
 the house completed during the Winter and Spring fol-- 
 lowing. It was dedicated May 3d, 1865, with appro- 
 priate religious services. The house is a neat structure 
 pleasantly located. It is a monument to the enlightened 
 zeal and willing sacrifices of the church and commu- 
 nity — especially of the few who bore the burden of 
 the toil and expense. They report to the Association 
 of this year, thirty-fiye as their total membership, and 
 say in their letter that the past year has been to them 
 one of sacrifice and affliction. They have completed 
 and dedicated a neat and convenient house of worship. 
 A small debt remains to be provided for. They mourn 
 the death of Mr. S. B. Halsted, a young man of much 
 promise, highly esteemed and sincerely lafnented. His 
 sister Mary also died in less than a year from the de- 
 cease of her brother. She was amiable and devoted 
 in hfe, and happy and triumphant in death. They re- 
 port to the Association in 1856, one received by bap- 
 tism, three excluded and thirty-three as their total 
 membership. In December of that year. Rev. William 
 A. Miller was again invited to labor for the church 
 one-fourth or one-half of the time as they might be able 
 to secure the necessary means to reward his services. 
 He commenced his labors on the 13th of January fol- 
 lowing. During the Spring and Sumner of that year 
 the cause seemed to wane and the interest to decline. 
 Unsettled difficulties exerted a blighting influence on 
 the prosperity of the church. Rev. A. 0. Stearns 
 succeeded Mr. Miller as pastor of the church. Under 
 his labors peace and harmony have been apparently 
 21 
 
242 HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 restored. They report to the Association in 1857, 
 thirty-one as their total membership, and say they hope 
 to see the salvation of God and pray for a revival of 
 genuine piety. They sustain a Bible Class and Sab- 
 bath School. 
 
ASHLAND CHURCH. 248 
 
 ASHLAND CHURCH. 
 
 A few brethren and sisters, members of various Bap- 
 tist churches, residing in the vicinity of "Beech Pond," 
 Wayne county, Pennsylvania, met at the house of Mr. 
 Hiram M. Gillett, November 29th, 1851, to consider 
 the propriety of organizing as an independent church. 
 Rev. J. P. Stalbird being present,. presided as modera- 
 tor of the meeting. After a free interchange of views 
 without arriving at any definite conclusion, the meeting 
 adjourned to the 13th of December following. 
 
 The above brethren and sisters met again according 
 to adjournment and organized as the Ashland Baptist 
 Church, and adopted Articles of Faith and a church 
 Covenant. Meetings were also held on the 1st and 
 17th of January, 1852, for mutual encouragement and 
 the transaction of church business. The church met 
 on the 14th of February following, and made arrange- 
 ments to call a council of recognition, and also appoint- 
 ed the Saturday before the third Sabbath in each 
 month for holding covenant meetings, subsequently 
 changed to the Saturday before the first Sabbath. 
 
 The council composed of delegates from West Abing- 
 ton, Berlin, Bethany, Damascus, Honesdale and Ten 
 Mile River churches, convened according to request, 
 March 18th, 1852, in the Methodist Episcopal meeting 
 house of Ashland. On account of the violence of the 
 storm, delegates invited from other churches were un- 
 able to attend. The council being organized, ten per- 
 sons, five males, and five females presented letters of 
 dismission from sister churches as follows, viz., six 
 from Bethany, two from Ten Mile River, one from 
 
244 HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 Damascus and one from Lebanon, and were recognized 
 by the council as the Ashland Baptist Church by ap- 
 propriate religious services. The public exercises of 
 recognition, were conducted by Eeys. A. Hopper and 
 M. M. Everet. 
 
 Key. J. P. Stalbird preached occasionally for the 
 chnrch. until the 28th of May following, when the pas- 
 toral labors of Rev. A. Hopper were engaged for a 
 portion of the time. He continued to serve the church 
 in this relation for some two years with general accep- 
 tance. The church was aided to some extent by the 
 Pennsylvania. Baptist Convention, in sustaining their 
 pastor. 
 
 In the Autumn of 1852, the church was admitted 
 into the Association, with twelve communica,nts. Oa 
 the 25th of December following, Messrs. Isaac Doughty 
 and Henry Henshaw were chosen Deacons of the 
 church, and the Lord's Supper was appointed to be 
 celebrated once in three months. Covenant meetings 
 continued to be statedly held and were frequently 
 seasons of peculiar interest. Additions were occasion- 
 ally received by letter and baptism, and the church 
 seems to have enjoyed uninterrupted peace and com- 
 parative prosperity. They report to the Association 
 in 185§, six received by baptism and twenty as their 
 total membership. 
 
 During the following year, little of general interest 
 transpired in the church. One person was received on 
 experience and one member was excluded. It was evi- 
 dently a season of coldness and declension. They say 
 in their letter to the Association in 1854, that they 
 have reason to complain of themselves on account of 
 
ASHLAND CHURCH. 245 
 
 their apathy and delinquencies. Their prayer meet- 
 ings are neglected and covenant seasons irregularly 
 attended. There is also a want of brotherly love and 
 heartfelt union. They do not, however, entirely des^ 
 pair ; their hope is in the Lord who has so often turned 
 drops of sorrow into fountains of comfort. The Gospel 
 is statedly and faithfully preached by their pastor, Mr. 
 Hopper. 
 
 During the following two years the records of the 
 church are a blank, with few exceptions. They did not 
 represent themselves to the Association in 1855 and 
 '56. In May of 185T, Rev. Newell Callender com- 
 menced preaching for the church once in two weeks. 
 Under his faithful labors the members soon began to 
 rally and the interest to rise. On the 27th of June 
 following, an interesting covenant meeting was held, 
 and two persons were received on experience and one 
 by baptistQ. On the 25th of July, " the church," as the 
 record runs, " held their regular covenant meeting at 
 the school house near Mr. Doughty' s — -members gener- 
 ally present — had a good time." They report to the 
 Association in 1857, one received by baptism and nine- 
 teen as their total membership, and say that their con- 
 gregations are large and attentive, and tokens of good 
 are apparent. The prospects of the church at present 
 are encouraging. An interesting revival is now in suc- 
 cessful progress. 
 
246 HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 SECOND DAMASCUS CHURCH. 
 
 This church was organized of persons formerly con- 
 nected with the First Damascus Church and acting as 
 a branch of that body. They lived chiefly in two ad- 
 jacent neighborhoods situated on ^wo roads, some six 
 miles west and south-west from the meeting house 
 of the First Church. They had been supplied for 
 some years with stated preaching in their immediate 
 neighborhoods by Rev. J. T. Mitchell " much to their 
 comfort and edification. But living quite remote from 
 the usual place of holding church meetings, it was be- 
 lieved that it would be for the . glory of God and 
 extension of his Kingdom to organize as a separate 
 and independent body." Accordingly letters of dismis- 
 sion were taken from the First Damascus Church, and 
 a council of brethren from Clinton, Callicoon, Hones- 
 dale and Lebanon churches, was convened in the wes- 
 tern portion of Damascus, Wayne county, Pennsylvania, 
 December 19th, 1851. Eleven persons, seven males 
 and four females, presented themselves to the council, 
 and received fellowship as the Second Baptist Church 
 of Damascus. Rev. Henry Curtis acted as moderator 
 of the council and preached the sermon of recognition 
 from Matt. 21 : 42. 
 
 Rev. John T. Mitchell, one of the constituent mem- 
 bers, was immediately chosen pastor of this infant 
 church and continued to serve the cause in that rela- 
 tion with general acceptance until his decease in the 
 Summer of 1856. Mr. John S. Dodge, also one of the 
 constituent members and a licentiate of the church, 
 commenced and has continued preaching occasionally 
 within the bounds of the church. 
 
SECOND DAMASCUS CHURCH. 247 
 
 When the church united with the Association in the 
 Autumn of 1852, it embraced sixteen communicants. 
 At this time the pastor and most of his family were 
 greatly afflicted from severe and protracted sickness. 
 All, however, recovered except a son and daughter. 
 While the labors of the pastor were thus suspended, 
 the church was regularly supplied with preaching by 
 Mr. Dodge. On the 16th of October of that year, 
 Messrs. Levi H. Welton and J. S. Dodge were ap- 
 pointed Deacons of the church, and still sustain that 
 relation. Mr. H. W. Mitchell was also elected clerk 
 of the church and still acts in that capacity. 
 
 In 1853 the church report two received by baptism 
 and 23 as their total membership, increased in 1854 to 
 25, and in the following year to 26. They say in their 
 letter to the Association of this year, that they have 
 been preserved from discord and measurably prospered. 
 They sustain an interesting Bible Class and Sabbath 
 School and are endeavoring to aid various objects of 
 Christian benevolence. In 1856 they report four re- 
 ceived by baptism and 31 as their total membership. 
 This year was marked by the death of their pastor, 
 Eev. John T. Mitchell. He died on the 29th of July, 
 aged 55 years, missed and mourned by a large circle 
 of relatives and acquaintances. " His daily walk as 
 a Christian," says one who knew him personally, "was 
 such as to secure the confidence of his neighbors and 
 affectionate regard of the people of God. As a minis- 
 ter of Christ, he was faithful. His preaching was 
 not with enticing words, but in demonstration of the 
 Spirit. As a pastor he endeavored to watch over and 
 feed the people of his charge. In his last sickness, 
 
248 HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 though suffering at intervals severe pain, yet his mind 
 ■was fixed on the immutable promises of God." 
 
 The church, thus deprived of the presence and 
 
 ■preaching of their pastor, were, however, regularly 
 supplied by Mr. J. S. Dodge. They report to the As- 
 sociation in 1857, thirty-one as their total membership. 
 In October of that year Rev. Newell Callender accept- 
 ed the pastoral charge of the church. Under his 
 
 ■faithful labors the cause was greatly revived. He was 
 aided in a series of meetings by Rev. E. A. Francis, 
 which resulted in the hopeful conversion of a large 
 number of the impenitent. Forty-nine were baptized 
 
 ■on a profession of faith and admitted to membership 
 in the church. Thus seed, long since sown in faith 
 and watered with tears, has finally sprung up and 
 yielded an abundant harvest. 
 
MOUNT BETHEL CHURCH. 249 
 
 MOUHT BETHEL CHtRCH. 
 
 This ehurch is located in tlie western portion of 
 Scott, Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, in the Olmstead 
 neighborhood. Among the earlier inhabitants, were 
 some three or four persons belonging to the Abington 
 Church. Messrs. Abijah Dann and Benjamin Miller 
 occasionally visited the neighborhood and held prayer 
 and conference meetings in the "Olmstead School 
 House." Few changes of especial interest occurred in 
 the place until the Winter of 1849 and '50, when a 
 a precious revival was enjoyed under the labors of 
 Messrs. Benjamin Miller and Charles Parker, and a 
 comparatively large number of person^ living in the 
 settlement were baptized and received as members of 
 the Abington Church. The work commenced with the 
 Methodists and Six Principle Baptists, at Clark's Green, 
 and continued to spread until it reached this neighbor- 
 hood, and resulted in a general revival. 
 
 In the Summer of 1852 the brethren and sisters 
 living in the Olmstead settlement were set off as a 
 branch of the Abington Church, with the privilege of 
 holding covenant meetings and transacting all neces- 
 sary business subject to the inspection and approval of 
 the parent church. In the Autumn- of that year, a 
 second revival was enjoyed in the settlement uiider the 
 labors of Messrs. Parker and Benjamin Miller who 
 were now licentiates of the Abington Church, not so 
 extensive, however, as the former, yet resulting in 
 much good to the cause and community. A number of 
 the recent converts were baptized by Rev. John Miller, 
 of Abington, and received as members of this branch. 
 
250 HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 It was now thought best to organize as an indepen- 
 dent church. Accordingly a council of recognition, 
 composed of delegates from neighboring churches, was 
 convened June 15th, 1853, in the " Olmstead School 
 House," when fifty brethren and sisters presented 
 themselves with letters of dismission from the Abing- 
 ton Church and received fellowship as the " Mt. Bethel 
 Baptist Church." When they united with the Associa- 
 tion in the following Autumn, they report one received 
 by letter and 51 as their total membership. 
 
 Messrs. Parker and Benjamin Miller continued to 
 supply this infant church with general acceptance. 
 No especial changes, however, marked its course or 
 marred its history until the year 1855, when Mr. 
 Charles Parker was ordained as pastor of the church 
 by a council of brethren convened for that purpose. 
 He has continued to serve the cause in that relation 
 until the present time. Under his labors the church 
 has received some accessions to its membership by bap- 
 tism, and continued to enjoy comparative peace and 
 prosperity. A Sabbath School has been sustained in 
 the neighborhood since the Spring of 1854, during the 
 Summer seasons, exerting, it is hoped, a happy influ- 
 ence on the rising generation. Other benevolent ob- 
 jects of Christian effort, have, however, received but 
 little aid or attention, partly, it is presumed, on ac- 
 count of the youth and inexperience of most of the 
 members. They say in their letter to the Association 
 in 1856, that they cannot report that degree of pros- 
 perity and progress they could desire, yet the tender- 
 ness manifested in their meetings, and interest in the 
 services, encourage them to hope that divine influences 
 
MOUNT BETHEL CHURCH. 251 
 
 have not been entirely witlidrawn. They also report 
 in their letter to the Association in 1857, fifty-three as 
 their total membership and say that their present con- 
 dition is not very encouraging and they would cry, 
 " Oh that we knew where we might find Him, that we 
 might come even to His seat." Such has been the 
 brief and uniform course of this infant church. 
 
