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HISTOEY 
 
 CEDAR GROVE 
 
 PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 
 
 AND CONGHEGATION, 
 
 EAST EARL TOWNSHIP, LANCASTER COUNTY: 
 
 A COLONY FROM THE CHURCH OF PEQUEA. 
 
 READ BEFORE THE CONGREGATION ON THE DAY THEIR CHURCH EDIFICE, AS 
 
 REMODELLED, WAS DEDICATED TO THE WORSHIP OF GOD, 
 
 AUGUST 31, 1853. 
 
 BY THE 
 
 REV. JOHN LEAMAN, M.D. 
 
 PHILADELPHIA : 
 
 JOSEPH M. WILSON. 
 
 228 CHESTNUT STREET. 
 1853. 
 
THIS SKETCH IS DEDICATED 
 
 PRESBYTERIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY. 
 
 34^ GT 
 
 '03 
 
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 CORRESPONDENCE. 
 
 East Earl Township, September 2cl, 1853. 
 
 To THE Rev, John Leaman, M.D. 
 
 Reverexd and Dear Sir : — We, the undersigned, members of the Congre- 
 gation of Cedar Grove, having listened with deep interest to the history of 
 the " Cedar Grove Presbyterian Church," jDrepared and read by you on Wed- 
 nesday last, and believing the further circulation of said history would be 
 useful, and wishing it to be preserved in a more enduring and accessible 
 form, would respectfully solicit of you a copy of the same for publication. 
 
 In making this request, allow us to express our high satisfaction with the 
 manner in which you have performed this important task, and tender to j'ou 
 our sincere acknowledgments for the valuable service which you have thereby 
 rendered to the congregation and to the community at large. 
 
 Abraham Dehaven. 
 John Wallace. 
 Thomas Russell. 
 Henry Ranck. 
 George Russell. 
 Davies Wallace. 
 Alexander Galt. 
 George Wallace. 
 John Martin. 
 Christian Siiowalter. 
 Henry Merino. 
 Christian Stauffer. 
 Henderson A. Wallace. 
 John S. Wallace. 
 William J. Wallace. 
 Thomas Russell, Jr. 
 Alexander Martin. 
 
Cedar Grove Manse, September 5th, 1S53. 
 Gextlemex : — 
 
 I have received your very kind note, requesting for publication a copy of 
 
 the history of your Church, read before the congregation on the day the 
 
 church edifice was dedicated to the worship of God. I prepared this history 
 
 with the design of presenting it to you on that occasion ; and it is, therefore, 
 
 with all its imperfections, at your disposal. 
 
 With gratitude for your repeated acts of kindness, 
 
 I am, most sincerely, yours, 
 
 JOHN LEAMAN. 
 
 To Messrs. Abraham Dehavex, 
 
 John Wallace, 
 
 Thomas Russell, 
 
 Henry Ranck, 
 
 George Russell, 
 
 and others. 
 
HISTORY. 
 
 " Your fathers, where are tliey ? — Zecuabiah I. 5." 
 
 Members of the Cedar Grove 
 
 Presbyterian Church and Congregation : 
 
 When your pastor was called to take charge of this Church, 
 and became partially acquainted with her early history, he re- 
 solved to rescue those interesting associations of the past from 
 the oblivion into which they were rapidly sinking, and delineate 
 the character she maintained in the days of your fathers. This 
 pleasing task has been postponed, for various reasons, until the 
 present time. He has, on this occasion, the gratification of pre- 
 senting before you, a full and connected history of your Church, 
 from 1775 to the present day. 
 
 With all its imperfections, this narrative may, at least, claim 
 your confidence as authentic history. No labor has been spared 
 to ascertain the truth. Although the Sessional Records, except 
 for the last twenty years, are lost, other sources, on which we 
 could rely, with equal confidence, have been consulted. Our 
 information has been principally derived from the Minutes of 
 Presbytery, the Records of the trustees, and other documents 
 and papers preserved in various parts of the congregation and 
 surrounding neighborhood. The incidents we have received 
 through written or verbal communication, illustrating the cha- 
 racter of pastor or people, are the results of the personal obser- 
 vation of those from whom we obtained them ; or were handed 
 down from their parents, who are gone to the grave. 
 
 We need not describe to you this beautiful secluded valley, 
 where Providence has kindly cast your lot, and diffused around 
 you the richest profusion of his bounty. We need not tell you, 
 
6 
 
 of its lovely fertile plains, and gently rising hills, that embosom 
 the church of your fathers. We need not describe your moun- 
 tain, clad with lofty forest trees, bounding the southern portion 
 of your valley, and separating your church from her respected 
 mother of Pequea. We need not tell you of your limpid moun- 
 tain streams, gaily dancing over their rocky bed, and softly 
 winding through your verdant meadows. All these are familiar. 
 They are inseparably connected with the home of childhood ; 
 that beloved spot, which is hallowed in your memory by all those 
 tender associations, that cluster around the heart, as you think of 
 those dear departed ones who once sat with you at the domestic 
 hearth. Every prospect around you is familiar ; and this alone 
 has rendered you, in a measure, insensible to their beauty. An 
 admired poet has thus expressed this principle of the human 
 mind : 
 
 " Prospects, however lovely, may he seen, 
 Till half their beauties fade; the weary sight, 
 Too well acquainted with their smiles, slides off. 
 Fastidious, seeking less familiar scenes." 
 
 Those who visit this valley for the first time, invariably admire 
 its scenery ; and many, who have travelled some, have ranked it 
 among the most beautiful they have seen. 
 
 Less than one hundred and fifty years ago, the Conestoga 
 Valley was a howling wilderness. No human foot trod upon its 
 soil, but that of the native Indian. At last, the persecuted and 
 friendless European came, to seek, upon its dreary bosom, a 
 resting-place and a home. England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, 
 Switzerland, Germany, Holland, and France, all contributed in 
 transforming this forest into its present condition. Those who 
 came, at this early period, could not be ranked among the refuse 
 population of Europe ; but, on the contrary, the choicest of her 
 subjects, the refined, the learned, with the word of God in their 
 hands and his Spirit in their hearts, were driven, by religious 
 intolerance, to seek the asylum which this wilderness presented. 
 
 Such were some of those, who immigrated to this portion of the 
 Conestoga Valley. In 1718, it received its first white inhabitants. 
 From that period onward, the wild forest gradually became trans- 
 
formed into the abode of civilized man. In 1730, a company 
 from Wales, most of whom belonged to the parish of Bangor, 
 established at Churchtown, the Bangor Episcopal Church. In 
 the same year, a number of emigrants from Germany, organized, 
 in New Holland, the Evangelical Lutheran Church. Sixteen 
 years after this, in 1746, the German Reformed Church at New 
 Holland was organized, and placed under the pastoral charge of 
 Rev. Michael Shlatter. Twenty years after this, in 1766, the 
 church of the Mennonites, in this vicinity, was established. 
 
 Among those who emigrated from Wales, Scotland, and Ire- 
 land, to this portion of the Conestoga Valley, many were Presby- 
 terians ; and constituted the germ of the Cedar G-rove Presbyte- 
 rian Church. The descendants of some of these families are 
 still in your midst, and occupy, in your church, the seats of their 
 fathers. These are, the Jenkinses, Martins, Gaits, Wallaces, 
 Dehavens, Thompsons, Vogans, McConoughies, and Goods. 
 
 Between the periods of 1734 and 1747, most of the land now 
 in the possession of the members of this church, was patented. 
 The ground on which this church edifice is situated, and two 
 hundred and nine acres around it, were patented, February 18, 
 1734, to Mr. John Mcllvain, one of the earliest members of this 
 church. It is now, with the exception of the churchyard, in the 
 possession of Elder John Wallace. Adjoining the western boun- 
 dary of this tract, lies a body of land, containing seventy-five 
 acres, which was patented to JNIr. John Balthazar Pidser, June 
 25, 1748, and is now held by a member of this church, Mr. 
 Davies Wallace. Nearly adjoining this, in the northeast, is a 
 lot of one acre and fifty perches, in the hands of a member of 
 this church. Miss Elizabeth Kibler; which was, probably, pa- 
 tented at the same time and by the same person. 
 
 One mile southeast of this church, lies a tract of one hundred 
 and ninety-one acres, which was patented to Mr. Matthew 
 Martin, March 25, 1737. It descended to his son Alexander, 
 and is now, with the exception of thirty-one acres, in the pos- 
 session of his grandson, Mr. John Martin, a member of this con- 
 gregation. Adjoining this on the west, is a farm of sixty-seven 
 acres and eighty perches ; patented to Mr. George Maui'ter, 
 October 17, 1776 ; and is now held by a member of this cono-re- 
 
gation, Mr. John Davies. Adjoining this on the west, is a lot of 
 seven acres and twenty perches ; patented, perhaps, about the 
 same time; and is now in the hands of Mr. Benjamin Davies, 
 whose wife is a member of this church. About one mile west of 
 this, is a lot of nine acres and one hundred and eighteen perches ; 
 patented to Mr. George Matter, December 10, 1771 ; and is 
 now in the possession of a member of this congregation, Mr. 
 Henry Mering. 
 
 Three miles west of this church edifice, lies a tract of two 
 hundred and seventy-six acres ; which was patented to Mr. Hugh 
 Thompson, April 20, 1749. It is now in the hands of Elder 
 Abraham Dehaven, whose late consort was a lineal descendant 
 from the patentee. One hundred and forty-two acres, adjoining 
 the above land, were patented to Mr. Rees David, January 27, 
 1737. Thirty-five acres of this, with ten lying in their vicinity, 
 are now held by Elder Henry Ranch. 
 
 Four miles northwest of this church, lie two hundred and sixty 
 acres, which were patented to Mr. Rees Morgan, in 1738. Ad- 
 joining this, are two hundred acres, patented May 26, of the 
 same year, to Mr. Byerly. Two hundred acres of the above 
 tracts are now in the possession of a member of this church, 
 Mr. Alexander Gait. Adjacent to this, is a tract of two hun- 
 dred and seventy-four acres ; one hundred and twenty-four of 
 which were patented to Mr. George Brown, April 13, 1742; 
 and the balance, October 7, 1747. This land was purchased of 
 the patentee, by Mr. Christian Showalter, November 12, 1750 ; 
 and forty-eight acres of it are now held by his grandson of the 
 same name, a member of this church. Four miles west of this, 
 at Voganville, is a tract of one hundred and fifty-nine acres ; 
 patented to Mr. Joseph Smith, October 12, 1748. It is now in 
 the hands of Messrs. John and Isaac Vogan, who still assist in 
 sustaining the Gospel in this house. 
 
