Columbia ®nttJf m'tp 
 mtl)f(£itpaflmg0rk 
 
 THE LIBRARIES 
 
 Bequest of 
 
 Frederic Bancroft 
 
 1860-1945 
 
2br. e . Ms. 
 
 R fac-similB of ths writing nf Rev, CharlES Nishst, LI. LI., First 
 PrEsident of JJickinsnn CnllEgE, taksn from a dacumEnt now in thE 
 possEssian of Rev, JasEph R, Murray, LI, B., CarlislE, Pa. 
 
THE CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 
 
 OF THE 
 
 Presbytery or Carlisle. 
 
 A SERIES OF PAPERS, HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL, RELATING 
 
 TO THE ORIGIN AND GROWTH OF PRESBYTERIANISM 
 
 IN THE CENTRAL AND EASTERN PART OF 
 
 SOUTHERN PENNSYLVANIA. 
 
 IN TWO VOLUMES. 
 
 VOL. L-HISTORICAL. 
 
 Write this for a memorial iji a boofc."— Ex. 17 : 14. 
 
 HARIIISBURG : 
 
 METERS PKINTINO AND PUBMSHINQ HODSE. 
 
CI fi 
 
 V. \ 
 
 Entered, according to the act ot Congress, the 18th day of September, 
 
 1889, by Geo. Norcross, of Carlisle, Pa., in the office of 
 
 the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. C. 
 
 / 3ISS e 
 
•' The great thing in the Church is CHRIST, the 
 blood of Christ, the spirit of Christ, the presence of 
 Christ among us. The great thing is Christ, but 
 there is also advantage in a certain government of 
 the Church of Christ. I am a Presbyterian, not only 
 of situation, but of conviction and choice. Our 
 Presbyterian way is the good middle way between 
 Episcopacy on the one side and Congregationalism 
 on the other. We combine the two great principles 
 that must be maintained in the Church — Order and 
 Liberty ; the order of government, and the liberty 
 of the people." — J. H. Merle D' Aubigne. 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 VOLUME 1.— HISTORICAL. 
 
 Preface vii 
 
 Introduction 1 
 
 I. Historical lieminiscences ; xA. Discourse, .... 18 
 
 I'.y Rev. Talbot W. Chambers, D. D., LL. D., Pastor of 
 
 the Collegiate Reformed (Dutch) Church, New York City. 
 
 II. T lie Character of our Fatliers; A Discourse, . 25 
 
 Hy Rev. William M. Paxton, D. D., LL. D.. Professor 
 Theological Seminary. Princeton, N. J. 
 
 III. Histor}- of the Presbytery of Carlish', Involving the 
 
 History of the Presbyteries of Donegal and 
 
 Harrisburg, 39 
 
 By Rev. William A. We.st, Stated Clerk <.f the Presby- 
 tery of Carlisle, and Pastor of the Westminster Presby- 
 terian Church, Harrisburg, Pa. 
 
 IV. A Retrospect of the Frontier Churches of the Pres- 
 
 bytery of Carlisle from 1786 to 1795 318 
 
 By Hon. .John Blair Linn, Bellefonte, Pa. 
 
 V. The Presbytery of Carlisle in its Eelations to the 
 
 Subject of Education , . . 885 
 
 By Rev. Joseph Vance, D. D., Pastor Second Presbyterian 
 Church, Chester, Pa. 
 
 YI. A Memorial; The Amelia S. Givin Library, Mount 
 
 Holly Springs, Pa., 401 
 
 By Rev. GEORGE NoRCROSS, D. D., Pastor Second Presby- 
 terian Church, Carlisle, Pa. 
 
 VII. Tabulated Statement, givmg the Names and Rela- 
 tions of Ministers and Licentiates, in the Pres- 
 byteries of Donegal (Old), Carlisle and Harris- 
 burg, 417 
 
 By Rev. William A. West, Stated Clerk of the Presby- 
 tery ol Carlisle, and Pa.stor of the Westminster IMvsby- 
 t^rian Church. Harrisburg, Pa. 
 
LIST OF lliLlSTHATlONS. \ OL. I. 
 
 Rev. Charles Nisbet, D. D., Frontispiece 
 
 Derry Church (Old), 56 
 
 BocKY Spring Church, 58 
 
 Rocky Spring Church (Interior), 59 
 
 Formula OF Subscription— Donegal Presbytery, 61 
 
 Welsh Run Church, 67 
 
 Centre Church, 89 
 
 Lower Marsh Creek Church, 101 
 
 Westminster Chapel, Harrisburg, 170 
 
 Seal— The Presbytery ok Carlisle, 178 
 
 Derry Church (New), 189 
 
 Paxton Church, 191 
 
 Silver Spring Church, (opposite) 192 
 
 Big Spring Church, Newville, (opposite) 197 
 
 Greencastle Church, (opposite) 201 
 
 Falling Spring Church, (opposite) 202 
 
 Mercersbubg Church (Old), 206 
 
 Mercersburg Church (New), (opposite) 206 
 
 Great Conevvago Church, . 213 
 
 MoNAGHAN Church, Dillsburg, (opposite) 218 
 
 Lower Path Valley Church, Fannettsburg, 223 
 
 Market Square Church, HARRisBURG,(opposite) 230 
 
 Shippensburg Church, (opposite) 234 
 
 Duncannon Church, 238 
 
 MiLLERSTOWN ChURCH, 240 
 
 Second Church, Carlisle, (opposite) 248 
 
 Bloomfield Church, (opposite) 251 
 
 Pine Street Church, Harrisburg, (opposite) 259 
 
 Mechanicsburg Church, (opposite) 264 
 
 Newport Church, 267 
 
 Central Church, Chambersburg, (opposite) 271 
 
 Christ Church, Lebanon, (opposite) 281 
 
 Hanover Church, 301 
 
 Rev. JoMN M. Mason, D. D , (opposite) 337 
 
 Rev. Robert Davidson, D. D., (opposite) 355 
 
 Met/gar Institute, Carlisle, (opposite) 369 
 
 The James W. Bosler Memorial Hall, (opposite) 391 
 
 Wilson College, Cha.mbersburg, (opposite) 394 
 
 Indian Training vScHOOL, Carlisle, (opposite) 39»j 
 
 Pueblo Children from New Mexico, (opposite) ,398 
 
 Pueblo Children after three years in Carlisle, (opposite) 398 
 The A.melia S. GiviN Fbee LiBRAUv, (opposite) 403 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 T is probably known to many of those who will pe- 
 ruse this book that a committee of the Presbytery 
 of Carlisle has been engaged now for nearly three 
 years in preparing a history of Presbyterianism in this region, 
 from the earliest settlement of the country to the present time. 
 This involves histories of the Presbyteries of Donegal, Carlisle 
 and Harrisburg. As this work has fallen to the lot of those 
 who were already engaged in the engrossing labors of the 
 active {pastorate, and the undertaking is a large and somewhat 
 delicate one, our progress has been but slow. It affords us, 
 therefore, great pleasure to announce that the several parts of 
 this work are at last finished, to the great relief of those who 
 have wrought so long and patiently at this which has been at 
 once a task and a labor of love. 
 
 It is expected of all who ask for a public audience, by ven- 
 turing into print, that they shall give some account as to their 
 motive and purpose in adding another volume to the " many 
 books," of which long ago it was declared "there is no end." 
 Hence in part the origin of that literary bow, which is called 
 "the preface.'' 
 
 For the historical genesis of the present work, the cour- 
 teous reader is referred to the Introduction. Our task was set 
 for us at first b}^ the injunction of the General Assembly con- 
 cerning the observance of its own Centennial in 1888. Then 
 the local interest which attached to the celebration of our 
 
viii Preface. 
 
 Presbyterial Centennial, gave a renewed impetus to the work 
 of reviewing the past and recording its achievements. 
 
 The common motive of those who have wrought together 
 for the production of these memorials, has been to gather up 
 and put on record much that is in danger of falling into ob- 
 livion but for the pious care of those who inherit the labors, 
 the sufferings, and the sacrifices of as noble an ancestry as any 
 which helped to lay the foundation of our American institutions. 
 '* Old Mortality" found a peculiar delight in trying to freshen 
 the names and deepen the inscriptions on the moss-covered 
 tombs which marked the resting place of Scotland's martyrs. 
 He was moved to this unselfish toil by his love of country and 
 his zeal for religion. The task to which we have addressed 
 ourselves may seem to some only an innocent enthusiasm, but 
 to us it is equally a work of piety and of patriotism. 
 
 With his accustomed vigor, Mr. Carlyle asserts, ''The his- 
 tory of what man has accomplished in this world is at bottom 
 the history of the great men who have worked here.'" There 
 may be a tinge of hero-worship in this unqualified declaration , 
 but this much at least is true, the men who aspire to be worthy 
 sons of illustrious sires should be quick to own the virtues and 
 celebrate the achievements of their ancestors, and the sons of 
 Presbyterianism in this region may well be proud of that hon- 
 orable heritage which they enjoy in the just fame of their 
 sturd}' fathers. 
 
 But it must be confessed that the local history of this region 
 has not been so industriously written up as its importance de- 
 serves. In the great revolutionary struggle of the last cen- 
 tury, which secured our national independence, it is true that 
 every section of the country was nobly ambitious to do its 
 whole duty ; but when the conflict was ended, both New Eng- 
 land and the South were more active in recording the labors 
 
Preface. ix 
 
 aDd achievements of their sons than was the great keystone 
 section of the Middle States. 
 
 This may have been owing to the fact that the early 
 settlers in this region were not so homogeneous and united 
 as were the people in some other parts of the American Colo- 
 nies. For it must be confessed that the English Quaker, the 
 German Protestant, and the Scotch -Irish Presbyterian were not 
 always in hearty sympathy with each other. Or it may have 
 been due to the inherent modesty of the men, who were more 
 willing to perform great deeds than to talk of them. Or they 
 may not have been so fortunate in finding one to sing of their 
 exploits ; as we know that many heroes lived before Aga- 
 memnon of whom the world never heard, because neither the 
 muse of poetry nor the pen of history ever repeated the story 
 of their exploits to an admiring world. Whatever may have 
 been the cause, the fact seems to be incontestable ; Ethan Allen 
 or Israel Putnam is far better known in American literature 
 than John Armstrong or William Irvine, but it may be seri- 
 ously questioned whether they were either abler men or better 
 patriots than these early heroes of the Cumberland Valley. 
 
 And the same is true in the Christian church. We have no 
 desire to disparage other branches of the one Church of Christ ; 
 rather we would commend their loyalty to what they esteem 
 to be the truth of God, and w-e would heartily rejoice in all 
 their successes. Still we are ready to confess that the world 
 has more frequently heard of the zeal and the triumphs of 
 some other divisions in the grand army of Christ than of the 
 exploits and enterprises which have engaged ''the sacramental 
 host of God's elect," who march under the blue banner of Pres- 
 byterianism. Now, just why this is, perhaps, it would be diffi- 
 cult to explain. It is not owing to any lack of culture in our 
 ministry, intelligence in our people, or vitality in our system. 
 But whether it be modesty, dignity, or reserve, we should not 
 
X Preface. 
 
 allow this habitual reticence to prevent us from cherishing the 
 memory of our fathers, vindicating the just rights of our peo- 
 ple, or standing up for the truth of history. 
 
 The region in which our lot is cast was one of the earliest 
 occupied by the Presbyterians in the settlement of the colonies, 
 and it has proved a seed-plot from which many vigorous plants 
 have been transferred to all parts of this land, and even to the 
 ends of the earth. Its clear skies, rich soil, and mild climate 
 have inclined our people to the quiet enjoyment of their in- 
 heritance, and conscious that the lines had fallen to them "in 
 plcMsant places " they have been quite willing to accord to 
 others all that justly belonged to them of fame or credit. 
 
 The long and vigorous protest which our Presbyterian 
 fathers had urged against the preposterous claims of Papacy 
 and Prelacy, made them cautious about claiming to have a 
 patent on the Divine favor or a monopoly of Divine truth. 
 
 This spirit still abides among their sons. Our people have 
 a great horror of the narrowness of sectarianism, and the little- 
 ness of provincialism. Their central position has naturally 
 made them take wide views on both political and religious 
 questions. The consciousness of acknowledged standing and 
 well-assured position has rendered them a little indifferent to 
 the noisy pretensions of some and the partisan claims of others 
 But when the final record is made up, it will be found that no 
 more potent factors have entered into the religious and political 
 history of this country than the sturdy principles and the 
 deathless spirit of Presbyterianism. 
 
 But to come nearer home. There has always been a close 
 connection in spirit and principles between the English Puri- 
 tans of New England and the Scotch Presbyterians of the 
 Middle States. We can never forget that in the Seventeenth 
 Century we wore with pride the common name of Piesbvte- 
 rians, an«l as such have gone on the record in the liistorv of 
 
Preface. xi 
 
 the world. It is, therefore, a somewhat amusing thing to us 
 to see how the place of honor is claimed for the fathers of New 
 England and the Plymouth Rock type of religion in all that 
 pertains to the early history of the American church. 
 
 We are ready to award to the sons of the Pilgrims all the 
 honor that justly belongs to them, but we cannot help remind- 
 ing them that the Mayflower was too small a vessel to trans- 
 port to the New World all the ancestry of the American church. 
 New England herself is largely indebted to other races as well 
 as to the English Puritan. Thousands of Scotch and Scotch- 
 Irish Presbyterians added their blood and brawn to that sturdy 
 composition which has been so justly honored as the New 
 England churches. And when whole histories of American 
 Presbyterianism^ are written to trace the genesis of that hon- 
 ored institution to English Puritanism, it may be well enough 
 to remind such zealous partisans that large sections of that 
 Presbyterianism existed in regular organizations for more than 
 a hundred years with scarce a trace of English Puritanism in 
 their midst. And further that these were the sections of Amer- 
 ican Presbyterianism which, as the years went on, did not melt 
 down into something else, and were not ready to drop at first 
 the polity of Presbyterianism and then the distinctive doctrines 
 of Calvinism. f The Presbyterianism of our Scotch and Scotch- 
 
 *Dr. Briargs, in his ^^ American Presbyterianism,''' devotes a chapter to ''The Rise 
 of Presbyterianism in America,'' which is a laboi-ed effort to show that our church 
 was planted in this country by the English Puritans. A foot-note at the close of 
 this chapter will sufficiently exhibit the animus of his effort. He says : 
 
 " From what we have shown in this chapter, it is clear that Dr. Charles Hodge is 
 entirely mistaken when he says : ' The strict Presb5'terian emigrants, Scotch, Irish, 
 Dutch and French, laid the foundations of our church in New York, east Jersey- 
 Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and the Carolinas." " (Constitutional Hist. I., 
 p. 59).— American PrcsbytcrianUm, p. 131. 
 
 t Speaking of New England theology. Rev. Austin Phelps, D. D., late Bartlet 
 Professor of Sacred Rhetoric in Andover Theological Seminary, says : 
 
 " Its authors claimed for it the title of an improvement in theology as a human 
 science. They called it Calvinism, but Calvinism improved. In my judgment, they 
 committed a mistake in theologic policy in clinging so pertinaciously to the name 
 of Calvin. The system they framed was not Calvinism, as Calvin taught and 
 preached.'"— iVfe/t and Btxjhs, p. 189. 
 
xii Preface. 
 
 Irish ancestors was a system which had been worked bv their 
 ancestry for more than a hundred years before it was trans- 
 planted to these western shores. The Presbyterian ism of the 
 English Puritan was a theory which he was never allowed to 
 put in practice on British soil ; and when he transported him- 
 self and his interests to this new world, he soon began to mod- 
 ify his theory so that practically it ceased to be the polity of 
 the Westminster fathers. The truth is, where English Puri- 
 tanism on removing to this country fell in with enough Scotch 
 and Huguenot element to steady and confirm its hold on the 
 Westminster polity it has remained true to the Reformed sys- 
 ten) of church government. Where it has had things all its 
 own wav it has long since given up the republican system of 
 Presbytery and adopted the more democratic ways of Inde- 
 pendency. We do not wish to be offensive, but we think it is 
 rather late in the day to relegate our Scotch and Scotch-Irish 
 ancestry to a back seat in the temple of American Presbyteri- 
 anism. 
 
 There can be no doubt that the fathers of American Presby- 
 terianism in this region did believe that their cherished polity 
 was a "finality.'' As compared with the other great systems 
 of church government — Papacy, Prelacy and Independency — 
 they did believe their system to be more scriptural, more ex- 
 pedient and hence more salutary for the Church of Christ. 
 They did not believe their polity to be merely a provisional 
 arrangement to be superseded by something better to be dis- 
 covered or invented in the future.* 
 
 It may be thought by some that we have laid claim for our 
 Presbytery to some men and to some things that do not wholly 
 belong to us. Against this possible charge we sliall not be 
 
 * " Presbyterian ism is not a flnalitj'. It is the stepping-stone to something higher 
 and grander yet to come, etc., etc." Briggs' American Presbyterianisra. Preface, 
 p. xiii. 
 
Preface. xiii 
 
 careful to defend oui-HeU^es. "We have tried to claim all that 
 is fairly ours in the general history of the American church. 
 Once when Sir Walter Scott and his man John were about 
 leaving a friendly manor-house, it is said that the great " Wiz- 
 ard of the North'' exclaimed, "John have you got all our 
 things?" To which the faithful John replied, "Yes, at least.'' 
 We are not as sure as the careful Scotchman that we have got 
 all our own, though we are conscious of his honest intention ; 
 but we arc not without his apprehension that some trifles not 
 wholly ours may have i)ecome mixed up with our possessions. 
 It is possible that many will regret the absence of full and 
 careful histories of the several churches; but the limitations of 
 our space have set up an effectual barrier in the way of any 
 attempt so ambitious. Besides, this work has already been 
 done for many of our churches in separate histories ; it is 
 known that others are either meditated or in course of actual 
 preparation; while the well-known labors of one of the hon- 
 ored sons of this Presbytery, Dr. Alfred Nevin, have rendered 
 
 « 
 it very difficult for all successors who would attempt to tell the 
 
 story of the several '' Churches of the Valley."" However, we 
 have done what we could in this direction, and brief but exact 
 sketches of the several churches may be found in their appro- 
 priate place. 
 
 The committee of Presbytery appointed to attend t^ the 
 printing of these memorial volumes wish to acknowledge their 
 obligations to the many friends who have aided in gathering 
 the information which is now garnered in these pages. Espe- 
 cial credit is also due to those who have generously furnished 
 the illustrations which add so much of graphic power and per- 
 manent interest to the work. These pictures have not been 
 idealized or flattered : for we wish to have them historically 
 correct. It would have been easy in some cases to have made 
 them more artistic at the expense of the truth ; but they have 
 
Preface. 
 
 been iiuule exaetly true to nature in the stern spirit of Oliver 
 ('romwelTs charge to the artist who painted his homely por- 
 trait; "Now put in every wart, or I won't pay you a shilling." 
 
 Where so many favors have been received it seems invidious 
 to make anv distinction, but we feel constrained to acknowledge 
 special obligations to Rev. C. P. Wing, D. D., Rev. Joseph A. 
 Murray, D. D., Rev. Thomas H. Robinson. D. D., Rev. George 
 Duffield, Jr., D. D., Rev. J. H. Mason Knox, D. D., Rev. James 
 B Scouller, 1). D., Rev. James T. Brownson, T). D., and W. C. 
 Lane, M. D. 
 
 As the following pages are made up of the contributions of 
 different writers, it is but just to say that no one besides the 
 author is responsible for the accuracy of statement or the pro- 
 l)riety of sentiment in any paper. 
 
 The authors of the several contributions to this Centennial 
 Memorial are all deeply impressed with the solemn duty of ac- 
 curacv. But they are conscious of being human, and humanum 
 est errare. We can hardly hope that the most careful pains- 
 taking will be rewarded with total exemption from mistake; 
 but as to the principles on which history should be written we 
 can truly say, with the immortal Bacon, "We would have our 
 first history written with the most religious particularity, as 
 though upon oath as to the truth of every syllable ; for it is a 
 volume of Grod's works, and, as far as the majesty of things 
 divine can brook comparison with the lowliness of earthly ob- 
 jects, is, as it were, a second Scripture." 
 
 If to a Pagan wit like Dionysius of Halicarnassus, '' History 
 is philosophy teaching b}' example," then, surely to the Chris- 
 tian student reverent and thoughtful, history must be the thought 
 of God. And if so, then indeed the story of God's dealings 
 with his church must be worthy of the most exact record 
 and the most careful study ; and those who have the honor of 
 making that record should nobly aspire like Thucydides to tell 
 
Preface. xv 
 
 the story, so that it might be " a possession forever " and not 
 merely the transient entertainment of a passing liour. In the 
 lessons of her past experience the church tinds many a clue to 
 help in the solution of tliose difficulties which evermore oppose 
 her progress. Hence the duty of a faitliful record that the 
 church may avoid her former mistakes, remember the price of 
 lier precious liberties, and |>erpetuate the memory of her de- 
 parted lieroes. The review of such a past must be refreshing 
 and instructive. Faith and love and every grace must be 
 ([uickened by the contemplation of God's care of his own little 
 flock. "Whoso is wise, and will observe these things, even 
 they shall understand the loving kindness oi the Lord." 
 
 Cjkorge Norcross. 
 The Mansk. 
 Second Preshytkkiax Church, 
 Carlisle, Pa., July 22, 1889. 
 
"Call to remembrance the former days.'* — Heb. 
 X. 32. 
 
INTRODUCTION 
 
 N the 7th of October, 1886, the Presbytery of Car- 
 lisle celebrated the centennial of its organization. 
 The exercises were by appointment of Presbytery, 
 and were held in three sessions in the venerable stone church 
 which has stood for more than a hundred years on the public 
 square of Carlisle. 
 
 In this connection it may be proper to give in outline the 
 preliminary action of Presbytery. 
 
 At the meeting of Presbytery held in Newport, October, 
 1885, a committee, consisting of Rev. J. Agnew Crawford, D. 
 D., Rev. C. P. Wing, D. D., Rev. E. Erskine, D. D., Rev. Wm. 
 A. West, and ruling elders James McCormick, Esq., and Cap- 
 tain Jno. B. Landis, were appointed to consider how the centen- 
 nial of the Presbytery might best be observed. This committee 
 r^ommended to Presbytery in session at Harrisburg, April 
 16, 1886, that the exercises commemorative of the centennial 
 be held in Carlisle, the Thursday following the fall meeting of 
 Presbytery, which would be the centennial anniversary of its 
 organization. 
 
 Presbytery then requested Kev. Thomas H. Robinson, D. D., 
 with Rev. W. A. West, as his alternate, to prepare a paper on 
 the "Origin and History of the Presbytery;" Rev. Joseph A. Mur- 
 ray, D. D., with Rev. J. Agnew Crawford, D. D., as his alternate, 
 to prepare a paper on the " Educational Work of Presbytery ;" 
 Rev. C. P. Wing, D. D., with Rev. E. Erskine, D. D., as his 
 alternate, to prepare " Biographical Sketches of Leading Min« 
 
Introduction. 
 
 isters in the History of the Presbytery." It was also suggested 
 that two brethren, to be selected by the centennial committee, 
 should be invited to deliver popular addresses appropriate to 
 the occasion. At this meeting Rev. George Norcross, D. D., 
 and Rev. Joseph Vance, D. D., were added to the centennial 
 committee. 
 
 The pastors and sessions of the First and Second Churches 
 in Carlisle were made a committee of arrangements to carry 
 out the purpose of the Presbytery. 
 
 Subsequently at a meeting of the centennial committee in 
 the Second Church, Carlisle, the Rev. Drs. Robinson, Wing, 
 Murray and Crawford, having declined to prepare papers, it 
 seemed for a time that the whole celebration might be given 
 up, and this was seriously advocated by some of the commit- 
 tee. But, as the purpose to observe the centennial celebration 
 at Carlisle had already been announced in the religious and 
 secular press, it was urged that the pastors and people of the 
 two churches in that place would regard a failure to observe the 
 anniversary as a local and personal reproach, that the honor of 
 the Presbytery was now involved, and, that if the older breth- 
 ren who were first appointed were unable to go on with the 
 work, others could be induced to undertake these duties, th^ 
 some changes could be made in the proposed programme so 
 as to give greater variety and divide the labor, and that it 
 would be better to carry out the original purpose of the Pres- 
 byter}^, and not allow the centennial occasion to pass without 
 appropriate observance. 
 
 The weight of these considerations could not be denied, and 
 it was finally determined to go on with the anniversary ser- 
 vices. It was decided to add two other papers to those al- 
 ready assigned, one, "The Influence of the Presbytery Beyond 
 its Bounds," which the writer of this introduction consented to 
 prepare, provided, that one of the honored sons of the Presby- 
 
Introduction. 8 
 
 terv, Dr. James I. Brownson, (>f Washington, Pa., could not 
 be prevailed upon to perform this service. 
 
 The other paper, which it was decided to add to the pro- 
 gramme, was, " The Influence of the Presbyterian Church in 
 this Region on Secular History." It was left to the local com- 
 mittee of arrangements to secure a suitable person for this ser- 
 vice, and the topic was finally assigned to Hon. John Blair 
 Linn, of Bellefonte, Pa. 
 
 At the suggestion of Mr. Linn his theme was somewhat 
 changed, and though he did not finally appear on the pro- 
 gramme of centennial day, his valuable paper forms an impor^ 
 tant chapter in this memorial volume. It is only proper to 
 state that this collection of historical papers not only originated 
 in these centennial services, but that they all received their 
 peculiar form and tone from the spirit of that occasion. 
 
 It is but justice to the authors of this historical memorial to 
 say that they would have much preferred to have left this work 
 of research and record to others, who, not being burdened by 
 the tasks of pastoral labor, would have had more time and 
 leisure for such a difficult and delicate service. They have 
 only consented to bend to this yoke when others refused. If 
 they are painfully conscious of imperfections in the results of 
 their labor, they have at least the pleasing satisfaction of feeling 
 that had they not undertaken the task, this memorable occasion 
 would have been allowed to pass without any fitting observance; 
 and when the centennial celebration was over, had they refused 
 the additional labor of publishing, the Presbytery would still 
 have been without any adequate history of its origin, growth 
 and influence. 
 
 As a matter of curious interest it may be pertinent to de- 
 scribe, and thus put upon permanent record, the floral and 
 historical decorations of the First Presbyterian Church, where 
 the centennial services were held. These decorations were 
 
Introduction. 
 
 principally the work of the ladies of the two Presbyterian 
 Churches of Carlisle. They were at once beautiful and signifi- 
 cant, and well calculated to show that loving and loyal hearts 
 were trying to add a charming grace to the glories of the clay. 
 