252 HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 HOLLISTERVILLE CHURCH. 
 
 Rev. Nevell Callender, of Blakely, visited Hollister- 
 ville, Wayne county, Pennsylvania, January 1st, 1864, 
 and preached on the evening of that day to a small 
 audience convened in the school house. He came again 
 on the 20th of the same month and commenced a series 
 of meetings in the Protestant Methodist meeting house 
 procured for that purpose. He picked his fuel and 
 purchased his candles to warm and light the house. 
 There was no one sufficiently interested to stand by 
 him and stay up his hands, no Baptists living in the 
 village except two sisters. He, however, was not en- 
 tirely discouraged, but continued to pray and preach, 
 and also to visit from house to house, conversing with 
 such as he chance to meet at their fire-sides or in their 
 daily business. The fire soon began to burn and the 
 ice to melt. During his absence on a visit to his home, 
 some three or four persons turned out with a team and 
 procured a quantity of wood ; candles were also provi- 
 ded, and on his return the house was well warmed and 
 lighted without further difficulty. After the meetings 
 were resumed, the house was soon filled with attentive 
 listeners who flocked in from all quarters. Rev. 0. L. 
 Hall, of Blakely, now came to the aid of Mr. Callender, 
 and ministers of other denominations occasionally at- 
 tended the meetings and took part in the exercises. 
 The opposition at first manifested, began to subside, 
 and sinners to inquire "what shall I do to be saved?" 
 The work thus commenced, continued to increase in 
 power and extent, reaching in its progress almost all 
 classes and conditions from early youth to hoary age. 
 
HOLLISTERVILLE CHUaCH. 255 
 
 heads of families and some •whole households. It is 
 estimated that not less than one hundred persons were 
 hopefully converted in the vicinity during the meetings. 
 On the 12th of February, Mr. Hall baptized five on 
 a profession of faith ; these with seven other baptized 
 believers residing in the vicinity, organized as an inde- 
 pendent church and were recognized as such, March 
 1st, 1854, by a council convened for that purpose. 
 The services were of a deeply interesting character.. 
 On the morning of the following day six young men, 
 some of them heads of families, related their experience 
 before the church and were "buried with Christ in 
 baptism." 
 
 Rev. 0. L. Hall was immediately chosen pastor of 
 this promising church and entered on the duties of that 
 relation in April following. His labors were greatly 
 blessed and valuable accessions were made to the 
 church. Mr. Charles E. Hall was appointed clerk of 
 the church, and Messrs, James Waite and William Pot- 
 ter were chosen Deacons. When the church united 
 with the Assodation in the Autumn of 1854, they re- 
 port twenty-eight received by baptism and 46 as their 
 total membership — nearly quadrupling their numbers 
 since their recognition. They also say in their letter 
 that " they enjoy stated preaching and sustain a Bible 
 Class, and three weekly prayer meetings. Their con- 
 gregations are large and prospects bright. They have 
 commenced building a convenient house of worship 
 which they hope to complete in a few months." 
 Through the efforts of the pastor and liberality of the 
 members and sympathizfing friends, their meeting house 
 was finished at a cost of about $1800, and dedicated to 
 2Si 
 
254 HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 the worship of Grod on the 6th of June, 1855, with ap- 
 propriate religious services. 
 
 The Association met with them in the Autumn of 
 that year and was hospitably entertained. The meet- 
 ings were well attended and diffused a healthful and 
 happy influence. During the session Messrs. Waite 
 and Potter were ordained as Deacons of the church. 
 The occasion was one of much interest. Early in the 
 following Spring, a Sabbath School was organized with 
 about forty scholars and teachers. The prospects of 
 the school were encouraging. 
 
 The church' say in their letter to the Association in 
 1856, that no especial changes have marked their 
 course during the year ; Sabbath services are statedly 
 held with increasing interest ; prejudice has yielded to 
 the power of truth, and opposition to the influence of 
 kindness. They sustain two weekly prayer meetings, 
 a Bible Class and Sabbath School. At times clouds and 
 darkness have gathered round but have soon broken 
 and dispersed. 
 
 They report to the Association in 1857, 40 as their 
 total membership. In October following their pastor. 
 Rev. 0. L. Hall, resigned his charge, retired from the 
 field, and removed beyond the bounds of the Associa- 
 tion. The church continued to sustain stated worship 
 and to enjoy occasional preaching. They are anxious 
 to settle a faithful and efficient pastor. There are few 
 fields that have been more productive and prosperous. 
 
SALEM CHURCH. 255 
 
 SALEM* CHURCH. 
 
 This ckurch is located in Salem, Wayne county, 
 Pennsylvania, at the "Jones Settlement." The place 
 takes its name from Mr. Asa Jones, one of the pioneer 
 settlers. He emigrated from Connecticut, and settled 
 with his family at this place in the Spring of 1803. 
 He and his wife were both Baptists and became mem- 
 bers of the Palmyra Church, of which he was subse- 
 quently elected a Deacon, and continued to serve the 
 cause with general acceptance in that capacity until his 
 decease. His fervor and faithfulness are still held in 
 affectionate and grateful remembrance. Though living 
 some seven miles from the usual place of meeting, yet 
 he was punctual in his attendance on the public and 
 private gatherings of the church. It is related that he 
 was accustomed to come and return through the dense 
 and dangerous forest on foot, and frequently alone 
 protected by his faithful dog and trusty rifle. 
 
 Rev. Wm. Purdy, of Palmyra, was accustomed to 
 preach occasionally at " Jones Settlement." Under 
 his labors a number of persons made a public profession 
 of religion and united with the church of which he was 
 long the esteemed pastor. Subsequent pastors of the 
 Palmyra Church preached occasionally at the " Jones 
 Settlement," and baptized a few converts. Thus mat- 
 ters continued in the settlement during a half century. 
 In the Spring of 1853, Rev. Sanford Leach, pastor of 
 Palmyra and other churches, visited "Jones Settle- 
 ment," and commenced preaching alternately at this 
 place and at " Sand Pond" as a regular supply. In 
 the following Winter he held a series of meetings of 
 
256 HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 about three -weeks, at these stations, resulting in great 
 and lasting good to the cause and community. Back- 
 sliders were reclaimed and sinnei*s converted^ a num- 
 ber of whom were baptized on a profession of faith and 
 admitted as members of Palmyra Church. The breth- 
 ren and sisters residing in "Jones Settlement" and 
 vicinity, having taken letters of dismission from the 
 church of which they were members, held a meeting at 
 the house of Mr. Joel Jones, March 5th, 1854, and or- 
 ganized as an independent church with the usual Arti- 
 cles of Faith and Covenant. A council of recognition 
 was convened in the " Stone School House" on the 14th 
 of the same month, Rev. Zelotes Grenell acting as 
 moderator, and Rev. J. R. Ross as clerk. Nineteen 
 brethjren and sisters presented themselves and received 
 fellowship as the Salem Baptist Church. " The exer- 
 cises," according to the record, " were conducted in a 
 manner worthy of the occasion." 
 
 The church united with the Association in the fol- 
 lowing Autumn, when they report two added by bap- 
 tism and say their covenant meetings are interesting 
 and usually well attended. They are about to secure 
 the services of Rev. Orange L. Hall as a supply. They 
 also say in their letter to the Association in 1855, that 
 they mourn their want of zeal in the Master's cause, 
 but are not entirely discouraged. They enjoy the labors 
 of Mr. Hall one-half of the time ; their congregations 
 are comparatively large and attentive. They have 
 5one something for various objects of Christian benevo- 
 lence and have it in their hearts to do more. In 1856 
 they report a similar state of things and add that they 
 " are united, and sustain a prayer meeting." About 
 
SALEM CHURCH. 257 
 
 this time they were left without stated preaching, but 
 continued to sustain public worship on the Sabbath. 
 They report to the Association in 1857, 21 as their 
 total membership, and say in their letter that no espe- 
 cial change has marked their course. They are still 
 few and feeble, but not entirely faithless or faltering. 
 Their prayer and covenant meetings are usually welj 
 attended. 
 
258 HISTORICAL SKETOHES. 
 
 ALDENVILLE CHURCH. 
 
 For a immber of years previous to the constitution 
 of this church, AldenvilUe, Wayne county, Pennsyl- 
 vania, had been occupied as an out-station by the 
 pastors of Bethany, Chnton and Honesdale churches. 
 The labors, however, of Rev. Henry Curtis, -who lived 
 in the vicinity, were most abundant and protracted. 
 A Sabbath School had, also, been established in the 
 place and sustained most of the time. There were a 
 number of Baptists, members of the above churches, 
 residing in the village and vicinity, but deprived of the 
 salutary influence of church organization, they were 
 comparatively weak and had become nearly disheart- 
 ened. Prayer meetings were sometimes commenced, 
 but after a brief existence, were invariably terminated 
 by cruel neglect. The spiritual wants of a rapidly 
 increasing population were but partially supplied. 
 
 On the 1st of January, 1855, Rev. Newell Callen- 
 der, pastor of Palmyra Church, visited the place by 
 request and commenced a series of meetings, in connec- 
 tion with the pastor of Clinton Church. The presence 
 and power of the Holy Spirit, were soon apparent. 
 The members were aroused and revived, and a number 
 of the impenitent were convinced of sin and hopefully 
 converted to the Saviour. It was not long before 
 some of the converts made a public profession of re- 
 ligion by submitting to the ordinance of baptism, most 
 of whom united with the Clinton Church, 
 
 In the Spring of that year it was deemed advisable 
 by a majority of the members residing in the place, to 
 organize as an independent church. Accordingly a 
 
ALDBNVILLE CHURCH. 259 
 
 council of recognition was convened in the school house 
 at Aldenville, March 1st, 1855, Rev. Zelotes Grenell 
 acting as moderator and E. L. Bailey as clerk. Six- 
 teen brethren and sisters presented themselves with 
 their letters, Articles of Faith and Covenant, and re- 
 ceived fellowship as the " Regular Baptist Church of 
 Aldenville," by appropriate and impressive religious 
 services. 
 
 The pastoral labors of Mr. Callender were secured 
 for one-half of the time, commencing in April of that 
 year. When the church united with the Association in 
 the following Autumn, they report 13 received by bap- 
 tism and 31 as their total membership, and say in their 
 letter that they have been deprived of the labors of 
 their pastor during the past Summer by protracted 
 sickness, and mourn the loss of a worthy sister by 
 death. They have sustained two weekly prayer meet- 
 ings, and commenced building a house of worship, 
 thirty by forty-two feet ; the frame is up and will 
 probably be enclosed, and the house completed the 
 present year. 
 
 In February, 1856, Mr. Callender resigned his charge 
 of the church and retired from the field. He was suc- 
 ceeded by'Rev. Henry Curtis, as pastor of the church. 
 Their house of worship, located on a pleasant site dona- 
 ted by Mr. L. H. Alden, was completed and dedicated 
 to the worship of God on the 9th of July of that year 
 by appropriate religious service. Through the enter- 
 prise of Mr. H. P. Haight and others, it has since 
 been furnished with a suitable bell. The house erect- 
 ed at a cost of about $1500, is a tasty and substantial 
 structure — a monument to the zeal and liberality of 
 the members and comtnunitv. 
 
260 HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 Mr. Curtis closed his stated labors with the church 
 in January, 1857, being disabled by a sad and serious 
 affliction. During the few subsequent months, the 
 church was supplied occasionally by Mr. B. B. Bunt- 
 ing, who had previously been licensed to preach the 
 Gospel. In the following April, the services of Mr. 
 D. W. Halsted were secured as a supply ; he was or-. 
 dained as pastor of the church on the 23d of July 
 following. They report to the Association in the Fall 
 of 1857, twenty-nine as their total membership, and 
 say that they enjoy a good degree of union and har- 
 mony. They maintain a weekly prayer meeting and 
 hope soon to hear sinners inquiring what they shall do 
 to be saved. 
 
ABINGTON VALLEY CHURCH. 261 
 
 ABINGTON VALLEY CHURCH. 
 