 At Churchtown, five miles northeast of this building, lies the 
 Windsor Forge tract, containing three hundred and nine acres ; 
 purchased in 1733, by Mr. John Jenkins, a member of this 
 church. Mr. Jenkins afterwards sold it to Mr. William Bran- 
 son, to whom it was patented in form, December 28, 1742. This 
 tract is now in the possession of an aged member of this church, 
 
9 
 
 Mrs. Catliarine Jenkins. Adjacent to this, are one thousand 
 and thirty-three acres ; which were patented to Mr. William 
 . Branson, August 8, 1745. This was afterwards purchased by 
 Mr. David Jenkins, son of Mr. John Jenkins ; and much of it 
 yet remains in the hands of his descendants. Mr. David Jen- 
 kins, in his last will and testament, dated March 27, 1797, be- 
 queathed to his children, three thousand acres, in the vicinity of 
 Churchtown. 
 
 The tracts above enumerated, embrace all the land now in the 
 possession of the members of this church, except sixty-six acres, 
 belonging to Elders Thomas and George Russell, thirty-eight 
 acres and twenty perches, in the hands of Mr. Alexander Martin, 
 and one acre and one hundred and forty perches, owned by Mrs. 
 Rachael Plank ; the patents of wdiich could not conveniently be 
 found. 
 
 As these patents include about four thousand nine hundred 
 acres, situated in various parts of this valley, they enable us to 
 form some idea of the period of its settlement ; and for this 
 reason, they are mentioned in this history. These patents were 
 given by the descendants of William Penn, between 1734 and 
 1747 ; except those for the mountain land, which are dated some 
 thirty years later. 
 
 When the Presbyterians emigrated from Wales, Scotland, and 
 Ireland to this valley, and purchased their land, their number 
 was too small to sustain a pastor. Notwithstanding, they did 
 not become merged in the Episcopal, Lutheran, or German Re- 
 formed churches already organized in their vicinity ; but crossed 
 the Welsh Mountain every Sabbath morning, to mingle their 
 prayers and praises with those of their brethren in the Presby- 
 terian GhurcJi of Pequea. This, they called their church. Here 
 they worshipped ; here they contributed their portion towards 
 sustaining the pastor. 
 
 The early history of this ancient church is, in a great measure, 
 lost. Nothing is to be found on the Records of Presbytery in 
 relation to her organization. Tradition says, that the Rev. 
 Adam Boyd was commissioned by Presbytery to collect a con- 
 gregation at Pequea, and take the preliminary steps towards its 
 organization. After this, he performed the same duty at Lea- 
 
10 
 
 cock, and was finally settled, as pastor, over Upper Octorara, in 
 1724. The Church of Pequea must, consequently, have been 
 organized very early in the last century. 
 
 It appears, on the Minutes of Presbytery, that in 1733, the 
 Rev. Alexander Craighead was installed pastor of this church. 
 This was about the time the first Presbyterians immigrated to 
 this part of the Conestoga Valley. Two years after the installa- 
 tion of Mr. Craighead, the pastoral relation between him and his 
 charge at Pequea was dissolved, and the Rev. Daniel Alexander 
 became his successor. Mr. Alexander maintained this relation 
 until 1750 ; at which time, the Rev. Robert Smith, D.D., was 
 installed. Dr. Smith labored in this field until his death, which 
 occurred in 1793. 
 
 Half a century had well-nigh passed away, since the first Pres- 
 byterian immigrants came to this part of the Conestoga Valley ; 
 and they were still pursuing their Sabbath ride, across the Welsh 
 Mountain, to the Church of Pequea. At last, their number being 
 much increased, and their lands becoming cleared and more pro- 
 ductive, they resolved to establish a place of preaching on this 
 side of the mountain, and obtain part of the labor of their pastor, 
 the Rev. Robert Smith, D.D. For this purpose, they selected, 
 on the property of Mr. Robert Wallace, the father of Elder John 
 Wallace, a site, in the vicinity of the Blue Ball, a few rods west 
 of the spot where now stands the farm-house of Mr. Henry Root. 
 Here was a stream of water, and a spring flowing out from the 
 midst of forest trees. On this spot they erected a platform for 
 the preacher, and seats for the congregation ; and called it 
 " The Run." 
 
 We cannot ascertain the date of the beginning of this church 
 at the Run. No document is in existence to which we can refer. 
 Elder John Wallace, who is now eighty-four years of age, says, 
 that among his earliest recollections, is, the assembling of the 
 congregation to hear the preaching of Dr. Smith, on this spot, 
 beside his father's house. Admitting that he can remember 
 what occurred when he was at the age of six years, it would 
 carry us back to the period of 1775 ; one year before the Co- 
 lonies declared themselves independent. A lady, the daughter 
 of Elder James Gait, says, she heard her mother frequently nar- 
 
11 
 
 rate tlie following incident : " One Sabbath morning, in 1775, 
 she was sitting beside her parents at the Run, while Dr. Smith 
 was preaching. In the midst of the sermon, a number of cattle, 
 followed by dogs, ran towards the congregation ; and an infu- 
 riated bull rushed among the people, and dispersed them. The 
 ladies, especially, were thrown into such confusion that the 
 Doctor did not attempt to resume his discourse. He pronounced 
 the benediction, and dismissed the assembly." We have thus 
 satisfiictory testimony, that in 1775, Dr. Smith was preaching at 
 the Run. How much earlier than this, religious services may 
 have been held in this place, we have no means of ascertaining. 
 
 During the space of ten years from this period, the Gospel 
 was preached, every eighth Sabbath, at the Run. 
 
 In 1785, the ConsTregation resolved to select a more elic-ible 
 site, where a permanent place of preaching might be established. 
 The spot where this church edifice now stands attracted their 
 attention. A beautiful grove of cedars cast their shade upon 
 the green sod beneath, and, a few yards distant, a spring poured 
 forth its limpid waters. On this site they erected their platform 
 and seats. The platform was built beneath a white oak, which 
 mingled its shade with that of the cedars, and is still standing in 
 the northwest corner of the churchyard. In 1785, Dr. Smith 
 first stood on that platform, and preached to your fathers the 
 Gospel of Jesus Christ. From that day to the present, this has 
 been hallowed ground. During all the vicissitudes that mark the 
 flight of time, the smile of Providence has never forsaken this 
 spot. The gray hairs of that venerable man who first preached 
 beneath these cedars, have descended to the grave, but the same 
 doctrine and precepts which he proclaimed are still preached to 
 you. It is not remarkable that the tenderest associations should 
 be awakened in your bosom as you tread this sacred ground ; for 
 here your fathers worshipped, and here have scenes been wit- 
 nessed that are recorded in heaven. 
 
 About the time that Dr. Smith began to preach at this place, 
 the church of Pequea obtained a charter, in order to hold a 
 legacy of two hundred and sixty-six dollars and sixty-six cents, 
 bequeathed to her by Mr. Robert McCally. The charter was 
 dated February 5th, 1785. The trustees appointed were, Messrs. 
 
12 
 
 Isaac McCalmont, Amos Slaymaker, James Armor, Thomas 
 Slemons, Andrew Caldwell, Robert Byers, David Jenkins, Thomas 
 Patton, and the Rev. Robert Smith, D.D., under the title of 
 " The Trustees of the Presbyterian Congregation of Pequea, in 
 Salisbury Township, and Coimty of Lancaster." 
 
 Some of the trustees elected under this charter resided in the 
 Conestoga Y alley, and took charge of the temporal interest of 
 this portion of the church. Two years after Dr. Smith had 
 preached, for the first time, on the platform erected in the midst 
 of the cedars, the Congregation purchased of the proprietor, Mr. 
 Alexander Mcllvain, one hundred and ten perches of land im- 
 mediately around the spot where they worshipped. The article 
 of agreement was made with Messrs. James Gait and James 
 McConal, " Trustees of the Corporation." It was dated March 
 5th, 1787. The amount paid for the land was thirteen dollars 
 and thirty-three cents. About the time this instrument was 
 drawn, the Congregation erected a church edifice on the spot 
 which this house occupies. It was built of stone ; and the seats 
 were arranged in such a manner that it could be used during the 
 week as a school-house. The entrance was on the east, and the 
 pulpit stood on the north. Here, many of the present members 
 of this church received the elements of their education. From 
 the beautiful grove of cedars that surrounded and shaded this 
 spot, the edifice received the name of the " Cedar Grove Presby- 
 terian Church, of Earl Township." The only title the Congre- 
 gation possessed for the land, during the space of four years, was 
 the article of agreement. May 21st, 1791, a deed of conveyance 
 was made by the former proprietor, Mr. Alexander Mcllvain, 
 and his wife, to the Rev. Robert Smith, D.D., and Messrs. John 
 Jenkins, James Gait, and James McConal, " Trustees of and for 
 the Presbyterian Congregation of Earl Township." 
 
 Three years had passed away since their church edifice was 
 erected, and the amount of preaching in their vicinity continued 
 the same. Every eighth Sabbath Dr. Smith spent with them in 
 their new house ; as the custom was, in those days, preaching 
 two sermons, with a recess between them of half an hour. March 
 1st, 1790, a subscription was circulated to obtain more of Dr. 
 Smith's time. As this instrument casts lio'ht on the condition of 
 
13 
 
 the Congregation at this early period, I have transcribed it entire. 
 ""We, the subscribers, members of the Presbyterian Church, who 
 convene for worship in the new or Cedar Grove Presbyterian 
 Church, in Earl Township, or wish to promote the interest of the 
 Gospel there, sensible of the loss we and our families sustain by 
 so seldom enjoying the public ordinances, do, in order to obtain 
 more of the Rev. Dr. Robert Smith's labors amongst us, namely, 
 as much of them as our subscription will procure, promise to pay 
 yearly, and every year, to Colonel David Jenkins and James Gait, 
 and their successors, as trustees for the Congregation, in trust for 
 the foresaid Rev. Dr. Robert Smith, the sums subscribed to our 
 names respectively, so long as he shall continue our regular pastor, 
 and we shall remain in the bounds of the ConoTea;ation under his 
 charge. Witness our hands, this first day of March, 1790. 
 
 " James iyicConal, . . 
 
 - £1 
 
 10s. Orf. 
 
 John Sher'ror, .... 
 
 . £ 7s. 6rf. 
 
 George Thomson, . . 
 
 
 15 
 
 James Leslie, .... 
 
 7 6 
 
 Robert Wallace, . . 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 John Grey, 
 
 7 6 
 
 James McCleeiy, . . 
 
 
 15 
 
 William Bell, .... 
 
 1 
 
 James Gait, .... 
 
 2 
 
 5 
 10 
 
 David Jenkins, . . . 
 John Jenkins, .... 
 
 .400 
 
 Alexander Martin, . 
 
 . . 1 
 
 2 
 
 Henry Hambright, 
 
 . . 1 
 
 15 
 
 James Calderwood, . 
 
 3 9 
 
 Alexander Mellvain, 
 
 . . 1 
 
 2 G 
 
 William Brison, 
 
 5 
 
 John McColIom, . . 
 