 High above the pulpit and gracefully draped on either side 
 was the American flag blended with the old blue banner of 
 the Covenant Underneath it was flung a sky-blue scarf on 
 which was inscribed in golden letters " Vox clamantis in deser- 
 io,^^ a, scriptural allusion which well describes the early mission 
 of the church in the wilderness of the New World. In the 
 apex of these decorations over the pulpit hung an immense 
 bunch of autumn leaves. The sacred desk was trimmed with 
 sheaves of ripened grain and pyramids of blooming flowers. 
 Directly in front of the pulpit was a stack of muskets, the his- 
 torical reminders of the days when such early pastors as Rev. 
 John Steel preached to the people with fire-arms in their hands, 
 and while his own rifle was standing in the pulpit beside him. 
 On either side of the pulpit, and fastened to the pillars which 
 support the arch, were the centennial limits 1786 — 1886. Posts 
 and pillars were wreathed with clinging vines and blushing 
 flowers, while stalks of Indian maize, on which were hanging 
 the ripened ears, were arranged with artistic grace on the front 
 of the gallery which surrounds the auditorium. 
 
 But perhaps the most interesting of all the decorations were 
 the banners which were hung on either side of the pulpit, and 
 at regular intervals on the front of the gallery. These banners 
 had been painted by the ladies of the two churches in Carlisle, 
 on plans suggested by the committee of arrangements. They 
 recalled to memory some great historical characters, and start- 
 ling epochs in the history of the church. They were intended 
 to give emphasis to the fact that the American Presbyterian 
 Church is made up of many races, is the heir of many precious 
 memories, and the custodian of privileges and principles which 
 
Introduction. 
 
 have been wrested from the strong hand of civil and ecclesias- 
 tical tyranny in many lands. 
 
 The following outlines may give some idea of these banners, 
 which were executed with a variety of color and style it is 
 impossible to reproduce on the printed page : 
 
 SCOTLAND. 
 "The Culdees." 
 JOHN KNOX. 
 
 " The Truth I speak, impugn it who so list" 
 
 REGENT MURRAY. 
 
 (His coat of arms.) 
 
 Solemn League and Covenant. 
 
 (Uphfted hand — symbol of taking oath.) 
 
 "Covenanters." 
 
 First Confession of Faith, A. D. 1560. 
 
 IRELAND. 
 
 ^ PATRICK, A. D. 372. 
 
 COLUMBA, A. D. 563. 
 
 The Scotch Settlement in Ulster, 1605. 
 
 Siege of Derry, 1689. 
 
 Battle of Boyne, 1690. 
 
 • " Franciscus Makemius — Scoto-Hybernus, A. D. 1675.*' 
 
 Francis Makemie. 
 
 •The title under which Makemie was enrolled as a student In the University of 
 Glasgow, A. D. 1676. 
 
Introduction. 
 
 ENGLAND— WALES. 
 
 JOHN WYCLIFFE, A. D. 1380. 
 
 " Puritans." 
 
 Westminster Assembly 
 
 1643—1649. 
 
 Two Thousand Non-Conforming Presbyterian Divinea 
 
 August 24, 1662. 
 
 Bangor — Columbanus. 
 
 A. D. 590. 
 
 ITALY. 
 
 " Imx Lucet in Tenehris.'* 
 
 WALDO, A. D. 1170. 
 
 HENRY ARNAUD, 
 La Balsille, A. D. 1689. 
 
 " Thy slaughtered saints whose bones 
 Lie scattered on the Alpine mountains coId| 
 Even they who kept thy truth so pure of old. 
 
 When all our fathers worshipped stocks and stones.' 
 
 HOLLAND. 
 WILLIAM THE SILENT. 
 100,000 Martyrs, 1567—1573. 
 Synod of Dort, 
 
 A. D. 1618. 
 
 Puritan Fathers. 
 
 Delfthaven, a. D. 1620. 
 
Introduction. 
 
 SWITZERLAND. 
 
 ZWINOLI — ZUBIOH. 
 
 JOHN CALVIN, 
 
 GrENEVA. 
 
 Fftrel, — Ritter and other Reformera. 
 Turrettine. 
 Merlk D'AtJBiONa. w 
 
 GEKMANY. 
 
 Heidelberg Catechism, 
 
 Palatinate, 
 
 A. D. 1563. 
 
 LUTHER AND MELANCTHON 
 
 and other 
 
 G-erman Reformers. 
 
 " Pro Deo Et Ecdesia." 
 
 (Motto German Reformed Church of America.) 
 
 FRANCE. 
 
 70,000 Huguenot Martyrs. 
 
 ST. BARTHOLOMEW'S DAY, A. D. 1572. 
 
 * 500,000 Exiles, A. D. 1685. 
 
 Calvin. 
 
 COLIONI. 
 
 Navarre. 
 
 •This was the period of the Dragonnados, when Louis XTV. revoked the edict of 
 
 Nantes, and banished multitudes of the Hiitfuenots. 
 
Introduction, 
 
 BOHEMIA— MORAVIA. 
 
 " Veritas omnia vincit." 
 
 JOHN HUSS. 
 
 Jerome of Pbagdb. 
 
 * " Taborites." 
 
 GEN. JOHN ZISKA, 
 
 The Invincible, 
 
 A. D. 1360—1424, 
 
 tn the rear of the church hung a well executed map of the 
 Presbytery, which had been drawn by Richard Davis, a pupil 
 at Captain Pratt's Indian Training School. 
 
 Those who are familiar with the historic decorations used 
 during the Pan-Presbyterian Council, which was held in the 
 city of Philadelphia, in 1880, will observe that we were greatly 
 indebted to them for hints and helps in our much more limited 
 attempt to make history visible and telling. The more un- 
 familiar names and facts in the great reformation movement 
 were passed by, and, as much as possible, only such as are 
 well known and inspiring marked. 
 
 It was at one time thought desirable to give an explanation 
 of the names and facts inscribed upon these banners ; but the 
 desire to make the introduction as short as possible, and the 
 belief that almost every historical allusion in these inscriptions 
 
 * Taborites was the name given to the Reformed party among the Bohemians. 
 They were so called from Mount Tabor, a rocky fortress, at which they established 
 their headquarters. Gen. John Ziska was their most distinguished leader. The 
 story of his exploits in leading the Reformed forces is one of the most thrilling 
 passages in modern history. 
 
Introduction, 9 
 
 can be found in any good encyclopedia, have induced the com- 
 mittee to be satisfied with a few foot notes. 
 
 The anniversary day proved to be all that heart could desire. 
 It was a pearl among autumn days. People came from far 
 and near, and the occasion proved to be one of rare interest and 
 enjoyment. An abundant collation was served by the ladies 
 of the two churches, and one of the most delightful memories 
 of the day is the recollection of old friendships renewed, or new 
 friendships formed durmg the pleasant intervals of service ; 
 while others were highly entertained by listening to im- 
 promptu speeches, which were replete with reminiscences of 
 the now historic past. Many of these addresses were of great 
 interest, and it is a matter for regret that no reporter was pres- 
 ent to catch the gems that sparkled as they fell, and so to have 
 gathered them into the treasure house of history. A careful 
 account of these impromptu speeches would add much to the 
 interest and spice of our volume ; but as such an account is 
 impossible, we must confine the record to the more formal 
 and studied efforts of the occasion. These speakers passed 
 from grave to gay. Many marvelled that God had overruled 
 former divisions for the growth of His church. It is His pre- 
 rogative to bring good out of evil, but we should not tempt 
 His forbearance. Surely he hath spoken peace unto His peo- 
 ple, ''but let them not turn again unto folly." 
 
 The exercises of the day were opened with an organ volun- 
 tary and a musical selection which was rendered by a quartette 
 of gentlemen, Messrs. Hoffer, Stewart, Kramer and Woodward. 
 
 After the reading of the forty-eighth Psalm, by Rev. Thomas 
 H. Robinson, D. D., of the Western Theological Seminary, 
 Allegheny, Pa., and prayer by the Rev. J. Agnew Crawford, 
 D. D., of Chambersburg, the following programme of addresses 
 was successfully carried out on this happy occasion ■ 
 
10 Introduction. 
 
 1786. 1886. 
 
 CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY 
 
 OF 
 
 CARLISLE PRESBYTERY, 
 
 First Church, Carlisle, October 7, 1886. 
 
 10 A. M. 
 
 History of the Presbytery, Rev. W. A. West, Harrisburg. 
 
 Address byRe\. Talbot W. Chambers, D. D., LL. D., New York. 
 
 2 P. M. 
 
 Biography, Rev. E. Erskine, D. D., Newville. 
 
 Education, Rev. Jos. Vanck, D. D., Carlisle. 
 
 7.30 P. M. 
 Influence of the Presbytery Beyond its Bounds, 
 
 Rev. Geo. Norcross, D. D., Carlisle. 
 Address by Rev. W. M. Paxton, D. D., LL. D., Princeton, N. J. 
 
 The closing psalm, as printed on the programme, was very 
 suggestive. It was the 78th, first part, according to the ver- 
 sion of Dr. Isaac Watts. It tersely and beautifully expressed 
 the spirit of the day and all its exercises. 
 
 Let children hear the mighty deeds 
 
 Which God performed of old ; 
 Which in our younger years we saw, 
 
 And which our fathers told. 
 
 He bids us make his glories known, 
 
 His works of power and grace, 
 And we'll convey His wonders down, 
 
 Through every rising race. 
 
 Our lips shall tell them to our sons, 
 
 And they again to theirs, 
 That generations yet unborn 
 
 May teach them to their heirs. 
 
 Thus shall they learn, in God alone 
 
 Their hope securely stands, 
 That they may ne'er forget His works, 
 
 But practice His commands. 
 
Introduction. 11 
 
 One delightful feature of this anniversary it is still a pleas- 
 ure to recall. It wavS manifest that an era of brotherly love 
 had dawned upon the church. During all the exercises of the 
 day, but few allusions were made to the unhappy divisions of 
 the past ; yet many hearts were secretly rejoicing at the gra- 
 cious change which had come over the spirit of our beloved 
 Zion. It seemed hardly possible that these could be the chil- 
 dren of the very men who, only a single generation ago, on this 
 very ground, were contending so eamestlj about " the faith 
 once delivered to the saints." 
 
 As the members of the two churches of Carlisle were ob- 
 served working together so cordially and harmoniously in a 
 united effort to do honor to their common heritage, a precious 
 faith and a noble ancestry, to many a thoughtful spirit came 
 the gracious words of inspiration, " Behold, how good and how 
 pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity." 
 
 At the close of these centennial services, the moderator re- 
 sumed his seat and it was resolved by Presbytery to publish 
 the addresses and papers delivered on this occasion. It was 
 also decided that an additional paper on " The Distinguished 
 Laymen of the Presbytery," should be prepared and printed 
 with the others. This was rendered necessary by the commit- 
 tee's lijiving accepted from Hon. Jno. Blair Linn, another paper 
 than the one at first proposed. 
 
 The Rev. Drs. Norcross and Vance were appointed a com- 
 mittee to superintend the publishing, and also to secure the 
 preparation o{ the paper on eminent laymen. 
 
 This committee made persistent efforts to secure the services 
 of some one possessed of the requisite taste and leisure for 
 such a task. They invited different gentlemen to undertake 
 the proposed work, but all declined, and they have been com- 
 pelled either to print the volume without this very desirable 
 addition, or prepare it themselves. They have reluctantly 
 
12 Introduction. 
 
 yielded to the latter alternative and have jointly composed the 
 ghort sketches which appear in that chapter. If it is not all 
 they desired to make it, they trust it will prove to be better 
 than nothing. 
 
 Dr. Yance having been called to the Second Church, Ches- 
 ter, Pa., and having removed beyond the bounds of the Pres- 
 bytery, the Revs. Dr. Erskine and Wm. A. West, were, at the 
 request of the other member, added to the publishing commit- 
 tee ; and the writer would here bear his testimony to the pa- 
 tience in labor and the courtesy in conference of these his asso- 
 ciates. 
 
 The work which thus devolved upon this committee has 
 proved to be both tedious and laborious. The careful 
 gathering and sifting of facts was necessary before the more 
 grateful task of composition began. The desire to have the 
 whole work abundantly illustrated has not only required 
 time, but involved a very burdensome correspondence. More 
 than two years have passed away since this " labor of love " 
 was undertaken. Only those who have gone through a sim- 
 ilar task can realize with what feelings of relief we now close 
 these labors, and commend them, with this introduction, to the 
 charity of our friends. 
 
 George Norcross, 
 The Manse, 
 Second Presbyterian Church, 
 Carlisle, Pa., Jfarc/i 25, 1889. 
 
ADDRESS OF 
 
 REV. TALBOT W. OHAMBERS, D. D., LL. 1). 
 
 REMINISCENCES OF FIFTY YEARS AGO. 
 I HE pastor of this church has correctly stated the in- 
 terest I take in this occasion. Here I was born 
 and baptized and admitted to full communion, 
 and here I received the deepest and most lasting impressions 
 of my life. But apart from that I am in sympathy with yoiir 
 object because of its significance. Of late there have been 
 many centennial celebrations of particular epochs of our 
 revolutionary history. And they were all appropriate and 
 wise, but even more so are such as have an ecclesiastic or 
 religious character, for there lies the secret of American lib- 
 erty and independence. Our fathers preached and prayed 
 this land through the perilous crisis of the Revolution. It is 
 therefore every way suitable to recall the memory of the past. 
 One of the most just observations made by Lord Macaulay, 
 was in reference to the custom of the people of Derry, to ob- 
 serve appropriately the anniversary of that famous siege, 1689, 
 which you see noted on the banner hanging beside the pulpit 
 The sentiment indicated by such a course he thinks belongs to 
 the higher and purer part of human nature, and adds not a 
 little to the strength of states. "A people which takes no 
 pride in the noble achievements of remote ancestors will never 
 achieve anything worthy to be remembered with pride by re- 
 mote descendants." We are, moreover, to keep the past fully 
 in mind, because we cannot get ourselves away from it It is 
 in its lines that the future is to make its progress, and a chasm 
 between the two would be fatal to any real, substantial and 
 permanent advance. 
 
14 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 The admirable essay read to you this morning, to which I 
 listened with growing interest, naturally and properly refers to 
 what occurred a century ago. My memory goes back only 
 half that distance, but I shall doubtless be in harmony with 
 the spirit of the occasion if what is said relates to the state of 
 things fifty years ago, and the events which then occurred and 
 have cast their influence forward even to the present moment. 
 
 The house in which we are assembled is a characteristic 
 memorial of our forefathers. Last evening as the shades were 
 falling, I walked around the outer wall, and contemplated the 
 very large stones below the water shed, the like of which I 
 think are not to be found in any similar building in central 
 Pennsylvania. My father told me once that the builder (he 
 mentioned his name, but I have forgotten it) desired to make 
 the whole wall from foundation to cope stone of equally massive 
 blocks, but as this would have required a quarter of a century 
 to complete the edifice, he could not be gratified. But what 
 was done illustrates the character of the men of that period. 
 They built to endure, and laid their foundations deep and 
 strong. One is reminded to-day of the words of the Psalmist, 
 "Strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.'' The former gen- 
 eration gave the strength ; the ladies of the existing one have 
 given the beauty, in the rich and tasteful decorations which 
 meet our eyes wherever we turn them on this pleasant occasion. 
 
 Of the men of half a century ago it is proper to mention first, 
 the Kev. Oeorge Duffield, then pastor of this church. • He 
 was the grandson of the chaplain to Congress of the same name 
 during the Revolution, * and his son and grandson became 
 
 * The last mentioned, Samuel WlUoughby DuflBeld, was a scholar and a poet. He 
 died May 12, 1887, leaving- behind a volume on English Hymns which is a noble 
 contribution to the literature of the subject, and alas, unfinished, or at least un- 
 published, a similar volume on Latin Hymns, which it is thought would equal the 
 other in fulness, acumen and accuracy. 
 
 The father of Samuel W,, was Rev. Geo Duflaeld, Jr., D. D., who died at Bloom- 
 field, N. J., July 12th, 1888. He was a man of lovely christian character, and is 
 best known to the church as the author of the hymn beginning 
 "Stand up, stand up for Jesus," 
 
Address of Talbot W. Charabers. 15 
 
 ministers of the gospel. He was my spiritual father, and I 
 revere his memory as an eminent man of God, an instructive 
 preacher, a faithful pastor, a power in the community. Why, 
 when he passed on the street, I have seen rude boys run away 
 awed by his very presence as a holy man. Dr. Alexander 
 McClelland, who knew him well and who himself delivered 
 such finished lectures to his college classes in psycology, logic 
 and belles-lettres that the educated persons of the town used 
 to ask permission to hear them, once said that he knew of no 
 man so effective and mighty in presenting the practical side of 
 religion, but that when he turned, as he sometimes did, to 
 metaphysics, he got so deep down in the mud that he did not 
 know where he was, nor did any one else. He had his faults 
 as we all have, but I have never seen or heard of any man who 
 did a greater or more lasting work than that which he wrought 
 in this important college town. I often heard in this house 
 the Rev. Wm. R DeWitt, D. D., of Harrisburg, a finished 
 rhetorican whose elaborate discourses, always delivered from 
 the manuscript, were listened to with great attention and proved 
 a blessing to many souls. Another man of mark was the Rev. 
 Dr. Cathcart, of York, Pa., who undei-stood everything worth 
 knowing about methods of ecclesiastical procedure, and whose 
 authority on such matters was immense. In my boyhood 
 there was a little square stone church at the west end of the 
 town, known as the Seceder church, of which old Mr. Pringle, 
 a genial man universally respected for his moral worth, was 
 for a time pastor. He was succeeded by a ruddy-cheeked 
 youth, whose fervor and diction and oratorical power drew a 
 crowd of attendants from every qua: ter. This was Dr. McGill, 
 who, after filling various important positions here and elsewhere, 
 finally became a professor in the Seminary at Princeton, and 
 is now the senior member of the faculty there. Then T recall 
 Dr. John M. Krebs who first Uiught me in the languages, and 
 
16 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial 
 
 whom 1 afterward met in New York, where he was pastor of 
 the Rutgers Street church. He exerted a mighty influence 
 among his brethren. Besides his large pulpit ability, he had 
 so much clear, hard sense and took so large a round-about 
 view of all that pertained to any given topic that he seemed to 
 hit by intuition upon the right course to pursue, the right 
 thing to say, in any emergent crisis. Then there was Erskine 
 Mason, the son of one who has justly been called the prince of 
 American preachers, and the son was worthy of the father. 
 The Dr. McClelland, before mentioned, was a professor in the 
 college, and preached only occasionally but always with wondrous 
 power. His sermons, masterpieces of rhetoric, were delivered 
 from memory, with a voice like a clarion which could utter the 
 lowest and the loudest notes without ever losing its sweetness 
 and smoothness, and without failing to reach the remotest hearer. 
 And they made an indelible impression. I have heard persons 
 speak of these discoures thirty years after their deliver3^ and 
 my ministerial brethren will agree with me that that is a long 
 life for the memory of any pulpit utterance. 
 
 I was a student in Dickinson College for a year and a half 
 when Dr. S. B. How was president, and ceased my connection 
 only when its doors were closed. This calamitous event was 
 due chiefly to two causes. One was the determination of the 
 trustees to conduct its discipline instead of leaving that to the 
 control of the faculty. An error like this would ruin any in- 
 stitution under heaven. If the president and professors are 
 not to be trusted, turn them out and put others in their places, 
 but let not the trustees undertake to decide matters about which 
 it is impossible for them to form ^ satisfactory judgment. The 
 other was that the college was Presbyterian in fact but not in 
 name. Its friends claimed for it an undenominational charac- 
 ter so that they could appeal to the State for pecuniary aid. Had 
 they forborne this delusive fancy, and applied to the church for 
 
Address of Talbot W. Chambers. 17 
 
 means to support the institution as their own, failure would 
 have been averted. But this was not done, and so our Meth- 
 odist brethren came into possession, greatly to their advantage. 
 At that day it was not uncommon for a Methodist minister to 
 boast that the Lord had opened his mouth although he had 
 never rubbed liis back against a college wall, to which it was 
 sometimes replied that the Lord had wrought a similar miracle 
 in the days of Balaam. Thev needed an educated ministry, 
 and were greatly aided in that matter by getting control of this 
 institution, although it is reasonable to think that they would 
 have prospered more had they settled in another community 
 wliere the Methodist element was predominant. Still, severe 
 as was the loss of the college to Presbyterianism — and its ex- 
 tent cannot easily be estimated — it is pleasant to think that this 
 ancient seat of learning is under the management of a thor- 
 oughly evangelical body of christians among whom it is doing 
 a great and good work. 
 
 ^Fifty years ago the conflict between the Old School and the 
 New was at its height, and you. will allow me a word as to my 
 personal relations to it. My father's family were all on the 
 New School side, while my convictions led me to the other. 
 The feeling of the parties was intense and bitter. Differences 
 ran through presbyteries and congregations, and neighbor- 
 hoods and families, and even social relations became strained 
 and difficult. When I entered the ministry, the case was try- 
 ing. I was not willing to go into the New School, nor could 
 I grieve my kindred by going into the Old. I shunned the 
 rocks on either hand by entering the Dutch Church which I 
 had come to know by being a student at New Brunswick, N. 
 J. It took me five years to learn the excellencies of my new 
 home, but I learned them effectually, and ended by becoming 
 more fanatically attached to it than even those who '' were to 
 the manner bom," thus illustrating the old adage that one ren- 
 2 
 
Xg Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 egade is worse than ten Turks. The schism then made in the 
 Presbyterian church was sufficiently mournful. It is nothing 
 less than a scandal when two bodies holding the same stand- 
 ards, polity and order of worship, stand as much opposed to 
 one another as were the Jews and Samaritans of old. Yet the 
 rupture was perhaps the best thing that could have happened, 
 and this for two reasons. One was tranquility. You may have 
 a dog and a cat in your room lying down before the fire. They 
 are on different sides of the hearth and are perfectly peaceful. 
 But tie them together, and how is it then? The peace becomes 
 an uproar. Now, as soon as the two parties separated, internal 
 dissensions ceased, and each could go to work in its own way 
 without distraction. But not only so. Each set itself to ward 
 off the special reproach that had been cast upon it. The Old 
 School were charged with dead orthodoxy, hide-bound conser- 
 vatism and unfriendliness to revivals. At once they started 
 upon a vigorous evangelism, were zealous of good works and 
 sought a lofty spirituality. The New School were accused of 
 looseness of doctrine and order, of zeal without knowledge, and 
 of using new and perilous methods of procedure. At once they 
 began to vindicate their doctrinal soundness. They cut en- 
 tirely loose from Congregationalists. They laid great stress 
 upon purity of faith and order. The result was that each party 
 retreated from the extremes to which passion had led it, and 
 began, year by year, to draw nearer to the other, not con- 
 sciously, not designedly, but by force of the circumstances that 
 have been mentioned. After the close of the civil war, when 
 the air was full of the spirit of union in all relations, the effort 
 was made to bring the bodies together. To me it seemed pre- 
 mature, and 1 remember saying to the eminent Henry B. Smith, 
 who was so active and efficient in healing the breach, that if he 
 would only wait ten years longer the reunion would come of 
 itself, without any effort, while to press it now might revive 
 
Address of Talbot W. Chambers. 19 
 
 old hostilities and set wounds almost healed bleeding afresh. 
 But T was wrong. The churches were i)repared for the step. 
 They came together, and no sound of discord has been heard 
 anywhere in the wide field of our country 
 
 And I cannot but think that this result has been greatly 
 promoted by the general sense of a new and common danger. 
 Sir Walter Scott in one of his later novels represents a Scotch 
 Presbyterian minister as on one occasion falling in with a cler- 
 gyman of the Church of England. Their intercourse at first 
 was pleasant, but, entering upon a discussion as to the claims', 
 of their respective churches, they became heated and angry, 
 and at last parted, each refusing even to speak to the othen 
 After a while Cromwell canie along with a company of soldiers, 
 and cast them both into prison. Here under the pressure of a 
 common calamity they forgot their antipathy and rushed into 
 each other's arms. Even so is it to-day with the jjarties who 
 compose the re-united church, for before them the New The- 
 ology rears its gorgon head. Of what use is it to dispute whether 
 the atonement is definite or indefinite, when it is seriously ques- 
 tioned whether there was any atonement at all in the proper 
 sense of that word? Why discuss whether the soul is active 
 or passive in regeneration when the whole basis of the Gospel 
 is undermined? 
 
 Ah, mv brethren, the " New Theology " of the present day 
 differs by the width of the whole heaven from the New School 
 of fifty years ago. We are told, for example, that the inspir- 
 ration of the penmen of Scriptures differs in degree but not in 
 quality from the illumination common to all believers. The 
 inspired man of the Old Testament or the New had only an 
 extraordinary measure of the same thing that belongs to every 
 believer. If this be so, then the divine, super-natural and auth- 
 oritative cliaracter of the Bible is gone. The Word may be 
 good and useful, but it does not bind the conscience or control 
 
20 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 the rtasoii. From this exaggeration of the human element in the 
 Scripture, there naturally flows an undue reliance upon the 
 conclusions of good men under the ordinary guidance of the 
 spirit. This "Christian consciousness," as it is called, is made 
 the ultimate source of authority in religious truth. And thas 
 the old faith is assailed on both sides. The Scripture is robbed 
 of its rightful external authority as that which in the name of 
 God demands submission, while Christian experience, the eth- 
 ical sentiment, is exalted into a source and test of truth, an 
 internal authority which no man is at liberty to disregard. 
 Would not such a preposterous claim have been hooted out of 
 the church fifty years ago? With one voice we say. To the 
 law and to the testimony. Our rule is the Bible as God gives 
 it, and not as men make it out of their own consciousness. One 
 " Thus saith the Lord " is better than all conceivable notions 
 based on reason and the ethical sentiments even of truly good 
 men. 
 
 So, again, the doctrine of the divine immanence in the world, 
 very precious when held in its due proportion, is urged in such 
 a way as practically to shut out the divine transcendence. So 
 that substantially the glorious sentiment of the Apostle, " For 
 in Him we live and move and have our being " is reversed in 
 such a way as to read. For in us doth He live and move and 
 have His being. He dwells in humanity as a continuous en- 
 ergy, an ever-present teacher, educating the race for its final 
 consummation. And this wretched Hegelian philosophy, this 
 revival of the extravagance of some of the old Greek fathers, 
 is gravely put forward as an improvement upon that yet older 
 faith which indeed says that God dwells with man (Is. Ivii. 15), 
 but maintains with equal assurance that He is " the high and 
 lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy," which 
 most certainly is not our name. Away with such thinly dis- 
 guised Pantheism. 
 