 A large proportion of the early population of Abing- 
 ton, entertained Baptist principles. These principles 
 have assumed various forms at different times and 
 places. The Regular Baptists, however, have uni- 
 formly been the most numerous and influential. The 
 Old School flourished for a season and the Free Will 
 have been at times quite numerous ; the Seven Day 
 have also had some adherents, and the Six Principle have 
 been comparatively prosperous. A church of the last 
 named order was organized at an early day at Bailey 
 Hollow, in Abington, Luzerne county, where they have 
 a convenient " Bethel" and hold stated meetings for 
 religious worship. A majority of the members in this 
 church, were furious for moderation. They were op- 
 posed to Missionary eflforts, Bible Societies, Sabbath 
 Schools, Choir Singing, and most of the reformatory 
 measures and movements of the present day. The 
 minority in this church holding other views, frequently 
 attempted to overcome this opposition and initiate social 
 and religious reforms, but were as frequently frustrated 
 in their plans and foiled in their purposes. At length, 
 becoming wearied and wasted, they retired from the 
 unequal conflict and resolved to establish an indepen- 
 dent interest on more rational views and progressive 
 principles. Accordingly a meeting was held to delibe- 
 rate on their present condition and decide on their 
 future course. They deliberated with much care and 
 decided with great caution. The meeting was ad- 
 journed from time to time in order to give suificient 
 opportunity for deliberate consideration. They finally 
 
262 nisTOKicAL sketches. 
 
 concluded to organize as a Regular Baptist church, and 
 call a council of recognition. At their invitation a 
 council of brethren from First Abington, West Abing- 
 ton, Benton, Blakely, Clinton, Greenfield, Newton and 
 Mt. Bethel churches, was convened at Bailey Hollow, 
 on the 28th of February, 1856. Rev. Henry Curtis 
 officiated as moderator, and Rev. J. B. Kenyon acted 
 as clerk of the council. Twenty-three persons, twelve 
 males and eleven females having presented themselves 
 and submitted their Articles of Faith and church Cove- 
 nant, were recognized by the council as the Abington 
 Valley Church by the following order of religious ser- 
 vices, viz.. Rev. Wm. K. Mott preached a sermon from 
 Eph. 4 : 15, 16 ; Rev. Wm. A. Miller extended the 
 hand of fellowship ; Rev. John Miller addressed the 
 church, and Rev. Benjamin Miller offered the conclud- 
 ing prayer. The entire exercises were of an interest- 
 ing character. 
 
 The church was supplied with stated preaching for 
 some months after its recognition by Mr. Mott, pastor 
 of the Hyde Park Church. His labors were of essen- 
 tial service to this young but promising interest. The 
 church was now left without a stated supply, but was 
 encouraged from time to time by the presence and 
 preaching of neighboring ministers. The church was 
 admitted into the Association in the following Autumn, 
 with its membership unchanged and harmony unim- 
 paired. They were then anxious to secure the pas- 
 toral services of a minister who would faithfully preach 
 the Gospel and fearlessly rebuke sin in all its forms. 
 But they did not succeed in settling a pastor. The 
 services, however, of Rev, Charles Parker, were en- 
 
ABINGTOiSr VALLEY CHURCH. 268 
 
 gaged as a stated supply. Monthly covenant meetings 
 were regularly held and communion seasons enjoyed. 
 The services of Mr. Parker were continued until the 
 annual meeting of the Association in the Autumn of 
 1857, when they report 22 as their total memhership, 
 and also say in their letter that they have engaged the 
 services of Rev. T. J. Cole as the first pastor of the 
 church, and expect him to enter on the duties of the 
 oiEce about the first of October following — his labors 
 to be shared with the Benton Church. 
 
 The church have a convenient house of worship. 
 Most of the members being stockholders in the Bethel 
 meeting house in Bailey Hollow, owned and occupied a 
 portion of the time by the Six Principle Baptists, en- 
 deavored to get the privilege of holding occasional 
 meetings in it when unoccupied, but not finding it 
 " agreeable" to do so, they ceased their solicitations 
 and concluded to make an effort to build a house of 
 their own. At a meeting held September 18th, 1856, 
 they decided to build, and appointed a committee to 
 solicit material aid. A suitable lot was generously 
 donated by a gentleman living in the' place, but not a 
 professor of religion, and a sufiicient amount was pledg- 
 ed within a month to build a plain but covenient house 
 of worship. No other mechanic being willing to build 
 the house for the sum offered, Dea. H. J. Colvin took 
 the contract for the amount subscribed. He carried 
 forward the work during the inclemency of the follow- 
 ing Winter, with his characteristic industry and perse- 
 verance. In the meantime the ladies of the church 
 and congregation, organized a Sewing Circle which met 
 weekly for the purpose of raising means to furnish the 
 
264 HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 house when completed. A bell was procured, the 
 house finished, furnished and dedicated, April 30th, 
 1857, with suitable services. It is 36 by 50 feet on the 
 ground, erected at a cost of $1600, and pleasantly 
 situated in a delightful valley. 
 
PRESTON CENTRE CHURCH. 266 
 
 PRESTON CENTRE CHURCH. 
 
 A few members of the Scott Church were living in 
 Preston, Wayne county, Pennsylvania, at some distance 
 from the more central place of holding meetings. They 
 had for some years acted as a branch of that church 
 and enjoyed the ordinances of the Supper and baptism 
 at their place and pleasure. 
 
 They, however, on account of their isolated position, 
 finally decided to organize as a "distinct church." 
 Accordingly a council of brethren from neighboring 
 churches in the Abington and Bridgewater Associations, 
 was convened at Preston Centre, April 14th, 1858, to 
 render advice and give them fellowship as a Grospel 
 church. Twenty brethren and sisters presented them- 
 selves to the council and were duly recognized as " the 
 Preston Centre Baptist Church." 
 
 When this church was admitted into the Association 
 in the following Autumn, they reported four additions 
 and 24 communicants. They also say in their letter, 
 " We have secured the pastoral services of Rev. Rial 
 Tower, one-fourth of the time, and we are trying to 
 maintain the worship of Grod among us. The faithful 
 labors of Mr. Tower have been graciously owned and 
 greatly blessed. We have a large Sabbath School and 
 ample library. 
 
 Mr. Tower continued to labor for them a portion of 
 the time, during the two following years. In the Fall 
 of 1859, they reported to the Association two baptisms 
 and 26 communicants. They had licensed Mr. Samuel 
 W. Lloyd to exercise his gift in preaching and had also 
 passed through some severe trials. They, however, 
 2S 
 
266 HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 were not disheartened, but hoped for brighter and bet- 
 ter days. In 1860, they complained of discord and 
 coldness. Nor was there much improvement during 
 1861, but the same state of things continued causing 
 them to lament their condition and long for a. return 
 of Christian love and revival influences. Mr. William 
 N., son of Rev. Rial Tower, and licentiate of the 
 Lenox Church, now supplied them, dividing his time be- 
 tween this and the Scott Church. In 1862, Mr. Tower 
 was still preaching for these two churches, now as an 
 ordained minister. At the recent meeting of the Asso- 
 ciation held at Bethany, they report 23 communicants, 
 and say in their letter, " We have had no preaching for 
 the past year. Our covenant meetings are poorly at- 
 tended. We have tried to sustain a Sabbath prayer 
 meeting and have a small Sunday School on the union 
 plan. We have secured for the coming year the labors 
 of Rev. E. C. Cook each alternate Sabbath." 
 
BARKYVILLE AND SHOHOLA CHURCH. 267 
 
 BARRYVILLE AND SHOHOLA CHURCH. 
 
 The name, perhaps, of this church, -will sufficiently 
 indicate its location. It may, however, be added that 
 Barryville and Shohola are situated some miles east of 
 the Delaware river in Sullivan county, JST. Y. The 
 church at this place was gathered and organized under 
 the zealous labors of Rev. E. A. Francis, whose efforts 
 have been attended with much success in various por- 
 tions of this Association. He held a series of meetings 
 at Barryville in the Winter of 1858-9, resulting in the 
 hopeful conversion of many of the impenitent. The 
 church in this place was recognized by appropriate re- 
 ligious services on the 7th of February, 1859, with 21 
 constituent members, five of whom had been baptized 
 on the previous day, the remaining 16 bearing letters of 
 commendation. 
 
 Thus the foundation of this church was laid but the 
 work did not cease. The sound of the axe was heard 
 in the forest and its echo on the hills. The walls were 
 slowly rising and the building was gradually approach- 
 ing completion. By the 10th of November following, 
 Mr. Francis had baptized 39 persons on a profession of 
 faith, into the fellowship of the church. Rev. James L. 
 Bennett now accepted the pastoral charge and contin- 
 ued to aid on the work. When the church united with 
 the Associotion in the Autumn of 1860, they reported 
 61 communicants. " Our course during the past year," 
 they say in their letter, " has been gradually and gra- 
 ciously onward, occasional conversions and baptismal 
 seasons cheering and encouraging our hearts. We 
 have been enabled to complete a convenient and com- 
 
268 HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 modious meeting house whicli was dedicated to the wor- 
 ship of God on the 15th of March last." 
 
 The following year was marked by trials and declen- 
 sion. Some members had removed to distant places, 
 and others neglected the stated meetings of the church. 
 They were also afflicted by internal dissentions, and 
 assailed by outward opposition arising from sectarian 
 prejudice. The pastor, however, continued to labor 
 with uniform earnestness and faithfulness until the fol- 
 lowing Spring, when he resigned his charge and retired 
 from the field. In May, 1861, Rev. C. A. Skinner 
 became pastor of the church and labored with marked 
 zeal and success. Under his judicious efforts the Sab- 
 bath School was re-organized, the congregations were 
 increased and unity of feeling and action was restored 
 in the church. They reported to the Association in 
 the Fall of this year, six baptisms and 71 communi- 
 cants. 
 
 In 1862, Mr. Bennett is again reported as pastor of 
 the church, dividing his time perhaps between this and 
 the Ten Mile River Church. They reported in the 
 Autumn of this year 63 as their total membership. 
 At the recent Anniversary of the Association, held at 
 Bethany, they report six baptisms and 68 communi- 
 cants, and say in their letter that " during the months 
 of January and February last, we enjoyed the labors 
 of Rev. E. A. Francis in a protracted effort, in con- 
 nection with those of our then pastor. Rev. J. L. Ben- 
 nett, resulting in the addition of six to us by baptism. 
 Rev. James R. Remsen is our present pastor," 
 
SCRANTON CHURCH. 269 
 
 SCEANTON CHURCH. 
 
 The public recognition of this chui-ch took place in 
 the Odd Fellows' Hall, August 24th, 1859. The 
 council convened upon the occasion was composed of 
 ministers and messengers from different churches in 
 the Association. The following brethren officiated in 
 the public exercises of recognition, Revs, C. A- ^ox, 
 Thomas J. Cole, E. L. Bailey and L. 0. GrenelL 
 Rev. Isaac Bevan, Corresponding Secretary of the 
 Pennsylvania Baptist Convention, was present by re- 
 quest of the church and preached the sermon. Twen- 
 ty-five brethren and sisters had on the preceding week 
 organized themselves into a church by unanimous reso- 
 lution, and by adopting Articles of Faith and a church 
 Covenant. Nearly all these brethren and sisters pre- 
 sented letters of dismission from the church in Hyde 
 Park, of which Rev. Wm. K. Mott was pastor. 
 
 Some brethren who had been deeply interested in 
 the advancement of the cause of Christ in our own de- 
 nomination had felt anxious for several years that such 
 a movement should be made in Scranton. The Welsh 
 brethren had organized as a church some years previ- 
 ous, and erected a house of worship. Under the labors 
 of Rev. J. A. James they had enjoyed considerable pros- 
 perity. He had resigned and was succeeded by Rev. 
 Theopilus Jones, who counseled and urged the Ameri- 
 can brethren to organize. Other brethren had also 
 taken some pains to bring about the same desirable 
 result. 
 
 After the church was organized, the Odd Fellows' 
 Hall was rented for its exclusive use on the Sabbath. 
 
270' HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 A Sabbath School was successfully gathered, which 
 has continued with considerable encouragement. Rev. 
 Theopilus Jones preached for the church on Sabbath 
 evenings for two months with much acceptance. He 
 performed this labor in addition to preaching two ser- 
 mons in Welsh every Sabbath. 
 
 With the advice of neighboring brethren in the min- 
 istry, the church gave Rev. Isaac Bevan a call to the 
 pastorate. In doing this they expected to receive aid 
 from the American Baptist Home Mission Society, 
 to the amount of $300 at least, as the Pennsylvania 
 Baptist Convention could not at that time give them 
 any assistance. The Board of the Home Mission 
 Society, when the application came before them, felt 
 Compelled to decline an appropriation. This was after 
 Mr. Bevan had settled with the church and been in the 
 field twti months. The church had agreed to pay him 
 $250 a year. When the decision of the Home Mission- 
 Board was received, the brethren, encouraged by the 
 liberalit-y of members of the congregation and some 
 members of the Presbyterian church, at once agreed to 
 pay their pastor $500 a ycEtr, which they succeeded in 
 doing. When the pastor settled with them November 
 1st, there were 23 members^ two having taken letters 
 and removed to another placej From that time to the 
 present (October 15th, 1863,) the church has enjoyed 
 uniform peace and a gratifying degree of prosperity. 
 It has received by baptism 50, by experience eighty 
 by letter 71, making with the original number 154. 
 There have been dismissed by letter 23, dropped four, 
 excluded three, died one, leaving 123 as their present 
 tetal membership. 
 