 
 7 6 
 
 Hannah Kittera, . . . 
 
 15 
 
 Hugh Quin, .... 
 
 
 7 6 
 7 6 
 
 William Wilson, . 
 Robert Jenkins, . . . . 
 
 I n 
 
 John Kirteiton, 
 
 
 15 
 
 John McCleery, . . 
 
 
 7 6 
 
 Nathan Evans and Son, 
 
 10 0" 
 
 The whole amount subscribed was tAventy-four pounds, thirteen 
 shillings, and ninepence, which, in Pennsylvania currency, was 
 si.xty-five dollars and eighty-three cents. Among the names ap- 
 pended to this instrument, many of you recognise those of your 
 fathers. 
 
 Seven months after the date of this paper, a congregational 
 meeting was held in the church of Pequea, for the purpose of 
 increasing Dr. Smith's salary. A promissory note was drawn, 
 dated October 2d, 1790, signed by the trustees, and sealed by 
 the corporate seal, in which the Congregation engaged to give 
 annually the sum of two hundred and sixty-six dollars and sixty- 
 six cents, to the Rev. Robert Smith, as a compensation for his 
 ministerial services. On the records of the trustees we find the fol- 
 lowing minute, under the date of October 18th, 1790 : " The note 
 
14 
 
 was delivered to the Rev. Dr. Robert Smith, who received it for 
 the use therein-mentioned, thereby testifying his wilKngness to 
 continue in his pastoral oflBce, in and over the Congregation, to 
 the great satisfaction of the people.'' "We learn from the Records 
 of Presbytery, that, at a meeting of that body, held in the church 
 of Pequea, August 14th, 1782, Dr. Smith, on account of pecuniary 
 embarrassment, made application for the dissolution of the pas- 
 toral relation between him and his charge. Through the earnest 
 remonstrance of Mr. Thomas Kittera, the representative of the 
 session, the Presbytery concluded to defer complying with the 
 request of Dr. Smith, until their next meeting. The difficulty 
 arose principally from the depreciation of the Continental currency 
 at this time, which pressed hard on all those who lived on fixed 
 salaries. The unsettled condition of the country, on account of 
 the recent war, and the general disposition to emigrate westward, 
 also withdrew from the church, at this period, some of her prin- 
 cipal supporters. At a meeting of Presbytery held at White 
 Clay Creek, April 27th, 1784, the Congregation informed that 
 body that an arrangement had been made to compensate Dr. Smith 
 for some of his losses in the depreciation of the currency, and 
 also to give him annually four hundred bushels of wheat. Dr. 
 Smith, with much reluctance, consented to this arrangement. At 
 length, in 1790, the worshippers in the Cedar Grove Church, 
 adding their subscription of sixty-five dollars and eighty-three 
 cents, and the congregation of Pequea presenting him the pro- 
 missory note of two hundred and sixty-six dollars and sixty-six 
 cents, as the annual compensation for his labors among them, 
 the difilculty seems to have been entirely adjusted. 
 
 His salary at the two churches, now, amounted to three hun- 
 dred and thirty-two dollars and forty-nine cents. Three years 
 after this, this devoted servant of his Divine Master Avas removed 
 from the field in which he had so long labored ; doubtless, to take 
 possession of his crown in heaven. His ashes repose in the 
 churchyard of Pequea. 
 
 Let us pause for a moment, and take a view of the character 
 of the church, at this early period. The first that demands our 
 attention is the pastor. Dr. Robert Smith. He was born in 1723. 
 He is mentioned, by Dr. Alexander, among the number of those, 
 
15 
 
 ■u-lio received their education at the Log College, at Neshaminy ; 
 and also, as one who was particularly interested in the establish- 
 ment of Princeton College. About 1748, he was married to 
 Miss Elizabeth, sister of the Rev. Messrs. Samuel and John 
 Blair. At the age of twenty-eight, he was installed the pastor 
 of the church of Pequea. This was in the year 1751. 
 
 From the Records of Presbytery we learn, that during the 
 first eight years of his pastoral labors in the church of Pequea, 
 part of his time was appropriated to the church of Leacock. At a 
 meeting of Presbytery, held June 5, 1759, the following minute 
 was recorded : " A supplication from Leacock congregation, re- 
 questing the half of Mr. Robert Smith's (their present pastor) 
 labors, was brought in and read; but, as there is no commissioner 
 from Pequea present, and that congregation is nearly concerned 
 in this affair, the consideration of it is deferred to our next." 
 At a meeting of Presbytery, held at Pequea, October 30, 1759, 
 it was^decided, that the interest of religion, and the condition of 
 Dr. Smith's health required " his stated labor to be confined 
 wholly to Pequea." How much of his time had been appro- 
 priated to the church of Leacock, we are not informed ; but from 
 the above minute we infer, that it was less than one-half. At 
 this meeting of Presbytery, his pastoral relation with that church 
 was dissolved. 
 
 February 19, 1777, Mrs. Elizabeth Smith departed this life, at 
 the age of fifty-two years. Her mortal remains were laid in the 
 churchyard of Pequea. She died, leaving her husband the 
 father of five sons, viz. : Samuel Stanhope, John Blair, William, 
 Ebenezer, and Robert ; and one daughter, called Nancy. 
 
 About 1780, he was united in marriage to his second wife, 
 Mrs. Sarah, widow of the Rev. Mr. Ramsay, who was a brother 
 of Dr. Ramsay, the historian. Mrs. Ramsay was formerly Miss 
 Sealy, of Cohocksing, West Jersey. After his marriage to this 
 lady, another daughter was added to the number of his children ; 
 to whom they gave the name of Elizabeth. This account I re- 
 ceived from a daughter of the Rev. John Carmichael ; who is, 
 also, a grand-niece of the Rev. Dr. Smith. 
 
 Dr. Smith continued his pastoral charge over this church forty- 
 two years ; and died, at the age of seventy, among those who had 
 
16 
 
 grown up under his ministry. As a servant of Jesus Christ, he 
 was faithful to his charge, and faithful to the great Head of the 
 Church. He studied to show himself " approved unto God, a work- 
 man that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word 
 of truth." Many of his sermons have been published ; and all 
 bear the impress of deep reflection and ardent piety. It was not 
 unusual for him to become so absorbed in thought, that his atten- 
 tion was withdrawn from everything around him. If he hap- 
 pened to be in this state of mind while riding, he observed none 
 who met him on the way. Sometimes, his horse would pause and 
 graze on the roadside, until his master had finished his contem- 
 plation. This abstracted state of mind was doubtless encouraged, 
 by the many solitary rides he was obliged to take, over the Welsh 
 Mountain, in the performance of his pastoral duties. 
 
 Not only was he a faithful and eminent divine, but also, an 
 able and successful teacher. He sustained a classical and theolo- 
 gical institution of the highest character. His school was held 
 in the house where Mr. John Sweigart now resides ; about luxlf a 
 mile north of the church of Pequea. Of this house and farm. 
 Dr. Smith was, at that time, the proprietor. In order to accom- 
 modate the students who resorted to this place of learning, a 
 large addition was built to the house ; which, being of more 
 perishable material than the original stone structure, has long 
 since yielded to the destructive influence of time. In this house 
 was born his first son, Samuel Stanhope, March 16, 1750 ; about 
 the time he was installed over this congregation. At this Insti- 
 tution was laid the foundation of the eminence to which the 
 Rev. Samuel Stanhope Smith, D.D., afterwards arrived, as the 
 first president of Hampden Sidney College in Virginia, and the 
 immediate successor of Dr. Witherspoon as president of Princeton 
 College. In this retired spot, was also born and educated Dr. 
 Robert Smith's second son, John Blair, who succeeded his brother, 
 as president of Hampden Sidney, and was, afterwards, the first 
 president of Union College in Schenectady. Under the ministry 
 of the Rev. John Blair Smith, D.D., in Virginia, commenced a 
 powerful and extensive revival ; the influence of which, extended 
 far and wide through that State, and also to North Carolina and 
 Kentucky. Here was also born and educated the third son, 
 
17 
 
 William ; wlio did not, indeed, become so much distinguished as 
 his brothers ; but was, nevertheless, a pious and judicious minister 
 of the gospel. In the words of Dr. Alexander : " His good old 
 father was wont to say, that though William was inferior to his 
 brothers in learning and eloquence, yet to comfort and edify the 
 plain Christian, he was equal to either of them." Besides the 
 sons of Dr. Robert Smith, many others, who afterwards arrived 
 to eminence and occupied positions of great usefulness, received 
 their classical or theological education at this Institution. From 
 this school of the prophets, in this retired spot, went out an in- 
 fluence that was deeply felt in the kingdom of Satan, and caused 
 angels to rejoice. 
 
 Among the teachers who assisted Dr. Robert Smith, Avas Mr, 
 James Waddell ; afterwards the distinguished blind preacher of 
 Virginia. To delineate the character of the eloquence of the 
 Rev. Dr. Waddell, the late Hon. William Wirt wrote that inimi- 
 table piece of composition, called " The Blind Preacher." 
 
 After discharging, until the age of seventy, the pastoral duties 
 of the church of Pequea, Dr. Smith was suddenly called away 
 from the midst of his labors. He had been in Philadelphia, 
 attending an ecclesiastical meeting ; and had returned on Satur- 
 day, as far as Rockville, Chester County. On Sabbath morning, 
 he left this place to go to his church ; but that sacred desk, in 
 which he had so often led in the service of the sanctuary, was no 
 more to be occupied by him. That familiar voice, which had 
 fallen every Sabbath, for nearly half a century, on the ears of 
 his people, was no longer to be heard by them. His Master de- 
 manded his service in another sphere. The Lord was about to 
 take him. As the congregation of the Forks of Brandywine 
 were assembling for worship, they found him lying on the road- 
 side, and his faithful horse standing beside him. He was removed 
 to the house of William Hunter, Esq., an elder of the church of 
 the Forks of Brandywine, where, in a few days, he died. This 
 account I received from a daughter of Elder William Hunter, 
 who was present when he died at her father's house. 
 
 His remains were brought to his dwelling at Pequea, and in- 
 terred in the churchyard, beside the ashes of his departed wife. 
 
 A pastor's grave is always an interesting spot to,the congrega- 
 
18 
 
 tion over Avhich lie had presided. Tender associations cannot 
 fail to arise in the mind as they gaze on the earth that lies upon 
 his bosom, and remember, that in that bosom, a heart once beat 
 in anxious solicitude for their best welfare. But, when the vene- 
 rated lips of the pastor, who has faithfully and ardently labored 
 forty-two years, in the same congregation, are sealed in death, 
 and his gray hairs are loAvered into the earth by those whom he 
 has received into the church, baptized, instructed, comforted in 
 affliction, and led in the paths of peace — it is no indication of 
 weakness for the heart to melt, and tears of the deepest sorrow 
 to fall upon that grave. Such was the scene at the burial of 
 Dr. Smith. 
 