Address of Talbot W. Chambers. 21 
 
 Again, the atonement, the life blood of the evangelical sys- 
 tem is explained, or rather explained away, as that which 
 brings men to repentance and results in reconciliation by vir- 
 tue of Christ's organic relation to the entire race. Its objective 
 character as a vicarious substitution of the just for the unjust 
 which furnishes a solid basis for pardon and peace and full ac- 
 ceptance with God, falls out altogether. Surely this is another 
 Gospel, no, not another, but one altogether different. The 
 same is true in reference to the great doctrine of justification 
 which Luther said is the article by which the church stands or 
 falls. This, the new teachers tell us, comes by faith, but faith 
 has its value in that it leads to the formation of a virtuous and 
 upright character in the sight of God. All depends upon its 
 ethical force as working a new obedience. Whereas, the very 
 key of Protestantism, the fundamental principle of a true theol- 
 ogy, is that Faith lays hold upon the Lord Jesus Christ and 
 secures an interest in His finished work. It is true, as the 
 Scripture, and the creeds, and all the books say, that it works 
 through love and purifies the heart, but its chief function, the 
 very hiding of its power, is that it appropriates the merits of 
 the blessed Redeemer. And what an awful retrograde move- 
 ment toward Rome is it when men substitute the practical ef- 
 fects of faith upon the life in the place of its relation to the 
 person and cross of Christ, as the source of its validity and im- 
 portance. 
 
 Once more, there is the newl3'-vamped doctrine of a Second 
 Probation, viz., that every man who has not had the historic 
 Christ presented to him in this life, must have that presentation 
 in the next. There is no need to dwell on the entire lack of 
 Scripture authority for this fanciful notion. I say that if there 
 is any tenet anywhere that cuts under the whole system of grace, 
 it is this one. What is it that you praise God for in j?ll your 
 prayers, in all your psalmody, but that you, although a lost, ill- 
 
22 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 deserving, hell -deserving sinner, are yet saved b}- grace. Grod 
 himself stretched out his arm and plucked you from the jaws of 
 the pit, where you merited to go and where you would have gone 
 but for his boundless mercy. Grace began, and continued, and 
 will complete the whole work of salvation. But the new teach- 
 ers tell us that God must give to every human being a chance 
 of salvation. My brethren, you have to turn this Bible inside 
 out and upside down before you can get out of it any such 
 view as this. That view^ is opposed to its whole letter and 
 spirit, the unvarying tenor of which from beginning to end is, 
 "By grace ye are saved." God is at liberty to do as he will 
 with his own. The novel theory has been invented mainly 
 that men may pacify the heathen when they ask after the des- 
 tiny of their forefathers who died before the Gospel came to 
 their shores — a question to which we need give no other reply 
 than that which is contained in the first and second chapters of 
 Eomans, where the enquirer will learn as much as any man or 
 all men together can tell him. But for any one to start with 
 the assumption that God owes the offer of salvation to any class 
 of our fellowmen is to set out on a road which leads almost, 
 by a logical necessity, to the position that a second probation 
 lies before men of every class and condition. And from that 
 it is not a very long step to the full-fledged doctrine of an ab- 
 solutely universal salvation. 
 
 Surely, in the presence of such a formidable foe, such deadly 
 error, as now manifests itself in certain high places, it is no 
 time to revive old controversies and to renew the strifes which 
 once divided brethren. Rather it becomes all who hold the 
 old truth to close up the ranks, and see that we present a 
 united front, side by side, shoulder to slioulder, against the 
 error that comes in like a flood. The brother who preceded 
 me this morning, wisely insisted that your body, having such 
 a glorious past, was bound by its memories to go forward, since 
 
Address of Talbot W. Chambers. 23 
 
 there remaineth still much land to be possessed. It is fitting 
 that jou should heed his words, and be actively at work, hous- 
 ing every congregation, giving every minister his manse, search- 
 ing out the waste places, and multiplying evangelical agencies 
 and ministrations in every direction. But while you are a 
 working body, be also a witnessing body, standing firm for the 
 right as God gives you to see the right, and maintaining the 
 faith once given to the saints. As the truth was kept by your 
 fathers in storm and peril, so let it be kept by you in these 
 latter days, and be handed down, whole and untarnished, to 
 children and children's children, even to the last syllable of 
 recorded time. 
 
ADDRESS OF 
 
 REV. WILLIAM M. PAXTON, D. D., LL. D 
 
 THE FATHERS OF PRESBYTERIANISM IN THIS REGION. 
 
 The Lesson of Their Lives. 
 
 CANNOT adequately express the gratification 
 which I feel in being present at this centennial 
 celebration. If any one of you has reason to feel 
 interested in this occasion, "I more.'' I cannot think of any 
 one now living who has as many links of historic connection 
 with this celebration as myself — my grandfather was a member 
 of this Presbytery for fifty-two years — I was born within its 
 bounds — I was licensed and ordained by this Presbytery, and 
 was for two years the pastor of one of its churches. 
 
 I feel to-night as if I had just come home after a long ab-. 
 sence. All the recollections of my youth, all the memories of 
 my ancestors gather around the Carlisle Presbytery. The men 
 whom I was taught to venerate from my childhood were the 
 Fathers of this Presbytery : Father Moodey whom I thought 
 was likeG-reat I^qslyI \n Bunyari s Allegory ; Father McGinley 
 of Path Valley, the friend of my grandfather, whom I always 
 associated with the Patriarchs of the Old Testament ; Dr. Mc- 
 Conaughy, elegant, cultured, the ideal clergyman, and afterwards 
 the distinguished President of Washington college ; Dr. Creigh 
 the beloved of all, the Apostle John in the goodly fellowship 
 of the Presbyters ; Dr. Watson, so clear and vigorous ; Dr. 
 Harper, the accomplished rhetorician, who preached my ordi- 
 
26 Presbytery of Carlisle — Cmitennial 
 
 nation sermon ; Dr. Morris, the theologian, the bachelor of 
 divinity ; Dr. McKinley, so fervent and zealous, so much 
 blessed of God in many revivals of religion, with whose church 
 I first united ; and in later years Dr. T. Y, Moore, so strangely 
 eloquent : Mervin E. Johnston, whose ordination sermon I 
 preached ; Brother Murray, whose voice was always welcome 
 at a protracted meeting, and a host of others, greatly honored 
 and beloved, whose names time would fail to enumerate. 
 
 As I think over the names I can distinguish but three ministers 
 now living who were members of this Presbytery when I left 
 it — Brother Murray, who remains a benediction to the Presbytery 
 — Brother Kennedy, who seems to know the Scriptures, both in 
 Hebrew and Greek, by an inward revelation, and Brother Ag- 
 new, who, like Enoch, has walked with God, and now awaits 
 his translation. 
 
 But whilst all is changed my home feeling here is not dis- 
 turbed, for here are some of my boys, whom I have taught, 
 and whose education I have either helped or hindered. Here 
 are Brothers Yance and Van Cleve, whom I taught in Allegheny 
 Seminary, Brother Hoover, whom I helped to graduate at 
 Princeton, and whose father and mother I married, Brother 
 Gordon, who was a member of my church at Greencastle. 
 
 Here too are some of my fellow-students, Brother Erskine 
 and Brother Niles my classmates. Brother Kennedy who took me 
 under his care when I went to the seminary, and Brother Lane 
 who was always as orthodox as the Westminster Confession, 
 and whom I hear still works out a theological problem as ac- 
 curately as he was accustomed to work a quadratic equation. 
 
 But I must not continue this detail, I feel sure that you will 
 pardon these personal recollections and allusions when I tell 
 you that I am secretly enjoying to-day a little centenary of my 
 own. I do not mean by this that I am a hundred years old — 
 no — no — I may plead guilt}^ to a half a century, and if you press 
 
Address of William M. Paxton. 27 
 
 me bard I might acknowledge a decade more. What I mean 
 is that I am a link in a chain of ministerial service that covers 
 very nearly a century. My grandfather entered this Pr( sby tery 
 in the year 1792 and fullilled a pastorate of fifty years and a 
 ministry of fifty-three years. Within three months of his death 
 I commenced to study theology and have now completed a 
 ministry of thirty-nine years. These two links joined together 
 make a continuous ministerial service of ninety-two years. 
 But the the chain is longer still : my oldest son has been four 
 years in the ministry, and this added to ninety-two fills out a 
 term of ninety -six years of ministerial work in my own family. 
 It was thinking upon this fact, that led me to the line of thought 
 which I now propose to present : 
 
 The Stimulus which the Memory of Our Ancestors 
 AND Predecessors Should Impart to Our Present and 
 Future Work. ^ 
 
 The Latin Historian, Salust, in his account of the Jugurthian 
 wars, tells us that " The Roman mothers trained their children in 
 the presence of the busts of their ancestors, and constantly in- 
 culcated this one idea, never to rest satisfied whilst the virtues 
 and victories of the past were more numerous or more glorious 
 than those of the present.'' 
 
 This, it seems to me, is the idea of this day s celebration. 
 We have not come here to inflate ourselves with pride, or to 
 settle into a satisfied self-felicitation after a review of the past, 
 but, on the other hand, we have come to confront ourselves with 
 the memories of our predecessors, and to stimulate oui-selves 
 never to rest satisfied, whilst the virtues and achievements of 
 the past are more numerous or more glorious than those of the 
 present. To this same point is the Apostle's injunction, when 
 he says, " Be not slothful, but followers of those who through 
 faith and patience have inherited the promises." 
 
^8 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 Let us then invoke the spirit of the past to inspire the present, 
 let us confront ourselves with the memories of our ancestors 
 and predecessors, that we may feel the stimulus of their prin- 
 ciples and example. As wegather them around us in thought, 
 a great cloud of witnesses, let us ask, what were their virtues, 
 and their victories? 
 
 To this we answer — 
 
 1st. That our ancestors were men who loved the Church of 
 God, and who believed that it, embosoming the blessed Gospel, 
 was the divinely-appointed ordinance for the salvation of the 
 world. They believed that the one object upon this earth 
 dearest to the heart of God is his church ; that the one sublime 
 fact in the. history of this world is that it was here that Jesus 
 loved his church, and gave himself for it ; that he now rules 
 the world in the interest of his church ; that for her the wheels 
 of nature roll steadily and the wheels of providence wisely ; 
 and that it is his purpose, in the dispensation of the fullness of 
 time, to make known to the principalities and powers in heavenly 
 places, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God. 
 Hence, it followed, that in their estimation the Church of Jesus 
 Christ is the central interest in the universe and around it 
 gather all the hopes of the future. 
 
 Governments, nations, empires, kings, potentates, questions 
 of national policy and political administration all sink into in- 
 significance compared with questions involved in the church. 
 
 If I understand what our fathers were, these were their beliefs 
 and principles, and these were the underlying convictions that 
 inspired all their actions and made them what they were. 
 
 These same principles are ours to-day. But do we not need 
 the memory of our father's faith to stimulate us in an age when 
 material interests obscure and hide the Church of God from the 
 eyes of men ; when worldliness would push aside the church 
 as an antiquated institution that has lost its power; when ra- 
 
Address of William M. Paxton. 29 
 
 tionalism would substitute the press for the gospel ; and when 
 education, culture, civilization are expected to supersede relig- 
 ion as the means of elevating and saving the world ? 
 
 And is it so l)rethren ? Were our father's mistaken ? Has 
 the church lost its power? Nay, verily, never was an assertion 
 made in the face of more obvious facts. Look at these facts. 
 
 More people listen to the gospel now than at any one time 
 since the Apostles of Jesus Christ first went out from Jerusa- 
 lem. At no time in the world's history have Governments and 
 Powers all over the world been compelled to give such atten- 
 tion to Christian thought and sentiment as now. 
 
 Never at any time in human history have so many children 
 been under the influence of Christian instruction. Never has 
 the equipment of the church been so complete as now. It has 
 a command of money, of men, of effective appliances and or- 
 ganizations for work which prepare it for aggressive effort now 
 and for the putting forth of mighty energies in time to come. 
 
 We may reduce it to a simple question of arithmetic ; dur- 
 ing the past ten years the population of this country has in- 
 creased twenty-five per cent. An accurate calculation has been 
 made by a statistican in New York, from which it appears that 
 during the same period the membership of the church in some 
 denominations has increased twenty-seven per cent, in some 
 twenty- nine and one- half per cent, in some forty-six and forty- 
 seven per cent, in some sixty-one per cent 
 
 The average increase in the six leading denominations is 
 forty-eight per cent Thus it appears that the church has not 
 only kept abreast of the progress of the age, but in a decade 
 when the population has been swollen by vast streams of em- 
 igration from many parts of the world, the advance of the 
 church has far outstripped an increase, of population that is a 
 marvel in the history of any people. 
 
 This is the simple arithmetic of the question, and it presents 
 
30 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial 
 
 facts which put to shame the brazen effrontery of men who 
 cry — "The church has grown ancient and imbecile."' 
 
 But. brethren, we advance upon this and ask, can the Church 
 of God lose its power? You might as well talk of gravitation 
 losing its power, of the sun losing its power. But why cannot 
 the sun lose its power? Because it is an ordinance of God, He 
 has appointed it to rule the day and the night, to be for signs 
 and for seasons, and to hold this great forest of worlds in their 
 balance. For the same reasons the church cannot lose its power, 
 for it is God's ordinance for the redemption of the world. 
 
 True, indeed, the sun may sometimes seem to lose its power, 
 as at night when its light seems hidden, or in winter when its 
 warmth seems repressed. But when the sun sinks behind the 
 mountains and darkness covers the earth, or when it shines 
 obliquely in the winter, and the earth is bound in cerements 
 of ice, do men cry out and say that the sun has grown old and 
 lost its power, and that we must now set it aside and trust to 
 the sparks of our own kindling? Nay, they know that this is 
 a part of God's ordinance, and that they have only to wait and 
 the sun will come again, not in feebleness, but in freshness and 
 strength like a "Bridegroom coming out of his chamber" and 
 rejoicing "like a strong man to run a race." Just so it is with 
 the church ; it can no more lose its power than the sun. There 
 may be times of apparent loss, as when darkness and cloud 
 come over the church, or the night of worldliness reigns in it, 
 or when the truth is obscured, or when the spirit is grieved 
 and a cold and icy desolation covers her courts. But we know 
 that all this, like the changes of night and day, and the alter- 
 nations of the seasons, are included in God's plan, and that when 
 these periods of trial and discipline have passed, the day will 
 again break, the spring will re-appear, " the time for the sing- 
 ing of birds will come," and the church will shinie out again 
 
Address of Williain M. Paxton. 31 
 
 '' fair as the moon, clear as tlie sun, and terrible as an army 
 with banners." 
 
 If, then, these two points are clear, that the church has 
 not and cannot lose its power, then we ask again, can the gos- 
 pel lose its power? Can this old gospel grow antiquated and 
 imbecile ? To this we answer, no. There is no power on earth 
 so mighty as this gospel. Think of this a moment — ideas are 
 the strongest forces in this world — an idea is stronger than the 
 sword, mightier than an army. Ideas have achieved greater 
 victories and wrought greater revolutions than arms. The 
 legions of Alexander conquered the world, but the ideas of 
 Aristotle, his teacher, wrought greater results and were more 
 potent factors in this world's history. 
 
 If, then, ideas are such powers, think again, that of all ideas, 
 moral ideas are the most powerful. When Peter and John 
 stood before the Sanhedrim, and to the threat of tyranny and 
 power, gave answer, " Whether it be right in the sight of God 
 to harken unto yon more than unto God, judge ye, for we can- 
 not but speak the things that we have seen and heard," they 
 uttered an idea, a moral idea, the right of free thought, and 
 free speech and religious liberty, which caught from heart to 
 heart until thrones rocked and sceptres were broken, chains 
 were severed and slaves arose to the manhood of free men. 
 
 But again, the mightiest of all moral ideas is the gospel, be- 
 cause it is the power of God — for this reason Paul was not 
 ashamed of it. If it had been a weak thing, Paul would have 
 been ashamed of it ; he knew that at Athens it would have to 
 meet the acute criticism of Grecian philosophy, and at Rome 
 confront the power of the world. But did he hesitate? Nay — 
 he said: "I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at 
 Rome also. For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ : for 
 it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believ- 
 eth." 
 
32 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial 
 
 In other words, he was not ashamed of it, because it is a 
 power, nay, more, because it is the power of Grod, still more, 
 because it is the power of God unto salvation. 
 
 The gospel lose its power? There is no force in the universe, 
 the power of which is so guaranteed as the gospel. God works 
 by many instruments in the world, but you cannot name any 
 one instrumentality to which the power of God is so tied by 
 promise as it is to the gospel. He has promised to make it 
 "quick and powerful like a two-edged sword :" He has prom- 
 ised to make it " the wisdom of God, and the power of God, 
 unto salvation ;" He calls it the "everlasting gospel," because it 
 shall never lose its power, and the " word of truth, which liv- 
 eth and abideth forever." 
 
 Were then our fathers mistaken in their estimate of the 
 church, and the gospel? Nay, verily — but somebody is mis- 
 taken when there is talk of an antiquated church and of a gos- 
 pel that has lost its power. The mistake arises from a confus- 
 ion of thought in failing to make a very simple distinction. 
 The church can never lose its power ; the gospel can never lose 
 its power; but the pulpit may lose its power; the minister 
 may lose his power. The human element in the great work 
 may fail, but the divine element is never imbecile. Man's part 
 in the work of the church or in the preaching of the gospel may 
 fail, but God's part is always certain. If any cause supervenes 
 to render ineffective the strength which God expects us to put 
 forth. He will not depart from his plan or interpose to save us 
 from the result of our own weakness, or to hide us from the 
 scorn and derision of the world. Upon this principle the ex- 
 planation is easy, — the pulpit may lose its power. An un- 
 faithful pulpit that withholds or obscures the truth of God, and 
 does not preach the preaching that God has sent us, is abso- 
 lutely powerless to save the souls of men. An unsound pulpit, 
 that preaches error instead of truth, is simply mingling poison 
 
Address of William M. Paxton. 
 
 with the children's bread. A truculent pulpit that panders to 
 popular sentiment and bids for the admiration and applause of 
 men, can never become the power of God, in any community. 
 
 The minister may lose his power. An ignorant minister 
 whose education and culture are below the standard of intelli- 
 gence among his people ; an ambitious minister who is seek- 
 ing to exhibit himself instead of Christ; the cowardly minister 
 who is afraid to cause Israel to know her sins, must ever be 
 impotent for any spiritual impression. The prosy minister, who 
 drawls the gospel in a monotone that is almost set to music, 
 until his people are soothed to sleep as by a pleasant lullaby ; 
 the dilettante minister who seeks to make up for his imbecile 
 thoughts by decorating the simple appointments of Presbyte 
 rian worship with the borrowed ornaments of a ritualistic ser. 
 vice ; the unevangelical minister who has never received the 
 spiritual " eye salve " that he may see, who has never learned 
 in the depth of his own experience that Christ is the beginning 
 and the end, the center and substance of all that he believes, 
 hopes and experiences ; the sensational minister who is more 
 familiar with the newspaper than the Bible, who takes his 
 commission from the world : " Go, please," instead of from Christ 
 who says, '*Go, preach," whose chief aim is to attract a curious 
 crowd, and who does not fear to turn the church of God into 
 a scene of buffoonery and pantomime — all such ministers are 
 powerless, they can scarcely be said to have lost their power, 
 for they never had any, that is, any power to save. They 
 are like wires along which the electricity has never passed, they 
 are like cannon loaded and it may be shotted, but the spark 
 of fire which would make them instruments of divine power 
 has never entered. 
 
 All this, my brethren, comes home to us to-day : the church 
 is a power, the gospel is a power ; but the human instrument 
 may be powerless. Let us accept the stimulus which this 
 3 
 
34 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 thought gives us, as we remember the faith and efficiency of 
 our fathers. Let us correct the failures in the human instru- 
 ment, let us exchange weakness for strength, let us in the 
 spirit of new consecration utter our Fathers' song of devotion 
 to the church : 
 
 " For her my tears shall fall ; 
 
 For her my prayers ascend, 
 To her my prayers and toils be given. 
 
 Till toils and cares shall end." 
 
 But time will not permit us to protract this line of thought 
 much further. 
 
 As we think of our fathers and predecessors we might point 
 to the fact that they were Presbyterians. Presbyterians, too, 
 who had the courage of their convictions. As T remember our 
 fathers, they were men — who not only clearly understood and 
 firmly maintained the principles and doctrines of our Westmin- 
 ster standards, but they felt the inspirations of the great historic 
 record of the Presbyterian Church in past ages, and were justly 
 proud of our relation to those great struggles and victories by 
 which Presbyterianism became the parent of civil liberty all 
 along the track of the ages. 
 
 The Westminster Review says that, "John Calvin and his 
 followers sowed the seeds of liberty in Europe." Motley, the 
 historian, says, " France, England, Holland and America owe 
 the political liberty which they have enjoyed to Calvinism.'' 
 Bancroft, our own historian, says, " He who will not honor the 
 memory and respect the influence of John Calvin knows but 
 little of the origin of American liberty." 
 
 Our fathers were the descendants of the men of whom Macaulay 
 speaks when he says, " The great revolution of 1688 which 
 gave liberty to England was in a great measure purchased by 
 the labors, sacrifices, treasures and blood of the Presbyterians 
 of Scotland." 
 
Address of William M, Paxton. 35 
 
 Our fathers were men who had caught the spirit of John 
 Knox, who proclaimed as the first principle of Presbyterian- 
 ism the headship and crown rights of Jesus Christ Froude, 
 the historian, says, " Scotland has a right to be proud of John 
 Knox, he gave liberty to Scotland, T say more (continues 
 Froude), he preserved it to England.'" But we have not time 
 to pursue this abundant theme further. 
 
 The point of interest now^ is the stimulus which this recol- 
 lection should give us on this historic occasion. Have we, 
 brethren, to-da}^ the courage of our convictions as our fathers 
 had? I tell you there is no point in all the past when men 
 who are looking for cowards would expect to lind them in the 
 Presbyterian Church. Let us then not be afraid of self-asser^ 
 tion. Let us go home and train our people and our children 
 in the presence of the busts of our ancestors. Let us teach them 
 to look into the face of old John Knox and catch his spirit as 
 a preparation against the looseness, feebleness, and enervation 
 of an age, in which I verily fear that one pulse beat of John 
 Knox's heart would produce a spasm in the breast or an apo- 
 plexy in the brain of some of his so-called followers. 
 
 I might point again to our fathers and say that they were 
 men who believed in the Sabbath day. They sanctified it in 
 their hearts and homes. Perhaps the simple mention of the 
 fact is enough to make us feel pricked in our hearts, when we 
 think that mstead of being witness bearers to Grod's truth and 
 ordinances, we have set by in such silence and inertness when 
 God's hol}^ day is made a day of mirth and frolic instead of a 
 day of worship, a day of exhausting dissipation instead of a 
 day of rest, when the Bible gives place to the newspaper and 
 God's house is forsaken for a drive to the country or a social 
 visit. Is it possible that we have forgotten God's warning, 
 "that people and that nation that will not serve me shall per- 
 ish ?" 
 
36 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial 
 
 Still another pleasant and stimulating thought connected 
 with our fathers and predecessors in this Presbytery and in 
 these churches, is that they were men of active and aggressive 
 piety. From my earliest boyhood I remember those precious 
 protracted meetings that preceded our communion seasons, and 
 many revivals of religion that prevailed in the churches of this 
 Presbytery. It has been my lot to be connected with a num- 
 ber of Presbyteries and in different parts of the church, bat my 
 mind reverts with most satisfaction to scenes which I have 
 witnessed in this Presbytery, as examples of most effective 
 gospel preaching and of intelligent, tender and genuine relig- 
 ious impression. 
 
 . Certainly one of the most striking facts in the history of 
 these Valley churches is, the missionary and evangelistic work 
 which the ministers and families of this Presbytery were led, in 
 the providence of God, to do in scattering the seeds of truth 
 broad-cast through the great west. 
 
 In earlier times this valley was a Presbyterian settlement, 
 but as the Apostles and primitive christians were scattered 
 from Jerusalem that they might carry the gospel wherever 
 they went — so when the spirit of emigration entered this val- 
 ley it became a craze, and families and churches were scattered, 
 but wherever they went they sowed the seeds of truth, and car- 
 ried the church and catechism and ordinances with them. 
 
 I had a visit recently from one of the most distinguished 
 ministers of the far west, the Rev. Dr. Nichols, of St. Louis, 
 whom you all know. He regretted very much that he could 
 not come to this meeting, but when I asked him what I should 
 say to this assembly, he answered : " Tell them this, that these 
 Pennsylvania Presbyterians are the salt of our western churches, 
 I find them everywhere, and they are always the effective and 
 reliable men in the churches to which they belong. The fact 
 is, there is something in that Pennsylvania Presbyterian edu- 
 
Address of William M. Paxton. 37 
 
 cation which puts intelligence, grit and principle into men, 
 and makes them the stable and effective men and women upon 
 whom our pastors can rely." This is doubtless true, brethren. 
 Only a small portion of the record of this Presbytery is written 
 here; if you wish to read its history you must go to the west. 
 The seeds which were planted here are now growing in a great 
 waving golden harvest upon the vast plains that stretch toward 
 the setting sun. 
 
 But, brethren, let us now come to the conclusion of the 
 whole matter. 
 
 Shall we open our hearts to the stimulus of these thoughts 
 and memories? These fathers and mothers and predecessors 
 have gone from our view, we look after them to-day with some- 
 thing of the same feeling with which Elisha looked after Elijah 
 as he ascended in the chariot of fire. 
 
 It may not be our privilege to follow in the same luminous 
 pathway by which they ascended to glory ; but you remember 
 that Elisha returned from that scene, to the bank of the Jor- 
 dan, revolving in his mind the great things which Grod had 
 done by Elijah, and as he felt the stimulus of the memory, he 
 took his mantle and smote the waters, and his thought broke 
 into expression : " Where is the Lord God of Elijah ?'" 
 
 And such may be our thoughts to-day. What God did for 
 Elijah, He will do for Elisha. What God did for our fathers 
 is but the token and promise of what He is willing to do for us, 
 and in this confidence we, too, may cry, " Where is the Lord 
 God of our fathers ?" Our fathers are hidden from our view, but 
 they are not dead, but living witnesses of our present action. 
 They may be around us a great cloud of witnesses in this cen- 
 tennial hour. 
 