SCRANTON CHURCH. 271 
 
 The first year the church received some aid from a 
 few churches in the Association. With that exception 
 it has been self-sustaining. For more than a year it 
 occupied the Odd Fellows' Hall, and since that the 
 Washington Hall. In the Winter and Spring of 1863 
 meetings were held every evening for nearly three 
 months, which were greatly blessed to the reviving of 
 the church and conversion of souls. As the fruit of 
 these meetings a few backsliders were reclaimed, and 
 35 added by baptism. The pastor received valuable 
 aid from Revs. C. A. Fox and D. W. Halsted. The 
 great want of the church at present is a house of 
 worship, which they hope soon to be able to build. 
 The pastor and church have been happily united in all 
 their labors, and especially so in regard to the state of 
 the country during the present war. With scarcely a 
 single exception they have been decidedly and devotedly 
 loyal. Seven of the brethren entered the army ; four 
 of these have been honorably discharged after faith- 
 fully serving their country. Three are still in the 
 service. 
 
 The following brethren are the esteemed Deacons of 
 this church, viz., Messrs. Lewis Lewis, Nathaniel Hal- 
 sted and Reuben A. Henry. The last two formerly 
 occupied the same position in the Hyde Park Church. 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES 
 
 OF THE PIONEER MINISTERS. 
 
 These pioneers have long since passed away, as we 
 fondly hope, to their grateful rest and gracious reward, 
 but not until they had aided in laying a firm foundation 
 for a stately structure and setting in motion influences 
 that must continue to extend and expand through all 
 coming time. While they served their own generation 
 by the will of God, they also suffered and sacrificed for 
 the future good and growth of the cause and kingdom 
 of Christ. They felled the forest and fallowed the 
 field ; they stirred the soil and scattered the seed. It 
 remains for us who have entered into their labors, to 
 carry on the work they commenced, and prize and per- 
 petuate the influence they exerted. It is ours still to 
 plant and prune, to water and weed the growing crop, 
 and gather and garner the golden harvest. 
 
 Their lot was cast in primitive times, possessing pecu- 
 liar necessities and demanding corresponding qualifica- 
 tions. The country was newly settled and the popula- 
 tion widely scattered. The people were generally 
 simple in their social habits, and necessarily subject to 
 serious privations and hardships. With little time for 
 literary culture, they had less taste for mere glitter of 
 
274 BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 style or grace of composition. Nevertheless, they 
 could appreciate rich truths clothed in rude language, 
 preferring the Gospel in the rough, with its sharp 
 angles and irregular sides, just as it was raised from 
 the mine or rolled from the mountain. Their sensible 
 wants and wishes were best met and supplied by a minis- 
 try from among themselves, self-schooled, self-supporting 
 and self-sacrificing. It was enough that they posessed 
 strong common sense and sound scriptural knowledge, 
 delivering their message with fervor of feeling and 
 fluency of speech ; these were considered suitable quali- 
 fications for their responsible work among the pioneer 
 population of this comparative wilderness. 
 
 They were, however, men of like passions with our- 
 selves ; doubtless, errors and excellences mingled in 
 their creed, and beauties and blemishes blended in their 
 character, yet it may be both pleasant and profitable 
 for us who are launched on the same waves and 
 are following in their widening wake, to reverently 
 pause and rationally pass in review their eventful 
 course, so full of stirring incident and salutary instruc- 
 tion. Though dead, they yet speak ; a voice of caution 
 and encouragement comes up from their lowly graves, 
 scattered among these rugged hills and along these 
 rich valleys ; now raised in solemn warning against the 
 fashionable follies and popular prejudices of the times ; 
 then again, it is heard clear and calm above the din 
 and dust of the battle-field, in tones of earnest encour- 
 agement, arousing and rallying the scattered and 
 scarred hosts of God's elect, to fearlessly renew the 
 deadly conflict and flercely rush to the dreadful carnage. 
 We pause to catch the distant, yet distinct sound ; to 
 
ITINEBANT MISSIONARIES. 275 
 
 ponder and profit by the various lessons of their valua- 
 ble lives and labors. 
 
 The work on this field was begun and prosecuted 
 chiefiy by pious persons from among the pioneer popu- 
 lation. The cause owes little to external pressure or 
 appliances. However, some aid from abroad was 
 graciously rendered and gratefully received. During 
 the early portion of the present century, the Baptists 
 of New England considered North-Eastern Pennsyl- 
 vania as missionary ground, having some claim on their 
 personal efibrts and pecuniary assistance. Accordingly 
 " The Massachusetts Baptist Missionary Society" was 
 accustomed to employ itinerant missionaries and send 
 them on occasional tours across the State of New York, 
 into this distant and destitute field. 
 
 In the Spring of 1807, Rev. Peter P. Roots, a mis- 
 sionary of this Society, passed through North-Eastern 
 Pennsylvania, entering the state at Great Bend on the 
 Susquehanna, and leaving it at Milford on the Dela- 
 ware. During his passage he preached at Nine Part- 
 ners — now Harford — Clifibrd, Mt. Pleasant, Bethany, 
 Cherry Ridge and Purdytown, near the Lackawa Set- 
 tlement. In December, 1809, Rev. Jesse Hartwell 
 and Rev. Asa Todd, also missionaries of this Society, 
 after crossing the State of New York, penetrated this 
 wilderness. They spent a few days at Bethany and 
 Mt. Pleasant, " preaching," as the journal runs, " to a 
 needy and scattered people." 
 
 In the Summer of 1811, Rev. John Lawton, a mis- 
 sionary of the " Baptist Missionary Convention of the 
 State of New York," also visited this field and made a 
 brief stay at Bethany, preaching twice in the- court 
 house of that place. 
 
276 BIOGKAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 Other ministers from abroad occasionally passed 
 through this wild region, visiting the various churches 
 and settlements, to comfort the hearts and confirm the 
 faith of these scattered disciples, but the brunt and 
 burden of evangelizing this moral waste, were . chiefly 
 assumed and cheerfully borne by earnest brethren from 
 among the early settlers. 
 
 Permit me, then, to direct your attention to the 
 pious lives of these pioneer laborers. Let us gather 
 around their silent dust and scatter fresh flowers on 
 their solitary graves. While we charitably shroud 
 their defects and carefully shun their derelictions, let 
 us gratefully revive their many excellences and gra- 
 ciously emulate their energy and earnestness, their 
 piety and perseverance. 
 
PIONEER PREACHEES. 277 
 
 THE PIONEER PREACHERS. 
 
 A number of these have already been incidently 
 named in the preceding pages. It but remains to 
 briefly notice the lives and labors of the three following 
 who were among the more prominent and persevering. 
 
 BBV. EPAPHRAS THOMPSON. 
 
 It will be impracticable to correctly trace the dawn- 
 ing life or declining years of the mysterious subject of 
 this imperfect sketch. So far as we can learn, he was 
 " without beginning of days and end of life." Burst- 
 ing unexpectedly on our view like the comet, he delays 
 and dazzles for a brief period, and then dashes off and 
 disappears in the dim distance. 
 
 Bpaphras Thompson was born, as is supposed, in the 
 State of Connecticut, in about the year 1755. He was 
 a silversmith by trade, but was soon called to quit the 
 quiet of his chosen avocation and enter on more stirring 
 scenes. He joined a company of Cavalry, under Col. 
 Sheldon, and participated in the strife and struggle for 
 national independence. At the conclusion of the revo- 
 lutionary war in 1783, he was married to Miss Marga- 
 ret Horner, and settled in Wethersfield, Hartford 
 county, Connecticut, where he lived in a house recently 
 the scene of an awful tragedy, indicating a mind devoid 
 of groundless fear and superior to a prevalent super- 
 stition.* 
 
 * On the 11th of December, 1782, Mr. Wm. Beadle, of Wethersfield, knaoked 
 down his wife and six children with an axe, and cut their throats witn a carv- 
 ing knife, and then blew out his own brains with a pistoL He entertained 
 deistisal opinions, and at the time of this awful tragedy was sufTering from 
 depression of mind occasioned by loss of property. 
 
 24 
 
278 BIOGKAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 He next moved with his family to Bristol in the 
 same county, where he settled as pastor of the Baptist 
 church composed of members residing in the place and 
 also at New Hartford. 
 
 In the Autumn of 1800, he visited the Beech Woods 
 in Pennsylvania, and commenced preaching at Mt. 
 Pleasant, Wayne county ; in the following year he 
 brought on his family and settled in the place. He 
 was the first resident minister in the township of any 
 denomination. The region was wild and mountainous ; 
 the population sparse and scattered. The traveling 
 was also diflBcult and dangerous, and provisions scarce 
 and costly. There was little in the condition or pros- 
 pects of the place to invite to present service, or 
 promise future success. He, however, entered the 
 field and commenced preaching for the Free Communion 
 Baptist Society, recently organized, with but six com- 
 municants. His labors were early blessed, and a num- 
 ber of the pioneers were hopefully converted. Not 
 fully harmonizing with some of the leading members 
 on the limitations of communion, after discussing the 
 subject, a compromise was agreed upon and the church 
 re-organized with 14 communicants, of which he became 
 a member and the first pastor. 
 
 He now extended his ministerial labors to other and 
 distant settlements, scattered over a wide range of this 
 wilderness region. He frequently preached at Lackawa 
 on the Wallenpaupack, Cochecton on the Delaware, 
 Pittston on the Susquehanna, Thornbottom on the 
 Tunkhannock, also near the head waters of the Wya- 
 lusing, and at Elkwoods and Nine Partners in what is 
 now Susquehanna county. His labors were greatly 
 
blessed and Urge numbers were Ji'bpefully converted 
 and admitted into the chtt)»c}l5 thus ihck'easing its mem^ 
 feership ilntii -^ith its li^aiiches it embraced upwards of 
 SOft ic6niniUiiicants> The church, however, haViUg jfal> 
 ien back on Unrestricted communion, Mr. Thompson 
 and seven others withdrew and constituted a Regular 
 Baptist church in the Autumn of 1807, and also united 
 with others ia ©rgaiiiaing this Association, Mr, 
 Thompson Was moderator ©f the Convention held 
 for the purpose of forming the Association and exerted 
 his influence in giving it shape and character. 
 
 In the Spring of 1808, he took a letter of commen- 
 dation and settled at Dundaff, Susquehanna county, 
 and commenced preaching for a branch of "Elder 
 Miller's church," in Elkwoods. The people, however, 
 soon lost confidence in his moral character, he having 
 been drawn into habits of intemperance a«d frequently 
 seen in a state of intoxication. In the Swmmer of 
 1809, complaint was made of his conduct to die Mt. 
 Pleasant Church, of which he was still a member, by 
 the Abington Church, in the bounds of which he was 
 then living. In the Fall of 1813, he was excluded 
 from the church and published in the minutes of the 
 Association, of 1819, as an imposter, and the churches 
 were cautioned against his pretensions. 
 
 It is not certainly known that he was ever reclaimed 
 from his wanderings or restored to membership in the 
 church. There was, howeyer, a floating report of his 
 subsequent reformation, and an aged acquaintance of 
 his, " hopes," from what of information he has receiv- 
 ed, " that his end was peace." He had moved from 
 the vicinity, but to what place is not certainly known ; 
 
280 BioaaAPHicAL notices. 
 
 some say to Kingston in the Wyoming Valley ; others, 
 to Penn Yan in the State of New York.* 
 
 It is presumed that he and his wife have long since 
 died and heen "gather'ed to their fathers." They had 
 eight children, five of whom were sons. Epaphras, the 
 oldest son, became a minister of the Baptist church, 
 and settled in Western New York ; Manna, the second 
 son, was for a time a preacher among the Episcopal 
 Methodist, but subsequently of the Presbyterian de- 
 nomination. The daughters are all dead, as is believed, 
 and perhaps most or all of the sons. 
 
 Mr. Thompson was a man of respectable talents and 
 attainments : somewhat proud and ostentatious ; of 
 commanding appearance and commendable address. 
 " Unknown he came ; he went a mystery — 
 A stately vessel foundered in a calm." 
 
 BEV. SAMUEL STXJRDEYANT. 
 
 The life of the subject of this sketch was remarkably 
 uniform and his labors were extensively useful. He 
 pursued the even tenor of his way and work amid many 
 cares and crosses. 
 
 Samuel Sturdevant, born as is believed, in Danbury, 
 Fairfield county, Connecticut, August 30th, 1741, was 
 the child of pious parents belonging to the Congrega- 
 tionaUsts. He early made a public profession of reli- 
 
 * When remonstrated with, by Kev. Elnaihan Baker, for hig digisipation, be 
 would reply, " I have greaily wandered and I am singing a diflerent tune 
 from what I formerly did, but I have not lost the mi on the gamut— my feel- 
 ings are still tender." 
 
 It is relaied that he began to reform, while at Kingston, and after removing 
 to Fenn Yan, resumed preaching, and finally died at or near that place. It is 
 remarkable that any of the pioneer ministers escaped intemperate habits, 
 considering the state of public sentiment and practice at that time as to the 
 sale and use of intoxicating drinks. 
 