 On a plain marble slab that covers the spot where his bones 
 repose, is the following inscription : 
 
 To the Memory 
 
 of the 
 
 Rev. ROBERT SMITH, D.D., 
 
 who departed this life, 
 
 April 15, 1793, 
 
 in the 7 1st year of his age : 
 
 Forty-two years pastor of the 
 
 Presbyterian Church of 
 
 Pequea. 
 
 He was a faithful, eminent, and successful divine ; 
 
 Long at the head of a Public Seminary. 
 
 A great joart of the Clergy of this State, 
 
 received the elements of their education, 
 
 Or 
 
 perfected their Theological studies, 
 
 under his direction. 
 
 Beneath this monument sleeps a 
 
 Father in Israel. 
 
 On this marble slab is thus recorded for posterity, in a few 
 words, the history of this good man. It is a mere statement of 
 prominent facts. Less could not, in justice, be said ; more, need 
 not. Truly, a father in Israel sleeps beneath that stone. Forty- 
 two years he had preached at Pequea, ten at the Run, and eight 
 at Cedar Grove. 
 
 Among the mourners around his grave, was his second wife. 
 A few days after his interment, a congregational meeting was 
 
19 
 
 held, at which it was " unanimously resolved, that the trustees 
 pay to Mrs. Sarah Smith, widow and relict of Dr. Smith, late 
 pastor of this church, one hundred and thirty-three dollars and 
 thirty-three cents ; as a donation from the congregation, in testi- 
 mony of that esteem and respect, justly due to singular merit." 
 This meeting was held May 6, 1793. 
 
 The only elder at this early period, on this side of the mountain, 
 was Mr. Thomas Kittera. He resided in the Conestoga Valley, 
 on the property now in the possession of Mr. Amos Kinzer. On 
 the Records of Presbytery, we find his name mentioned as " the 
 representative of the session," at a meeting held at Pequea, Au- 
 gust 14, 1782. He departed this life, October 22, 1782, aged 
 sixty years and eight months His remains were interred in the 
 churchyard of Pequea. The time of his ordination to the elder- 
 ship we have no means of ascertaining ; but, from the Minutes 
 of Presbytery, we learn that he served in this sacred oflBce while 
 the church held her meetings at the Run. He was most proba- 
 bly instrumental in its establishment at this place. He is said 
 to have been a faithful and efficient elder, and devoted Christian. 
 He was the father of the late Hon. John Kittera, an eminent 
 jurist in Philadelphia. 
 
 One of the most pious men of the cburch, in this vicinity, in 
 the days of Dr. Smith, was Mr. Thomas Gait. His grandfather, 
 Mr. Robert Gait, emigrated from Ireland to this country at some 
 period between 1700 and 1710. He landed at Wilmington, 
 Delaware. Leaving his family there, he directed his course west- 
 ward ; and came to a place where a large spring poured forth its 
 waters. He determined to make this spot his home. This land 
 is in Salisbury township, and is now in the possession of Thomas 
 G. Henderson, Esq. The spring is about three-quarters of a 
 mile south of Pequea Church. Mr. Gait, having fixed upon this 
 spot, returned to Wilmington for his family ; but when he came 
 back to the land of his adoption, he could not, in the midst of 
 the wild forest, discover the place. At length he came upon a 
 piece of ground, well watered ; and this he took, as a substitute 
 for the one after which he was searching. This is the land, now 
 in the possession of Mr. William Gait and John Robinson, Esq., 
 elders of the Church of Pequea. 
 
20 
 
 Mr. Robert Gait was one of the earliest immigrants to that 
 portion of the Pequea Valley ; and was one of the founders of the 
 Presbyterian Church of Pequea. A short time after his arrival, 
 his wife departed this life ; and as there was no church or grave- 
 yard within the distance of many miles, he buried her on his 
 farm. This is the origin of the grave-yard near the house of 
 Mr. William Gait. When Mr. Robert Gait immigrated to that 
 valley, he brought with him his son James ; who was afterwards 
 united in marriage to Miss Alison, and in 1720 became the father 
 of Thomas Gait. 
 
 Having arrived at the period of manhood, Mr. Thomas Gait 
 travelled westward, and settled on the banks of the Conodogui- 
 nett, within two miles of the place where now stands the village 
 of Newville, Cumberland County, of this State. Here he re- 
 mained until 1757, two years after the memorable defeat of 
 General Braddock. At this time, while the Avar between the 
 English and French colonists was waging, the dwelling of Mr. 
 Thomas Gait was attacked by Indians. He would have shared 
 the fate of many others in that valley, had he not anticipated 
 their attack. Leaving his stock and furniture, he and his family 
 fled on horseback, and came to the banks of the Conestoga, in 
 East Earl township, where one of his grandsons, Alexander Gait, 
 now resides. Here he remained until June 30, 1779 ; at Avhich 
 time he was gathered to the tomb of his fathers, at the age of 
 fifty-nine years. 
 
 Mr. Thomas Gait, like his ancestors, was a member of the 
 Presbyterian Church. Twenty-two years he attended the preach- 
 ing of Dr. Smith at Pequea, and four at the Run. He was a 
 bright example of a true disciple of Jesus Christ. He was emi- 
 nently a man of prayer. While engaged in the ordinary business 
 of farming, on the banks of the Conestoga, his mind seemed to 
 be in constant communion with God. Unconscious of the pre- 
 sence of others, his lips moved and gave utterance to the pious 
 feelings of his soul. He was regarded by his neighbors with 
 great respect, on account of his ardent piety ; and if his crop of 
 grain was, at any time, superior to theirs, they attributed it to 
 the influence of his prayers, which they said were ofiered from 
 every portion of his farm. This is a well-known fact, and is a 
 
21 
 
 striking instance of the respect paid by the world to true and 
 fervent piety. 
 
 While Dr. Smith Avas drawing near to the close of his earthly 
 labors, Providence was preparing you a pastor, on the other side 
 of the Atlantic. The Rev. William Arthur, the successor of Dr. 
 Smith, was born in April, 1769, in the south of Scotland, in the 
 town of Peebles. He received a classical education at Edinburgh, 
 and was ordained to the gospel ministry at Paisley. In 1791, he 
 was united in marriage to Miss Agnes Gcmmill of Kilmarnock. 
 In 1793, the same year in which Dr. Smith died, he sailed for 
 this country, and landed in New York. In that city, he assisted, 
 for a few months, his distinguished cousin, the Hev. John M. 
 Mason, D.D. After this, he supplied a congregation in Albany. 
 From thence he came to Pennsylvania, and October, 7, 1795, was 
 received from the Presbytery of Philadelphia, as a member of the 
 Presbytery of New Castle. Three years after the death of Dr. 
 Smith, he was installed the pastor of Pequea. The committee 
 appointed to perform that duty, met January 5, 1796. The Rev. 
 Nathan Grier preached the sermon from Ezekiel iii. 17 : " Son of 
 man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel : 
 therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from 
 me." The Rev. Mr. Mitchel presided, and gave the charges to the 
 pastor and people. Mr. Arthur labored in this field above twenty- 
 two years. May 1, 1818, his pastoral relation with this congre- 
 gation was dissolved. After this, he preached a few months in 
 Lancaster, and occasionally supplied his former charge. In 1819, 
 he removed to Cincinnati; and while there, was attacked with 
 an affection of the eye, by which he partially lost his sight. In 
 1825, he left Cincinnati, and went to Zanesville. At his resi- 
 dence near this place, he was attacked with hemorrhage from the 
 lungs ; of which, in February, 1827, he died. 
 
 Mr. Arthur was a zealous, evangelical preacher. His sermons 
 were generally very short, but full of thought. It has been 
 often remarked, that few could condense as much matter within 
 the same space. At a certain time, a bill to abolish capital pun- 
 ishment was brought before the legislature, then in session, in 
 Lancaster. Mr. Arthur preached a sermon to that body, and 
 discussed the subject of the bill. His discourse occupied but 
 
00 
 
 half an hour ; and yet the arguments for the negative were pre- 
 sented so clearly and fully, that through his influence, it is said, 
 the bill scarcely met with any support. 
 
 He possessed good common sense as well as deep learning ; 
 and was, especially, remarkable for his firmness of character. 
 He was not afraid to rebuke sin wherever he met with it, whether 
 in the higher or lower walks of life. Even a stranger in the 
 highway, who uttered in his presence a profane word, was sure 
 to be rebuked ; and sometimes, in the most decisive manner. On 
 a certain occasion, while passing a teamster, who was swearing 
 at his horses, and commanding his leader to go to the place pre- 
 pared for Satan, Mr. Arthur rode up to him and in a solemn 
 and decisive manner, said : " John, hell was not made for horses, 
 but for such wicked hearts as yours." 
 
 The following incident, I received from Mr. William Gait, elder 
 of the church of Pequea ; and as it illustrates the character of 
 the pastor, and shows the impunity with which the Sabbath was 
 violated in those early days, I will take the liberty of narrating 
 it. One Sabbath morning, Mr. Arthur wished to cross the Welsh 
 Mountain, to preach in the Cedar Grove Church. He could not 
 use his own horse on that occasion, and consequently obtained 
 the loan of one, from the father of Mr. William Gait. Mr. 
 Arthur was fond of riding a good horse, and Mr. Gait gave him 
 a spirited, blooded animal ; which in former days, had been ac- 
 customed to the chase. As Mr. Arthur was returning in the 
 evening from church, he heard the sound of dogs following the 
 trail of a fox. As he began to ascend the mountain, he met the 
 huntsmen (persons in the higher walks of life), waiting for the 
 hounds on the roadside. He rode up to them and began to rebuke 
 them, in his decided manner, for breaking the Lord's day. At 
 this moment the hounds, on the trail, past them ; and the hunts- 
 men, not relishing the conversation of Mr. Arthur, blew their 
 horns and darted off after their dogs. The horse on which Mr. 
 Arthur rode, seemed to have suddenly called to remembrance 
 the scenes "of the days of other years ;" and in spite of all the 
 efforts and remonstrances of his rider, leaped after the dogs. A 
 Gilpin race now ensued, through the midst of the dense forest, 
 at the imminent risk of fracturing the skull of the rider ; until. 
 
23 
 
 after travelling five miles in that condition, the horse allowed him- 
 self to be reined in. Mr. Arthur now returned to his dwelling, 
 exhausted by his ride, and with any other than pleasant associa- 
 tions. A few days after this, one of the huntsmen met an elder 
 of the church, and as soon as he came up to him, he exclaimed : 
 " Your preacher is one of the best riders in this part of the 
 country. Last Sunday, we were out after a fox, and he joined 
 in with us ; but he could beat us all. Every leap of his horse 
 •was at the heels of the dogs." 
 