 It is recorded that when an old Highland chieftain fell mor- 
 tally wounded in the battle of Preston Pans, his clan, seeing 
 their leader fall, wavered ; but the old hero raised himself on 
 
33 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial 
 
 one arm, and cried, "Children, I am not dead, I am looking on 
 to see how you carry yourselves in the battle." The stimulus 
 of this appeal rallied the clan and carried them to victory. 
 
 So, my friends, our fathers are not dead, but living witnesses, 
 and looking on to see how we carry ourselves in the battle. 
 
ORIGIN AND HISTORY 
 
 PllESBITEEIES OF DONEGAL Al CaMLE. 
 
 lNCL<UD^^fQ 
 
 SKETCH OF THE PRESBYTERY OF HARRISBURQ. 
 
 By Rev. W. A. WEST. 
 
" Remember the days of old, consider the years of 
 many generations : ask thy father, and he will shew 
 thee; thy elders, and they will tell thee." — Deut. 
 xxxii. 7. 
 
PREFATORY REMARKS. 
 
 N the part of the work assigned to me I shall have 
 to deal mainly with the history of Presbytery as 
 such. Tn the space allotted it would not be possible 
 to give the history of individual churches in detail 
 Brief sketches, however, touching their origin, organization, 
 pastorates, etc., will be found after the general history. Follow- 
 ing these will be found — what T regard as one of the most im- 
 portant features of this part of the work — a tabulated statement, 
 containing the names of all who have ever sustained to the 
 Presbyteries of Donegal (old), Carlisle and Harrisburg, the re- 
 lations of ministers of the Gospel or licentiates, and showing 
 what these relations were and when they existed. 
 
 To the competent hands of others has been committed the 
 task of sketching the lives and characters of prominent actors, 
 clerical and lay, in the history of Presbyterianism in this region ; 
 the work which has been accomplished in behalf of education, 
 and the potent influences which have gone forth from this Pres- 
 bytery, reaching to all parts of our own land and to foreign 
 shores. In this part of the work it shall be my aim to con- 
 fine myself as closely as possible to the immediate task as- 
 signed me, realizing that alone by each contributor's so doing 
 can repetition be avoided and the work be kept within pro- 
 posed limits. It is true that this will have to be, in some 
 measure, at the cost of unity, and of that interest which results 
 from the mingling and blending of facts and incidents and 
 sketches of persons cotemporaneous and co-related. But, not- 
 withstanding this, we must all obey the behest of Presbytery, 
 which has assigned "to every man his work." 
 
 I would simply add that I lay no claim to absolute free- 
 dom from mistake or error, but simply to an honest endeavor 
 at accuracy. The difficulty of securing this in dates and even 
 facts will be understood and appreciated by ever}' one who 
 has ever undertaken a similar task. 
 
 W. A. W. 
 

PART [. 
 
 PRESBYTERY OF DONEGAL. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 Origin of the Presbyterian Church in this Region. 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 Presbytery of Donegal, 1732 — 1765. 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 The First Presbytery of Carlisle 176o — 1766. 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 Presbytery of Donegal — From its Restoration in 1766 to its Division 
 IN 1786, into the Presbyteries of Carlisle and Baltimore. 
 
 PART II. 
 
 PRESBYTERY OF CARLISLE. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 From its "Erection" in 1786 to its Division in 1795. 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 From the Erection of the Presbytery of Huntingdon from part of its 
 Territory in 1795, to the Old and New School Division in 1838. 
 
44 Table of Contents. 
 
 CHAPTER IIL ^ 
 
 Old and New School Division 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 PRESBTrERY OF CARLISLE DURING DIVISION, 1838 1870. 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 Presbytery or Harrisburg, 1839 — 1870. 
 
 CHAPTER YI. 
 Re-union in 1870. 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 Presbytery of Carlisle after Re-union. 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 Sketches of Churches now in the Presbytery. 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 Churches Whose Names are not now on the Roll of the Presbytery. 
 
PART I. 
 
 PRESBYTERY OF DONEGAL 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 Origin of the Presbyterian Church in this Region. — Scotch- J risk 
 alike as to People and Ministers. 
 
 O me has been assigned, in this centennial work, to 
 speak of the origin and history of the Presbytery 
 of Carlisle; that is, as I understand it, of the 
 origin and history of Presbyterianism in the region covered by 
 our Presbytery. In doing this, I must also speak of the 
 Presbytery of Donegal our honored mother, which occupied 
 the same territory. 
 
 What is history but the unfolding and accomplishment in 
 time of the eternal purposes and plans of Him by whom and 
 for whom are all things? In the origin, formation and growth 
 of the Presbytery it is not difficult to trace His guiding and 
 controlling hand. 
 
 We see it in the preparation of the goodly, though new and 
 untamed, territory to be occupied. We see it in the sturdy 
 noble men and women trained for this place in the rough school 
 of physical hardship and religious persecution. We see it in 
 the educated and thoroughly equipped ministers raised up and 
 either from choice or necessity, led to seek this land, to become 
 leaders of these pioneei*s in society, in church, in state. We 
 see it in the subsequent history of the Presbytery, making its 
 churches and communities centers of Christian influence, from 
 which have gone forth, through all the years since, men and 
 women to build up churches, establish schools, mold society, 
 
46 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial 
 
 and in every way prove blessings in almost every part of our 
 land. 
 
 It does not fall to our lot to discuss the origin of the Pres- 
 byterian Church in our country at large. If so, we should 
 verv readily adopt the view of Dr. Charles Hodge, who, whilst 
 holding the general theory of Irish and Scotch-Irish origin, 
 rather than English Puritan, as favored by Dr. Charles A. 
 Briggs,* did not fail to recognize the fact, so palpable in his- 
 torv, that there were present important elements other than 
 Scotch and Irish, which entered largely into the composition 
 of American Presbyterianism. '' It is the peculiar characteristic 
 of America," says he, "that it is the asylum of all nations. 
 The blood of the Huguenot, of the Puritan, of the Dutch, of 
 the German, of the Scotch and of the Irish, here flows in one 
 common stream." And " as these merged their diversities of 
 national character into that of American citizens, so the Scotch, 
 Irish, French. Dutch and German Presbyterians became united 
 in thousands of instances in the American Presbyterian 
 
 Church."! 
 
 This is unquestionably true. And, as the result, we have 
 American Presbyterianism of to-day, which is of a cast pecu- 
 liarly its own — differing alike from the Presbyterianism of Conti- 
 nental Europe and the Presbyterianism of Scotland or Ireland — 
 at once strong and/lexible, adapted to people of every nationality. 
 
 It is, however, with the origin of Presbyterianism within 
 our Presbyterial bounds, as they were and are, that we have to 
 do. Our field is a circumscribed one — one in which the type 
 of early Presbyterianism was of a verj' distinct and marked 
 character. It was pre-eminently Scotch and Scotch-Irish. And 
 when we speak of the Scotch-Irish type, we speak of a type of 
 christianit}^ of no low order. 
 
 We believe that the type of Christianity found among the 
 Huguenots was what it was because of the bearings of primi- 
 tive Christianity on that people, leaving its abiding impress. In 
 like manner, we believe that the type of Presbyterian Chris- 
 tianity found m Scotland and the north of Ireland, and espe- 
 
 ♦Dr. Charles A. Bnggs, American Presbj-terianism. 
 tHodge— Hist. American Pres. Ch., Part I., pp. 71, 69. 
 
presbytery of Donegal — Origin, 47 
 
 cially among the people known as Scotxih- Irish, was what it was 
 because of the relation of primitive — may I not say almost 
 Apostolic — Christianity to the people of Great Britian, and its 
 abiding, molding influence over the inhabitants of portions of 
 Scotland and Ireland.* 
 
 It is evident from passages found alike in the writings of 
 Tertullian and Origen, penned at the close of the second or the 
 beginning of the third century, that as early as that, Britain 
 aad adopted the religion of Christ Britain then included Eng- 
 land and Scotland. We are not informed as to the exact time 
 or mode of the introduction of Christianity into that country. 
 Tertullian says : " that many Christians, to escape the persecu- 
 tions of the Roman power, fled to regions inaccessible to the 
 Romans. They found a refuge and a home amid the bleak 
 mountains of Scotland and the northern coast of Ireland." It 
 may have been thus introduced. 
 
 But, as another means of its introduction, our thoughts turn 
 to the armies of these very Romans, which occupied the coun- 
 try, and in which there were no doubt, Christian soldiers, and 
 to the zeal and missionary spirit which characterized Christians 
 of that day, and which would prompt them, taking advantage 
 of the Roman occupancy, to visit the island. For by the year 
 78, x\. D., the Bri tains were subdued to the Romans by Agri- 
 cola, as far north as the Friths of Clyde and Forth, between 
 which a ciiain of garrisons was established.! Whilst the Ro- 
 man rule lasted only to the beginning of the fifth century, 
 Christianity was there to stay. It cannot be disputed that the 
 '' British churches in after years bore marks in doctrine and 
 worship, as well as in their ministry, of having been planted in 
 an age not far from that of the Apostles." 
 
 It is a fact alike impressive and suggestive in connection 
 with our subject, that Constantius, co- Emperor with Galerius, 
 having died at York in the year 306, his son Constantine the 
 Great, was first proclaimed Emperor b}' the Roman army on 
 British soil; and that from Britain was commenced the march 
 
 * We would here acknowledg^e indebtedness to the able article of Prof. G. C. Mof 
 fat, D. D., on History of the Early Scottish Church in Pres. Rev., Oct., 1880. 
 t Tacitus, Agric, as quoted by Hume, I, p. 7. 
 
48 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 of that army which first elevated the military banner of the 
 cross, bearing this inscription: 'In hoc signo vinces,'' and car- 
 ried their leader in triumph to Rome and made him sole Em- 
 peror."^ 
 
 Christianity, thus early introduced, spread northward and 
 westward, especdally under the labors of Patrick, toward the 
 close of the fourth century, and Columba, in' the latter part of 
 the sixth century. The latter was of royal descent, born in 
 county Donegal — a name not unfamiliar to us. His " school 
 of the prophets," established on the Isle of lona, was a power 
 felt in speedily bringing the central and western highlands to 
 a knowledge of Christ, and felt through all the subsequent his- 
 tory of that sturdy and staunch people. All attempts — and 
 there were not a few^ made by the emissaries of Rome — to turn 
 them aside from the simplicity and purity of the religion of 
 Christ, proved unavailing until Margaret, sister of the fugitive 
 prince, Edgar Atheling, became wife of Malcolm Canmore, 
 King oT Scotland. She was a staunch and devoted Romanist, 
 and she and her sons after her spared no efforts to have Romish 
 forms and usages introduced in the w^orship of God, and to have 
 recognition made of an authority and a power abroad, superior 
 to that which existed among themselves. But these claims 
 and efforts were resisted, especially by their ministers, the Cul- 
 dees, in a manner worthy the Scottish martyrs of later days. 
 To use their own language, they " declined to accept their or- 
 ders from any earthly sovereign, lay or clerical, outside their 
 own body. The King might be their friend, he was not their 
 head. The Bishop of Rome might be the greatest among 
 bishops ; but Scotland was no province of his, nor did they 
 hold any relations to him except that of a common faith.'' 
 
 But the pressure brought to bear was too great. In course 
 of time resistance became vain ; but it was not until the begin- 
 ning of the thirteenth century that lona succumbed to the com- 
 mon fate, and from a seat of Scottish learning was transformed 
 into a seat of Romish Monasticism. 
 
 Such was the religion of ancient Scotland, and such the 
 means by which it was set aside and Romanism was thrust 
 
 * Gibbons' Rome. 
 
Presbytery of Donegal — Origin. 49 
 
 upon her. But the spirit of these earnest, simple Christians 
 still lived. Principle is immortal. Truth crushed to earth 
 will rise again. The smoldering fires still l:)urned. The hid- 
 den leaven still worked; and when God's appointed time came, 
 the old doctrinal principles and the old forms of worship and 
 of church government revived and asserted themselves anew. 
 It was but seventv-five years from the overthrow of the Culdee 
 institutions in lona, till Wickliffe, the " Morning Star of the 
 Reformation," published his book on the truth of Scriptures, 
 which called forth a responsive "amen" from many a heart. 
 This was the dawn of the reformation, and it came soon after 
 the night had settled down upon Scotland.* 
 
 It has been said : " Calvin took his model of Presbyterian- 
 ism from the Bohemians, which, two hundred years before, had 
 been left them by Peter Waldo ; Knox carried it into Scotland, 
 and its General Assembly sent it to America." f But I sub- 
 mit whether, from the foregoing, we may not recognize in 
 the churches of Scotland and Ireland a Presbyterianism that 
 came down from the days of primitive Christianity, if not from 
 Apostolic times. 
 
 The descendants of these people — especially those whose 
 blood was mingled with that of the Irish after the settlen\ent 
 of Ulster, in 1605 — were the men and women who first settled 
 this region, and here planted the Presbyterian Church. 
 
 Leaving their own land and here seeking new homes was 
 not without good and sufficient cause. They suffered great 
 and grievous wrongs, which had much to do with impelling 
 them to this step. Using the language of the respected author 
 of the history of Big Spring Presbytery (U. P.), we would here 
 mention two of these • 1st. " In 1661, at the re-establishment 
 of Episcopacy in Ireland, the newly appointed bishops, with 
 Jeremy Taylor as their leader, turned all the Presbyterian 
 ministers out of their charges upon the ground that they had 
 never been ordained. This ignoring of Presbyterian ordina- 
 tion carried with it a denial of the validity of any official act 
 performed by a Presbyterian minister. For instance, the valid- 
 
 ♦Hetherington's Church of Scotland. 
 tCheesman 
 
 4 
 
60 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial 
 
 ity of marriage, involving the questions of legitimacy and in- 
 heritance." This wrong was not corrected till 1782. 2d. ''In 
 1704 the Sacramental Test Act was passed, which required all 
 persons holding any office, civil or military, or receiving any 
 pay from the sovereign to take the sacrament in the established 
 church within three months after their appointment. This, of 
 course, excluded all Presbyterians from civil and military of- 
 fices of every kind." 
 
 At first they did not come in large bodies, as did the Quakers 
 and Puritans, but as individuals and as families. Hence it is, 
 that the early history of the Presbyterian Church in this coun- 
 try is in very many instances involved in so much obscurity. 
 
 As early as the beginning of the eighteenth century, a few 
 families emigrated from Scotland and the north of Ireland, set- 
 tling along the waters of the Delaware, and on the eastern 
 shores of Maryland and Virginia. The expiration of some of 
 the Ulster leases, and the refusal of the landlords to sell or re- 
 lease, except on exorbitant terms, formed an inducement, in 
 addition to what has been mentional above, to emigration. 
 Penn's liberal policy attracted many to his possessions on the 
 Delaware. Some found homes in Philadelphia, but the greater 
 number sought farms in Bucks county, in New Castle county 
 (now Delaware county) and m the valley of the Octorara, in 
 Chester county. In 1714 the tide of emigration, following up 
 the eastern side of the Susquehanna, had reached the valley of 
 Chequesalungo, now in Lancaster county, where the Donegal 
 church was organized in that year. B}^ 1722 the east bank of 
 the Susquehanna, as far up as Kittochtinny mountains, and the 
 fertile lands on the little Conewago, the Swatara, the Manada 
 and Paxton creeks were dotted with settlements.* 
 
 From about the year 1724 or 1725 the tide of emigration 
 from the north of Ireland, not only of Protestant Irish, but also 
 of the Scotch-Irish, was strong, and its flow was directed mainly 
 to Pennsylvania. Over six thousand are said to have arrived 
 in 1729. From that date to the middle of the century, they 
 
 *J. Simpson Africa— Settlement of Southern border counties by the Scotch-Irish, 
 p. 13. 
 
Presbytery of Donegah — Origin. 51 
 
 and the Scotch came frequently at the rate of twelve thousand 
 per year.'^ 
 
 At first nearly all these emigrants settled east of the Susque- 
 hanna, for it was not till 1736 that the country west of the 
 river was open, by treaty with the Indians, to general settle- 
 ment; and it was not until twenty years later — when the treaty 
 of Albany was formed — that it became lawful for the whites 
 to pass beyond the Kittochtinny mountains. 
 
 From 1730 onward, however, special grants were given many 
 persons to settle beyond the river, with the consent of the 
 Indians. That year settlements were made as far west as the 
 Falling Spring (Chambersburg). Lowther Manor, lying be- 
 tween the Conedoguinnet and Yellow Breeches creeks, and ex- 
 tending back five miles from the river, appears not to have 
 been occupied as soon as the country beyond. After the pur- 
 chase of the land from the Indians in 1736, and the opening of 
 an office for their sale in January following, the settlement be- 
 came very rapid. 
 
 This is to be attributed mainly to the following causes : 
 
 1st. The inviting character of the territory to be occupied — 
 its beauty, its fertility, its springs, its streams. Where will you 
 find a region that surpasses the Cumberland Valley ? 
 
 2d. The expiration of a large number of leases in Ireland in 
 1735 and 1736, causing vast multitudes of lessees to flock to 
 this country. 
 
 3d. The inducements held out to settlers by the proprietaries. 
 These were for a three-fold reason, (a) The Germans, who 
 had settled in great numbers to the east of the Susquehanna, 
 
 *James Logan, Secretary of the Province, wrote in 1734 : " It looks to me as if 
 Ireland is to send all its inhabitants hither ; for, last week not less than six ships 
 arrived. • * The common fear is that if they thus continue to come, they will 
 make themselves proprietors of the Province. It is strange that they thus crowd 
 where they are not wanted." This last sentence deserves to be emphasized. It 
 states the truth. They were not waiited. Hence, says Dr. Egle, in his valuable his- 
 tory of Dauphin county, "The Scotch-Irish were not treated with the same consid- 
 eration accorded to the Germans and Swiss. The latter could locate anywhere, the 
 former could not. The Scotch-Irish settled on the Manor of Conestoga, but they 
 were removed by force, their cabins burned, and they told to go beyond the Cone, 
 wago. The Germans occupied, immediately, the lands from which the Scotch-Irish 
 had been driven, and warrants therefor were shortly afterwards granted. * * * 
 The Scotcb-lrlsh, ejected from the purchased and surveyed lands even, pushed 
 across the Conewago and Swatara, where they were allowed to remain." • 
 
52 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 and the Irisli of that region, did not live peaceably together. 
 The Irish were regarded by their German neighbors as pugna- 
 cious in their dispositions and ways. Hence, with a view to 
 peace and harmony, and, moreover, there being the reverse of 
 any particular love for them, the Penns prevailed, by special 
 inducements, on the Irish and Scotch to seek homes beyond 
 the river, where they would Und a homogeneous population. 
 
 (b) A dispute with Maryland about the location of the boun- 
 dary line, and intrusions by the Marylanders upon lands clearly 
 within the Province of Pennsylvania, induced the proprieta- 
 ries to issue licenses to settlers, and encourage settlements along 
 the boundary so as to more effectually resist these intrusions. 
 
 (c) As we shall see further on, guardsmen against the savage 
 foe beyond, were wanted along the Kittochtinny frontier. 
 
 These early settlers — mainly, as we have seen, Scotch, Irish 
 and Scotch-Irish — were Presbyterians in their homes beyond 
 the flood. 
 
 In treating this subject, the author of the history of Big 
 Spring Presbytery, shows the candor of the true historian. He 
 says: "The great mass of the Irish that settled west of the 
 Susquehanna between 1730 and 1750, had been reared in con- 
 nection with the Synod of Ulster. This must have been so; 
 for the Covenanters were not numerous in Ireland, and the Se- 
 cession churches were at this date just being planted there. 
 Knowing nothing about dissent or national covenants, these 
 emigrants brought no prejudice or bias which could prevent 
 their falling in harmoniously with the Presbyterian church al- 
 ready organized here. Indeed the first Irish settlers brought 
 the Presbyterian church with them ; for it was the seed which 
 they sowed that produced that great church in this country."* 
 
 It is the testimony of the Rev. Samuel Blair, that "all the 
 Presbyterian churches in Pennsylvania, with two or three ex- 
 ceptions, consisted of emigrants from Ireland, "f That is, they 
 were either Irish or Scotch-Irish. 
 
 ♦Hist. Big Spring- Presb.— Scouller, p. 7. 
 tHodge, Hist, of Pres. Ch., vol. 2, p. 37. 
 
Presbytery of Donegal — Origin. 63 
 
 Coming to this new land they brought with them an ardent 
 love for their Church — its doctrines, its forms of worship, its 
 polity. Hence they early and eagerly sought to be supplied 
 with ministers and the regular means of grace. Their supply 
 of ministers was almost entirely of like origin with themselves. 
 This will appear in the chapter to follow, on " The Presbytery 
 of Donegal." 
 
 • Hist. Big. Spring Presb.— Schouller, p. 7. 
 t Hodge Hist. Pres. Ch. vol. 2, p. 37. 
 
54 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial 
 
 J 
 
 CHAPTER IL 
 Presbytery of Donegal, 1732 — 1765. 
 
 Organization of Churches. Old and New Side Division of 1741. 
 Reunion of 17 o8. Indian Troubles. Conestoga Massacre. 
 
 I HE Pi'esbyterj of Donegal was erected bj the Synod 
 of Philadelphia in May, 1732. The following is the 
 record : ''It being understood by the Committee 
 of Overtures that an erection of a new Presbytery 
 in Lancaster county should be appointed by the Synod, it 
 it was voted by a great majority that Masters Anderson, 
 Thomson, Boyd, Orr and Bertram be members of a Presbytery 
 by the name of Donegal Presbytery." 
 
 Of these men it may be briefly said : The Rev. James 
 Anderson was a native of Scotland, and was ordained by the 
 Presbytery of Irvine in that country, November 17, 1708. In 
 August, 1727, he was installed pastor of Donegal church by 
 the Presbytery of New Castle. 
 
 The Rev. Adam Boyd came from Ireland as a licentiate, in 
 1724, and on the 13th of October, the same year, was ordained 
 and installed pastor of the churches of Octorara and Pequae 
 by the Presbytery of New Castle. 
 
 The Rev. John Thomson was pastor of the church of Middle 
 Octorara at the time of the erection of the Presbytery of Don- 
 egal, having been installed there in the fall of 1730. He had 
 come from Ireland in 1715, and had been settled for a number 
 of years as pastor of the church of Lewes, Del. 
 
 The Rev. William Orr was received as a student from Ire- 
 land by the Presbytery of New Castle, and was licensed in 
 1730. After this, and before the erection of the Presbytery 
 of Donegal, Mr. Orr was ordained and installed pastor of the 
 church of Nottingham. 
 
 The Rev. William Bertram, who came from Ireland, pre- 
 sented his credentials to the Synod of Philadelphia on the 20th 
 
Presbytery of Donegal — Organization. 56 
 
 of September, 1732, and the same day, together with the above 
 named ministers, was assigned to the Presbytery of Donegal, 
 erected a few liours after his reception. 
 
 The territor}^ covered by the Presbytery was Lancaster 
 county. Lancaster county had been erected three years be- 
 fore (1729), and the boundaries fixed were as follows: "All 
 and singular the lands within the Province of Pennsylvania 
 lying to the northward of Octorara creek and to the westward 
 of a line of marked trees, running from the north branch of 
 said Octorara creek northwardly to the river Schuylkill, be 
 created into a county, and the same is hereby created into a 
 county, named and from henceforth to be called Lancaster 
 county.'' 
 
 Thus it will be seen that the Presbytery of Donegal em- 
 braced the entire State of Pennsylvania with the exception of 
 a few counties in the eastern part. Under her fostering care 
 was also taken, in a short time, a large part of the States of 
 Maryland and Virginia. 
 
 At the time of the formation of the Presbytery there were 
 no regularly organized churches in that part of it which after- 
 wards formed the Presbytery of Carlisle. There were, however, 
 two congregations — Derry and Paxton — in which the people had 
 associated themselves together for the worship and service of 
 God. It is probable that they (or at least Derry congregation) 
 had enjoyed preaching services with some degree of regularity 
 from 1725 onward. The Rev. James Anderson, who, as we 
 have seen-, was installed pastor of '' Dunngall " (Donegal,) 
 church in August, 1727, gave every fifth Sabbath to the people 
 of Swatara from September, 1729, until Mr. Bertram was 
 called to Derry and Paxton in 1732.'^ 
 
 By the " people of Swatara" (the name of the creek flowing 
 near by,) is meant the people of Derry. Mr. Anderson pre- 
 sided at the meetings of Derry and Paxton congregations 
 when the calls were made out for Mr. Bertram. But at this 
 time these churches had no ruling elders to perform the duties 
 of that office among themselves, or to represent them in Pres- 
 bytery. In Presbytery their wants and wishes were made 
 
 • Webster, His. Pres. Ch. p. 331. 
 
56 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial 
 
 known by commissioners appointed for that purpose, and rec- 
 ognized as such. At the tirst meeting of Presbytery, held at 
 Donegal, October 11, 1732, there were present such represen- 
 tatives from Derry and Paxton, viz : " George Remick and 
 others." They were there " to require an answer to their call 
 given to Rev. Wm. Bertram at Philadelphia, where the Pres- 
 bytery of New Castle met, producing their subscriptions for 
 his support, which subscriptions were attested by Mr. Ander- 
 son." 
 
 THE DERRY CHURCH, BUILT IN 1756. 
 
 This call was accepted by Mr. Bertram. And at an ad- 
 journed meeting of Presbytery, held at Swatara (Derry) No- 
 vember 15, 1782, when Mr. Bertram was installed pastor of 
 the churches, " Paxton congregation recommended four, and 
 Derry eight persons, whom Presbytery appointed to assist Mr. 
 Bertram in congregational affairs until the election of a formal 
 session." This election took place the next year and the ordi- 
 nation and installation occurred in September, 1783. * 
 
 With a rapidly growing population, homogeneous alike as to 
 nationality and religion, the establishment of preaching points 
 and the formation of new congregations went forward with 
 
 • Records of Presb. 
 
Presbytery of Donegal — Organization of Churches. 57 
 
 wonderful rapidity. In most instances it is extremely difficult 
 to fix the exact date at which the organization proper of these 
 churches took place. The facts of people being banded to- 
 gether for church purposes, of their sending " supplications " 
 to Presbytery for supplies, and even of extending a call to a 
 minister to become their pastor, do not of themselves (as we 
 have seen in the case of Derry and Paxton) afford conclusive 
 evidence that they were organized in our acceptation of the 
 word, i. e., having a bench of regularly ordained ruling elders. 
 