PIONEEE PREACHERS. 281 
 
 gion and joined tlie society of which his parents were 
 esteemed members. His attention, however, being 
 subsequently directed to the mode and subjects of Bap- 
 tism, by reading 1 Cor. 15 : 29, he was led to give the 
 subject a thorough examination, which resulted in 
 breaking up his early prejudices and leading him to 
 adopt the distinctive principles of the Baptists. At the 
 sacrifice of personal feelings and perhaps friends, he 
 followed his honest convictions and united with the 
 Baptist church. 
 
 In his youthful years he was married to Miss Ruth 
 Northrop, of his native place, by whom he subsequently 
 had eight children, two sons and six daughters. A few 
 years later, at the call of duty and danger, leaving the 
 quiet of domestic life and agricultural labor, he entered 
 the army of the revolution and continued in the service 
 until the conclusion of the war. Returning to the 
 bosom of his family and resuming the peaceful pur- 
 suits of the farm, he shared the blessings of liberty, 
 and enjoyed the privileges of free government, which 
 he had aided in securing for himself and his country. 
 But every position and pursuit has its difficulties and 
 disappointments. His wife soon sickened and died, 
 leaving him with a large family of young children to 
 watch over and provide for. 
 
 In about 1790, he married Miss Sarah Morris and 
 moved with his wife and all his children except one 
 daughter, into Pennsylvania, and settled on the Sus- 
 quehanna at *Blackwalnutbottom, in what is now Brain- 
 
 *"The land is exceedingly fine and rich, the soil very black and timbered 
 chiefly with black valnut, which are remarkably large, some not less than 
 six feet over, and exceedingly high. It is likewise well calculated for makmg 
 fine and extensive meadows."— /oMrnoJ of Colond Adxvm Bubley, 1779. 
 
282 BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 trim, Wyoming county. His second wife, however, 
 died soon after his settlement in this wild region. He 
 was subsequently married to Mrs. Lucy Cooley, a 
 widow with five children. By her he had three chil- 
 dren, two sons and a daughter. All his children are 
 now dead, except Elijah, his elder son by his last wife, 
 and Mrs. Joseph Smith, living in Windham, on the op- 
 posite side of the river from the old homestead. 
 
 Mr. Sturdevant found the region but sparsely set- 
 tled, and the people comparatively destitute of religious 
 privileges. The Sabbath was principally occupied in 
 fishing, hunting, and other rude recreations, while re- 
 ligious meetings were seldom held and but thinly at- 
 tended. To provide for the temporal wants of himself 
 and numerous family, required most of his time and 
 attention, yet the spiritual destitution of the scattered 
 population, constrained him to sacrifice his pecuniary 
 interests and personal ease, to^ preach the "glorious 
 Grospel." He accordingly commenced preaching at 
 once in the immediate vicinity, and soon extended his 
 labors to adjacent settlements, scattered up and down 
 the Susquehanna river and along the Wyalusing and 
 Tunkhannock creeks. He preached statedly at Black- 
 walnutbottom, Thornbottom, and Tunkhannock, and 
 also occasionally at various other settlements more 
 distant, and, if possible, more destitute. When at- 
 tending an appointment at Thornbottom on the Tunk- 
 hannock, he was called to preach a funeral sermon in 
 Abington — the first sermon, it is beheved, ever preach- 
 ed in that township. Thus providentially introduced, 
 he frequently visited the place and preached for the 
 few Baptists who had recently settled in that wilderness. 
 
PIONEEK PREACHERS. 283 
 
 Mr. Sturdevant commenced "exercising Ms gift" 
 ■while in Connecticut, but was not " set apart" to the 
 ministry until after his settlement in Pennsylvania. 
 Under his faithful labors the Usher Baptist Church 
 was gathered and organized at Blackwalnutbottom. 
 He was soon after ordained as pastor of this church 
 by Rev. David Jayne, then living at Thornbottom on 
 the Tunkhannock. He was also present as a delegate 
 from this church, at the recognition of Abington 
 Church and ordination of Mr. John Miller, in the 
 Autumn of 1802, and participated in the public ser- 
 vices on that occasion. He offered the ordination 
 prayer, and baptized six of the constituent members 
 of the church. He was also present at the organiza- 
 tion of this Association, in 1807, and, by invitation, 
 took a seat in the convention and part in its delib- 
 erations. 
 
 The church at Blackwalnutbottom, of which he was 
 a constituent member and the only pastor, having dis- 
 banded, he united on "recommend," and his wife Lucy, 
 on " experience," with the Abington Church, perhaps 
 in 1809. They remained esteemed members of this 
 church until the 28th of June, 1816, when they took 
 letters of dismission and became constituent members 
 of the Braintrim Church, organized of the scattered 
 members of the late Usher Church and recent converts, 
 near his home in Blackwalnutbottom. 
 
 Mr. Sturdevant continued to preach statedly until 
 the year 1824, when the infirmities of age and im- 
 paired health admonished him to retire from the public 
 labors of the ministry. He still continued, however, 
 to recommend the Saviour and his cause by a consis- 
 
284 BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 tent conduct and godly conversation. In the Fall of 
 
 1827, -while in feeble health, he called on most of the 
 . families living ■within four or five miles of his home, 
 
 and conversed with them on the "great salvation." 
 These were his last visits. He now returned to his 
 family, where he remained until his decease. His 
 health continued to decline and his strength to fail. 
 His mind, however, was calm and resigned. The 17th 
 Psalm was a source of great comfort to him during his 
 last sickness, which terminated in his death, April 9th, 
 
 1828, at the advanced age of 86 years. His funeral 
 discourse was preached byJRev. Davis Dimock, of Mon- 
 trose, from Rev. 14 : 13, to a large circle of mourning 
 relatives and sympathizing neighbors. He was buried 
 in the grave-yard on his own farm. A plain marble 
 slab marks the place of his rest and bears an appropri- 
 ate inscription. 
 
 Mr. Sturdevant was a man of devoted piety and uni- 
 form faithfulness. His literary attainments and general 
 reading were comparatively limited, yet he was a dili- 
 gent student of the sacred Scriptures, and delighted to 
 " draw living water from this pure fountain." Like 
 most of the pioneer ministers, he preached without a 
 stipulated salary, sustaining himself and numerous 
 family by his daily toil on his own farm. His ministry 
 was measurably blessed. Many persons were brought 
 to a saving knowledge of the truth under his faithful 
 labors, and a number attribute their first serious im- 
 pressions to the influence of his farewell visits. Most 
 of his own children early became pious and united with 
 the Baptist church. His only surviving son, Bev. 
 Elijah Sturdevant, is a faithful minister of the Baptist 
 
PIONEER PREACHERS. 285 
 
 denomination. His numerous grand-children are mostly 
 members of Baptist churches ; perhaps not less than 
 one hundred in all. Four of his grand-sons are minis- 
 ters of the Gospel, viz : Revs. Isaac B. Lake, Ira J. 
 Sturdevant, Harvey H. and Davis D. Gray. The last 
 named was, for a time, the esteemed pastor of the 
 Honesdale Church, and is still affectionately remember- 
 ed by many who enjoyed his faithful labors. 
 
 Few of the pioneer ministers of this region, exerted 
 a more lovely and lasting influence than the subject of 
 this sketch ; especially in the daily intercourse of do- 
 mestic life, where the real character is most apparent 
 and best appreciated. In this relation his religious in- 
 fluence was most happy, forming the opinions and 
 moulding the characters, not only of his own children, 
 but also extending and expanding over other genera- 
 tions of his numerous posterity. 
 
 REV. WILLIAM BIgHOP. 
 
 The early life and earnest labors of the subject of 
 this sketch are involved in much obscurity. Neither 
 the records of churches, nor recollections of cotempora- 
 ries, afford sufficient materials for a connected account 
 of his erratic course or interesting career. Such facts 
 in fragments, however, as could be gleaned from reli- 
 able sources, have been carefully garnered. 
 
 William Bishop was born in England, in 1749 or '50, 
 where he married a wife, by whom he had two sons. 
 The early death of his companion was the means of his 
 hopeful conversion. Though sad and serious, yet he 
 subsequently consented to a second marriage. Eliza- 
 beth, his second wife, excelled rather in grace of mind 
 
286 BIOGEAPHtCAL NO*fiCE§. 
 
 tod iliahnei's, tkah in that of forMd 6^ features. He 
 BaW her for the first time On the day of their marriage, 
 the " match" having been tnade hf their pai'ents. Shd 
 aversion oceasioned at first by her uncemel^ eounte* 
 faaneo) Vras hdWevei' sooii lost In lier fascinating cdn¥er» 
 Bation and amiable deportment. They lived togethef 
 in great harmony and happiness. 
 
 Having been ordained to the ministry in his native 
 land, he novr, in the meridian of life, emigrated with 
 his family to America, and settled, as is supposed, in 
 1794, at " Capouse Meadows," in the Lackawanna 
 Valley, Luaerne county, Pennsylvania. His humble 
 dwelling, built of hewn logs and surrounded by a small 
 .clearing, stood on the spot occupied by the present 
 residence of Mr. William Merrifield, of Hyde Park ; 
 and the "parsonage lot," containing some three hun- 
 dred acres, and extending across the Lackawanna river, 
 embraced most of the present site of Scranton borough. 
 
 The Lackawanna Valley, at this early period, was 
 but sparsely populated ; its hidden wealth was not yet 
 developed, or even discovered ; at various points, how- 
 ever, openings were made and settlements commenced. 
 The pioneer population, chiefly from New England, 
 were as various in their religious opinions as they were 
 versatile and vigorous in their secular pursuits. 
 
 Mr. Bishop was the first resident minister in this 
 valley and among this people, of any sect or denomina- 
 tion. He seenjs to have been admirably adapted to the 
 anomalous position he providentially occupied. Of 
 aniiable mind and affable maBners, be was a general 
 favorite with the people of all classes and conditions. 
 
 The field of his ministerial labors, extended along 
 
PIONEER PEEACHEKS. 287 
 
 the Lackawanna and Wyoming valleys, from Blakely 
 to Wilkesbarre, a distance of some twenty-five miles. 
 At Pittston, situated at the connection of these valleys 
 and confluence of the Lackawanna and Susquehanna 
 rivers, a Baptist church gathered, as is supposed, under 
 the labors of Revs. Eleazer West, of Wyoming Valley, 
 and James Benedict, of Warwick, N. Y., had been 
 constituted in the Eall of 1786, and admitted into the 
 Philadelphia Association in the Autumn of the follow- 
 ing year, with 32 members, then under the pastoral 
 care of *Rev. James Finn, recently from Wantage, 
 N. J. ; in 1792 it embraced 134 communicants. 
 
 Mr. Bishop became pastor of this church, as is be- 
 lieved, in 1794, and continued to sustain this relation 
 during some ten years. In the Spring of 1806, this 
 church, "formerly under the care of Mr. Bishop," 
 disbanded, and fourteen of the remaining members be- 
 came a branch of Abington Church. 
 
 In addition to his regular appointments at Pittston, 
 Mr. Bishop was accustomed to preach occasionally at 
 what is now Blakely, Providence, Hyde Park, Lacka- 
 wanna, Jacob's Plains, and Wilkesbarre, and also at 
 
 *Kev. James Finn was born, as is believed, al Goshen, New York, shortly 
 previous to the middle of the last centuiy, and at an early age was married to 
 Mi9s Hannah Carr, perhaps of his native p!ace. He moved into New Jersey 
 and was ordained, April 23, 1783, as pastor of the Baptist church of Wantage, 
 in that State, where he remained for some two years and then removed to 
 Pittston, Pennsylvania. He became the first pastor of the Baptist church in 
 that place, a relation he sustained during some six or seven years. He is 
 next found living at Thornbottora on the Tunkhannock, where he died and 
 his remains now repose. His widow married Captain baniel Gore, of "Jacob's 
 Plains," in the Wyoming Valley. She survived her second husband and 
 finally died at the house of her son, William Finn, in Clifford, Susquehanna 
 county, March 16. 1836, aged 86 years and H months. The desoeudents of Mr- 
 Finn and his wife are quite numerous in this region, many of whom are follow- 
 ing in the steps of their venerable ancestors. 
 
288 BIOGKAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 various other places within and beyond the limits of 
 these valleys, in log huts, barns and school houses, as 
 were most central and convenient. Accompanied by 
 his wife, he would set out on horse^back for the place a 
 few days previous to the time of his appointment, and 
 on arriving, put up with some respectable family in 
 the immediate vicinity. He did not waste his time in 
 social ease or selfish gratifications, but would visit 
 during most of each day, from house to house, through 
 the neighborhood, conversing with such as he chanced 
 to meet at their homes or by the way, both old and 
 young, on religious and other rational subjects. When 
 the time appointed for preaching arrived, the place of 
 meeting would be thronged by persons of various sects 
 and creeds, seemingly eager to listen to his solemn and 
 searching discourses. On the following day he would 
 hasten, with his wife, to the place of his next appoint- 
 ment, and thus continue from day to day and week to 
 week, traveling and preaching; warning the careless, 
 instructing, the ignorant and encouraging the doubting 
 and desponding. His visits were uniformly welcome, 
 his conversation agreeable, and his sermons instructive 
 and entertaining. He also took a prominent part in 
 the constitution of the early churches and ordination 
 of the pioneer pastors of this isolated region. He 
 was present at the recognition of the church at Pal- 
 myra and ordination of William Purdy, in the Fall of 
 .1801 : and, also, at the recognition of the church at 
 Abington and ordination of John Miller, in the Autumn 
 of 1802, and took an active part in the private coun- 
 sels and a leading position in the public services. In 
 the Fall of 1803, at the request of the people of 
 
PIONEER PREACHERS. 289 
 
 " Jacob's Plains," in the Wyoming Valley, he wrote to 
 the church of Abington, soliciting the appointment of 
 their pastor and other brethren to sit in council at the 
 house of Capt. Daniel Gore, "to see if it be eligible 
 to constitute a church and ordain Stephen Eishop as 
 an Elder." Rev. William Purdy, of " Lackawa," was 
 also expected to be present to participate in the duties 
 and deliberations of the proposed meeting. There is, 
 however, little, if any, reason to conclude that it was 
 found "eligible" to constitute a church or ordain an 
 "Elder" at the appointed time and place. 
 