 Those days required decided men, to stand forth in defence of 
 the law of God ; for wickedness stalked abroad in high and low 
 places. 
 
 During the period of Mr. Arthur's pastoral charge over the 
 church of Pequea, the Cedar Grove Church received one-fourth 
 of his time, and paid one-fourth of his salary. He received 
 from the two churches, four hundred dollars. It appears, from 
 his last receipt, that fifty dollars per annum were added to his 
 salary, during the last four years of his labors among them. 
 The supporters of the Cedar Grove church at the time Mr. 
 Arthur became their pastor, are known from a subscription 
 paper, dated October 1, 179G; on Avhich are the following 
 names : James Thomson, James Gait, Henry Hambright, Joseph 
 McCleery, John McCleery, David Norton, John Craford, Jacob 
 Linton, James Vogan, Samuel Linton, John McConaughy, John 
 McCollom, John Wallace, Alexander jMcIlvain, Martha Wallace, 
 Alexander Martin, Alexander Storey, Joseph Martin, Samuel 
 Martin, William Martin, John Kilpatrick, John Gray, Nathan 
 Evans, William Price, LcAvis Wilmar, James Kilpatrick, David 
 Jenkins, John Jenkins, Robert Jenkins, Thomas Jenkins, Samuel 
 Laferty, John Huston, James Davis, Edward Dehaven, James 
 McCleery, John Showaltcr, Abraham LaAv, John Ray, James 
 McElroy, William Buchanan, William Evans, John Sturges, 
 James Kasky, Hannah Kittera, William Brison, Robert Peoples. 
 The whole amount subscribed in this paper, was ^41, 9 shillings, 
 or one hundred and ten dollars and fifty-three cents. 
 
 Among a number of documents received through the kindness 
 of John Robinson, Esq., elder of Pequea Church, we discover on 
 a single sheet of paper the records of two meetings of Session. 
 One was held on June 10th, 1806, and the other on June 12th, 
 
24 
 
 1809. These are the only Sessional Records' extant, until the 
 period of the installation of the present pastor, the Rev. John 
 Wallace. On that paper are recorded the names of the elders at 
 that time. These were Messrs. James Hannah, Amos Slaymaker, 
 James Grier, William Brisben, John Whitehill, William Boyd, 
 George Thomson, and James Gait. The two last-mentioned 
 resided in the Conestoga Valley, and were ordained to the elder- 
 ship at the same time. Mr. George Thomson is said to have 
 been a pious and worthy elder, who faithfully endeavored to dis- 
 charge the responsible duties devolving upon him. 
 
 When speaking of the Cedar Grove Church, while under the 
 pastoral charge of Dr. Smith, we referred to the piety of one of 
 her members, Mr. Thomas Gait, who died June oOth, 1779. 
 Among the mourners that followed his body to the grave, was his 
 son James, a young man of twenty-two years of age. James was 
 born in 1757, near the time at which his parents fled from the 
 Indians on the banks of the Conodoguinett, to the Conestoga Val- 
 ley. He had been trained by the pious precepts and example of 
 his father, to tread in his steps. He took his father's place at 
 the family altar, and in the church. He and Mr. George Thom- 
 son were elected to the eldership in 1796 ; a short time after 
 Mr. Arthur had been installed their pastor. Like his father, 
 Mr. Gait was a man of prayer ; and, like Nathaniel under the 
 fig-tree, he had a place of prayer. Into a deep quarry, near his 
 house, he regularly retired, to pour forth the feelings of his soul 
 to God. The following incident I received from his daughter. 
 On one occasion, when the hand of affliction was laid upon their 
 mother, and her life was in danger, he took his children to this 
 secluded spot, and, after communing with God in prayer, he told 
 them of the frequency with which he had repaired to this place, 
 to plead for them at the throne of grace. He was emphatically 
 a Bible student. Several entire books of the Scriptures he had 
 committed to memory. It was difficult to mention a text to 
 which he could not immediately refer. To his family and friends 
 he was a living concordance of the Scriptures. 
 
 His influence on the surrounding neighborhood was salutary. 
 In those early days, the Sabbath was awfully desecrated. At a 
 grist-mill in his vicinity, the proprietor was accustomed to grind 
 
25 
 
 all day on the Sal3bath. This mill Mr. Gait was obliged to pass 
 on his way to church at Peqiiea, and at Cedar Grove. So much 
 respect did they pay to this good man, that they invariably 
 stopped the mill as he drew near, and ceased to grind until he 
 was out of sight. Like his pastor, Mr. Arthur, he never failed 
 to remonstrate with Sabbath-breakers whenever he met them. 
 As, with conscious guilt, they fled from his presence, he often 
 inquired why they feared him more than they feared the Omniscient 
 God ? On one occasion, a lad came with a bag of grain to his mill 
 on Sabbath morning. The young man was not acquainted with 
 the character of Mr. Gait, or he never would have done it. Mr. 
 Gait began, immediately after his arrival, to reprimand him, and 
 the boy, to get out of the difficulty, replied that his master sent 
 him. " How, then," says Mr. Gait, " can your master expect to 
 go to heaven, when he encourages you to break God's holy day ?" 
 " Oh, sir," says the lad, who wished to bring the conversation as 
 soon as possible to an end, " oh, sir, my master is not going there." 
 Perhaps, indeed, it was true ; — a fearful thought. 
 
 At last this worthy elder, in a good old age, was called away 
 from the sanctuary on earth, we trust, to that in heaven. He 
 died as we should suppose such a man would die. When the 
 time of his last illness arrived, he gave up all his temporal affairs 
 into the hands of his family, retired to his chamber, made no 
 inquiry concerning what was going on around him, seemed to be 
 constantly absorbed in the prospect that lay before him, and, in 
 a few days, fell asleep in Jesus Christ. He died October 7th, 
 1821, at the age of sixty-four years. He united with the church 
 in 1779, and was ordained to the eldership in 1796. He was a 
 member forty-two years, an elder about twenty-five years, and 
 departed this life just six months after the Rev. Amzi Babbit was 
 installed pastor of this church. The property on which he lived 
 is now in the hands of his son Alexander, a member of this 
 church. On his decease, he left to his family six hundred acres 
 of land in the immediate vicinity of the homestead. 
 
 Among those who possessed more than ordinary piety at this 
 period of our history, Ave may mention the name of James Vogan, 
 the father of the present proprietor of the family mansion at 
 Yoganville. He was characterized by meekness, kindness, and 
 
26 
 
 a forgiving spirit, which, sanctified by religion, rendered him 
 peculiarly amiable. He died in 1824. 
 
 The Kev. Amzi Babbit, the successor of Mr. Arthur, was born 
 near Mendham, in New Jersey, September 3d, 1795. He received 
 a classical education at Princeton College, and was finally licensed 
 by the New Castle Presbytery to preach the gospel. On the first 
 Sabbath of July, 1820, he preached for the first time in the 
 church of Pequea, from Luke 10 : 42 ; and, in the afternoon, at 
 Cedar Grrove, from Romans, 8 : 9. From this period, he regu- 
 larly labored in this field until September 22d, at which time he 
 received a call to become the pastor. April 5th, 1821, he was 
 ordained and installed. In the performance of this duty, the 
 Rev. Francis Latta presided, the Rev. Samuel Martin preached, 
 and the Rev. Robert White delivered the charge to the pastor 
 and people. Mr. Babbit was installed over this field three 
 years after the resignation of his predecessor, Mr. Arthur. He 
 maintained his pastoral relation with this church until the autumn 
 of 1831. On the fourth Sabbath of October, he preached his 
 farewell sermon from the following appropriate text, Philippians, 
 2 : 12-13 : " Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, 
 not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, 
 work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is 
 God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good 
 pleasure." 
 
 After leaving this field of labor, he supplied a Presbyterian 
 church in Salem, New Jersey. From thence he removed to Phi- 
 ladelphia, and took charge of a congregation. His health, at 
 last, beginning to decline, he relinquished this charge. After 
 this, he served as an agent for difi"erent societies — the Tract, the 
 Colonization, and Union Benevolent ; in all of which he was very 
 successful. At length he contracted a severe catarrh, which re- 
 sulted in a most rapidly fatal attack of bronchitis. He died in 
 Philadelphia, November 14, 1845; and was interred at the King- 
 sessing Church, about six miles from the city. 
 
 Mr. Babbit was a popular preacher. His sermons were, gene- 
 rally, characterized by sound reasoning. 
 
 He was pastor of the Church of Pequea ten years and six 
 months. He was ordained to the gospel ministry and installed, 
 
27 
 
 April 5, 1821 ; and the pastoral relation was dissolved, October, 
 1831. Six years after he had taken the charge of this congre- 
 gation, the Cedar Grove Church edifice, which had been built in 
 178G, was taken down, and the present house erected, of the 
 same stone, and on the same foundation. The building commit- 
 tee consisted of Messrs. John Wallace, John Martin, and George 
 Sheafer. It was dedicated to the worship of God in the autumn 
 of 1827. Previous to this, the Cedar Grove Church received 
 only one-fourth of the labor of her pastor ; now she paid half his 
 salary, and obtained half his time. He received from the two 
 churches five hundred dollars. 
 
 In the spring of 1820, the Cedar Grove Church established 
 her Sabbath School. This was two years after the organization 
 of the Sunday School Union. This school w^as among the first 
 in this Presbytery, and was for several years connected Avith 
 the Sunday School Union. It was established by Elder James 
 Gait, Messrs. Hugh Thomson, John Davies, Davies Wallace, the 
 Misses Elizabeth Kibler, Mary A. Kibler, Sarah Davies, Harriet 
 AYallace, Mrs. Margaret Ellmaker, and Mrs. Mary Ann Jacobs. 
 From that time to the present, it has been continued in the 
 church. 
 
 Two years before the organization of this school, one of a 
 similar character was commenced at Churchtown, through the 
 instrumentality of an aged member of this church, INIiss Phebe 
 Carmichael, of Windsor. It was regularly maintained for several 
 years, principally, by the ladies of Windsor. 
 
 June 10, 1832, a Sabbath School was begun at Mount Pleasant, 
 about two miles east of this church ; and was taught in the after- 
 noon. It was superintended by Miss Phebe Ann Jenkins, who 
 Avas assisted in her duties by the ladies of Windsor, and other 
 members of the Cedar Grove Church. We learn from the diary 
 of Miss Elizabeth Kibler, one of the teachers, that the first day 
 the number of scholars was 30 ; the second, 79. 
 
 In the autumn of 1826, five years after the death of Elder 
 James Gait, his son Thomas, in a severe spell of fever, gave his 
 heart to God. When he recovered from his illness, he resolved 
 to dedicate himself to the service of his Divine Master, in the 
 gospel ministry. Having received a classical and theological 
 
28 
 
 education, he was licensed in 1835, to preach the gospel. He is 
 now the pastor of a Presbyterian church in Sangamon County, 
 Illinois. 
 