 It is only in rare cases that mention is made of the election 
 and ordination of elders and the regular organization of 
 churches. Therefore, in very many instances, we can only 
 reach a proximate, or more properly, an estimated date. 
 
 The following churches were organized prior to the Old and 
 New Side Division of 1741. To the east of the Susquehanna 
 — In 1733 Derry and Paxton ; in 1736 Manada, afterwards 
 known as Hanover, and Conewago. The Conewago church 
 here mentioned is often confounded with the Great Conewago 
 church at Hunterstown, Adams county. It was located on or 
 near the Little Conewago creek not far from Middletown, and 
 it is sometimes mentioned in the records of Presbytery, as 
 "Conewago, this side of the river," Rev. Samuel Black was its 
 first pastor. He was never pastor of the Great Conewago 
 church, as is erroneously stated by Rev. Richard Webster in 
 his history of the Presbyterian Church, and by others after him. 
 
 Turning to the territory west of the Susquehanna, we find 
 that Presbytery here organized ten churches in the same 
 period. At its meeting, October 16, 1734, it '' ordered Mr. 
 Alexander Creaghead," son of Rev. Thomas Creaghead, who 
 had just been licensed, '• to supply over the river two or three 
 Sabbaths in November." At the April meeting of 1735 a 
 supplication from the '' settlement over the river, desiring sup- 
 plies, was presented ; and Presbytery appointed Mr. Alexander 
 Creaghead to supply said people the next two Sabbaths, and 
 Mr. Thomson also was appointed to supply at least two Sab- 
 baths before the next meeting of Presbytery." At the meet- 
 ing of June 10th, the same year, Rev. Wm. Bertram was or- 
 dered " to supply the people over the river two Sabbaths and 
 
68 
 
 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 to give them timous warning thereof.'' Thus far no mention 
 is made of any particular locality. But at the meeting of 
 Presbytery, September, 1735, " the people over the river " are 
 also called " the people of the Conodoguinnet.'' These are 
 the " people of Pennsborough," spoken of a little farther on in 
 the minutes, and may mean Lower Pennsborough (Silver- 
 Spring) or Upper Pennsborough (near Carlisle). At each of 
 the places it is now claimed that the " people over the river " 
 were their ancestors ; and doubtless they were. Without pre- 
 tending to settle the question of priority, we date the organiza- 
 tion of both these churches (Lower and Upper Pennsborough, 
 now Silver Spring and Carlisle,) in 1736. In 1737, Hopewell 
 (Big Spring), East Oonococheague (Greencastle), and Falling 
 Springs (Chambersburg.) In 1738, Upper West Conoco- 
 cheague (Mercersburg). In 1739, Rocky Spring and Upper 
 Hopewell (Middle Spring). And in 1740, Upper Marsh 
 Creek (Grettysburg) and Grreat Conewago. Thus m a period 
 of nine years were organized fourteen churches, all of which 
 are still in existence, except Hanover and Conewago. 
 
 CHURCH OP ROCKY SPRING. BUILT IN 1794. 
 
Presbytery of Donegal — Location of Churches. 
 
 59 
 
 ROCKY SPRINC*, INTERIOR. 
 
 As a rule, the churches were located about ten miles apart, 
 and Presbytery claimed and exercised the right of fixing the 
 boundary lines between them, and saying to the people on one 
 side, 3'ou shall worsliip there; and to those on the other side, 
 you shall worship here. In establishing the diyiding lines, 
 Presbytery often sent committees to " perambulate " the terri- 
 tory and take testimony as to the character of the roads and 
 the number and circumstances of the families to be accommo- 
 dated. And if the people were disposed to be rebellious, as 
 sometimes they were, they were given to understand that 
 Presbyter}^ was yested with authority. There are instances on 
 record where it declined permission to call a pastor {e. y., 
 Hopewell, in the case of the Rev. Tliomas Creaghead, 1737), 
 or even appoint supplies to preach (as in the case of Limestone 
 Ridge, Perry county, years after the aboye). The distance 
 people had to go to church, the two long sermons, the inter- 
 mission and the lunch, afford sufficient reason for locating 
 nearly all the earlier houses of worship at or near springs or 
 
60 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 streams of fresh water. Thus we have Derry ; Paxton (the 
 spring now closed) s Lower Pennsborough, at Silvers^ Spring ; 
 Upper Pennsborough, at the Meeting House Springs, a mile 
 and a half from Carlisle ; Big Spring ; Middle Spring ; Eocky 
 Spring ; Falling Spring ; Upper West Conococheague, at the 
 beautiful spring where the " White church " stood, some two 
 miles East of Mercersburg ; Lower West Conococheague, out 
 at Welsh Eun ; Upper and Lower churches in Path Yalley ; 
 Upper and Centre churches, in Perry county ; East Conoco- 
 cheague and Upper and Lower Marsh Creek. 
 
 In these early days much attention seems to have been given 
 to visitations to the churches. These visitations were not 
 made by committees as now, but by the Presbytery as a 
 whole. The pastor of the church where the visitation was 
 made was appointed to preach on these occasions upon a text 
 previously assigned, and Presbytery passed judgment on his 
 discourse. After this, inquiry was made as to the fidelity of 
 pastor, elders and people. To relieve of all embarrassment and 
 secure the most accurate information possible, each party was 
 interrogated separately in regard to the other two, who, during 
 the investigation, were in turn requested to retire from the 
 house. If wrong doings or shortcomings were found to exist, 
 the guilty or delinquent party was dealt with as the case might 
 seem to demand 
 
 As we have seen, the years which immediately followed the 
 organization of the Presbytery, and preceded the schism which 
 occurred in 1741, dividing the Church into Old and New Side, 
 were years in which congregations were multiplied, and the 
 growth of Presbyterianism in this region was unparalleled. 
 Not less than eleven churches were organized in what -are now 
 the counties of Dauphin, Cumberland, Adams and Franklin ; 
 and in other instances assemblies of worshippers were collected, 
 looking to organization in the future. But they were years, 
 also, in which sprang up misunderstandings, fierce controver- 
 sies and bitter strife, in which frequently brethren of the same 
 Synod, of the same Presbytery, and of the same neighborhood 
 were arrayed against each other. 
 
 The questions entering into these unhappy controversies 
 
^ 
 
 X 
 
 let ioc^i6^: :^ 
 
 i 
 
 
 
 
 
 c 
 
Presbytery of Donegal — JJ-issensions'. 61 
 
 were not questions affecting the doctrines or polity of the 
 Church. In Synod, all accepted the "Adopting Act " of 1729, 
 and were loyal to the standards of the Church. True, it was 
 opposed by Jonathan Dickinson, one of the greatest and best 
 men of his day. Dr. IJodge remarks: "It is obvious from 
 the nature of his objections that lie belongs to the small class 
 of persons opposed to all creeds of human composition." His 
 own language is : "A subscription to any human composure 
 as the test of our orthodoxy is to make it the standard of our 
 faith, and thereby to give it the honor due only to the word of 
 God."* 
 
 But with the document explanatory of the Synod's measure 
 attached to it, all the ministers of the Synod then present, 
 except one who declared himself " not prepared," subscribed 
 to the act — President Dickinson among the rest. In the Pres- 
 byter}- of Donegal all accepted and adhered with equal fidelity 
 to the " Formula wherein to subscribe and adopt the West- 
 minster Confession of Faith and Catchism," which prefaces 
 the first volume of its records ; and which reads as follows : 
 " I, having seriously read and perused the Westminster Con- 
 fession and Catechism, do declare m the sight of God and all 
 here present, that I do believe and am fully persuaded that, so 
 far as I can discern and understand said Confession and Cate- 
 chisms, they are in all things agreeable to the Word of God, 
 taking them in the plain and obvious sense and meaning of 
 the words ; and, accordingly, I do acknowledge them as the 
 confession of my faith, and do promise, through divine assist- 
 ance, forever to adhere thereto. 
 
 " I also believe the Directory for the Exercise of Worship, 
 Discipline and Government, commonly connected to said Con- 
 fession, to be agreeable to the Word of God, and do promise 
 to conform thereunto in my practice, as far as in emergent cir- 
 cumstances I can attain unto." 
 
 To this " Formula" — ironclad, we may say, in its character — 
 are subscribed the names of Alexander Creaghead and David 
 Alexander — two of the most zealous of the New Side party — 
 
 * Hodge, Hist. Free. Ch. 1, p. 171. 
 
62 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial 
 
 as well as those of John Thomson and John Elder, and other 
 staunch, uncompromising Old Side men. 
 
 And, after the division had virtually taken place by the ex- 
 clusion of the Presbytery of New Brunswick from the Synod 
 in 1741, that Presbytery adopted the following : *' We think 
 it fit unanimously to declare, that we adhere as closely and 
 fully to the Westminster Confession of Faith and Catechisms 
 and Directory, as the Synod of Philadelphia to any of their 
 public acts."* 
 
 This, it should be observed, included not only the "Adopt- 
 ing Act " of 1729, but also the thorough -going " Declaration " 
 of 1786, in which the Synod declared its adherence " to the 
 Westminster Confession of Faith, Catechisms and Directory, 
 without the least variation or alteration, and without any regard 
 to the distinctions " in the adopting act between essential and 
 non-essential articles, f We then see that it was not on ques- 
 tions in any way affecting the doctrines and polity of the 
 Church that this schism occurred. 
 
 Whence, then, the unhappy controversy which resulted so 
 disastrously ? 
 
 It seems to have come almost without observation, and to 
 have had its origin in the state of the church and the com- 
 munity, and the needs of both. 
 
 1. The low state of piety in the church, amounting to little 
 more than orthodox faith and dead formalism. Nor was this 
 confined to this particular section of country. For, says Dr. 
 Increase Mather, in 1721, " There is a grievous decay of piety 
 in the land, and a leaving of first love ; and the beauties of 
 holiness are not to be seen as once they were.'' 
 
 2. The inadequate supply of ministers to meet the demands 
 of the times. These demands were : (a) More men to push . 
 into the opening fields, and minister to the rapidly -increasing 
 number of flocks, (b) Spiritually-minded^ earnest, consecrated 
 men to rouse the people from their state of spiritual lethargy, 
 and lift them to a higher plane of experimental, practical God- 
 liness. 
 
 * Hodge, Hist. 1, p. 195. 
 t Hodge, 1, p. 197. 
 
Presbytery of Donegal — Division. 
 
 3. The demand for the mainteiianue at the same time of the 
 old high standard of literary and theological attainment in the 
 men who should be brought forward to meet these wants. 
 
 Dr. Archibald Alexander says : " The first Presbyterian 
 ministers in this country were nearly all men of liberal educa- 
 tion. Some had received their education in the universities 
 of Scotland ; some in Ireland and others at one of the New 
 England colleges. And, though there existed such a destitu- 
 tion of ministers in this new country, they never thought of 
 introducing any^ man into the ministry who had not received a 
 college or university education, except in very extraordinary- 
 cases, of which, I believe, we have but one instance in the 
 early history of the Presbyterian Church."* 
 
 Under these circumstances the Log College had its origin, 
 and the question of a candidate for the ministry being required 
 to present a diploma from some university or college, or of 
 a thorough examination by the Synod being accepted in lieu 
 of this, began to be earnestly discussed. 
 
 This was really the entering wedge of division. When there 
 was no small agitation in the church courts over this and other 
 questions connected with the induction of young men to the 
 gospel ministry, the great revival of the last centuary dawned 
 upon the church. The importance of adopting and using 
 proper means for promoting and fostering it was felt by all. 
 Hence the Synod, in session September, 1783, took the follow- 
 ing action, nem con: " To use some proper means to revive the 
 declining power of Godliness, the Synod earnestly recommend 
 it to all our ministers and members to take particular care 
 about ministerial visiting of families, and press family and 
 secret worship, according to the Westminster Directory, and 
 that they also recommend it to every Presbytery, at proper 
 seasons to inquire concerning the diligence of each of their 
 members in such particulai's."f Presbyteries took like action. 
 
 But there were those who favored the adoption of other and 
 extraordinary methods to meet the exigency. 
 
 Prominent among the admirers and friends of Whitefield 
 
 * Log- Colleg-e. 
 
 t Records of Pres. Ch. 
 
64 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 and the advocates of the new methods, which were coming into 
 vogue in connection with the revival, were the originators of 
 the " Log College," its friends and patrons and graduates This 
 served to widen the breach and deepen the chasm. 
 
 When the Presbytery of New Brunswick withdrew, the 
 "Log College " men, who were not already in it, met with it 
 as correspondents. They ranked among the recognized leaders 
 of the New Side and New Measure party. 
 
 In view of the extraordinary methods employed, and the 
 extraordinary manifestations which attended their use, Dr. 
 Briggs, in his "American Presbyterianism," terms and treats 
 the entire movement of that day as " Methodist." And so it 
 really was. The brethren of the New Side division were as 
 truly Calvinist'ic or Presbyterian Methodists as were the fol- 
 lowers of the Wesleys, Episcopal Methodists, and were no less 
 entitled to the name. 
 
 During this controversy things were done on both sides 
 which were unbrotherly and discourteous. Bitter, harsh, un- 
 christian utterances escaped the lips of good men on both sides. 
 Enough was said and done to fill the hearts of all with deep 
 regret in after days, and of some, with profovmdest sorrow. 
 
 The full history of the period belongs to the church at 
 large. But we have felt constrained to say thus much, because 
 of the manner in which the Presbytery of Donegal was affected. 
 
 Both before and after the accomplishment of the division, 
 the Presbytery was made to suffer as perhaps no other Presby- 
 tery suffered. When the division came, two of its members 
 withdrew from the Synod and met as corresponding members 
 with the Presbytery of New Brunswick, viz: Alexander 
 Creaghead and David Alexander. All the other members 
 signed the Protestation, which was the immediate occasion of 
 the withdrawal of the Presbytery of New Brunswick ; viz: 
 John Thomson, Richard Sanckey, John Elder, John Craig, 
 Samuel Caven, Samuel Thomson and Andrew Boyd.* 
 
 With these latter brethren, Creaghead and Alexander de- 
 clined to meet in Presbytery, ''because," as they said, "candi- 
 dates were licensed and ordained after superficial examination 
 
 * Records Pres. Ch. p. 158. 
 
Presbytery of Donegal — /Jivi.sio/t. 65 
 
 and while giving no ev^idence of not being enemies of heart 
 religion.""^ 
 
 The Rev. Alexander Creaghead did not remain long in the 
 Presbytery of New Brunswick, with which he identified him- 
 self, because it refused to adopt the " Solemn League and 
 Covenant." But turning from this he addressed the Reformed 
 Presbytery of Scotland, declaring his adherence to their views 
 and methods, and soliciting help from them. This was granted ; 
 and Mr. Creaghead was instrumental in founding the Reformed 
 Presbyterian Church in America. Thus he became the author 
 of further division. f 
 
 He organized several churches of the Reformed Presbyterian 
 principles in the vicinity of Middle Octorara. In 1751 he and 
 some of his people turned from the Reformed Presbytery of 
 Scotland to the An ti -Burger Synod of the Associate Presby- 
 terian Church of Scotland, but the Reformed Presbytery were 
 not disposed to abandon their adherents in America, and they 
 sent over John Culbertson, in 1751, to take charge of their 
 flock in Pennsylvania. Culbertson labored at Middle Octorara 
 until his death, March 10, 1791. J 
 
 The first Presbytery of the Reformed Presbyterian Church 
 in this country, however, was not organized till 1774. " In 
 the spring of 1773, William Brown, of Paxton, was sent to 
 Ireland to procure two ministers, and was specially instructed 
 to get, if possible, the Rev. Matthew Lind, pastor of the Cove- 
 nanter congregation of Aghadowey, near Colraine, in London- 
 dary county. Alexander Dobbin, specially licensed and or- 
 dained for the purpose, accompanied him. These two and the 
 Rev. John Culbertson, above mentioned, organized, in 1774, 
 the " Reformed Presbyteiy of America." 
 
 Mr. Lind became pastor of the congregation of Paxton (Re- 
 formed Presbyterian). This congregation came in possession 
 of the church which had been built and occupied by the New 
 Side portion of Paxton Pi-esbyterian congregation under Rev. 
 John Roan, who died in 1775. We hear it sometimes referred 
 
 * Webster, p. 160. 
 
 t Brings, American Presbyterianism, pp. 274, 275. Webster's Hist, of Pres. Ch. p. 
 435. 
 t Webster, Briggrs. 
 
 5 
 
QQ Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 to now as the Mattbew Lind churc'li. It was located about 
 two miles east of the present Paxton Presbyterian Church. No 
 trace of the church building lias been visible for many years. 
 The grave-yard alone remains to mark the spot. 
 
 The division of Old and New Side was not confined to the 
 ministers. Few indeed were the congregations in our bounds 
 in which there was not divided sentiment ; and in most of 
 them actual estrangement and separation took place. 
 
 After the death of Mr. Bertram, Derry called the Rev. John 
 Roan, of the New Side : and Mr. Elder's church at Paxton 
 split, and the New Side portion erected the house of worship 
 above referred to, and had Mr. Roan for their pastor. On the 
 other hand, the Old Side portion of the Derry congregation 
 had their place of meeting on the west side of the Swatara, and 
 Mr. Elder, of Paxton. preached to them. These divisions con- 
 tinued till shortly after Mr. Roan's death, in the fall of 1775, 
 when the reunited congregations of these churches became one 
 charge under Rev. John Elder. This union continued un- 
 broken till the resignation of Rev. A. D. Mitchell in 1874. In 
 June, 1887, it was restored, under the pastoral care of Rev. 
 Albert B. Williamson. 
 
 At the meeting of Presbytery, which was held in Upper 
 Path Yalley church in October, 1775, Mr. Hogg (Hoge) was 
 appointed to supply at Paxton and Deny* (}• e., Mr. Roan's 
 portion of tbese congregations). Mr. Elder justly had the rep- 
 utation of resisting and resenting any thing which had even 
 the appearance of encroachment on his territory or bis rights. 
 Whetlier Mr. Hogg may have been guilty of any indiscretion 
 while filling the appointment of Presbytery we know not. At 
 all events he was not favorably regarded by Mr. Elder. And 
 tradition has it, that at the next meeting of Presbytery he com- 
 plained of having been annoyed by the rooting around of a 
 Hogg that had been turned into his field. f 
 
 Upper Pennsborough was divided, and a portion of it was 
 formed into a separate congregation, worshiping imthe town of 
 Carlisle, and seeking supplies from the New Side Presbytery 
 
 *Records, Oct., 1T75, p. 222. 
 
 t Dr. DeWitt, in Sprague's Annals. 
 
Presbytery of J)on>rjal — D 
 
 (Vision. 
 
 67 
 
 of Nt'w Castle. Tlie congregations of Big Spring, Middle 
 Spring and Rocky Spring, ill opposition to tlie wishes of the 
 Presbvter}', called liev. John Blair, of the New Side, who 
 divided his labors equall}' between these churches, retaining 
 his connection with the New Side Presbytery of New Castle. 
 At East Conecocheague tlie congregation was divided, a por- 
 tion worshiping under a tent for a time. The division was not 
 healed till after the resignation, in 1799, of Mr. McPherrin 
 (who had been pastor of the New Side portion from 1774), 
 and the resignation the following year of Mr. Lang (who had 
 been pastor of the Old Side portion from 1767). In 1808 the 
 twoconoreo-ations became united under the care of Rev. Robert 
 
 o o 
 
 Kenned}', who, at that time, was installed pastor of the united 
 congregations of East Conocochague and Lower West Cono- 
 cochacrue. The latter to-dav bears liis name. 
 
 WJiLJSH KUK CHURCH, BUILT IN 1774, TOBN DOWN IN 1871. 
 
68 Presbytery oj Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 In the period extending from 1741 to 1758 there were three 
 churches organized on distinctly New Side basis — Lower West 
 Conococheague, afterwards known as Welsh Run, now as 
 Robert Kennedy Metnorial, infl741 ; Lower Marsh Creek and 
 Round Hill in 1748. These were the only churches organized 
 during the separation. It was a time of contention and strife 
 and division, not of aggression and upbuilding. And yet we 
 must not say this without qualification. For the records show 
 that as early as 1742, and at a time when contention ran high, 
 Presbytery was sending its members, in response to earnest 
 calls, as far south as the " head waters of the Shenandoah and 
 James Rivers."^ In November, 1742, it ordained Mr. Hind- 
 man " sine titulo " in order that he might go and preach to the 
 people in the '' back parts of Virginia," and administer the 
 sacraments as there might be occasion. The need of more 
 ministers was greatly felt — the distracted state of the church 
 deterring young men from entering the ministry. 
 
 The volume of Presbyterial records covering almost half 
 this period was lost many years ago, having been loaned to 
 some one, it is said, in Virginia, who failed to return it. Hence 
 we cannot tell from that source what transpired during that 
 time or what was the attitude of the Presbytery, as such, upon 
 the subject of the reunion of the two Synods, which was then 
 agitated. 
 
 On the 29th of May, 1758, "the plan of union was agreed upon 
 between the Synods of Philadelphia (Old Side) and New York 
 (New Side), both bodies being in session at that time in Philadel- 
 phia." Of the plan of union, it has been said: "This noble 
 declaration is for our church what the Declaration of Inde- 
 pendence is for our country. It is a promulgation of first prin- 
 ciples — a setting forth of our faith, order and religion as an 
 answer to those who question it. It is a foundation of our 
 ecclesiastical compact, the bond of union. "f This declaration 
 was unanimously adopted, and every member of the united 
 Synod set his hand to this testimony in behalf of truth, order 
 and evangelical religion. Under the plan of union the Pres- 
 
 * Records (Copy) p. 397. 
 t Hodge, in Webster, p. 271. 
 
Presbytery of Donegal — Reunion. 69 
 
 bvtery of Donegal was left unchanged for the present. There 
 were no representatives of tlie Presbytery present at the meet- 
 ing of the Synod of 1759. Webster intimates that they may 
 have been absent with 'a hope of securing a continuance of 
 their body as it was, for it was wholly Old Side, and consisted 
 of Eevs. Samuel Thomson, John Elder, Richard Sanckey, John 
 Steel, Joseph Tate and Robert McMordie."^ But if this was 
 their hope, it met with disa])pointment. For the Synod added 
 one Old Sidp (Samson Smith) and three New Side men (R 
 Smith, John Roan and John Hoge) to their number. 
 
 A fourth New Side man, the Rev. George Duffield, was 
 already preaching to the New Side portion of Upper Penns- 
 borough church at Carlisle. Of his own accord he had taken 
 his letter of dismission from the Presbytery of New Castle and 
 had united with the Presbytery of Donegal prior to the meet- 
 ing of the latter body in April, 1759 ; for we find his name on 
 the roll of present members at the opening of that meeting. 
 The date of his reception is doubtless given in the lost volume 
 of Records. Calls from the churches at Carlisle and Big Spring 
 were placed in his hands at the meeting of Presbyter}^, August 
 21, 1759. These having been accepted, he was installed by a 
 committee of Presbytery on the third Wednesday of the fol- 
 lowing month. 
 
 After the reunion an unsuccessful effort was made to bring 
 the two congregations at Carlisle — under Mr. Steel and Mr. 
 Dufheld — into closer relations to each other. At its meeting in 
 May, 1759, an " application was made to the Synod of New 
 York and Philadelphia, by Messrs. Duiiield and Elder, for ad- 
 vice, both to Mr. Steel and Mr. Duffield's congregations, 
 whether they shall erect two meeting houses in Carlisle, or 
 only one." To this the following reply was made: "The 
 Synod are grieved that there should be a spirit of animosity 
 still subsisting amongst the people, and would be far from en- 
 couraging any steps that would tend to perpetuate a divided 
 state ; and, therefore, do vvarmly recommend to the people of 
 both congregations to fall upon healing measures, and lay a 
 plan for the erection of one house only, and enjoin it upon 
 
 • lUd, p. 374. 
 
70 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 Messrs. Steel and Duffield to unite their counsel and use their 
 influence to bring about a cordial agreement." 
 
 This wholesome advice was not taken, but each congrega- 
 tion erected its own house of worship. After they became 
 vacant by the removal of Mr. Duffield and the death of Mr. 
 Steel, they were sometimes distinguished as the First and Second 
 churches of Carlisle.* They remained separate until 1785, 
 when Rev. Robert Davidson, D. D., became pastor of the united 
 congregations. He was a man who possessed those traits of 
 character which enabled him to bring and hold together and 
 mold into one these discordant elements. From the inscrip- 
 tion on his tombstone, in the old cemeterj^ at Carlisle, we copy 
 the following : 
 
 " In Memory of Robert Davidson, D. D., 
 
 A blessed peace maker. 
 
 As a pastor, winning and affectionate. 
 
 The flock over which he watched for 20 years revered 
 
 and loved him." t 
 
 In accordance with the foregoing arrangement of Synod the 
 Presbytery of Donegal was composed of seven Old Side men — 
 Messrs. Thompson, Elder, Sanckey, Steel, Tate, McMordie and 
 Sampson Smith ; and four New Side men — Messrs, Roan, 
 Hoge, R Smith and Duffield. Shortly after the union, Mona- 
 ghan church, at Dillsburg, was organized. 
 
 This arrangement by no means gave satisfaction to the old 
 members of the Presbvtery. Differences of opinion became 
 very marked, and party lines were drawn during the trial of 
 Rev. Sampson Smith in 1762, and subsequently in the licens- 
 ing of William Edmeston. Another subject of controversy was, 
 permitting an elder of Mr. Steel's branch of Pennsborough 
 church, who had not been ordained, to sit in Presbytery. 
 
 * Records, April, 1781. 
 
 t In this same sacred enclosure rest the remains of Revs. John Steel, Dr. Nisbet, 
 Dr. Robert Davidson, Jr., Dr. Daniel McKinley and Mervin E. Johnston. 
 