 At this date, Mr. Bishop disappears from the stage ; 
 no trace of his presence or preaching in this region is 
 found from the Autumn of 1803 until that of 1811, a 
 period of eight years, excepting once, in the Fall of 
 1809, when he was at Pittston, perhaps on a visit, and 
 preached at the house of Mr. Nathaniel Griddings. 
 During this time the church at Pittston was disbanded ; 
 that at Mt. Pleasant recognized ; the Abington Asso- 
 ciation organized, and Deacons of Abington Church 
 were ordained ; but no evidence is found that he was 
 present to participate in the interesting services of 
 these rare occasions. 
 
 It is believed that he was living in New Jersey du- 
 ring a part or all of this interim, and laboring as the 
 esteemed pastor of Howe Baptist Church, near Free- 
 hold. However, after this long absence, he again ap- 
 pears in the vicinity of his former labors, and settles 
 with his family in "Brown Hollow," in what is now 
 Scott, Luzerne county, Pennsylvania. He was present, 
 for the first time, at an anniversary of this Association, 
 in the Autumn of 1811, " from Philadelphia Associa- 
 25 
 
290 BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 tion," and preached on the second day of the session. 
 In the Fall of 1812, he and his wife Elizabeth, united 
 on a letter from the Howe Church, with the branch of 
 Abington Church at Pittston. 
 
 He now resumed his ministerial labors, traveling 
 and preaching in the field of his former eiforts. He 
 attended the anniversaries of this Association in 1812, 
 '13, '14 and '15, preaching at different times and offici- 
 ating as moderator in 1813 and '15. 
 
 His wife died, as is believed, in the Winter of 1812 
 and '13. His son Henry, previously married, subse- 
 quently moved from the vicinity ; the other son, Wil- 
 liam, died and was buried in Greenfield. 
 
 In 1814, Mr. Bishop was united in marriage to Mrs. 
 Morse, of Clifford. Not having learned to woo in early 
 life, he was somewhat peculiar in such matters in his 
 declining years. It is related that he secured his third 
 wife in the following manner. Coming to the log-cabin 
 of Mrs. Morse, he stooped in at the low door and immedi- 
 ately made known the object of his unexpected visit. 
 Without waiting for an answer, he said, " Come, let us 
 inquire of the Lord ; he will tell us what is best." He 
 then dropped on his knees and offered a pertinent prayer 
 for Divine-direction. Mrs. Morse, being a pious widow, 
 said in fact if not in form, " The will of the Lord be 
 done." 
 
 The union thus formed was, however, of but short 
 duration. Mr. Bishop died, March 22d, 1816, in the 
 67th year of his age, loved and lamented by numerous 
 brethren and friends. Kev. John Miller, of Abington, 
 preached his funeral sermon, and, as was his custom, 
 gave an outline of his life and labors. He was buried 
 
PIONEER PREACHERS. 291 
 
 I 
 
 in what is now Scott, on the farm owned and occupied 
 at the time by Capt. James Brown, over the way from 
 the principal burying-ground, near the present resi- 
 dence of Mr. Stephen Vosburgh. A slab of brown 
 stone marks the place of his rest, and bears a brief 
 but appropriate inscription; Two wild cherries cast 
 their morning shadows and Autumnal leaves on his 
 lonely grave. 
 
 Thus lived, labored and died one of the pioneer 
 preachers of this Association, and the first resident 
 minister of Lackawanna Valley. 
 
 It is said, by those who were personally acquainted 
 with Mr. Bishop, that he was of medium stature and 
 manly presence ; agreeable in conversation and gentle- 
 manly in his manners and intercourse. His native 
 talents were rare and literary attainment respectable, 
 though not liberal. He was not fluent of speech or 
 flowery in style, yet his discourses, often extending 
 through some two hours, according to the custom of 
 the times, were replete with sound views and salutary 
 instruction, and uniformly elicited a fixed attention 
 and left a favorable impression. His opinion was fre- 
 quently consulted and advice sought on doubtful or 
 difiicult questions. He maintained to the last an 
 unble&ished reputation as a man and minister, for 
 "deep piety and strong integrity." Such is the testi- 
 mony of one who knows whereof he affirms. He closed 
 his eventful life, surrounded by numerous friends and 
 sustained by an unwavering faith and confident hope. 
 Nearly the last words that lingered on his dying lips, 
 were "I know whom I have believed, and am persua- 
 ded that he is able to keep that which I have committed 
 to him against that day." 
 
292 SlOflftAtHlCAL NOTICES, 
 
 THE PIONEER PASTORS. 
 
 The following were the original pastors of the three 
 constituent churches of the Association. There was a 
 marked similarity in the leading events of their active 
 and interesting lives. The three were born in Connec- 
 ticut, and ordained in Pennsylvania ; they were also 
 constituent members of the respective churches over 
 which they presided for so many years with so much 
 faithfulness. They lived in the same region and labor- 
 ed side by side, aiding and sympathizing with eachi 
 other in their toils and successes. Their remains await 
 the resurrection on their respective fields of pastoral 
 labor, while their ransomed spirits, as we trust, told 
 sweet converse with each other and communion with 
 their adorable Saviour in the paradise of God. 
 
 REV. WILLIAM PURDY. 
 
 It has cost many inquiries to elicit even the few fact? 
 embraced in the following brief sketch. Most who 
 were familiar with the daily life and diversified labors 
 of its venerable subject, have long since been removed 
 and "gathered to their fathers;" nor have the few 
 dates of family records or indistinct recollections of 
 surviving relatives, furnished the desired information, 
 or fully gratified a laudable curiosity. 
 
 William Purdy was bom April 14th, 1749, at Jloyae 
 Neck, Fairfield county, Oonneoticut. Of his early 
 tra.ining or youthful promise nothing of interest has 
 been distinctly left or definitely learned. It is, hoW' 
 ever, presumed that he was religiously educated under 
 Baptist influences. A Baptist church being organizec| 
 
PIONEER PASTORS. 293 
 
 in his native town some two years previous to his birth, 
 it is probable that his parents became members and 
 educated their children in their distinctive principles. 
 Their son Silas entertained Baptist sentiments as also 
 did many other members of the Purdy family. 
 
 At the early age of twenty, Wm. Purdy was united 
 in marriage, October ^Sth, 1769, with Miss Rachel 
 Purdy, who was only fifteen years of age. He then 
 moved into the State of New York, and resided for a 
 time at " Nine Partners," in Dutchess county. Leav- 
 ing this place he lived for some years at New Marl- 
 borough, in Ulster county, a few miles north of New- 
 burgh. While living at this place it is believed that he 
 was baptized on a profession of faith by Rev. Jacob 
 Drake, afterwards settled in Pennsylvania at Exeter on 
 the Susquehanna river, and recevied as a member of the 
 Baptist church at Pleasant Valley, on the opposite side 
 of the Hudson. He was soon ordained a Deacon of 
 this church, and subsequently licensed to preach the 
 Crospel. 
 
 In the year 1792 he moved with his family into 
 Northampton county, now Wayne, Pennsylvania, and 
 settled some four miles north of the " Lackawa Settle- 
 ment" — how Paupack — on a tract of wild land which 
 he had previously purchased. His brother Silas had 
 also settled some two miles south on the north-west 
 bank of the Wallenpaupack. He immediately com- 
 menced preaching in the neighborhood and soon ex- 
 tended his labors to surrounding settlements. His 
 efforts were owned and blessed ; among others a num- 
 ber of the members of his own family were brought to 
 a saving knowledge of the truth. The Palmyra Baptist 
 
294 BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 Churcli, organized of fifteen members, was recognized 
 in September, 1801, by a council convened for that 
 purpose. Mr. Wm. Purdy was ordained as pastor of 
 this infant cburch on the day of its recognition. The 
 public services were conducted by Revs. John Caton, 
 of Brookfield, New York, Wm. Bishop, of " Capouse 
 Meadows," and Epaphras Thompson, of Mt. Pleasant. 
 Mr. Purdy immediately baptized three of his own sons. 
 It was a day of holy joy and grateful praise. " The 
 wilderness and the solitary place" was made "glad for 
 them, and the desert" began to "rejoice and blossom as 
 the rose." 
 
 Under his persevering labors the church was mea- 
 surably prospered and gradually enlarged. He also 
 endeavored to inculcate sound doctrine and enforce a 
 salutary discipline. Thus strength and stability were 
 secured and perpetuated. He also manifested a lauda- 
 ble interest in planting new churches and promoting 
 the general prosperity of the cause. He was present 
 at the recognition of Abington Church and ordination 
 of John Miller, in the Autumn of 1802, and participated 
 in the public services on that interesting occasion. He 
 also took a leading part in the organization of the 
 Abington Association in 1807, and acted as chairman 
 of the committee appointed to draft its constitution. 
 He frequently presided over the deliberations of this 
 body and preached the opening sermon at its anniver- 
 saries. 
 
 He had stated appointments at various out-stations 
 scattered over an extensive field. He preached regu- 
 larly at Salem, Cherry Ridge, Indian Orchard, and 
 " Lackawa Settlement. ' ' But his ministerial labors were 
 
PIONEER PASTORS. 295 
 
 not confined to the cturcli of wliich he was pastor or the 
 immediate vicinity. He was accustomed to take an 
 annual tour beyond the Moosic mountain to preach at 
 distant settlements scattered over the hills and along 
 the valleys of that wild region. 
 
 In making this tour he rode on horseback, traveling 
 over difficult roads or following dangerous paths, 
 through an almost unbroken wilderness. Follow the 
 solitary traveler in his annual circuit as he climbs over 
 rugged ridges, descends through dark valleys or traces 
 the meandering water course. Taking leave of family 
 and friends he starts on his solitary journey ; entering 
 the forest he passes through Salem and crosses the 
 mountain at * " Cobb's Gap," and descending along 
 Roaring brook into the valley at " Oapouse Meadows" — 
 now Scranton — and crossing the Lackawanna, he calls 
 at the log-cabin of Rev. Wm. Bishop, on the present 
 site of Hyde Park, where he receives a fraternal greet- 
 ing and partakes of genuine English hospitality. 
 Thence he follows down the Lackawanna river — halt- 
 ing perhaps by the way at the house of Mr. Eleazer 
 Atherton, in the " Gore," — to its confluence with the_ 
 Susquehanna at Pittston in full view of " fair Wyom- 
 ing," and calls on Mr. John Phillips, one of the " Green 
 mountain boys," or stops with Dr. Nathaniel Giddings, 
 where he is kindly entertained after the most approved 
 New England style. He next turns his course up the 
 
 * This opening in the Moosio mountain took its name from Dea. Asa Cobb, 
 who had emigrated from the State of New York, and settled with his family 
 in 1791, at this " gap" on the Indian path leading fi om the Wyoming Valley to 
 Coshutunk on the. Delaware river. He died March 24th. 1808, in the 68th year 
 of his age. His funeral discourse was preached by the pastor of Palmyra 
 Chnreh, of which he was a member and deacon. 
 
296 BIOSBAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 Susquehanna, now under projecting crags, now by- 
 water falls, then in fertile plains, passing through Exe- 
 ter, Newton and Falls, until he arrives at Tunkhan- 
 nock. He now turns his face homeward, following up 
 the Tunkhannock creek to Thornbottom, an early settle- 
 ment about a mile above the present depot of the Dela- 
 ware, Lackawanna and Western Rajil Road. Thence he 
 continues his journey up the winding stream to its con- 
 fluence with Martin creek, which he follows to Hopbottom 
 — now Brooklyn Centre — an ancient Irish Settlement- 
 Thence he passes over the hills to "Nine Partners" — 
 now Harford — and is welcomed to the hospitable *man- 
 sion of Mr. Elkanah Tingley. From this place he pur- 
 sues his weary way across rugged ridges through "Elk- 
 woods" and among the broken spurs of the Mqosic moun- 
 tain, to Mt. Pleasant, where he is warmly welcomed to 
 the home and heart of his friend and fellow-laborer, Rev. 
 Elijah Peck. He now passes down to Bethany and stops 
 at the house of Mr. Ephraim Torrey, where he is cor- 
 dially greeted and kindly entertained. But he may not 
 linger ; the thoughts of loved ones at home urge him 
 onward. He passes the junction of the Dyberry and 
 Lackawaxen, the present site of Honesdale, through 
 Indian Orchard and Cherry Ridge, and finally arrives 
 at his home in Palmyra, where warm hearts welcome 
 the weary wanderer to the ease and endearments of 
 family and fireside. See what he has accomplished. 
 He has traveled upwards of a hundred miles over bad . 
 roads, through sun-shine and storm, preached at some 
 
 * This commodious dwelling, erected in 1808, is now, after a lapse ot half 
 a century, in excellent condition and occupied by Dea. Freeman Tingley, son 
 of Darias and grand-son ot Elkanah Tingley. It is still a " Baptist tavern" 
 where the weary find rest and the worthy refreshment. 
 