 After the dissolution of the pastoral relation between the Rev. 
 Amzi Babbit and his charge, Presbytery supplied the pulpits of 
 Pequea and Cedar Grove, two years. September 9, 1833, a con- 
 gregational meeting was held in the Church of Pequea in the 
 forenoon, and in the Church of Cedar Grove in the afternoon, for 
 the purpose of electing a pastor. The Rev. John Wallace was 
 unanimously elected ; and on November 5, 1833, was ordained 
 and installed. Mr. Wallace still maintains his pastoral relation 
 with the Church of Pequea. 
 
 Here, we dismiss the history of the mother church. The 
 daughter has grown to that maturity, which enables her to exist 
 alone. 
 
 In the spring of 1839, a meeting of the congregation of Cedar 
 Grove was held in the church edifice, at which Elder Edward De- 
 haven presided, for the purpose of taking into consideration the 
 propriety of petitioning Presbytery, to organize them as a dis- 
 tinct church. The Presbytery granted their request to become 
 a separate organization ; and appointed a committee, to meet in 
 their church, June 18, 1839, for the pvirpose of discharging this 
 duty. The committee consisted of Rev. J. N. C. Grier, Rev. 
 Joseph Barr, and Rev. Alfred Hamilton. In the morning of the 
 same day on which the above committee met, the session of the 
 Pequea Church was convened at Cedar Grove, to give certificates 
 of dismission to those of her members who wished to unite with 
 the church, about to be organized. The members of the session, 
 who were present on that occasion, were Rev. John Wallace, and 
 Elders Edward Dehaven, John Wallace, John Robinson, John A. 
 Harner, and Hugh Buchanan. 
 
 The following members were accordingly dismissed, and or- 
 ganized by the committee into a " separate, distinct church :" 
 Elder Edward Dehaven, Elder John Wallace, Robert Jenkins, Ca- 
 tharine Jenkins, Mary Jenkins, Phebe Carmichael, Davies Wallace, 
 Mary Ann Wallace, Dr. Edward Wallace, Thomas Russell, Mary 
 Russell, Eliza Russell, John Gait, William Gait, Alexander Gait, 
 Frances Gait, Sarah M. Gait, Abraham Dehaven, Ann Dehaven, 
 
29 
 
 Mary Dehaven, Ann E. Jack, William Martin, Jane Martin, Mar- 
 garet Showalter, Henry Ranck, Margaret Ranek, John McCo- 
 naughy, David Norton, George Sheafer, Catharine Sheafer, and 
 Elizabeth Kibler. The number of members thus dismissed from 
 the Church of Pequea, to constitute the Church of Cedar Grove, 
 was thirty-one ; two of whom were ruling elders. All these re- 
 sided in the Conestoga Valley ; the Welsh Mountain constituting 
 the division between the two churches. 
 
 The elders of the church thus organized, were Messrs. Edward 
 Dehaven and John Wallace. 
 
 Mr. Dehaven was born in 1770. We discover his name among 
 the supporters of the Cedar Grove Church, as early as 1796. 
 He was elected to the eldership in Pequea, about 1810. He did 
 not take a decided stand, however, in recommending religion to 
 the world around him, until twelve years after his ordination. 
 At this period the Holy Spirit seems to have exercised a power- 
 ful influence over his mind. He immediately erected the family 
 altar, and commenced the faithful discharge of all the private 
 and public duties of the Christian. Many are still living, who 
 bear testimony that a more humble and faithful disciple of Jesus 
 Christ was not to be found in the church in his day. The Rev. 
 Alfred Nevin, who had been five years his pastor, and was, 
 during that time, his neighbor in the village of Churchtown, and 
 had every opportunity of knowing his character, thus remarks in 
 a communication to the author of this sketch. " Mr. Dehaven 
 was a man of I'emarkable piety. His disposition, which was vio- 
 lent in his youth, was a striking exemplification, after his conver- 
 sion, of what the gospel can do, with the Spirit's blessing, to 
 subdue and chasten. He was eminently characterized by meek- 
 ness, faith, tenderness, and a prayerful spirit. He was emphati- 
 cally a living epistle — read and understood and felt, by the whole 
 community in which he lived." He departed this life, February 
 2, 1846 ; aged seventy-six years. His ashes repose in the church- 
 yard of Pequea. Thirty-six years he served as a ruling elder in 
 the church. 
 
 The only elder associated with Mr. Dehaven, in the newly organ- 
 ized church, was Mr. John Wallace. The ancestors of Mr. Wal- 
 lace came from Scotland, and settled in this part of the Conestoga 
 
30 
 
 Valley. He was born in 1769, and united with the church while 
 under the pastoral charge of the Rev. Dr. Smith. He was elected 
 to the eldership in 1822 ; shortly after the Rev. Amzi Babbit's 
 installation over this field. He has been a member of the con- 
 gregation of Cedar Grove during all the changing scenes through 
 which she has passed, to the present day. In 1775, when a boy, 
 he heard the gospel preached by Dr. Smith at the Run, beside 
 his father's house. In 1786, he assisted in hauling the stones 
 with which the first church edifice was built, amid the grove of 
 cedars. Five years he served as a ruling elder, while the old 
 church edifice was in existence. He was one of the building 
 committee, who erected the present house, in 1827. He has re- 
 gularly and acceptably served, in the eldership, above thirty-one 
 years ; and although the infirmities of age are rapidly stealing 
 over him, he is still allowed, by kind Providence, to linger in 
 our midst. 
 
 Shortly after the Cedar Grove Church was organized, an elec- 
 tion was held for the purpose of adding two more members to the 
 eldership. This was early in the autumn of 1839. The persons 
 elected and ordained to this sacred office were, Messrs. Abraham 
 Dehaven and John Gait. Mr. Abraham Dehaven is a brother 
 of Elder Edward Dehaven ; and Mr. John Gait is a son of Elder 
 James Gait. The Session, at this time, consisted of Messrs. 
 Edward Dehaven, John Wallace, Abraham Dehaven, and John 
 Gait. 
 
 For the space of one year from its organization, the pulpit of 
 the Cedar Grove Church was supplied by Presbytery. 
 
 On the third Sabbath of ]\Iay, 1840, the Rev. Alfred Nevin 
 preached, for the first time, in this house. From this period he 
 regularly labored in this field, until the first Tuesday in Decem- 
 ber ; at which time he was ordained to the gospel ministry, and 
 installed their first pastor. In the performance of this duty, the 
 Rev. Joseph Barr presided ; Rev. William W. Latta preached 
 the sermon ; Rev. J. N. C. Grier delivered the charge to the 
 pastor, and Rev. John Wallace to the people. 
 
 The Rev. Alfred Nevin was born in Shippensburg, Cumber- 
 land County, of this State, March 14, 1816. He graduated at 
 Jefferson Colle2;e, and was admitted to the bar, as a student, from 
 
31 
 
 the Law School of Dickinson College. After this, he studied 
 theology in the Seminary at Allegheny ; and in April, 1840, was 
 licensed by the Presbytery of Carlisle to preach the gospel. 
 About one month after his licensure, he began to preach at Cedar 
 Grove. In May, 1845, he delivered before this congregation his 
 farewell discourse. He labored in this field five years. In 1845, 
 at the earnest solicitation of the German Reformed Church of 
 Chambersburg, he became their pastor ; and served them, with 
 every evidence of attachment on their part, and with encouraging 
 success, for seven years. In 1852, he resigned this charge ; and 
 was called to the Second Presbyterian Church in the city of 
 Lancaster, of which he is at present the pastor. 
 
 In this connexion we may mention, that Mr. Nevin is the 
 author of a work, entitled "Spiritual Progression," published in 
 1848 ; and also of a " History of the Old Presbyterian Congre- 
 gations of Cumberland and Franklin Counties, in Pennsylvania," 
 published in 1852 : which have met with the approbation of the 
 public. The latter work is regarded with deep interest by the 
 churches whose history it delineates. 
 
 On the Sessional Records of the Cedar Grove Church are found 
 the names of thirty-one persons, received as members on exa- 
 mination, and five on certificate, during the pastoral charge of 
 Mr. Nevin. Among these, we observe the name of George "W. 
 Simpson. Mr. Simpson was admitted, on examination, December 
 5, 18411 After this, he determined to dedicate himself to the 
 service of the Lord, in the gospel ministry. ^ With this intention, 
 he received a classical education at Easton College, studied 
 theology at Princeton, and was licensed by the Donegal Presby- 
 tery to preach, June 12, 1849, he was ordained to the gospel 
 ministry, with the view of laboring as a missionary, on the 
 western coast of Africa. October 31, 1849, he sailed from New 
 York ; and finally established, on the Island of Corisco, a mis- 
 sionary station. Here he labored with encouraging success, until 
 the spring of 1851. On the fifth day of April, while he and the 
 partner of his joys and sorrows were sailing from Corisco to Fer- 
 nando Po, they were caught in a gale, and buried beneath the 
 dark waters. We trust they are now among the just made per- 
 fect, around the throne of God. 
 
32 
 
 On the Sessional Records we also observe the name of Watson 
 Russell. He and Mr. Simpson were admitted to the church, on 
 examination, the same day. Mr. Russell, also, resolved to de- 
 vote himself to the service of his Divine Master, in the gospel 
 ministry. With this intention, he was for some time a student 
 of Easton College. October 26, 1851, he received a certificate 
 of dismission from this church, to connect himself with the Ger- 
 man Reformed Church at Lebanon, Pennsylvania, where he then 
 resided. May 18, 1853, he was licensed by the Lebanon Classis 
 to preach the gospel. 
 
 Li the fall of 1843, a congregational meeting was held, for the 
 purpose of adding one to the number of ruling elders. Mr. 
 Thomas Russell was elected and ordained to this sacred office. 
 
 April 13, 1844, Mr. John Gait, after having served in the 
 eldership four years and six months, was dismissed to connect 
 himself with a Presbyterian church in Illinois. 
 
 Li October, 1845, the Rev. William Hunter was ordained and 
 installed the pastor of the Cedar Grove church. He maintained 
 this charge until April 1, 1849 ; at which time, the pastoral rela- 
 tion was dissolved. Within this period, eighteen persons were 
 added, on examination. 
 
 March 9, 1846, this church was incorporated, under the title 
 of the " Cedar Grove Presbyterian Church and Congregation, of 
 Earl Township, Lancaster County." The trustees appointed by 
 the charter, were Messrs. Davies Wallace, Alexander Gait, David 
 Jenkins, Henry Ranch, and George Russell. 
 