Presbytery of Donegal — Indian Troubles 71 
 
 INDIAN TROUBLES. 
 The latter part of tbe period covered by this chapter was 
 one of great disturbance and danger to the inhabitants of the 
 frontier by reason of the French and Indian war, closely fol- 
 lowed by what is known in history as the Conspiracy of Pontiac. 
 For about ten years there was but little security to either 
 property or life ; and the settlers, unprotected by the govern- 
 ment, were constantly kept on the alert. In Pennsylvania the 
 Scotch- Irish Presbyterians w^ere the frontiersmen of the day. 
 In placing them there the authorities did not assign as a reason 
 that they designed to have them as a wall of defense between the 
 savages of the forest and the peace-loving Quakers and phleg- 
 matic Germans further east. But such they were in fact And 
 historians of thai and subsequent times, in sifting the motives, 
 have, with wonderful unanimity, found here a potent reason 
 for the discrimination shown against the Scotch-Irish in assign- 
 ing places of settlement. As above shown, they were dispos- 
 sessed of fertile lands further east, already occupied by them ; 
 special inducements were held out to them to remove to the 
 region skirting the North or Kittoch tinny mountains, and in- 
 structions were given the land agents not to sell to them except 
 in these frontier districts. These orders were made imperative 
 in 1750, about which time no small degree of unrest and dis- 
 content began to be manifested by the Indians. If such was 
 the design of the authorities, their choice of men for these 
 posts of peril could have fallen on no better. For these pio- 
 neers of civil and religious liberty were men of fortitude and 
 firmness. For God and his law they had a profound reverence. 
 The face of human foe, whether white or red, they feared not. 
 They were men of sterling worth, possessed of domestic and 
 social and public virtues, such as have since shone in many a 
 descendant. They were just, kind, humane. But when driven 
 to it, they met their savage foe on his own terms, and waged 
 with him a war the most tierce and relentless. They well 
 knew there was a stern necessity for this. The character of the 
 enemy and his methods of warfare had to be understood and ac- 
 cepted. The youthful Colonel Washington knew this ; General 
 Braddock would not be persuaded of it Hence the disasters 
 
72 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 of " Braddock's Field." Perhaps no class of men has been less 
 understood and worse maligned than have been these God- 
 fearing heroic Scotch-Irish Presbyterians, by a class of histo- 
 rians who lack the keen discrimination, the love of truth and 
 justice, and the unbiased judgment which characterize the true 
 historian. 
 
 When the cloud of the French and Indian war, which had 
 been gathering for years, burst, it fell (in 1755) on them with 
 indescribable fury, carrying everywhere destruction, desolation, 
 death. Owing to their location they were almost exclusively 
 the sufferers in the State of Pennsylvania. Dr. Alexander T. 
 McGill says : "The rich and beautiiful Cumberland Valley be- 
 came the bloodiest battle ground we have ever had since the 
 beginning of our American civilization. There the Scotch- 
 Irish Presbyterians had been suffered to pour their stream of 
 immigration, in order that they might stand guardsmen for the 
 nation through nearly the whole of a century."* Few indeed 
 were the churches or communities then found in the bounds 
 of our present Presbytery that escaped. 
 
 Adam Hoops, in a letter to the secretary of the province, 
 dated Conococheague, November 2, 1755, says : " On Saturday 
 an express came from Peters township that the inhabitants of 
 Great Cove (about McConnellsburg) were all murdered or taken 
 captives, and their houses and barns were all in flames." At 
 the date of the above writing the savages had already crossed 
 the mountains and commenced the work of devastation and death 
 in the settlements of Upper and Lower West Conococheague 
 and East Conococheague. The Rev. John Steel was then pastor 
 of the churches of Upper West Conococheague (Mercersburg) 
 and East Conococheague (Greencastle). He was a man of 
 great intrepidity. He quickly called the men of his congrega- 
 tions together and organized them into a company. He was 
 chosen their commander, and afterwards received his commission 
 as captain from the provincial government. Captain Steel was 
 wont to go into his pulpit armed and ready for any emergency. 
 On one occasion intelligence was received in the midst of his 
 sermon that a family not far distant had been murdered. The 
 
 • Centennial Historical Discourse, 1876. 
 
Presbytery of Donegal — Indian Troubles. 73 
 
 services were immediately brought to a close, and the reverend 
 captain at the head of the men of his congregation, who also 
 had their arms with them, made hot pursuit of the cavages. 
 Both these congregations were virtually broken up ; and Mr. 
 Steel did not resume his labors there, but settled at Carlisle as 
 pastor of the Old Side branch of the church. 
 
 The people of Lower West Conococheague congregation fared 
 no better, and their " meeting house" was burned- by the 
 Indians about 1760. 
 
 At the first approach of the Indians, and when these sad 
 scenes were being enacted m the Great Cove and about Mer- 
 cersburg and Welsh Run and Greencastle, " the people of Path 
 Valley were all gathered into a small fort, and, according to 
 the best accounts, were safe." So wrote Adam Hoops to the 
 secretary of the province in November, 1755. Subsequently 
 they were driven from their homes a number of times and 
 compelled to seek shelter in the government forts at Loudon 
 and Shippensburg, and sometimes to flee even further. 
 
 In like manner the people in Perry county who subsequently 
 composed the congregations of Upper, Centre and Limestone 
 Ridge, under the Rev. John Linn, and of Dick's Gap and Sher- 
 man's Creek in the eastern part of the county, suffered by the 
 arrows, the tomahawk and the scalping-knife of the skulking 
 foe. They had rude fortifications of their own construction ; 
 but in times of general incursions of the hostile Indians these 
 did not suffice for protection, and they were compelled to flee to 
 the government fort at Carlisle. 
 
 What has been said in regard to churches and communities 
 west of the Kittochtinny mountains and about East and West 
 Conococheague may with, equal truth, be said in regard to the 
 entire Cumberland Valley and the region immediately east of 
 the Susquehanna river, bordering on the Kittochtinny mount- 
 ains. 
 
 The congregations of Rocky Spring, Middle Spring and Big 
 Spring which were under the pastoral care of the Rev. John 
 Blair at the outbreak of the French and Indian war, were fre- 
 quently harassed and dispersed b}^ the incursions of the In- 
 dians — the women and children huddled into the fortifications 
 
74 Presbytery of Corlisle — Centennial. 
 
 at Shippensburg and Carlisle, and the men protecting, as best 
 they could, their homes, or joining in pursuit of the fleeing foe. 
 In this way was Mr. Blair driven from his field of labor in the 
 autumn of 1755 or in 1756. In 1757 he became the successor 
 of his brother Samuel as pastor of Fagg's Manor church. 
 
 At Carlisle the alarm was great, caused not so much by ac- 
 tual attacks of the enemy as by tlie frequent arrival of refugees 
 and the rumors of Indian atrocity elsewhere. " So horrible 
 was the style of savage warfare that the report of several 
 massacres and capturings of some settlers beyond the river and 
 the mountains and in the coves (in 1754-5) was enough to 
 drive the large portion of the inhabitants of this valley from 
 their homes."^ " During the five years (1753-1758) in which 
 the people had been subject to such pain and such hardships, 
 many of them had been slain on their military expeditions, 
 and many more had fallen victims to disease and exposure. 
 It was of course impossible to maintain public worship with 
 regularity, especially without the presence of a regular pastor 
 for nearly ten years (1749-1758).''* '' The settlers of Cumber- 
 land county were at this critical period a living breast-work 
 against the savage foe. At the same time their supply of pro- 
 visions was liable to failure. It could neither be obtained from 
 over the river nor with any certainty from their own fields. 
 It was almost impossible to cultivate their farms, where each 
 solitary laborer was likely to be shot or carried into captivity ; 
 and where the crops were more than usually abundant, they 
 were frequently left to rot on the ground or they were burned 
 with the barns. Every precaution within the power of such 
 men was taken. All able-bodied men were organized into 
 companies, which met together at stated times and on precon- 
 certed signals. Both Presb}- terian ministers (Steel and Duf- 
 field) were captains of such companies, and were once or twice 
 called to go on expeditions up the river and over the mount- 
 ains." t 
 
 A like wail of distress comes from Paxton and Hanover 
 congregations, to the east of the Susquehanna. Under date of 
 
 • Hist. First Pres. Ch. Carlisle, Dr. Wing, pp. 60, 64. 
 t Hist. First Pres. Ch. Carlisle, p. 63, Dr. Wing. 
 
Presbytei-y of Donegal — Indian Troubles. 
 
 November 9, 1755 (one week after Mr. Hoops' letter wns writ- 
 ten from Mercersburg), the Kev. John Elder, pastor of I^axton 
 church, wrote to Mr. Peters in regard to the neglec of the 
 authorities to afford protection, and the consequent pen! to the 
 people on the frontier. He says, '' We remonstrate and peti- 
 tion from time to time, yet to no purpose ; so that we seem to be 
 given up into the hands of a merciless enemy. There have been 
 within these few weeks upwards of forty of his Majesty's sub- 
 jects massacred on the frontiers of this and Cumberland coun- 
 ties (then including Franklin and Perry), besides a great many 
 carried into captivity. ^ -^ * What may be the end of 
 these things G-od only knows ; but I really fear that unless 
 vigorous methods are speedily used, we, in these back settle- 
 ments, will unavoidably fall a sacrifice, and this part of the 
 province be lost." 
 
 It may be added, what the government failed to do, Mr. 
 Elder and the men of Hanover, Paxton and Derry congrega- 
 tions did — they organized into companies and prepared to de- 
 fend their families, their homes and their lives to the full ex- 
 tent of their ability. When needful, " vigorous methods " 
 were resorted to. Mr. Elder was the brave and skilful com- 
 mander of these volunteers (known in history as the " Paxton 
 Boys," or " Paxton Rangers,") having the rank and title of 
 colonel, bearing his commission from the provincial govern- 
 ment. But with all these precautions the people of these con- 
 gregations were great sufferers, as shown by reports like the 
 following, which were made to the authorities : 
 
 May 16, 1757—11 killed at Paxton. 
 
 August 19, 1759 — 14 from Mr. Sanckey's congregation 
 (Hanover) killed. 
 
 Latter part of October, same year, sevef^l families in Han- 
 over township murdered, and several houses burned. 
 
 October 17th — Four inhabitants near Hunter's Fort (near 
 Rockville) were killed. 
 
 Chambers, in his tribute to the Scotch-Irish, eloquently and 
 impressively portrays, in a general way, the state of affairs in 
 the territory covered by our Presbytery, when he savs : " The 
 war was allowed to fall on the defenseless inhabitants of this 
 
7 6 Presbytery of Ca r lisle — Cen tennia I. 
 
 (Cumberland) valley and other settlements, in all the horrors 
 of savage cruelty. Families were surprised in their dwellings, 
 and every member murdered and scalped ; their houses and 
 buildings burned, and their cattle destroyed. The men organ- 
 ized themselves into companies, with their own small supply 
 of arms and amunition, to pursue the enemy, who were gener- 
 ally successful in their rapid retreat to the mountains and wil- 
 derness. This barbarous warfare was continued for about 
 seven or more years against the inhabitants of this valley, who 
 were left in a great measure to their own resources and bravery 
 for the defense of their country against these cruel and power- 
 ful enemies. The forts provided in the Cumberland Valley 
 by the government, at Carlisle, Shippensburg and Loudon, 
 garrisoned, each with about seventy men, afforded little or no 
 protection. So repeated were the massacres in Cumberland 
 Valley and the regions west of it, for years, that three-fourths 
 of the inhabitants sought shelter and safety in the eastern part 
 of Lancaster and York counties. The men often returned to 
 occupy some dwelling that escaped the torch of the savage, 
 and co-operate with others to watch and resist the Indians, 
 whose mode of warfare was secrecy and surprise, murder of the 
 defenseless and a hasty retreat. The number of white inhabi- 
 tants slain, scalped or carried into captivity, was great. The 
 whole region was one of dessolation and blood ; every neigh- 
 borhood had its victims. The Indian warriors estimated that 
 in the first years of this war they killed fifty whites for one 
 Indian that was killed ; and in after years, when the white in- 
 habitants better understood their warfare they still killed ten 
 whites for one of their nation killed by the white inhabitants. 
 This great disproportion arose from the slaughter by the In- 
 dians of women and children for whose scalps the French allies 
 rewarded them liberally." 
 
 To this we add a short extract from Gordon's History of 
 Pennsylvania, in which we have depicted, in thrilling words, 
 the distress of these settlers : " Incessent anxiety pervaded 
 every family ; their slumbers were broken by the yell of de- 
 mons, or by the dread of an attack, scarce less horrid than an 
 actual attack. The ground was plowed, the seed sown and 
 
Preshytt'.nj of Donegal — Indian Trouhlet 
 
 the harvest gathered under the fear of the tomahawk and rifle. 
 Scarcelj any out-door labor was safely executed unless pro- 
 tected by arms in the hands of the laborers or by regular troops. 
 Women visiting their sick neighbors were shot or captured ; 
 children, driving home cattle from the fields, were killed and 
 scalped ; whilst the enemy, dastardly as well as cruel, shrunk 
 from any equality of force. ""^ 
 
 Various attemps were made to conciliate the Indians and 
 secure peace and safety. They promised to be successful. The 
 people for a time settled down in fancied security. It was only 
 fancied, and sad disappointment was not far remote. A secret 
 and wide-spread conspiracy was formed among the Indians, 
 known as the " Conspiracy of Pontiac." The aim was, by one 
 simultaneous blow, to take the English forts and wipe out of 
 existence the English settlements. The attempt to execute 
 this conspiracy was made in the summer of 1763. 
 
 The attack on the inhabitants through this entire region must 
 have been appalling. Gordon says : " The whole country 
 west of Shippensburg became the prey of the fierce barbarians. 
 They set fire to houses, barns, corn, hay and everj^thing that 
 was combustible. The wretched inhabitants, whom they sur- 
 prised at night, at their meals, or in the labor of the fields, 
 were massacred with the utmost cruelty and barbarity ; and 
 those who fled were scarcely more happy, overwhelmed by 
 sorrow, without shelter or means of transportation, their tardy 
 flight was impeded by fainting women and weeping children. 
 The inhabitants of Shippensburg and Carlisle — now become 
 the barrier towns — opened their hearts and houses to their 
 afflicted brethren. In the towns every stable and hovel was 
 crowded with miserable refugees, who, having lost their 
 houses, their cattle and their harvest, were reduced from inde- 
 pendence and happiness to beggary and despair. The streets 
 were filled with people, the men distracted by grief for their 
 losses and the desire for revenge, more poignantly excited by 
 the disconsolate females and bereaved children who wailed 
 around them." 
 
 It was during one of these incursions by the savages that 
 
 *P. 383. 
 
78 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial 
 
 they brutally murdered a school teacher, Mr. Brown, and all 
 his scholars except one, near Greencastle. The boy (Archibald 
 McCullough) who escaped, did not owe his life to the clemency 
 of the perpetrators of this barbarious deed. He was left by 
 them scalped and supposed to be dead. They belonged to the 
 same party who nine years before had carried off the McCul- 
 lough boys from the neighborhood of Mercersburg and had 
 dashed out the brains of the younger of them because he was 
 unable to keep up on their journeys. 
 
 " Like murders and bloody cruelties were inflicted at the 
 same time, by the barbarous enemy, on the inhabitants of the 
 Kittoch tinny east of the Susquehanna Amongst them the 
 inhabitants of the township of Paxton, east of where Harris- 
 burg is, in the county of Dauphin, had been sorely afflicted." 
 After years of peril and suffering, from which no relief came 
 at the hands of the public authorities, the pastor of Hanover 
 church, the Rev. Richard Sanckey, and many of his congrega- 
 tion had left their homes and emigrated to Virginia. This oc- 
 curred in the fall of 1759. But greater perils and greater suf- 
 ferings than they had experienced were in store for those who 
 remained. The pitiless storm of savage fury was now descend- 
 ing on their devoted heads, and still no response came to their 
 earnest appeals for relief or aid. Judge Chambers goes on to 
 say : " The inhabitants in this district, who had suffered from 
 this inhuman war, were exasperated to excess against the 
 Indians, as a treacherous enemy, on whose stipulations no con- 
 fidence could be placed, and who were to be intimidated only 
 by a chastisement that would be an example and terror. Under 
 the influence of these feelings, at a time of great alarm and 
 excitement, attention was directed to the parts of the Delaware 
 and Six Nation tribes on Conestoga manor, who, according to 
 Gordon, ' refused to join their brethren in arms, professed af- 
 fection for the colonists and avowed their determination to 
 remain neutral. That neutrality was denied, and of part of 
 them was very doubtful. Many outrages were committed in 
 consequence, as was generall}^ believed, of the information and 
 advice they gave to the invaders ; and some murders were 
 
Presbytery of Donegal — Conestoga Massacre. 79 
 
 perpetrated which the public voice ascribed to a party under 
 the protection of the Moravian B:ethren.'"* 
 
 Conestoga Massacre. 
 
 At a time and under circumstances such as these, the Indians 
 located at Conestoga — twenty in numher — were massacred 
 by a party of the Paxton Boys, of whom mention has already 
 been made. This act was then, and ever since has been vari- 
 ously regarded. On the one hand, there have been those who 
 have viewed, and, in unmeasured terms, have denounced it as 
 most atrocious. On the other, there have not been wanting 
 those who have regarded and defended it, if not as a righteous, 
 at least as a needful thing, not only warranted, but demanded 
 by the circumstances of the case. 
 
 The simple facts of this sad tragedy, briefly told, are these : 
 On the night of the 14th of December, 1763, the Indian village 
 ai Conestoga was attacked, and all who were thei*e found were 
 put to death, regardless of sex or age. There were but six — 
 the balance having been absent that night. The agents of the 
 government placed the remainder of the Indians in the work- 
 house (or jail) at Lancaster for security. On the 27th of De- 
 cember, about thirty of the Paxton Boys '' made their appear- 
 ance in Lancaster, went to the prison, forced the doors, and 
 murdered all the Indians found within its walls, regardless of 
 their supplications and protestations of innocence. The num- 
 ber thus murdered was fourteen." 
 
 No attempt to defend or save the Indians appears to have 
 been made by the authorities, or by the citizens of Lancaster, 
 then numbering about two thousand. 
 
 Looking at this deed from our day and with sympathies 
 justly enlisted in behalf of the greatly wronged aborigines of 
 the country, there would be, among fair-minded persons, but 
 one judgment and one voice — namely, that of unqualified con- 
 demnation, — provided we regarded it disconnected from the time, 
 and t/ie facts and circumstances of the the time, in which it was 
 perpetrated. But would this be just ? 
 
 * Chambers— Tribute, etc., p. 73, Gordon, p. 404. 
 
80 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 Failing to take the latter into acconiit, and hence failing to 
 possess the comprehensive and discriminating view of the truly 
 unbiased mind, a certain class of historians, with their follow- 
 ing, have done and are now doing great injustice to a set of 
 noble men ; who, wrought to the highest pitch of indignation 
 by the barbarity of the savages on tbe war-path and the deceit 
 and treachery of their friends and allies at Conestoga^ and driven 
 to despair by the apathy of the provincial government and its 
 refusal to afford any relief, were guilty of a deed, of which 
 they had not otherwise been capable. 
 
 The last, and perhaps most dishonest, uncalled for and 
 unjust assault made upon these Scotch-Irish pioneers, and 
 over them on the ministry, the church and Christianity itself, 
 has been by the author of the Life of Benjamin Franklin, in 
 the American Men of Letters Series. That we may not be 
 chargeable with misrepresentation we here quote him at some 
 length. Concerning the Indians to whom had been assigned 
 lands on the manor of Conestoga, he says : "At Conestoga they 
 became the most harmless and innocent of men ; put off paint 
 and feathers ; put on hats and clothes ; adopted English habits, 
 English names, English speech, and learned to make, for a 
 living, baskets and brooms. But, to the Scotch-Irish of Lan- 
 caster, they were still Indians, and Indians were, in their eyes, 
 men accursed of God. They were the Canaanites of the Kew 
 World. The command laid on Joshua of old was binding 
 still. It was the duty of every follower of the crucified Lord 
 to drive out the heathen from the land. Threats were made, 
 sermons were preached, hand-bills were spread about, till what 
 was elsewhere a war of defense became in Lancaster a religious 
 crusade. Alarmed at what was going on about them, the 
 Indians at Bethlehem and Kazareth cried out for protection, 
 were taken to an island in the Delaware, and sent thence under 
 .military escort to the borders of New York. But the Cones- 
 toga Indians, numbering about twenty — men, women and chil- 
 dren, all told, — had sta3^ed on the manor, and it was on them 
 that, one night in December, 1763, a band of fanatics from 
 Donegal and Paxton, made a descent. ISTo more than six of 
 the Indians were at home, and these were murdered in cold 
 
Prtsbyknj of Donerjal — Paxton Boys. 8 1 
 
 blood. Horrified at such barbarity, the authorities of Lancas- 
 ter gathered the remnant of the tribe into the work-house. 
 Even there thej were not safe, and one liundred brutes from 
 Paxton and Donegal broke open the work-house and massacred 
 the fourteen Indians there confined, and rode away, declaring 
 their next attack would be on Province Island."'"^ lie charges 
 " every Presbyterian minister, every Episcopal })arson and not 
 a few of the Society of Friends with having lauded the f(jul 
 deed of the Paxton Boys, as an act acceptable to God.'' And 
 again : " The Presbyterians and Episcopalians openly approved 
 the massacre and wrote in defense of it'f 
 
 In the above quotations Mr. McMaster is guilty of gross 
 misrepresentation. lie savs of these Indians at Conestoga that 
 they became " the most harmless and innocent of men," Over 
 against this assertion we place the well -attested fact that they 
 entertained and harbored hostile Indians, who were taking the 
 lives and burning the property of the people of Paxton and 
 Hanover. This was understood by men like John Harris, the 
 father of the founder of Hai-risburg, and the Rev. John Elder, 
 pastor of Paxton and Derry churches. None had better op- 
 portunity of knowing than they ; and there were none whose 
 testimony was worth}' of greater credence than theirs. Mr. 
 Harris wrote to the Governor of the province : " The Indians 
 here (at Conestoga) I hope your Honor will cause to be re- 
 moved to some place, as I don't like their company. I have 
 this day cut holes in m}^ house, and am determined to hold out 
 to the last extremity." The " company " referred to were the 
 hostile Indians entertained by the Conestogas. The Rev. John 
 Elder wrote to the Governor, under date of September 13, 
 1763: " I suggest to you the propriety of immediate removal 
 of the Indians of Conestoga and placing a gamson in their 
 room. In case this is done, I pledge myself for the future se- 
 curity of the frontiei'." 
 
 Again, Mr. McMaster charges upon ministers and christian 
 people, preaching sermons, making threats and thus working 
 up the sentiment that it was the duty of the followers of the 
 
 * McMaster's Benjamin Franklin, pj). 173, 174. 
 tib. pp. 178, 179. 
 
 6 
 
82 Presbytery of Carlisle — Ce-ntennial. 
 
 Crucified One to drive out the heathen from the land. Over 
 against this we put the simple facts, that the Eev. John Elder, 
 who was pastor of part of the Paxton Boys and colonel of the 
 regiment the}^ composed. '' frequently visited the Indians at Con- 
 estoga, Pequehan and Big Island, and represented the wrong 
 tliey were doing to the whites In' admitting stranger Indians 
 among them — conduct which made them suspected of treach- 
 ery." And when the attack was about to be made on the 
 Conestoga village by a party of the Paxton Boys, he put forth 
 his strongest endeavors to prevent it. In like manner he en- 
 deavored to dissuade from making the attack upon the work- 
 house at Lancaster on December 27th, led by Captain Lazarus 
 Stewart. But in vain. The rangers felt that without this, the 
 end they had in view would not be attained ; and hence the}- 
 went "contrary to the will of their good pastor," as they term 
 him. After the deed had been perpetrated, Mr. Elder wrote 
 Governor Penn, under date of January 27, 176-i : '' The 
 storm which had been so long gathering has at length exploded. 
 Had the government removed the Indians from Conestoga, 
 which had frequently been urged without success, this painful 
 catastrophy might have been avoided. What could I do with 
 men heated to madness ? All that I could do was done ; I 
 expostulated : but life and reason were set at defiance. And 
 yet the men in private life are virtuous and respectable — not 
 cruel, but mild and merciful. The time will arrive when each 
 palliating circumstance will be calmly weighed. This deed, 
 magnified into the blackest of crimes shall be considered as 
 one of those youthful ebullitions of wrath caused by momentary 
 excitement to which human infirmity is subject."" 
 
 The above letter shows the unfairness also of Mr. McMaster's 
 assertion — for it is nothing less — that '' every Presbyterian 
 minister lauded the foul deed of the Paxton Boys as an act ac- 
 ceptable to God." They did not approve and laud it, in itself 
 considered. They did not, however, close their eyes to the 
 facts of the case, as has Mr. McMaster. They were honest 
 men. And as candid and honest men they were constrained 
 to regard this massacre in connection with the incidents of the 
 French and Indian war and the Conspiracy of Pontiac. and the 
 
Presbytery of Donegal — Paxton Boys. 83 
 
 suffering and loss of life and property whicb these people had 
 experienced thereby. They could not close their eyes to the 
 fact that the savage and murderous enemies of these Paxton 
 and Hanover people were even at this ^me entertained and har- 
 bored by th(;se Indians at Conestoga manor; and that there 
 were a hundred more Indians of like character with them who 
 were kept and made to fare sumptuously at the public expense 
 whilst these brave men were protecting the frontier at fearful 
 self-denial and sacrifice and peril. Nor could they be oblivious 
 to tlie fact that the government had again and again been vainly 
 applied to to remove the cause of complaint and of danger. 
 Hence, when the crisis came, and when, under the feeling that 
 the problem of securing, peace and quiet and safety must be 
 solved, these intrepid Paxton Boys undertook its solution by 
 " eliminating " the '' known quantity " and thus effectually dis- 
 posing of the lurking, skulking " unknown^'' fair-minded men 
 could not pass sentence of unqualified condemnation on a deed 
 which had otherwise been regarded as truly atrocious. The 
 Rev. John Elder could not do it, as we have seen. The Rev. 
 Dr. John Ewing, a man of learning and piety and puritv of 
 character, could not do it. In writing to Joseph Reed of Phil- 
 adelphia, then in London, who was subsequently a member of 
 the Executive Council, an adjutant general in the Revolution- 
 ar}^ army and a member of Congress, Dr. Ewing says : "The 
 provincial government never fails to continue matters in such 
 a manner as to afford little or no assistance to the poor dis- 
 tressed frontiers ; while our public money is lavishly squan- 
 dered away in supporting a number of savages, who have been 
 murdering and scalping us for many years past This has 
 urged some desperate young men, who have lost their nearest 
 relatives by these very Indians, to cut off about twenty In- 
 dians that lived near Lancaster, who had, during the war, car- 
 ried on constant intercourse with our other enemies. * -^ * 
 Few but Quakers think that the Lancaster Indians have suf- 
 fered anything but their just desert."'^ I may add, thus also 
 have thought the historians Rupp, Gordon, Day, Charles 
 Miner (styled the " Impartial Historian,) and many others. 
 
 • Life of Joseph Keed, vol. 1, p. 34. 
 