MONEER PAStOftS. 297 
 
 twelye settlements, Ibaptized perhaps a few converts, 
 and comforted and encouraged many Christian hearts* 
 He frequently repeats this solitary journey, passing 
 over the same route) stopping at the same places, calling 
 On the same persons, " confirming the souls of the disci- 
 ples and exhorting them to continue in the faith." 
 
 Mr. Wm. Purdy continued the esteemed pastor of 
 Palmyra Church nearly a quarter of a century, labor- 
 ing without a stated salary and sustaining his family 
 hy his own exertions. He died March Ist, 1824, in 
 the 75th year of his age and 28th of his ministry. 
 His fimeral sermon was preached by Rev. George 
 Dpbell, who succeeded him as pastor of the church, 
 and is still living in Salem. His wife, by whom he 
 had nine children, six sons and three daughters, sur- 
 vived him only a short period. She died October 20th, 
 1828, also in her 75th year, having been a devoted 
 Christian upwards of a quarter of a century. She was 
 buried by the side of her husband in the family cemetery, 
 on the farm of his brother Silas, situated on a gentle ele- 
 vation overlooking the Wallenpaupack, where its dark wa- 
 ters reverently bend towards the resting place of these 
 departed saints. Two rude slabs of brown stone, erected 
 long since by an only surviving son, mark their graves 
 and bear a dim but appropriate inscription. Two trees, 
 an apple and an oak, blend their dark shadows on this 
 wild spot, and mingle their auti;njn9'l leaves over the 
 sleeping dust of the gilent dead. 
 
 Most of their children have followed them to the 
 grave, only three of the nine surviving. All except 
 one made a public profession of religion; some were 
 devotedly pious. Mr. Wm. Purdy, Jr., one of the 
 
298 BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 sons, Tvas a minister. Having supplied the Bethany 
 church for a time, in 1821 he emigrated to the West 
 and settled at Killbuck, Holmes county, Ohio, where 
 he was instrumental in gathering and organizing an 
 " Old School" Baptist church of which he was pastor 
 until his decease, ISTovember 24th, 1846, in the 74th 
 year of his age and 29th of his ministry. 
 
 Their grand and great-grand children are very numer- 
 ous and widely scattered, living at various places in the 
 Eastern, Middle, and Western States, from the Atlan- 
 tic to the Pacific Ocean. A large number are profes- 
 sors of religion and members of the Baptist denomina- 
 tion. Thus the influence of this pious couple is already 
 widely felt and will doubtless continue to extend to the 
 close of time, affecting and blessing generation after 
 generation of their lineal descendants. 
 
 REV. JOHN MILLER. 
 
 It will be unnecessary to present more than a brief 
 outline of the active life and abundant labors of the 
 venerable subject of this sketch. To do more would 
 necessarily embrace a history of the Baptist cause in 
 north-eastern Pennsylvania, so intimately interwoven 
 were his life and labors with its origin and progress. He 
 was one of the first to erect the Baptist ' standard in 
 this region, and among the foremost to rally to its sup- 
 port and defence. In the Abington Baptist Associa- 
 tion he was the moving spirit and acknowledged leader 
 for nearly half a century. It was organized in his 
 house, and received the impress of his mind ; in subse- 
 quent years it was fostered by his anxious care and 
 guided by his prudent counsels. 
 
PIONEER PASTORS. 299 
 
 John Miller, born February 3d, 1775, in Voluntown, 
 now Sterling, Windham county, Connecticut, was one 
 of six children, five sons, and a daughter. His parents 
 were not wealthy, but were worthy citizens. His 
 father was a Universalist, and his mother a Baptist. 
 His paternal grandfather was a Presbyterian clergyman 
 and preached the Gospel for nearly half a century. 
 
 Little is known to the writer of his early life ; of his 
 opportunities or associations; of his favorite pursuits 
 or future promise. On the farm with his father, he 
 was early inured to honorable toil, and trained to agri- 
 cultural pursuits. Thus early habits of useful employ- 
 ment, were formed and fostered, and his physical 
 faculties and powers developed and discipUned, laying 
 a broad basis and firm foundation for a hardy constitu- 
 tion and honorable character. The education he re- 
 ceived was comparatively limited ; a knowledge of the 
 branches usually taught in common schools was its 
 utmost extent. His moral and religious culture was 
 not forgotten or neglected. He enjoyed the watchful 
 care and judicious counsels of a pious and prayerful 
 mother, when they were most necessary to shield him 
 fr-om the evil influence of wicked examples and erro- 
 neous doctrines, and to instil into his tender mind cor- 
 rect principles of morahty and religion. Her maternal 
 care and counsels were not without their salutary 
 influence ; the seeds of correct principles, thus early 
 sown, germinated and sprung up in subsequent years, 
 and yielded an abundant harvest. 
 
 He continued to live with his parents at Voluntown, 
 Connecticut, until he was fourteen years of age, when 
 they moved some four miles distant to Plainfield, in the 
 
300 BIOGKAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 same State. While at this place, in the Summer of 
 1793, in his 18th year he -was brought under especial 
 religious influence, and awakened to a sense of his lost 
 condition. An extensive revival was enjoyed in the 
 vicinity, and a large number of persons hopefully con- 
 verted. John Miller was among the number. Awak- 
 ened under the pointed appeals of the Gospel and 
 powerful influence of the Holy Spirit, he was led to 
 see himself a ruined sinner, and to cast himself on the 
 divine mercy. Peace was given and pardon granted. 
 He was soon after baptized, on a profession of faith, 
 by Rev. Nathaniel Cole, and became one of the con- 
 stituent members of a Baptist church, organized in 
 that place. He lived at Plainfield until he was nine- 
 teen years of age, when his parents emigrated with 
 their children to the State of New York, and settled 
 at North Norwich, in the Chenango Valley. He also 
 became one of the constituent members of a Baptist 
 church, organized in that place. At the age of twen- 
 ty-two, he was united in marriage with Miss Polly 
 Hall, of his native place, February 18th, 1797. Soon 
 after, with his youthful companion and limited means, 
 he moved with his parents to Hardwick, Otsego county, 
 New York. He united by letter with the Baptist 
 church in that place. After remaining here a few 
 years, he emigrated with his family to Pennsylvania, 
 and arrived at Tunkhannock, now Abington, Luzerne 
 county, on the fifth anniversary of his marriage, Feb- 
 ruary 18th, 1802, and in the twenty-eighth year of his 
 age, in the vigor and strength • of his early manhood. 
 Here he settled, and has since lived and labored until 
 his decease, February 19th, 1857, aged 82 years and 
 
PIONEER PASTORS. 301 
 
 1-6 <iays. His wife was the fifth female in the settle- 
 ment. This region was then an almost unbroken 
 forest — -the haunt of the wild beast and the hunting 
 ground of the savage, A few families had preceded 
 him in the settlement, and others subsequently fol- 
 lowed. At various points in the surrounding wilder- 
 ness, openings were soon made an4 settlements com- 
 menced ; the ancient forest slowly retired before the 
 sturdy stroke of the woodman's axe, and the deer and 
 the elk, the wolf and the panther, were startled from 
 jtheir lairs by its echo among the hills, and gradually 
 driven from their lurking places by the advancing tide 
 of an enterprising papulation. Waving fields of "gold- 
 en grain" now rejoiced the heart and rewarded the toil 
 of the hardy pioneer.. A comfortable log-cabin shel- 
 tered his growing family and welcomed his weary 
 steps 4 the log-barn with open doors and thatched roof, 
 garnered his hay ajid grain and protected his flocks and 
 herds from the whirling sleet and wintry storm. Mr. 
 Miller, in common with others, par.tidpatedin the trials 
 and triumphs, the privations and privileges connected 
 with the origin and progress of the Abington settle- 
 ment. 
 
 But pleasant faiailies and comfortable homes were 
 not the only blessings to be desired or to be sought. 
 The comforts of the body or culture of the mind will 
 bear no comparison with the conversion of the soul or 
 claims of Crod, in their real interest or vital impor- 
 tance. Moved, doubtless, by these «r similar jconsid- 
 firations, the attention of Mr. Miller was arrested and 
 .turned from secular pursuits to the sacred work of 
 preaching the "glorious Gospel of the blessed Goi'" 
 26 
 
30i2 BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 In obedience to his own convictions of personal duty, 
 without " consulting mth flesh and blood," he entered 
 at once upon the responsible work- in June of 1802. 
 His first efibrts were attended with cheering tokens of 
 divine approbation and a large number of persons, con- 
 sidering the sparseness of the population, were hope- 
 fully converted. But thus far they had no organized 
 church or ordained minister. This want was soon met 
 and suppBed. On the 18th of November, 1802, the 
 Abington Baptist Church was recognized with fifteen 
 constituent members, and Mr. Miller ordained as its 
 pastoa:', with appropriate religious services by a council 
 of ministers and members, called for that purpose. He 
 continraed the esteemed pastor of this church until 1853 
 — upwards of half a century. Ikiring that time his 
 labors were arduows and abvtndant. Few have lived 
 and labored so- long on the same field with an equal de- 
 gree of efficiency and success. Doubtless many imperfec- 
 tions have mingled with Ms efibrts and often marred 
 their fruits, but God has been pleased to employ him in 
 his service, and graciously own and greatly bless the 
 labors of his servant. 
 
 Mr. Miller diligently cultivated an extensive field. 
 It formerly em^braced the northern part of Luzerne, 
 and portions of "Wyoming and Susquehanna counties, 
 commencing at the summit of the Moosic mountain on 
 the north-east, and extending down its south-western 
 slope, over the Abington hills a.nd' beyond the waters 
 of the Susquehanna. His preaching stations were 
 scattered! over- this extensive field ;- they were quite 
 numerous and often many miles distant from the place 
 of his residence. He was accustomed to preach fre^ 
 
PIONEEE PASTORS. 303 
 
 quently at Benton and Blakely, Clifford and Carbon- 
 dale, Eaton and Exeter, Newton and Northmoreland,, 
 Pittston and Providence, Greenfield and Tunkhannock, 
 and at various other points within and beyond the 
 limits of this extensive field. East and West Abing- 
 ton, however, were his principal stations — centres of 
 effort and influence. Here his appointments were most 
 frequent and the fruits of his labors most apparent. 
 
 The old church at Abington Centre has enjoyed an 
 unusual degree of numerical prosperity under his pro- 
 tracted ministry. At an- early period a numerous 
 membership was gathered into this church, and gradu- 
 ally augmented, with occasional reverses, until he re- 
 signed the pastoral charge in 1853. His ministerial 
 labors, however, were not devoted exclusively to the 
 spiritual interests of this church or the immediate 
 vicinity, but during the earlier portion of his ministry, 
 he was accustomed to travel on foot or ride on horse- 
 back from three to thirty miles through the wilderness, 
 following meandering paths or guided by marked trees, 
 to preach the Grospel and plant churches in distant and 
 destitute settlements. These long and lonesome jour- 
 neys were not only attended with many hardships from 
 the length and roughness of the way, but often by 
 much danger from the wolf, panther, and other beasts 
 of prey that still infested many portions of this wild 
 region and prowled over its craggy heights or skulked 
 through its dark valleys and dismal swamps. But not 
 shunning hardships or shrinking from dangers, the man 
 of Grod pursued his solitary way to seek the lost and 
 save the ruined. The sacrifice was accepted, souls 
 were converted and saints comforted through his efforts 
 and instrumentality. 
 
304 BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 Marked results have followed bis ministerial labors 
 both at home and abroad. He sowed " precious seed" 
 and gathered a bountiful harvest. He stated to the wri- 
 ter a few months previous to his decease, that the church, 
 while under his pastoral care, had enjoyed fourteen 
 general revivals and received large and frequent acces- 
 sions. He had baptized on a profession of faith, not 
 far from two thousand converts, attended about one 
 thousand eight hundred funerals, and solemnized the 
 nuptials of nine hundred and fourteen persons or four 
 hundred and fifty-seven couple. During that time six 
 whole churches and parts of six others had colonized 
 and become independent bodies at various points in the 
 surrounding country. Seven ministers of the Gospel 
 had also been raised up in the church, most of whom 
 are now settled as pastors of Baptist churches at differ- 
 ent and some at distant places. 
 