 August 19, 1846, the Presbyterian church in the village of 
 Churchtown, Avas incorporated, under the title of the " Caernarvon 
 Presbyterian Church of Lancaster County." The trustees ap- 
 pointed by the charter, were Messrs. David Jenkins, William 
 Shirk, Evan Rogers, John G. Robinson, and George Longaback. 
 
 Let us now pause in the progress of our history, and trace the 
 origin of the Caernarvon church. Among the earliest supporters 
 of the Gospel, at Cedar Grove, we observe the name of Jenkins. 
 On the subscription paper in 1790, for the purpose of obtaining 
 one-fourth of Dr. Smith's services in the new church, we find the 
 names of John, David, and Robert Jenkins. On the list of sub- 
 scribers in 1796, to procure one-fourth of Rev. William Arthur's 
 
33 
 
 labors, we observe the names of John, David, Robert, and Thomas 
 Jenkins. From that day to the present, this name has always 
 been associated with the contributors to, and members of, this 
 church. 
 
 In 1700, Mr. David Jenkins arrived in the city of Philadelphia, 
 from Wales, and finally settled near the Great Valley Church. 
 His son John, anxious to become acquainted with the resources 
 of his adopted country, penetrates more deeply into the forest, 
 and directs his course to the site on which the Windsor forges 
 have since been erected. Mr. Jenkins put up a temporary dwell- 
 ing near the spot where now stands the Windsor mansion ; and 
 finally entered into contract with John, Thomas, and Richard 
 Penn, for the purchase of four hundred acres of land. January 
 10, 1733, this was surveyed by order of the govei-nment ; and 
 the patent about to be taken, in the name of his son Jenkins 
 Jenkins ; but for some reason, now unknown, the patent was 
 never executed in form. Nine years after Mr. John Jenkins 
 had purchased this land, he sold it to Mr. William Branson, of 
 Philadelphia. Mr. Branson took out a patent, December 28, 
 1742, erected the Windsor forges and mansion-house, and finally, 
 sold all to Mr. David Jenkins, son of the original proprietor ; 
 whence it descended to the Hon. Robert Jenkins, late husband 
 of the present proprietor, Mrs. Catharine Jenkins. 
 
 Mr. John Jenkins was not only one of the earliest supporters 
 of the Gospel at Cedar Grove ; but must have been, also, one of 
 the first members of the Church of Pequea. 
 
 In 1842, while the Rev. Alfred Nevin had the pastoral charge 
 of the Cedar Grove Church, the Hon. Robert Jenkins and the 
 other surviving descendants of Mr. David Jenkins, residing in 
 Churchtown, resolved on selecting a spot of ground, in their 
 vicinity, to be set apart for the burial of their dead. The site 
 for this purpose having been chosen, they, in connexion with 
 others, erected on it a building in which the Presbyterians resid- 
 ing in that village and vicinity, could have preaching, on Sab- 
 bath afternoon, by the pastor of Cedar Grove. In 1843, the 
 church, a neat stone structure, was completed, and dedicated to 
 the worship of Almighty God. From that day to the present, 
 
 3 
 
34 
 
 Divine service has been regularly maintained in tliis house.' 
 August 19, 1846, it was incorj)orated, under the title of the 
 " Caernarvon Presbyterian Church, of Lancaster County." 
 
 November 19, 1846, a deed of conveyance for eighty-six 
 perches of land, was made to the corporation, by Robert and 
 Catharine Jenkins, the proprietors of the tract on Avhich the 
 church edifice was erected. December 22, 1846, a mortgage 
 was given by the trustees, to Mrs. Catharine Jenkins, for the 
 sum of six hundred and fifty-five dollars and seventy-three cents 
 advanced, by her, for the completion of the house. 
 
 One year and four months after the above transaction, the 
 Hon. Robert Jenkins departed this life. His mortal remains 
 were laid in the grave-yard of his own selection, and mingle with 
 the earth, on that sacred spot, which he was instrumental in 
 having dedicated to the worship of the Triune God. On a beau- 
 tiful and expensive monument that covers the ground on which 
 he lies, is the following inscription : 
 
 ROBERT JENKINS, 
 
 Great-grandson of David Jenkins ; 
 
 Who emigrated from Wales, about the year 1700, 
 
 Grandson of John Jenkins, 
 
 Original proprietor of 
 
 Windsor. 
 
 Son of David and Martha Jenkins. 
 
 Born at Windsor, July 10, 1769. 
 Departed this life, April 18, 1848. 
 
 We have now traced the history of the Cedar Grove Church, 
 until she was placed under the care of the present pastor. In 
 order that this sketch may be completed to the present day, it is 
 necessary to mention that your pastor was born in this county, 
 September 3, 1812. He received a classical education at Prince- 
 ton College ; but, on account of hemorrhage from the lungs, was 
 obliged to leave before the period of graduating. In the autumn 
 of 1831, he united with the Presbyterian church of Leacock ; 
 March 11, 1837, graduated at the Jefferson Medical College ; 
 September 21, 1847, was licensed, by the Presbytery of Donegal, 
 to preach the Gospel. From April to November, 1848, he preached 
 
35 
 
 in the Presbyterian clinrcli of Annapolis, Maryland ; April 1, 
 1849, commenced his labors in this Congregation ; October 31, 
 
 1849, was ordained to the Gospel ministry, and installed pastor 
 of this church. At the ordination, the Rev. William W. Latta 
 presided, Rev. T. Marshall Boggs preached the sermon and de- 
 livered the charge to the people, and Rev. Philip J. Timlow, 
 the charge to the pastor. 
 
 The Session, at this time, consisted of Messrs. John Wallace, 
 Abraham Dehaven, and Thomas Russell. 
 
 In the summer of 1849, the Lord was preparing the way for a 
 gracious visitation to this church. An unusual degree of interest 
 in the services of the sanctuary was evident, and seemed to indi- 
 cate that the day of God's power was drawing near. On the 1st 
 of November, the day succeeding that on which ^'our pastor was 
 ordained, the influence of the Great Master over the hearts of 
 the members of this church was such, that none could overlook 
 the solemn fact, that the Lord had come to his sanctuary. Heart 
 after heart was reached, and faithful and ardent prayer ascended 
 to the throne of grace. The influence now spread among those 
 who were out of Christ. Blinded eyes were opened, hearts were 
 softened, the weight of sin was felt, and tears of penitence told 
 what was goino; on within. 
 
 The services were protracted for several days, with the assist- 
 ance of Rev. T. Marshall Boggs, Rev. James Latta, and Rev. 
 William W. Latta. A short time after this, twelve were rejoicing 
 in hope of a blessed immortality. 
 
 In looking back from the period of four years, on this revival, 
 we may remark that it was not extensive, but it was powerful, 
 and gave every evidence of being the work of the Holy Ghost. 
 It did not, indeed, reach beyond the limits of the ordinary con- 
 gregation, and only twelve were added to the church ; but its 
 influence Avas deeply and permanently felt by those who had long 
 been disciples of Jesus Christ, and can be traced even to the 
 present day. 
 
 Four months after this interesting period in the history of the 
 church, the Congregation resolved to erect a manse, to be used 
 as the residence of their pastor and his successors. In March, 
 
 1850, a subscription for this purpose was commenced ; and, in 
 
36 
 
 one year from this time, a neat two-storj building, in the vicinity 
 of the chm'ch edifice, was completed, and occupied by the pastor. 
 The building committee consisted of Messrs. John Martin, Davies 
 Wallace, and Alexander Gait. February 19th, 1851, a deed of 
 conveyance v^as made by John High, and Mary, his wife, to the 
 corporation, for one hundred and five perches of land, the same 
 on which the manse is erected. The amount paid for the lot was 
 seventy-eight dollars and seventy-five cents. The whole expense 
 in completing this undertaking was two thousand four hundred 
 dollars. 
 
 February 19th, 1851, a deed of conveyance was made by Elder 
 John Wallace to the Congregation, for thirty-two perches of land 
 adjoining the southern line of their churchyard. Mr. Wallace 
 gave this in exchange for fifteen perches of the western end of 
 the yard, for the purpose of giving it a better shape. Although 
 the deed was executed at this time, the agreement between the 
 parties had been made several years before. An iron railing has 
 been placed in front of the house, in connexion with which is a 
 stone wall, inclosing the ground. The wall and iron railing cost 
 six hundred dollars. 
 
 Three months after the erection of the manse had been under- 
 taken, Mr. David Jenkins, the proprietor of the Windsor Forges, 
 after a short illness, departed this life. Sadly we lowered him 
 in the grave, beside the ashes of his father, feeling that the 
 church had sustained a great loss in losing him. On a beautifully 
 sculptured block of Italian marble, erected to his memory by his 
 afi"ectionate and heart-stricken mother, is the following inscrip- 
 tion : 
 
 DAVID JENKINS, 
 
 Son of Robert and Catharine Jenkins ; 
 
 Born December Gth, 1800. 
 
 Died May 2Gth, 1850. 
 
 Urbane in his manners, classic in his taste, 
 
 Refined in his feelings, a Christian in his principles. 
 
 He was in life highly esteemed and tenderly beloved ; 
 
 And in death, deeply and painfully lamented. 
 
37 
 
 At his death, his aged mother, Mrs. Catharine Jenkins, became 
 the proprietor of the Windsor Forge estate. In her early days, 
 she had been a member of the family of Dr. Smith, and was his 
 relative by the marriage of her father, the Rev. John Carmichael. 
 She united with the Church of Pequea, while under his pastoral 
 charge, and has attended the preaching of the Gospel at Cedar 
 Grove through every period of its history. She was also espe- 
 cially instrumental in the erection of the Church of Caernarvon. 
 In order to perpetuate her influence in sustaining the Gospel in 
 this vicinity, she resolved to make a donation to the churches in 
 which she worshipped. September 18th, 1850, the trustees of 
 the Cedar Grove and the trustees of the Caernarvon Church, 
 met in the village of Churchtown to receive this donation. On 
 this day she presented to the Cedar Grove Church, one thousand 
 dollars, to be loaned on judgment or mortgage on real estate, and 
 the annual proceeds to be appropriated towards the payment of 
 the pastor's salary. At the same time, she also gave to the 
 Church of Caernarvon one thousand dollars, to be loaned as above, 
 and as much as is necessary of the annual proceeds to be used in 
 keeping the churchyard inclosed by a substantial fence, and the 
 balance towards the payment of the pastor's salary. The mort- 
 gage given to her by the trustees of the Caernarvon Church, 
 December 22d, 1846, for six hundred and fifty-five dollars and 
 seventy-three cents, she also released on that occasion. 
 
 After receiving the above donations, the trustees drew up arti- 
 cles of trust, which they signed, sealed Avith the corporate seal, 
 acknowledged, and delivered, together Avith a copy of the follow- 
 ing resolutions, into the hands of Mrs. Catharine Jenkins. 
 