8-1: Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 After the lapse of a century, wbeu the passions and preju- 
 dices that would be likely to warp men's judgments bad all 
 passed away, the Hon. George Chambers, a learned and able 
 jurist and an honorable, devout christian man, after a careful 
 weighing of all the facts and circumstances of the case, ex- 
 presses himself as follows : " The murder of the Conestoga In- 
 dians, with its extenuation is a stain upon the annals of 
 Pennsylvania. It was a tragedy performed by a few men 
 under the impulse of feelings excited at the time by the man- 
 gled bodies of wives and children on the frontier, from the 
 hands of Indians, in which the Conestoga Indians, if not active 
 participants, were believed to be aiders and abettors/' " Hu- 
 manity revolts at deeds so cruel and barbarous as those just 
 recited, only becoming a savage enemy. Cruel as war is in its 
 mildest forms, it becomes doubly cruel when waged with sav- 
 ages. Their barbarous murder of women, infancy and age in- 
 duces in their more intellectual and civilized enemies, revenge 
 and retaliation. It is considered by authorities on national 
 law, that such severities and retaliation, with a ferocious and 
 savage enemy, are legitimate warfare, that by such retaliation 
 they may be brought to a sense of the laws of humanity. It 
 is considered, that by such retaliation only can Indian barbar- 
 ities be encountered, and they intimidated."^ 
 
 We think the time has fully arrived when, in the language 
 of the Rev. John Elder in letter above given, " Each palliat- 
 ing circumstance should be calmly weighed." If this be done 
 we can find no justification or even excuse for Mr. McMaster's 
 calling these Paxton Boys "6r?//es," or attempting to heap op- 
 probrium on the church and ministers of our Lord Jesus 
 Christ. He ought not at the expense of truth and justice have 
 undertaken to show the superiority of Benjamin Franklin and 
 a skeptical philosophy to the ministry and religion of the Di- 
 vine Redeemer. Let all be said that can be said respecting 
 Franklin as patriot. Statesman, philanthropist. He merits it all. 
 But in order to his exaltation there is no occasion that the 
 character of others, many of them his peers in every regard, 
 should be malinged and blackened. Not only here, but else 
 
 * Tribute to Principles, etc., of Irish and Scotch-Irish settlers, pp. 81, 73. 
 
Presbytery of Donegal — Paxton Boys. 86 
 
 where in bis work, is the true animus of tlie author made 
 very evident. In the end, " liis violent dealing sliall come 
 down upon his own pate;" and the virtues and excellencies of 
 the men whom he terms " brutes "' will not be overlooked, 
 whilst their mistakes and their misdeeds will not be for- 
 gotten. We had much rather accept the estimate placed 
 upon their character by Mr. Elder, who knew them well, not 
 only as fearless soldiers belonging to his conmiand, but knew 
 them personally as men — many of them belonging to his own 
 congregation, others to the contiguous congregations of Han- 
 over and Derry. His testimony is : '' The men, in private life, 
 are virtuous and respectable ; not cruel, but mild and merci- 
 ful" 
 
86 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 CHAPTER IIL 
 
 The Presbytery of Carlisle of 1765-1766. 
 
 The Presbytery of Donegal disbanded^ and the Presbyteries of Car- 
 lisle and Lancaster erected instead. — Work done by the Presby- 
 tery of Carlisle. — The Presbytery of Donegal restored. 
 
 IHE controversies between the Old and New Side 
 elements in the Presbytery of Donegal resulted in 
 a majority of the members asking Synod in 1765, 
 either that Presbytery be divided, or that the 
 members added of late years be ordered to return whence they 
 came. An appeal was also brought in by the minority against 
 the vote of Presbytery authorizing this petition to Synod. "^ 
 
 The foregoing petition was denied, and the following action 
 was taken : " The Synod having maturely considered the situ- 
 ation of affairs in the Presbytery of Donegal, agree to erect the 
 members of the Presbytery that live on the western side of the 
 river Susquehanna, together with the Rev. Andrew Bay, then 
 pastor of the church of Deer Creek, into a new Presbytery by 
 the name of the Presbytery of Carlisle ; and appoint that their 
 first meeting be held at Philadelphia the 23d day of May, 1765, 
 and the remaining members are hereby annexed to the Pres- 
 bytery of New Castle, "f To the body thus formed from mem- 
 bers of the late Presbyteries of New Castle and Donegal, was 
 given the name of the Presbytery of Lancaster.:}: 
 
 By this action of Synod the Presbytery of Donegal ceased to 
 exist ; but only for a time. After entering in its records the 
 proceedings of its last meeting (held in Philadelphia during 
 the sessions of Synod, Maj^ 18, 1765), the clerk. Rev. George 
 Duffield, who, very likely, was not a heart-broken mourner, 
 appended the following '• obituarj- :'" " Here endeth the Book 
 of the Records of Donegal Presbytery — the venerable, aged 
 
 • Records of Pres. Ch. p. 347. 
 t Ih. p. 348. 
 X lb. p. 350. 
 
Presbytery of Donegal — Disbanded. 87 
 
 matron having expired in an apoplectic fit before the next ap- 
 pointed time of the meeting of her sons." (Records of 1765, 
 p. 153.) 
 
 It proved, however, not to have been an apoplectic fit result- 
 ing in death, but a clear case of catalepsy, from which the 
 '' venerable matron " awoke to full consciousness and vigorous 
 life a year later. 
 
 This new arrangement did not give satisfaction to many of 
 those interested. The very day after its adoption by Synod, 
 " Rev. Messrs. Tate, Elder, Steel, Samson Smith, McMordie 
 and Beard brought in a paper signifying that it was difficult to 
 acquiesce in the regulations of yesterday, respecting the altera- 
 tion made in the Presbytery of Donegal, because they ap])re- 
 hend that no relief of their grievances is thereby afforded ;'' 
 % ^ ik u ^]^^^ their rights were infringed," and that a Pres- 
 bytery, '• respectable, and of long standing, was thereby abol- 
 ished.'"* 
 
 Nor did the arrangement give entire satisfaction to those 
 who composed the new Presbytery of Carlisle. This was 
 shown especially by a number of members absenting them- 
 selves from the meetings. Revs. John Steel and Samuel 
 Thomson never attended. They did not wish to be associated 
 with the New Side element of the Presbytery. Their hearts 
 were with the Old Side men east of the river, who had been 
 put into the Presbytery of Lancaster. Thus there was very 
 marked dissatisfaction in both these new Presbyteries. 
 
 The following year (1766) the Rev. Messrs. Tate and Beard 
 made a motion for a review of the previous year's minutes re- 
 specting the new-modeling of the late New Castle and Donegal 
 Presbyteries. 
 
 Under the consideration of this general motion it was first 
 moved to reverse the action of last year, '' with this limitation — 
 that the Carlisle Presbytery should be continued in their pres- 
 ent state." Lost. It was then moved that Donegal Presbv- 
 tery, as it existed before last Synod (those members excepted 
 who were set off to Carlisle Presbytery), be erected into a 
 Presbytery under the name of Donegal. Lost Another ex- 
 
 • Records Pres. Ch. p. 349. 
 
88 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 pedient proposed was to unite the brethren east of the Susque- 
 hanna to the Second Presbytery of Philadelphia, which also 
 was defeated by a large niajorit}^ 
 
 So great was the dissatisfaction of Messrs. Tate and Beard 
 with these proceedings, that they handed in to Synod a paper, 
 ill which they say : " We find ourselves obliged to declare to 
 this Beverend Synod that we cannot submit to them ; that we 
 hereby decline all authority and jurisdiction of this body, and 
 that no judgment or determination thereof shall bind us, or 
 affect our persons or ministry, until these differences of senti- 
 ment be removed b}' better light, and satisfactory means be 
 found to reconcile and unite us with this reverend body 
 again. ""^^ 
 
 The day following this one of stormy debates and unsatis- 
 factory votes, the Eev. Richard Treat brought in an overture, 
 "As a good expedient for the peace of this bodj^ and the satis- 
 faction of the brethren complaining, viz : That the late Presby- 
 tery of Donegal be restored to their former state, as before the 
 last Synod, with the members settled within their bounds since 
 that time." 
 
 The Synod agreed to this overture, and accordingly revived 
 and restored the Presbytery of Donegal, and appointed that 
 their first meeting be held in Carlisle on the fourth Tuesday of 
 June, 1766. t 
 
 Thus terminated the career of the first Presbytery of Car- 
 lisle. It was short, but full of earnest work for the Master. 
 During the one year of its existence there were organized, by 
 committees of its appointment, the churches of Upper and 
 Lower Path Valley, Tom's Creek, Piney Creek and, most likely 
 Centre, Upper and Dick's Gap, in Perry county. 
 
 It appointed a committee to determine the location of 
 churches in Perry county. It introduced two rules which 
 have a place among the " standing rules " of our Presbytery 
 to-day, viz : The one requiring annual reports from congrega- 
 tions as to payment of pastors' salaries ; and the other requir- 
 ing pastors and stated supplies to report annually as to fidelity 
 
 • Records Pres. Ch. pp. 356-358. 
 t Tb. p. 359, 
 
Presbytery of iJont'jal — Restored. 
 
 89 
 
 in pastoral visiting, catechising, etc., out of which grew our 
 '' Narrative of the State of Keligiou." It placed in the hands 
 of Mr. Cooper a call from Middle Spring, and on the 21st of 
 November, 1765, ordained and installed liim pastor of tliat 
 
 CENTRE CHURCH, BUILT IN IS".* I. 
 
 church. It also ordained and installed Mr. Slemons pastor 
 of Lower Marsh Creek church. 
 
 Her career, though brief, proved her worthy her honorable 
 parentage, and not unworth}^ the obituary which graces the 
 last page of her records : " Here endeth the book of the 
 records of Carlisle Presbytery, which was born the 22d of May, 
 1765 ; arrived to the vigorous exercise of rational powers the 
 day following ; continued in perfect health, leading a quiet, 
 peaceful, inoffensive and 3^et active life, until May 28th, 1766 ; 
 at which time a design was formed against her, and the next 
 day put into execution, when she peaceably expired, without 
 complaint or groan. Of her may be said, she was born without 
 original sin, lived without allowed actual transgression, and 
 died without Presbyterial guilt."' This and the previous obit- 
 
90 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 uary were, of course, extra Presbyterial ! Hence, on after- 
 thouglit, they were erased or blurred by their author. But, by 
 the painstaking of Kev. R. McCachran, they were deciphered 
 and restored sixty-five or seventy years after, during the time 
 he was stated clerk of Presbytery. 
 
Presbytery of Don $ga I — Restored. 9 1 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 Presbytery of Donegal. * 
 
 From its Restoration in 1766 to its Division into the Presbyteries 
 of Carlisle and Baltimore in 1786. — fhe Revolutionary War. — 
 Great extent of Territory covered by Presbytery. — Self-deny- 
 ing Labors. 
 
 NE might, have supposed the action of Sjnocl 
 (1766), restoring the Presbytery of Donegal, 
 would have brought about peace and harmony 
 among the members of that distracted body. But 
 such was not the case. The last clause in their restoring 
 act was fatal to any such result. The act reads : " That the 
 late Presbytery of Donegal be restored to their former state as 
 before the last Synod.'' If it had stopped here, all might have 
 been well But to this were added the words, " with the mem- 
 bers settled within their bounds since that time." This last 
 clause was the rock of offense. For in the time specified, the 
 New Side element had gained Revs. Robert Cooper, of Middle 
 Spring, and John Slemons, of Lower Marsh Creek. Hence 
 the men who had ovcrtured Synod, in 1765, for the division 
 of the Presbytery, or the return of the members who had lately 
 been added^ to the j^lace whence they came^ wholly absented them- 
 selves from all the meetings of the reorganized Presbytery of 
 Donegal ; and proceeded to erect themselves into an independ- 
 ent Presbyter}^, taking the name of Donegal. 
 
 The restored Presbytery of Donegal informed Synod, at its 
 meeting, 1767, that the dissatisfied brethren, viz : Messrs. 
 Steel, Tate, Thomson, Samson Smith, McMordie, Elder and 
 Beard, refused to meet with them, though duly notified : and 
 that they have been informed that said dissatisfied brethren 
 have proceeded to form themselves into a separate body, and 
 have acted in a Presbylerial capacit}^ ever since. ''"^ For in- 
 stance, they ordained James Lang and installed him pastor of 
 
 * Records of Pros. Ch. p. 366. 
 
92 Preshyttry of Cartisle — Centennial. 
 
 East ConecocheagTie and Falling Springs churches. In 1769 Mr. 
 Lang, at his own request, was received and enrolled as a mem- 
 ber of Donegal Presbytery, in a(?cordance with the terms granted 
 by Synod.* 
 
 At the same time, " a letter was brought into the Synod^ 
 directed to the moderator, signed by the Rev. Messrs. John 
 Elder and John Steel, as moderator and clerk of a Presbytery, 
 which they call the Presbytery of Donegal, representing that 
 they had been forced by sundry petitions, to apply to Synod 
 to be erected into two Presbyteries, which petitions not having 
 had desired success, they were laid under the disagreeable 
 necessity of entering a declinature from the jurisdiction of the 
 Svnod.'' After a secoixl reading. Synod decided that these 
 brethren, having adopted the declinature, entered last year by 
 Messrs. Tate and Beard, must not now be considered members 
 of this body."t 
 
 When the Presbytery of Donegal met the 27th of June fol- 
 lowing, it caused the following record to be made in its min- 
 utes : " The Rev. Messrs. Elder, Steel, Thomson, Tate, 
 McMordie, Samson Smith and Beard have been, by the Synod, 
 declared to be no members of the body, and consequently are 
 no longer members of this body." Thus they were cut off 
 from both Synod and Presbytery. 
 
 In 1768, the matter was before Synod again. And after 
 manv propositions and much discussion, " for the sake of peace 
 thev authorized the Presbytery of Donegal to receive Messrs. 
 Thomson and Lang ; New Castle Presbytery to receive Messrs. 
 Beard and S. Smith, and the Second Presbytery of Philadel- 
 phia to receive Messrs. Steel, Elder, Tate and McMordie, pro- 
 vided they apply for admission the first convenient oppor- 
 tunity.'' 
 
 Against this action protests were entered by various mem- 
 bers. But they did not prevent the measures recommended 
 going into effect. 
 
 Thus was terminated this unhappy conflict in the Presby- 
 tery of Donegal. It was protracted, having commenced several 
 
 ♦Records of Presbj'i^ry, p. 2fl9. 
 
 t lit. pp. 384-386. Webster His. Pres. Ch. pp. 277-278. 
 
Presbytery of Doneqal, 1766-1786. 
 
 years before the division in 1741, and having continued fully 
 ten years after the^-eunion in 1758. In the case of some con- 
 gregations the division was not healed even then, but contin- 
 ued many years longer — even to the close of the century, as 
 in the case of East Conecocheague. The conflict was at times 
 bitter and even fierce. There can be no doubt personal feel- 
 ings and prejudices entered at times into it. But the intensitv 
 of feeling and purpose, and the persistency with which it was 
 carried on, are to be attributed mainly to honesty of convic- 
 tion and characteristic Scotch-Irish obstinacy. It furnishes a 
 striking illustration of how far even good men may go in the 
 midst of heated controversy. 
 
 And yet we have in the case of some of the prominent 
 actors in this controversy, a striking illustration of the pro- 
 found respect and christian confidence which lay unseen behind 
 it all. Upon the tombstone of Rev. John Roan, whose re- 
 mains lie in the hallowed ground at old Derry church, is this 
 inscription, said to have been written by his bitterest antago- 
 nist, Rev. John Elder ; 
 
 " Beneath this stone 
 
 Are deposited the remains 
 Of an able and faithful, 
 
 Courageous and successful 
 
 Minister of Jesus Christ." 
 
 After this adjustment of Presbyteries by Synod, Donegal 
 was composed of the following ministers : 
 
 John Roan, Derry, Paxton (New Side), and Mount Joy. 
 
 George Duffield, Carlisle and Big Spring. 
 
 Robert Cooper, Middle Spring. 
 
 John Slemons, Lower Marsh Creek. 
 
 James Lang, East Conococheague and Falling Spring. 
 
 Samuel Thomson, Great Conewago. 
 
 John Hoge, Opekon, Tuscarora and Cedar Creek, Va. 
 
 James Hunt, West Nottingham and Little Britain."*^ 
 
 John Strain, Slate Ridge. 
 
 Amos Thompson, W. C. 
 
 * Messrs. Hunt and Strain were set over to the Presbytery of Donog-al, from the 
 Presbytery of New Castle by Synod in ITf^, and they and their churches were en- 
 rolled by Presbytery June 29th of the same year. 
 
 Records of Pres. Ch. p. 332. 
 
 Records Presbytery of Donegal, vol. 3, p. 83. 
 
94 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 Period of the Revolutionary War. 
 
 The quiet and harmony in the church 'consequent on the 
 adjustment made by Synod in 1766, were not much more than 
 fairly felt, when communities, and indeed the whole country 
 began to be agitated by those questions which preceded and 
 led to the Revolutionary struggle. There existed but little 
 love in the bosom of the Scotch -Irish Presbyterians of 
 this region for Great Britain. The wrongs suffered by their 
 fathers — nay, in many an instance by themselves — were of too 
 recent date and too aggravated a character, not to be re- 
 membered. 
 
 Mention of the prominent part taken in the military and 
 political movements of that day by the sons of Donegal Pres- 
 bytery has been allotted to another on this occasion. We may 
 here allude, however, to the part taken by some of her min- 
 isters in the struggle. Her two old military members — Revs. 
 John Steel and John Elder, — now belonging to the Second 
 Presbytery of Philadelphia, though still laboring in their old 
 charges at Carlisle and Paxton, were quickly at the head of 
 their companies and in the field. They still retained the 
 ardor and fortitude which gained for them a high reputation 
 during the Indian wars, though no longer possessing the 
 physical vigor of those days. After the Declaration of Inde- 
 pendence was signed " the company in the lead to leave Car- 
 lisle, in July, 1776, was that in command of the Rev. Capt. 
 John Steel, the pastor of the congregation worshiping in or near 
 Carlisle."'* The Rev. John King, pastor of Upper West Cone- 
 cocheague (Mercersburg) ; Rev. John Craighead, of Rocky 
 Spring, Rev. Robert Cooper, of Middle Spring, and the Rev. 
 George Duifield, of Carlisle, all wielded a powerful influence 
 in sending men into the field and went with them as their 
 chaplains. Mr. Craighead was also captain of a company made 
 up from his congregation. It is said that at times there were 
 but few (perhaps not more than three or four) of the pastors 
 left at home.f In addition to the above, the Rev. Robert 
 McMordie should be mentioned. At the time of the breaking 
 
 * Chambers' Tribute, p. 103. 
 
 t Chambers' Tribute and Dr. Wing's Historical Discourse, 1876. 
 
Presbytery of Dontijal, 1766-1786. 95 
 
 out of the war he was without a pastoral charge aud was resid- 
 ing near Gettysburg. Upon the recommendation of General 
 St. Clair he was appointed chaplain to the First Pennsylvania 
 Brigade. So highly were his services in this capacity appre- 
 ciated that he received, besides other awards, four hundred 
 acres of land in Jefferson county. In like manner the Rev. 
 Amos Thompscm, stated supply of the congregations of Gum 
 Spring and Kittochton, in Linidon county, Virginia, was in 
 the Continental service as chaplain. 
 
 The effects of war upon the church and religion may, as a 
 rule, be regarded as disastrous. In the case of the Presbytery 
 of Donegal, time of the Revolution, there was not an entire 
 exception to the rule. Yet we think the picture sometimes 
 presented of the prevailing state of religion and morality dur- 
 ing that period is quite overdrawn. For evidence of this we 
 turn to the Presbyterial Records. They show that amid all 
 the excitement and distraction attendant on the war and the 
 adjustment of political affairs after the war in connection with 
 the framing of the Constitution and the establishment of the 
 government, there was really but little, if any, abatement of in- 
 terest in religion ; and that there was no paralyzing of the activi- 
 ties of the church. In the '* deep darkness'' of that hour God's 
 people were brought near to Him and led to confide in Him. 
 In certain localities there may have been — no doubt were, as has 
 been said — " the prevalence of religious indifference, and svm- 
 pathy with French infidelity and general licentiousnesss." But 
 it seems to us this cannot be regarded as a fair representation 
 of the state of the case generally, throughout this Presbyterv. 
 An examination of the records impresses us to the contrary — 
 nay, convinces us that the war of the Revolution was not half 
 so disastrous to the church as the war which had raged within 
 her own bosom before the Old and New Side rupture, and the 
 strife which for years followed. The fall of 1740, just before 
 the rupture, found the Presbytery with ten members. After a 
 lapse of twenty-eight or twenty-nine years of splendid oppor- 
 tunity, with the whole region absolutely under its control and 
 nothing to prevent its going in and occupying it, we find the 
 Presbytery, in 1768, with only eight members. Add to these 
 
96 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 the Revs. John Elder, John Steel and Robert McMordie (in 
 our bounds, though members of the Presbytery of Philadel- 
 phia) and we have a total of eleven, an increase of one mem- 
 ber. And, what was worse, we see churches everywhere, dis- 
 tracted, discordant, rent. Now, scan the eighteen years which 
 follow — the years covering the period of the Revolutionary 
 and military and political excitement and contest, and they 
 will be found to stand out in wonderful contrast. At the ex- 
 piration of this period, one-third shorter than the preceding- 
 one, the Presbytery (in the spring of 1786) consisted of twenty- 
 live members. To these must be added Mr. McMordie and 
 Mr. Elder, still sustaining the same presbyterial relations as 
 above. Thus we have twenty-seven, an increase of sixteen. 
 This was just before the formation of the Presb\ tery of Carlisle. 
 In these eighteen years Presbytery licensed eighteen young 
 men to preach the gospel; ordained seventeen to the full work 
 of the ministry, and installed sixteen pastors. Moreover, 
 " supplications for supplies " poured in at every meeting from 
 near and far ; and, in response to these. Presbytery sent of its 
 members (before the formation of the Presbytery of Redstone 
 in 1781) as far west as Pittsburgh and through all the region 
 now covered by the Presbyteries of Huntingdon and North- 
 umberland ; and south into Maryland and Virginia, even to 
 the very " back parts of the State," as the records have it. 
 
 The following list of places to which supplies were appointed 
 at a single meeting (April, 1775,) will afford some idea of the 
 extent of territory over which the care and labors of the Pres- 
 bytery extended during the period of which we write. In the 
 State of Pennsylvania : Hanover, Conewago, Tom's Creek, 
 Shrewsbury, Kishacoquillas, Holliday's Mill, Shirley, Big 
 Spring, Carlisle, Upper Sherman's Yalley, Upper Tuscarora, 
 Centre, Northumberland Town, Muncy, Buffalo Valley, 
 Chanceford, Slate Ridge, Ligonier, Forks of Youghiagheny, 
 Proctor s Tent, Lower Marsh Creek, Round Hill, Fort Little- 
 ton, Monaghan, Path Valley, Limestone Ridge, L^pper Paxton, 
 Penn's Valley, Bald Eagle, Warrior Run, Mahoning (Dan- 
 ville), Donegal, Jacob's Swamp, Laurel Hill, Squirrel Hill, 
 Pittsburgh, Sewickley. Lower Tuscarora, Dick's Grap, Conne- 
 
Presbytery of DonojaL 1766-1786. 97 
 
 raaii«,di, Long Run, James McKibben's, Bedford, Frankstown, 
 Elai-t's Log, Shirtee ; and in the State of Virginia : Cedar 
 Creek, Elk Branch, Falling Waters, Augusta and the Mouth 
 of Cheat. 
 
 The men to wlioni the appointinents \v(!re given were, Rev. 
 Messrs. Samuel Thomson, Amos Thompson, Cooper, Lang, 
 Craighead, King, Vance, McPherrin, Linn, McKnight, McCon- 
 nell, Slemons, Balch, McFarquhar — fourteen in all, or less than 
 one-third the present membership of the Presbytery of Car- 
 lisle. These appointments covered a period of six months. 
 In all there were one hundred and thirty-nine of them, i. e. 
 they were for one hundred and thirty-nine Sabbaths at the 
 different places. To Mr. Linn, who was a young man and a 
 licentiate were given twenty-six. Mr. McFarquhar was ap- 
 pointed to supply the principal part of his time at Bedford, 
 Frankstown and Hart's Log. Deducting these, there remained 
 one hundred and ten appointments to be filled by the other 
 twelve ministers — an average of a little over nine for each. 
 Some of the places were hundreds of miles distant. The 
 journeys had to be performed on horseback. Mountains had 
 to be crossed by Indian trails or traders' paths, and rivers had 
 to be forded. 
 
 Considering the period covered by this part of our history, 
 we regard this as a truly wonderful record. It speaks of vital- 
 ity, of consecration, of zeal, of labor that may well challenge 
 our highest admiration, and lead us to ask, in these days of 
 easy, quiet transit by railroad, and of ceiled mansions and of 
 warm rooms and luxurious beds in which to find shelter and 
 rest, what all this meant to the men of that day — what of ex- 
 posure, what of toil and weariness, what of self-denial, of pri- 
 vation, of hardship! ! 
 
 The work which lay at the door of Presbytery was so great 
 and the calls were so urgent that it courted and welcomed as- 
 sistance from other Presbyteries. Thus, for instance, at the 
 meeting held at Upper West Conococheague church near 
 Mercersburg in June, two months after the meeting at which 
 the foregoing appointments were made, " Mr. Cooper reported 
 7 
 
98 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 the presence of Messrs. Pbitbean,* Hunter and Keith, licensed 
 candidates under the care of the First Presbytery of Philadel- 
 phia, appointed by Synod to supply three months in the 
 bounds of this Presbytery before the next meeting of Synod." 
 Accordingly appointments were given them — Mr. Hunter's to 
 the south, mostly in Virginia, Mr. Keith's west, at different 
 pomts from Fort Littleton, in Fulton county, to Pittsburgh. 
 For Mr. Phithean's the reader is referred to Mr, Linn's paper 
 in this volume. 
 
 • We here spell the name as in the Records. The correct spelling is Fithian. 
 
Presbytery of Carlisle, 1786-1795. 99 
 
 PART II. 
 
 PRESBYTERY OF CARLISLE. 
 
 CHAPTER L 
 
 From Its Erection in 1786 to the Erection of tlie Presbytery of 
 Huntingdon from part of iU Territory in 1795. 
 
 T the meeting of the Synod of New York and Phila- 
 delphia in 1785, ''An overture was brought in that, 
 for the better management of the churches under 
 our care, this Synod be divided into three Synods, 
 and that a general Synod, or Assembly, be constituted out of 
 the whole." Synod agreed to enter on the consideration of 
 this overture on the first Friday after their next meeting."^ 
 
 Accordingly, the subject was taken up at the appointed time 
 the next year (1786), when it was decided by Synod that it 
 was proper, " previous to the division of the Synod, to divide 
 some of the Presbyteries, which are now too extensive in their 
 limits, and to new-moddle some others, so as to render them 
 more convenient than they are at present." 
 