 But Mr. Miller did not shrink from the responsibili- 
 ties of other relations than those of pastor and preacher. 
 Social duties and domestic cares claimed and received 
 a reasonable share of his time and attention. He did 
 not consider secular pursuits entirely inconsistent with 
 his sacred calling. He was accustomed to mingle with 
 the people in their daily business and worldly avoca- 
 tions. He [married their children and buried their 
 dead, and sympathized with them in their pleasures 
 and privations. He could wield the axe or swing the 
 scythe, and follow the plough, or gather the harvest. 
 He could earn his bread and support his family by the 
 toil of his own hands and the sweat of his own brow. 
 This was not uncommon with the pioneer ministers of 
 this wild region. This custom, originating in necessity, 
 
PIONEER PASTORS. 305 
 
 has frequently been continued from choice, much to the 
 injury of the cause, prosperity of the church and use- 
 fulness of the ministry. 
 
 Mr. Miller yras not wholly shielded from domestic 
 trials and afflictions. Death crossed the threshold and 
 entered his dwelling. The wife of liis early choice and 
 mother of his eight children, died November 22d, 1822, 
 in her forty-eighth year, leaving his heart sad and his 
 home desolate. She had shared with him the hardr 
 ships of a new settlement and the cares of a numerous 
 family. Five of their eight children, three sons and 
 two daughters, have deceased ; two sons and one daugh- 
 ter are still living. He was united in marriage, April 
 13th, 1823, with Miss Ehzabeth Griffin, who now, in 
 her sixty-sixth year, survives him with her only son, 
 to mourn his loss and journey alone. 
 
 Mr. Miller continued to attend to his business and 
 preach the Gospel until within the past two months. 
 He attended a funeral and preached his last sermon, 
 January 1st, 1857, and thus solemnly closed an active 
 and efficient ministry of upwards of fifty-four years. 
 Since that time until his decease, he has been confined 
 to his sick room and compelled to sit in his chair as the 
 only mode of enduring severe pains and securing need- 
 ful repose. He was not idle during these weary weeks, 
 but he occupied his thoughts in recalling the scenes of 
 his eventful life and employed his pen in committing 
 them to paper, at the request and for the gratification 
 of his family and friends. 
 
 After lingering for some weeks in great pain, on the 
 afternoon of Thursday, February 19th, 1857, in full 
 possession of his reason, he calmly passed from the 
 
306 BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 scenes of his mortal life and earthly labors. He was 
 fully aware of his coming change, and had made all 
 necessary arrangements for his funeral solemnities. 
 He had selected the preacher and designated the ser- 
 vices. His funeral was attended at 11 o'clock, A. M., 
 on Saturday following his decease, by a large circle of 
 mourning relatives and sympathizing friends. The 
 writer of this notice, preached a sermon from Acts i. 8, 
 and presented a sketch of his life and labors. His was 
 the record of human life — born, married, died — these 
 follow each other in quick succession and waft us on- 
 ward to the shores of that world where these waves of 
 human weal, want and woe may never reach, never 
 rage. Mr. Miller has passed over these waves and at- 
 tained the shores of that world. Yes, his active life 
 has ceased and his abundant labors have closed. . His 
 warning voice is hushed in the silence of death ; his 
 manly form is mouldering in the gloom of the grave 
 and his ransomed spirit is reclining on the bosom of In- 
 finite Love. 
 
 REV. ELIJAH PECK. 
 
 It will be impossible to present more than an imper- 
 fect outline of the life and labors of the subject of 
 this sketch. Like most of his ootemporaries, he neither 
 preached from notes nor took note of his preaching; his 
 object was rather to win souls to Christ than to elicit 
 applause from the world. Hence, he has left few facts 
 on record from which to sketch his active life and 
 abundant labors. 
 
 Elijah Peck, born May 3d, 1767, in Warren, Litch- 
 field county, Connecticut, was the thirteenth child of 
 
PIONEER PASTORS. 307 
 
 poor but pious parents. Left an orphan in early child- 
 hood, he was adopted into the family of a neighboring 
 farmer and trained to agricultural pursuits. His lit- 
 erary opportunities were exceedingly limited. He at- 
 tended school during the Winter months for a few 
 years and acquired a knowledge of the branches usu- 
 ally taught in common schools. This was the extent 
 of his education. 
 
 At the age of twenty-two he was united in marriage 
 with Miss Elizabeth Pinny, of his native town. Im- 
 mediately after, with his youthful companion, he left 
 his early home and came to Cooperstown, Otsego 
 county, New York, where he remained for some few 
 years. Early in the Spring of 1795, he moved with 
 his wife and three children into the "Beech Woods," 
 and settled at Mt. Pleasant, Northampton county, now 
 Wayne — Pennsylvania. The journey was performed 
 with an ox team and sled. He had previously come to 
 the place arid purchased a lot of wild land ; made an 
 opening in the dense forest and erected a log cabin. 
 He had also harvested a crop of wheat and stacked it 
 in the open field, and done all in his power to provide 
 a comfortable shelter and needful supply for his little 
 family. But when he returned with his wife and chil- 
 dren to take possession of his new home, he was disap- 
 pointed to find that during his absence the bears had 
 demolished his stack and devoured his wheat. This 
 was a great misfortune. Few harvests had been 
 gathered and no grist-miirhad yet been erected in the 
 vicinity, consequently suitable provisions were very 
 scarce and exceedingly costly. It is related that he 
 and his family subsisted for some seven weeks on hulled 
 
308 BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 corn. This was hard but -wholesome faro. Thus, in 
 common with others, he endured many privations and 
 hardships incident to pioneer life. At this time the 
 settlement embraced only six families besides his own. 
 The country for miles around was an unbroken wilder- 
 ness. 
 
 At an early age his attention had been directed to 
 the importance of personal religion. " One night," 
 to quote from an obituary notice prepared by his widow 
 soon after his decease, " when but a child while imploring 
 the divine mercy, a lovely form appeared as his friend; 
 when he arose in the morning he seemed to be in a 
 new world — field and forest seemed radiant with beauty 
 and vocal with praise." These peculiar exercises were 
 carefully concealed from his Scoffing companions and 
 soon almost forgotten amid the empty allurements of 
 youthful sports. But whatever their origin or design, 
 they were frequently recalled in riper years, and doubt- 
 less exerted a salutary restraint on his conduct and 
 moulding influence on his character. 
 
 In the Fall of 1800, Eev. Epaphras Thompson, a 
 Baptist minister from Bristol, Connecticut, came to 
 Mt. Pleasant and preached the Gospel with marked 
 effect and general acceptance. A large number of 
 persons, considering the sparseness of the population, 
 were hopefully converted, Elijah Peck was among the 
 number. Aroused and enlightened under the appeals 
 of the Gospel and influence of the Holy Spirit, hi^ 
 former exercises were vividly»recalled and prayerfully 
 reviewed. This seemed to him to be the last call. He 
 was made sensible of his guilt and danger. " His 
 sins," to quote as above, "rolled up before him like 
 
PIOKEER PASTORS. 309 
 
 dark mountains, and the law from Sinai thundered in 
 his ears the sentence of condemnation. He gave up 
 all for lost and became a constant mourner." But his 
 friend of lovely form again appearing, he fell at his 
 feet and cast himself on his mercy. Hope dispelled 
 his fears and joy banished his sorrows. The Saviour 
 was now to him indeed, " the one altogether lovely and 
 chief among ten thousand." 
 
 It was not long before the Free Communion Baptist 
 Church was re-organized in Mt. Pleasant, with four- 
 teen constituent members. Mr. Peck not making a 
 public profession of religion at once by uniting with 
 the church, his mind soon became entangled in doubts 
 and enveloped in darkness. While in this distressing 
 state of mind, by request, he related his religious ex- 
 ercises before the church, " beginning where the Lord 
 began with him, and when he came to the point where 
 his friend had appeared, his doubts were removed and 
 his darkness dispersed." Strong faith now possessed 
 his mind and divine light pervaded his soul. Soon 
 after this he was baptized by Mr. Thompson and re- 
 ceived as a member of the church. About this time 
 the mind of Mr. Peck was exercised on the duty of 
 preaching the Gospel; he longed to warn sinners to 
 "flee from the wrath to come," and point them to the 
 "Lamb of God." With the approbation of the church 
 and in obedience to his own convictions of duty, he en- 
 tered at once upon the responsible work ; his first ef- 
 forts were characterized by a laudable zeal and attend- 
 ed with encouraging tokens of divine approbation. 
 
 In June, 1806, at the age of thirty-nine, Mr. Peck 
 was ordained to the work of the Gospel ministry. In 
 
310 EIOGEAPniCAL NOTICES. 
 
 the following Summer, however, becoming dissatisfied 
 with open commonion, by searching the Scriptures and 
 observing its evil tendency on the order and discipline 
 of the church, he a,nd seven others took letters of dis- 
 mission and organized, September 6th, 1807, as an in- 
 dependent body, and adopted Articles of Faith and a 
 church Covenant. On the 9th of October following, 
 they were recognized as the Regular Baptist Church 
 of Mt. Pleasant, with appropriate religious services, 
 by a council called for that purpose .from Abington and 
 Palmyra churches. 
 
 Mr. Peck was the esteemed pastor of .Mt. Pleasant 
 Church from March 3d, 1808, until his decease, March 
 16th, 1835 — upwards of a quarter of a century. Under 
 his ministry the church continued for many years to 
 enjoy much prosperity. Within the first eighteen years 
 of its existence, it increased from eight to near a hun- 
 dred communicants. This, however, was the culminat- 
 ing point in its numerical prosperity under his pastoral 
 labors. The last ten years of his ministry were not 
 attended with the same degree of apparent success 
 that had characterized his earlier and more efficient 
 labors. However, during the entire period of his min- 
 istry his labors were arduous and abundant. He was 
 accustomed to preach during the week as well as on 
 the Sabbath, in private dwellings at various stations 
 scattered over an extensive field. He frequently trav- 
 eled on foot or rode on horseback from four to forty 
 miles through the wilderness, followihg foot-paths or 
 guided by marked trees, to preach the Gospel in dis- 
 tant and destitute neighborhoods. Thus he went forth 
 like his Master to seek the lost and save the ruined. 
 
PIONEER PASTORS. 311 
 
 To the labors of the ministry were added the cares 
 of a numerous family and toils of an active life. He 
 was accustomed to -wield the axe and fell the forest ; to 
 shoulder the rifle and pursHe the game. He was one 
 of the first supervisors of the town, and previous to 
 the war of 1812, captain of a military company. Du- 
 ring the earlier portion of his ministry he depended 
 chiefly on his own efibrts to provide for the wants of 
 himself and family. This was a necessity with the 
 pioneer ministers of this wild region. The members 
 of 'the Mt. Pleasant Church, however, were among the 
 first to provide a partial support for their pastor. In 
 the Spring of 1826, the church decided to raise Mr. 
 Peck a salary of one hundred dollars per annum. 
 
 In the Spring of 1813 he was called to taste the 
 bitter cup of domestic aflliction. On the 17th of May 
 of that year, the wife of his early choice and mother 
 of his twelve children, deceased, leaving his rural 
 home desolate and burdened heart almost in despair. 
 Having been a member of the church some five years 
 and mistress of his household nearly a quarter of a 
 century, she was esteemed a sincere Christian, a fond 
 mother and faithful companion. 
 
 Miss Elizabeth Horton became his second wife and 
 shared his domestie cares. Having survived him with 
 their two sons tos mourn his loss, she remains a widow 
 and resides on the homestead at Mt. Pleasant. 
 
 Mr. Peck continued to attend his appointments and 
 preach the Gospel until th€ Summer of 1831, when he 
 received a paralytic stroke which was repeated at in- 
 tervals until his speech and memory failed. In this 
 condition he lingered tUl March 16th, 1835, when he 
 
312 BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 
 
 calmly fell asleep. His funeral sermon was preached 
 by Kev. Henry Curtis at his request, from 2 Cor. 13 : 
 11. A large circle of relatiTes and friends attended 
 his funeral and followed him to the grave. His mortal 
 remains now rest in the family cemetery near his early 
 residence, under an apple tree planted by his own hand. 
 A plain marble slab marks the place of his rest and 
 bears an appropriate inscription. 
 
 It is related by those who knew him personally, that 
 Mr. Peck was rather above the medium stature, slightly 
 stooping ; of slender form and sharp features. His gene- 
 ral appearance indicated great activity and power of en- 
 durance. His voice was musical and pleasant and his 
 manners affable and modest. Without superior natural 
 talents or attainments, he had studied the Scriptures 
 during his hours of leisure with prayerful attention, 
 and stored his mind with a rich fund of religious know- 
 ledge. With little order or arrangement in his dis- 
 courses, yet his flowing tears and fervent manner ex- 
 cited an interest in the minds of his audience and usu- 
 ally secured their earn-est attention. But whatever 
 were his talents or attainments he moved in a sphere 
 of great usefulness and " served his own generation by 
 the will of God," He has passed from the toils of 
 earth to the rest of heaven. Let us cherish his re- 
 vered memory, emulate his holy zeal, and imitate his 
 self-sacrificing example. 
 
A*' 
 
 
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