 " Whereas, Mrs. Catharine Jenkins, of Windsor Forges, has 
 this day, with great liberality, given into the hands of the trustees 
 of the Cedar Grove Presbyterian Church, of Earl Township, Lan- 
 caster County, the sum of one thousand dollars, in trust ; and, 
 
 " Whereas, she has also given into the hands of the Caernarvon 
 Presbyterian Church, of Lancaster County, an equal sum of one 
 thousand dollars, in trust, the annual income of Avhich said sums 
 to be appropriated towards the maintenance of divine service in 
 
38 
 
 the cliurches which we, the trustees thereof, represent, according 
 to the specifications contained in the ' Declaration of Trust,' 
 signed, sealed, and acknowledged hj us, this day ; and, 
 
 "Whereas, the said Mrs. Catharine Jenkins has, most liberally, 
 released all claim to, and for ever discharged, the said Caernarvon 
 Presbyterian Church, from the payment of a mortgage held by 
 her, on said church building, to the amount of six hundred and 
 fifty-five dollars and seventy-three cents ; 
 
 "Therefore, Resolved, that in behalf of the churches and con- 
 gregations which we, the trustees thereof, represent this day, we 
 tender the generous donor of the above sums, our sincere and 
 heartfelt gratitude. 
 
 " Resolved, that the thanks of these churches are especially 
 due, on the present occasion ; inasmuch, as these liberal dona- 
 tions will enable them, in connexion with their own contributions, 
 to sustain a pastor. 
 
 "Resolved, that we express the high gratification it affords us, 
 to take charge of these funds, to aid in the maintenance of 
 Divine service in our churches : one of which churches, the donor 
 of these sums was especially instrumental in establishing ; and 
 has worshipped in the other, as a member, for more than half a 
 century. 
 
 " Resolved, that we trust she shall not only be rewarded in this 
 life by the consciousness of a sense of gratitude abiding in the 
 hearts of the recipients of her kindness ; but, that she may also 
 have the happiness, in heaven, of seeing these churches instru- 
 mental, in the providence of God, in extending the Redeemer's 
 kingdom ; and that it may be her privilege to welcome to these 
 blissful regions, many chosen spirits of earth, long after the 
 present scenes and the present generation shall have passed 
 away. 
 
 "Resolved, that a copy of these resolutions be signed by all the 
 trustees, of each of the aforesaid churches ; and a committee be 
 appointed to present it to the generous donor of the sums above 
 mentioned." 
 
 Mr. Alexander Gait and B. F. Bunn, M. D., were appointed 
 
39 
 
 on that committee ; and a copy of the above resokitions was 
 presented hj them to Mrs. Catharine Jenkins, signed as 
 follows : 
 
 John Martin, 
 Alexander Galt, 
 Davies Wallace, 
 George Wallace, 
 Henry Range, 
 
 Trustees of the Cedar Grove Presbyterian Church, 
 
 James McCaa, 
 William Shirk, 
 B. F. BuNN, 
 Evan Rogers, 
 Lot Rogers, 
 
 Trustees of the Caernarvon Presbyterian Church. 
 
 At a meeting of the Session of the Cedar Grove Church, held 
 December 26, 1852, it was resolved to add two more members to 
 the eldership. After due notice a congregational meeting was 
 held, January 8, 1853, and Messrs. George Russell and Henry 
 Ranck Avere elected. The former was ordained and installed, 
 January 23 ; and the latter, February 13, 1853. The Session 
 at present consists of JMessrs. John Wallace, Abraham Dehaven, 
 Thomas Russell, Henry Ranck, and George Russell. 
 
 About the middle of January, 1853, the congregation resolved 
 to repair and remodel the Cedar Grove Church edifice. On the 
 fifth of last May, the work was commenced, and has, within the 
 last few days, been completed. This morning, it was dedicated 
 to the worship of Almighty God. The Rev. William W. Latta 
 offered the dedicatory prayer ; and the sermon, on the occasion, 
 was preached by the Rev. Ebenezer Erskine, from Genesis 28 : 17 : 
 "How dreadful is this place : this is none other but the house 
 of God, and this is the gate of heaven." The service was at- 
 tended by a large, intelligent, and attentive audience. The 
 amount expended in remodelling this church, was one thousand 
 and fifty dollars ; in furnishing it, three hundred and fifty. 
 
40 
 
 During the four years and five months in which your pastor 
 has labored in this field, nineteen members have been added to 
 this church, on examination ; and six, on certificate. We have, 
 at present, ninety-three members. Among those who have been 
 received on examination, within the past year, we may mention 
 the name of William Cain. He is now at a classical school, pre- 
 paring to enter college, with the view of dedicating himself to 
 the service of the Lord, in the gospel ministry. 
 
 The number of adults baptized by your pastor, is seveh ; the 
 number of infants, ten. 
 
 The Sabbath School, held in the Cedar Grove Church, num- 
 bered, in 1849 and 1850, about thirty scholars. In 1851, it con- 
 sisted of seventy-six scholars, and ten teachers. In 1852, we had 
 one hundred and twelve scholars, and seventeen teachers. The 
 present season, our school consists of one hundred and twenty- 
 five scholars, and seventeen teachers. 
 
 The Sabbath School held in the Church of Caernarvon num- 
 bers, this summer, sixty scholars, and ten teachers. 
 . A Sabbath School has been held for several years in Bear- 
 town, superintended and taught, in part, by members of this 
 church. It consists, this season, of forty-eight scholars, and 
 eight teachers. 
 
 During the last four years, a prayer-meeting has been regu- 
 larly maintained by the congregation of Cedar Grove, every Sab- 
 bath morning, in the church ; and in the winter months, also, on 
 Thursday evening. After the Sabbath Schools are closed in the 
 fall, a class of adults recite on the Shorter Catechism, every 
 Sabbath morning, in the Cedar Grove Church, until the schools 
 are opened in the spring. Last winter, a class of adults met 
 every alternate Sabbath afternoon, in the Church of Caernarvon, 
 to answer questions on the Shorter Catechism. 
 
 The contributions of the congregations of Cedar Grove and 
 Caernarvon, the last four years, to various benevolent purposes, 
 amount to one thousand nine hundred dollars. In addition to 
 this, they have expended, on the erection of the manse, two 
 thousand four hundred dollars ; and have, within the last few 
 days, completed the remodelling and furnishing of the Cedar 
 
41 
 
 Grove Church, at an expense of one thousand four hundred dol- 
 lars. Mrs. Catharine Jenkins has expended, in improving the 
 Church of Caernarvon, one hundred and eighty dollars. She 
 has also presented to the churches, two thousand dollars ; and 
 has released a mortgage on the Caernarvon Church edifice, 
 amounting to six hundred and fifty-five dollars and seventy- 
 three cents. 
 
 The whole amount, thus permanently secured, within the last 
 four years, to the churches in which your pastor labors, is six 
 thousand six hundred and thirty-five dollars. 
 
 A balance of foiu- hundred and thirty dollars, for the remo- 
 delling and furnishing of the Cedar Grove Church edifice, is this 
 day due against the Congregation. 
 
 Before we close this sketch, we may mention, that the congre- 
 gation who worship in the Church of Caernarvon, and others re- 
 siding in their vicinity, have resolved to erect a building, to be 
 used as a classical school, under the supervision of the church. 
 The heirs of the Windsor estate have presented one hundred and 
 seven perches of land, adjoining the Caernarvon churchyard, as 
 a site for the Academy. It is a high and beautiful situation, 
 commanding an extensive view of the surrounding valley. The 
 house will be erected the present season, and the school opened 
 in the spring of 1854. The completion of the house will cost 
 one thousand five hundred dollars, which, within a small amount, 
 has been subscribed. 
 
 The heirs of the Windsor estate have also added to the Caer- 
 narvon churchyard, twenty-seven perches of land, for the purpose 
 of making it a more capacious burying-ground. Within the last 
 five years, nine hundred and seventy dollars have been expended 
 on this churchyard, for the purchase of monuments and iron 
 railing. 
 
 In concluding this history, we may rerdark that its limits have 
 not allowed us to delineate the character of any of the members 
 of this church, except her ruling elders, and others who have 
 maintained a conspicuous standing in her communion. The re- 
 tired, humble Christian, adorning, by a meek and prayerful spirit, 
 the profession of the religion of Jesus Christ, has been, in more 
 
 4 
 
42 
 
 than one instance, with much reluctance, passed over in silence. 
 This has been especially the case, with some of the female mem- 
 bers of the church. Although their names have not been men- 
 tioned here, we trust they are wi'itten in the Lamb's book 
 of life, and their glorified spirits are now rejoicing in his 
 presence. 
 
 This church has sent out from among the number of her mem- 
 bers, three ministers of the Gospel. One of these was a missionary 
 in a foreign land ; but, after laboring in that field one year and 
 six months, he was suddenly called, by a mysterious Providence, 
 to the presence of his Lord. One of the members is now pre- 
 paring to enter on the Master's service. At no period since her 
 origin, in 1775, has this church been without at least some 
 members of more than ordinary piety. Were it proper to speak 
 of the living, we might delineate characters of the present day, 
 not unworthy of imitation. At the risk of overstepping the 
 limits of propriety, in this respect, we would draw aside, for a 
 moment, the veil that hides from the world the character of one, 
 whose example of meekness, patience, humility, and prayerful 
 spirit, should not be lost. She is the eldest daughter of the Eev. 
 John Carmichael, and has passed through the chequered scenes 
 of eighty-seven years. Residing with her sister, the present 
 proprietor of Windsor, she has long been a much-esteemed mem- 
 ber of this church ; and, perhaps, we could not express a much 
 better wish for her friends who may survive her, than that her 
 mantle may fall upon them. 
 
 During the space of seventy-eight years, this church has main- 
 tained, through the kindness of Providence, a respectable exis- 
 tence, in the midst of the most adverse circumstances ; being 
 drained by the tide of emigration, and surrounded by a population 
 almost inaccessible. She has always been small, but never weak ; 
 few, but never insignificant. The leaven of her influence has 
 spread around, and has been felt, while its origin was, perhaps, 
 not recognised. Who can tell how much the improved condition 
 of the morals of society, in your midst, may be owing to the 
 precepts and example of those devoted men, who boldly stood 
 forth in defence of the Sabbath, and the observance of the whole 
 
 *ss 
 
43 
 
 law of God ! Who can tell how much the present prosperity 
 of this church may be owing to the prayers of your pious 
 fathers ! Who can tell how intimately your salvation may be 
 associated with the supplication of lips long sealed in death ; 
 as links in the chain by which you shall be drawn to heaven ! 
 
 Note. — After the above history was read, a subscription was circulated, to obtain 
 the balance due for the remodelling and furnishing of the church. Four hundred 
 and thirty dollars, which was the amount required, was subscribed by the Congre- 
 gation ; and all pecuniary obligations of the church, consequently, liquidated. 
 
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