 In accordance with this decision, the Presbytery of Donegal 
 was divided into two Presbyteries, one of which was made to 
 consist of Revs. John Slemons, James Hunt, Stephen Balch 
 and Isaac Keith : with Rev. Dr. Patrick Allison, from the late 
 Second Presbyteiy of Philadelphia, and the Rev. Greorge 
 Luckey, from the Presbytery of New Castle, to be known by 
 the name of the Presbytery of Baltimore. '^ * * And the 
 other to consist of Revs. Samuel Thomson, John Hoge, Hugh 
 Magill, Robert Cooper, James Martin, James Lang, John 
 Craighead, John King. Hugh Yance, Thomas McFerrin, John 
 
 • Records Pres. Ch. p. 513, 
 
100 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 McKnightj Dr. Robert Davidson, John Black, Samuel Dougal, 
 John Linn, David Beard, Samuel Waugh, Joseph Henderson, 
 Matthew Stephens and James Johnston ; with the Revs. John 
 Elder and Robert McMordie, from tne late Second Presbytery 
 of Philadelphia, to be known by the name of the Presbytery 
 of Carlisle, and to hold their first meeting agreeably to the 
 adjournment of the late Presbytery of Donegal."^ 
 
 The change thus brought about was not great. Four members 
 of the Presbytery of Donegal with their charges were assigned 
 to the new Presbytery of Baltimore, viz : Stephen B. Balch 
 pastor of Georgetown church, John Slemons of Slate Ridge 
 and Chanceford, James Hunt, then at Bladensburg, and Isaac 
 S. Keith, of Alexandria, Ya. The Rev. Colin McFarquhar 
 and the churcli of Donegal were annexed to the Presbytery of 
 New Castle. And the Revs. John Elder, pastor of Paxton and 
 Derry, and Robert McMordie, without a charge, had a place 
 given them again among their old brethren by being trans- 
 ferred from the Second Presbytery of Philadelphia (which now 
 became extinct) to the Presbytery of Carlisle. 
 
 The following is the roll of churches under its care, as re- 
 ported to Svnod in 1788 and published in the minutes of the 
 first General Assembly (m 1789). 
 
 Charges with Pastors. 
 
 3 Paxton, Sherman's Valley, (Upper, Centre 
 ) Derry and Limestone Ridge.j 
 
 Tuscarora, \ East Pennsborough, 
 
 Cedar Spring. \ Monaghan. 
 
 Piney Creek, Md. Bedford. 
 
 Middle Spring. Great Conewago. 
 
 Falling Spring, Derry, / ^^ ^^^ ^^^^^^^ 
 
 East Conococneague. Wayne, \ 
 
 Rocky Spring. Kishacoquillas. 
 
 Upper West Conococheague. \ Hart's Log. 
 
 Tuscarora, / y / Shaver's Creek. 
 
 Cedar Creek, ( ^' Big Spring. 
 
 \ Lower East Conococheague, Hanover. 
 
 ) Lower West Conococheague. C Sunbury, 
 
 Carlisle. \ Northumberland Town, 
 
 Upper Marsh Creek. ( Buffalo Valley. 
 
 Path Valley, (Upper and Lower. J 
 
 Lower Marsh Creek, 
 
 Tom's Creek, Md. 
 
 Records Pres. Ch. pp. 522, 533. 
 
Preshytery of Carlisle, 1 786-1 79o 
 
 101 
 
 Vacajstt. 
 
 Yorktown, (York.) 
 
 Hagerstown, Md. 
 
 Shepardstown, Va. 
 
 Charlcstown, Va. 
 
 Fallinfi: Waters, Va. 
 
 Cool Spring, Va. 
 
 Romney, Va. 
 
 Patterson's Creek, Va. 
 
 Great Cove. 
 
 Great Aughwich. 
 
 Standing Stone, (Huntingdon.) 
 
 Frankstown, (Hollidaysburg.) 
 
 Penn's Valley. 
 
 Chillisquaque. 
 
 Warrior's liun. 
 
 Miinsey. 
 
 Lycoming. 
 
 Mahoning. 
 
 Fishing Creek. 
 
 Dick's Gap. 
 
 Sherman's Creek. 
 
 Upper Paxton — 69. 
 
 The majority of these churches Lij without the present 
 bounds of the Presbytery of Carlisle, viz : eight in Virginia, 
 three in Maryland and twenty-two in Pennsylvania — all but 
 one in the present Presbyteries of Huntingdon and >^'orthum- 
 berland. 
 
 By the foregoing it will be seen that the new Presbytery of 
 Carlisle was substantially the old Presbytery of Donegal. 
 
 LOWER MARSH CREEK CHURCH, BUILT IN 1790. 
 
102 Presbytery of Carlisle — Gejitennial 
 
 It held its first meeting at Lower Marsh Creek church on 
 Tuesday, October 17, 1786. This meeting took place four 
 years before the present Tjower Marsli Creek church was 
 erected, and was held in the log •' meeting house," of which 
 mention has elsewhere been made. It stood on the bank of 
 Lower Marsh Creek, two miles to the northeast of the present 
 church. The Rev. D. D. Clark, D. D., for thirteen years pas- 
 tor of the congregation, speaks of this " first house of worship " 
 as having been " rude throughout, benches being used instead 
 of pews." 
 
 We give below an extract from the recorded minutes of the 
 first meeting. They are to be found in the same book with the 
 Records of Donegal Presbyter}^, and upon the next page, fol- 
 lowing those of the April meeting of that body : " On Tuesday 
 the 17th day of October, 1786, the Presbytery of Carlisle met, 
 agreeably to the adjournment of the late Presbytery of Done- 
 gal, at the church in Lower Marsh Creek, U. P. P. S.^' The 
 Revs. John Hoge, Robert McMordie, Robert Cooper, James 
 Lang, John Craighead, Hugh Yance, Dr. Robert Davidson, 
 John Black. John McKnight. Samuel Waugh, John Linn and 
 Joseph Henderson, — with Elders William McCrea, Robert 
 Snodgrass, Robert McPherson, John Robinson and John Nisbet. 
 
 Absent — The Revs. Samuel Thomson, John Elder, Hugh 
 Magill, James Martin, John King, Thomas McPherrin, Sam- 
 uel Dougal, Matthew Stephens, David Bard (or Beard) and 
 James Johnston. Mr. Craighead opened the Presbyteiy by a 
 sermon on 2 Cor. 5:20, ' Now then we are ambassadors for 
 Christ' " The text afforded a fitting theme on which to ad- 
 dress the members of the new Presbytery. 
 
 Then follows a record of the action of Synod, as given above, 
 by which the Presbytery of Carlisle was formed, to which is 
 added : "And whereas, they appointed that the Presbytery of 
 Carlisle should meet agreeably to the adjournment of the late 
 Presbytery of Donegal : therefore, according to this division 
 and arrangement, this Presbytery have now met, and do now 
 sit under the style and title of the Presbytery of Carlisle. 
 
 " Mr. Cooper is continued moderator, and Mr. Bard, form- 
 
 ♦U.P.P.S.— Ubi post^reces sederunt, where after prayer they sat or were in session. 
 
Presbytery of Carlisle, 1786-1795. 108 
 
 erly chosen clerk for the present year, being absent, Mr. Black 
 is chosen clerk joro tempore^ 
 
 It was substantially the old Presbytery. It continued its 
 officers to the close of the year and took up its work just as 
 though no change had taken place, carried out engagements 
 made by it, heard and acted upon reports of committees ap- 
 pointed by it, and in every way showed its identity in all 
 respects, except in name, and having lost that portion of its 
 territory in the region of Baltimore and the District of Col- 
 umbia. 
 
 During the nine years which intervened between the forma- 
 tion of the Presbytery in 1786, and the striking off of the Pres- 
 bytery of Huntingdon, in 1795, there appear to have been 
 but two churches organized in the bounds of the present Pres- 
 bytery of Carlisle, viz : Grreat Cove (now McConnellsburg) and 
 Harrisburg (Market Square). Very much of the aggressive 
 work of Presbytery lay beyond its present bounds ; to some 
 extent in Maryland and Virginia, but mainly in what are now 
 the Presbyteries of Huntingdon and Northumberland. Besides 
 settling pastors over a number of churches, it, from time to 
 time, sent supplies to not less, than twenty-five churches and 
 preaching points in what are now their bounds. These sup- 
 plies preached to the people on Sabbath, visited them in their 
 homes and catechised their children. In this the Presbytery 
 showed an earnest and aggressive spirit. The labor was well 
 bestowed. It was appreciated by the families living along the 
 Juniata and Susquehanna, and by settlers in the beautiful and 
 fertile valleys that run out to these streams, who were thus 
 served with preaching and gathered into congregations. It 
 brought forth visible fruit at the time. But, the fuller and 
 richer fruitage is to be seen in the character and strength of 
 Presbyterianism in those noble Presbyteries in after years and 
 at the present time. It could not fail to be of interest to trace 
 the work begun (in some instances by the Presbytery of Done- 
 gal) and carried forward in that region until it passed from 
 under our care. But, with this general allusion, we must be 
 content, leaving the history in detail to those Presbyteries. 
 In another part of this work will be found interesting sketches 
 
104 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 of early work done in the bounds of these Presbyteries, fur- 
 nished by Hon. John B. Linn. 
 
 And, not content with doing the work which lay near at 
 hand, the records show that as early as 1790, Presbytery ordered 
 that " collections betaken up immediately in the congregations 
 under their care, for the purpose of defraying the expense of 
 missionaries into the frontier settlements." Thus did they 
 show that for that day they possessed no small measure of the 
 spirit which Christ inculcated when he commands : " Go ye," 
 etc. To them, this broad land, into which the pioneer was 
 pushing in every direction, was, so to speak, the world. The 
 work of Protestant foreign missions, except in the case of the 
 Moravian Church, can scarcely be said, as yet, to have had an 
 existence. The London Missionary Society was not formed 
 till the last year of the period now under consideration (1795.) 
 All the mission work of a foreign character they knew any- 
 thing about, was that undertaken and so successfully performed 
 by their devoted countrymen, Elliott and Brainard, among the 
 aborgines of this country. 
 
 During all these years of her early history in this country — 
 years of contending with hardships and privations in opening 
 up a new country for settlement ; years of internal discord, 
 years of peril and conflict with the Indians, and years of bat- 
 tling with the mother country for a name and a place amongst 
 the nations of the earth — during all these years the Presbyterian 
 Church was the friend and advocate and promoter of education. 
 
 As a rule, the school house was to be found hard by the 
 church ; and ofttimes parson and teacher were combined in the 
 same person. The interest felt on this subject in our bounds 
 was evinced by founding, in due time, Dickinson College, at 
 Carlisle, and academies of a high grade at prominent points ; 
 such as Hagerstown, Chambersburg, Gettysburg and Shippens- 
 burg. So deeply did Presbytery feel interested in these schools 
 that it appointed committees to visit them and to be present 
 at and participate in the examination of students. 
 
Presbytery of C'ar/w/^— 1795-1888. 105 
 
 CHAPTER 11. 
 
 Presbytery of Carlisle. 1795-1838. 
 
 Presbytery Divided by the JEreciioa of the Presbytery of Hunting- 
 don. — Ministers and Churches Remaining in the Presbytery. — 
 Prayer Meetings recommended. — Ch urc/ies Organized — FntereM 
 in Benevolent Work of the Church. — Brief SketcJtes of Ministers 
 of that Period. — Other Denominations Active in the same Terri- 
 tory. — Revival Season. — Trial of Rev. Oecrge Duffield. 
 
 OT more than six years had elapsed from the forma- 
 tion of the Presbytery of Carlisle when the ques- 
 tion of dividing it began to be agitated. The Synod 
 of Philadelphia in the fall of 1792, " recommended 
 the Presbyteiy to look into and consider the subject of a di- 
 vision of the Presbytery into two or more, and expressed the 
 opinion that a division would be very proper and advantage- 
 ous to the interests of Christ's kingdom." 
 
 In compliance with the foregoing recommendation of Synod, 
 Presbytery — in session at York, August 29, 1793, — considered 
 the matter and " suggested that it be divided into four Presby- 
 teries, in the following manner, viz : " 1. That the members 
 settled in York county (then including Adams), viz : Mr. 
 Black, Mr. Henderson, Mr. Paxton, Mr. McMordie and Mr. 
 Jones be made a Presbytery, comprehending all that part of 
 the present bounds of the Presbytery of Carlisle south of the 
 South Mountain. 
 
 " 2. That the members settled in Franklin county, viz : Mr. 
 Lang, Mr. Craighead, Mr. King, Mr. McPherriu, together with 
 Dr. Cooper, be constituted a Presbytery, to be called the Pres- 
 bytery of Franklin, comprehending the bounds of said county, 
 the county of Bedford (then including Fulton), Great and Little 
 Aughwick in Huntingdon county, and Martinsburg and Tus- 
 carora in Virginia. 
 
106 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial 
 
 " 3. That the members to the east of Shippensburg, viz : 
 Dr. Nisbet, Dr. Davidson, Mr. Linn, Mr. Waugh, Mr. Snod- 
 grass and Mr. Wilson, be made a Presbytery, to be called the 
 Presbytery of Carlisle, comprehending the bounds defined by 
 the course of the Tuscarora mountains from the head of Path 
 Valley to the Juniata river, and by the Juniata to its mouth ; 
 the North mountain on the north, the line of New Castle Pres- 
 bytery on the east and York county on the south. 
 
 " 4. That the members situated in Huntingdon, Mifflin (in- 
 cluding Juniata) and Northumberland counties, viz : Mr. 
 Hoge, Mr. Magill, Mr. Martin, Mr. Bard, Mr. Stephens, Mr. 
 James Johnston, Mr. John Johnston, Mr. Morrison and Mr. 
 Brj^son, be made a Presbytery to be called the Presbytery of 
 Huntingdon, comprehending the bounds of said counties, ex- 
 cept as before defined to be in the bounds of the above men- 
 tioned Presbyteries,""^ 
 
 This action of Presbytery came before Synod at its meeting 
 the fall of the same year. Synod referred the subject to the 
 General Assembly of 1794 ; which body took action, dividing 
 the Presbytery not into four, but into two Presbyteries. The 
 record of the proceedings of the General Assembly relating to 
 it is as follows : "An overture was laid before the Assembly 
 through the Synod of Philadelphia, requesting a division of 
 the Presbytery of Carlisle, whereupon, 
 
 " Resolved, That the said Presbytery (Carlisle) be divided into 
 two Presbyteries by a line along the Juniata river from its mouth 
 the top of Tuscarora mountain, thence along the Tuscarora 
 mountain to the head of Path Valley, thence westwardly to 
 the eastern boundary of the Presbytery of Bedstone, so as to 
 leave the congregation of Bedford to the south ; that the min- 
 isters settled south of said line, viz : Mr. Snodgrass, Mr. Waugh, 
 Mr. liinn, Dr. Nisbet, Dr. Davidson, Mr. Wilson, Dr. Cooper, 
 Mr. Craighead, Dr. King, Mr. Lang, Mr. McPherrin, Mr. Pax- 
 ton, Mr. Black, Mr. Henderson, Mr. McMordie and Mr. Jones, 
 together with all those who have been, or shall be ordained or 
 admitted, within the limits now prescribed for the Presbytery 
 of Carlisle, since the last annual report from that Presbytery, 
 
 ♦Records of Pres. August. 1793, pp. 558, 559. 
 
Presbytery of Carlisle— 1 795-1838. 107 
 
 till the time when the said Presbytery shall be dissolved, sliall 
 be known by the name of the Presbytery of CarlisL', to hold 
 its first meeting at Carlisle on the second Tuesday of April " 
 (1795). Dr. Cooper was appointed to preach a sermon on the 
 occasion, and the next senior member present to supply his 
 place. And also that the ministers settled north of the afore- 
 said line, viz : Mr. Bard, Mr. John Johnston, Mr. Stephens, Mr 
 James Johnston, Mr. Magill, Mr. Martin, Mr. Bryson, Mr. Mor- 
 rison and Mr. Hoge, together with all those who have been, or 
 shall be ordained or received by the Presbytery of Carlisle within 
 the limits prescribed for the Presbytery, till the time when the 
 Presbytery of Carlisle shall be dissolved, shall be known by 
 the name of the Presbytery of Huntingdon, to meet for the 
 fii"st time in Mr. Martin's church, in Penn's Valley, on the 
 second Tuesday of April. Mr. Hoge was appointed to preach 
 a sermon on that occasion, and to preside till a new moderator 
 shall be chosen, and, in case of his absence, the senior member 
 present to supply his place."* 
 
 Owing to the great extent of territory covered, the rapidly-in- 
 creasing population and growing demands for ministerial labor, a 
 division of the Presbytery was felt on all hands to be import- 
 ant. The foregoing, made by the General Assembly, was 
 recognized as a good one. By it the Presbytery of Carlisle lost 
 eight of its ministers and the larger part of its territory. But 
 it was left with a large territory, embracing the present counties 
 of Dauphin, York, Adams, Cumberland, Franklin, Fulton, 
 Bedford and Perry (west of tlie Juniata), in the State of Penn- 
 sylvania, and the counties of Washington and Allegheny and 
 part of Frederick, in the State of Maryland, and even extending 
 into Virginia. 
 
 From the time the Presbytery of Huntingdon was 
 Stricken off to the Old and New School Division, 
 
 17;^7-1838. 
 
 As constituted by the foregoing action of the General Assem- 
 bly, the Presbytery of Carlisle " consisted of twenty ministers, 
 (of whom sixteen only had pastoral charges,) viz : Re\'. Dr. 
 
 • Min. Gen. Assem. 1794. p 89. 
 
108 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial 
 
 Charles Nisbet, president of Dickinson College ; Rev. Dr. Rob- 
 ert Cooper, Middle Spring ; Rev. Robert McMordie, without 
 charge ; Rev. James Lang, East Conococheague ; Rev. John 
 Craighead, Rocky Spring : Rev. Dr. John King, Upper West 
 Conococheague ; Rev. John Black, without charge ; Rev. Dr. 
 Robert Davidson, Carlisle ; Rev. Thomas McPherrin, Lower, 
 East and West Conococheague ; Rev. Daniel Jones, without 
 charge ; Rev. Samuel Waugh, East Pennsborough and Mona- 
 ghaii : Rev. John Linn, Sherman's Vallc}^ (Upper, Centre and 
 Limestone Ridge); Rev. Joseph Henderson, Great Conewago ; 
 Rev. Samuel Wilson, Big Spring ; Rev. James Snodgrass, Han- 
 over ; Rev. Wm. Paxton, Lower Marsh Creek and Tom's Creek ; 
 Rev. Robert Cathcart, York and Hopewell ; Rev. Nathaniel 
 Snowden, Harrisburg, Paxton and Derry ; Rev. John Boyd, 
 Tuscarora and Falling Waters, Va.; Rev. David Denny, Path 
 Valley (Upper and Lower). The following churches were 
 vacant : Upper Marsh Creek (^Gettysburg), Piny Creek, Bed- 
 ford, Great Cove (McConellsburg),Williamsport, Md., and Mouth 
 of Juniata (Dun cannon).'"^ The last two were not at that date 
 regularly organized. 
 
 At the first meeting — held at Carlisle, April 14, 1795 — Pres- 
 bytery resolved to take up the unfinished business of the old 
 Presbytery as far as it related to their new bounds. In this 
 way their work was carried forward without interruption. By 
 the diminution of territory, they were able to bestow more care 
 and labor on their churches and destitute fields. This they did 
 by strictly guarding the doors to them by means of an efficient 
 committee on credentials, by appointing supplies to all vacant 
 churches and by doing evangelistic work in their own neighbor- 
 hoods. They also made appointments for their own members 
 to labor in the border territory between them and the Presby- 
 tery of Huntingdon. The latter was not jealous of this, but, 
 on the contrary, handed over to it the care of the churches in 
 Tuscarora Yalley. 
 
 Preaching the word, family visitiation and careful catechetical 
 instruction were the means mainly relied upon for promoting 
 the church's growth and prosperity. But in addition to these, 
 
 • Min. Gen. Assem. 1795, p. 101, 
 
1795-1888— Pray/ri^ Societies. 109 
 
 another means of grace, which in later days has come to be re- 
 garded as of vital importance, began to be recognized. We refer 
 to the weekly prayer-meeting. Here and there in various 
 congregations were found men and women whose hearts God 
 seemed specially to have touched. They were moved to seek 
 communion with Ilim and with one another. They associated 
 themselves in what were then termed "praying societies." They 
 met for conference and prayer — especially for prayer. And 
 thus, as in the days of Melachi, '' thc}^ that feared the Lord 
 spake often one to another ; and the Lord hearkened and heard 
 it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for them 
 that feared the Lord and thought upon his name." As a result 
 rich blessings descended on these " praying societies," and they 
 became a great power for good. They proved the means of pro- 
 moting deeper pei-sonal piety and leading to more earnest, active 
 christian living. Then, too, were transgressors taught God's 
 ways, and sinners were converted unto Him. Thus it has ever 
 been in the church. 
 
 Presbytery became so impressed with the importance of this 
 movement that in the spring of 1811 it took the following 
 action : " The Presbytery, learning that ' praying societies' have 
 of late been instituted in various places within our bounds ; and 
 with promising appearances of success ; and highly approving 
 such societies, as tending, under the Divine blessing, to promote 
 the interests of vital religion, do recommend to all the congre- 
 gations under their care to institute and encourage such societies 
 as far as their circumstances may render the same practicable.'""^ 
 
 We have not the means of ascertaining accurately the 
 church's growth in membership prior to 1807. From that year 
 onward reports were made to the General Assembly, not of the 
 membership of the several churches, but of the aggregate mem- 
 bership of the churches in the Presbytery. Counting by de- 
 cades, we have, in 1807, 1,852 communicants ; in 1817, 2,143 ; in 
 1827, 3,807, and in 1837 (by counting non-reporting churches 
 as reported in 1886) 4,620. 
 
 From the foregoing it will be seen that at the expiration of 
 thirty years, from 1807, the communicant membership of the 
 
 ♦ Records, 1811, p, 281. 
 
110 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 churches was two-and-a-balf times larger than it was at the be- 
 ginning. But we cannot b}- this alone judge of what had been 
 accomplished and of the church's real progress. The additions 
 to the churches were undoubtedly much larger than the above 
 would indicate. For during the latter half of this period there 
 flowed a constant tide of emigration westward ; and thus the 
 churches were depleted. 
 
 During this time the number of churches was also greatly in- 
 creased. The churches of Liverpool and New Buffalo were 
 received from the Presbytery of Huntingdon. They added 
 nothing to the strength of Presbytery, and in a few years ceased 
 to exist. Three churches were received by the dissolution of 
 the Second Presbytery of Philadelphia, (Associate Reformed 
 before the union of 1822, but holding connection with the Gen- 
 eral Assembly until its dissolution — by its own action — in the 
 winter of 1824-1825). These were Shippensburg, Hagerstown 
 and Greencastle (known as the White Church). These churches 
 formed a real accession to our branch of the Presbyterian family. 
 A brief account of the above churches will be found elsewhere ; 
 as also of the following, which were organized by the Presby- 
 tery • Sherman's Creek, Mouth of Juniata, Middle Ridge, Cum- 
 berland and Williamsport, Md., Petersburg, Fayetteville, Dick- 
 inson, Landisburg, Buffalo, St. Thomas, Roxbury, Newburg, . 
 Loudon, Bloomfield, Second Church Carlisle and Green Hill, 
 Waynesboro'. Within this time Wells' Valley also came to 
 be recognized as an organized church. 
 
 This marked growth m the number of church organizations 
 and in the membership of the churches affords evidence that 
 earnest, aggressive work had been done and that the blessing 
 of the great Head of the church had attended this work. 
 
 During the entire period of which we now write there had 
 been a growing interest in such departments of work as then 
 occupied the mind of the church. At its first meeting (1795), 
 Presbytery issued instructions to the churches to lift collec- 
 tions to defray the expenses of missions, and recommended two 
 of its members — Rev. Messrs. Henderson and McClean — as 
 suitable persons to be appointed by the General Assembly to 
 home missionary work. Thus, from the very start, it put 
 
I79b-1SBS— Home Missions. 1 1 1 
 
 itself in the attitude of co-operation with the General Assembly, 
 alike as to furnishing men and means. As a matter which 
 we are well assured will be of deep interest, in coimection with 
 the centennial of the General Assembly, we here insert the 
 action taken by that body at its first meeting after organization, 
 in 1789, on the subject of Home Missions: " The committee 
 appointed to devise measures to carry the mission to the fron- 
 tiers into execution, made the following report, which was 
 adopted, viz : 
 
 ^'Resolved, That each of the Synods be, and they are hereby, 
 requested to recommend to the General Assembly, at their 
 next meeting, two members, well qualified, to be employed in 
 missions on our frontiers, for the purpose of organizing 
 churches, administering ordinances, ordaining elders, collecting 
 information concerning the religious state of those parts, and 
 proposing the best means of establishing a gospel ministry 
 among the people. And, in order to provide means for de- 
 fraying the necessary expenses of the mission, it is strictly en- 
 joined on the several Presbyteries to have collections made 
 during the present year in the several congregations under our 
 care, and forwarded to Isaac Snowden, Esq., the treasurer of 
 the General Assembly, w^ith all convenient speed."* 
 
 In like manner, the Presbytery manifested very considerable 
 interest in the education of young men for the ministry. It 
 sought out and encouraged suitable young men, and afforded 
 assistance when needed, and contributed, though moderately, 
 to the General Assembly's educational fund. In the bounds 
 of the Presbytery there were facilities of no low order for pro- 
 curing a thorough classical education. There were the acade- 
 mies, of which mention has elsewhere been made ; and there 
 was in Carlisle, belonging to iis, a literary mstitution which was 
 the rival of Nassau Hall, at Princeton. From it went forth 
 some of the most eminent men of their day, both in church 
 and state. Dickinson College was virtuall}^ ours then, and 
 might and should have continued to be ours. "In union 
 there is strength." But there was division, and with it weak- 
 ness, if nothing more, wlien it was permitted to pass out of our 
 
 • Min. Gen. Aasembly, 1789, p. 10. 
 
112 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 bands. Perhaps at no othor period m the liistory of the 
 church could the transfer have been made. Proverbially are 
 Presbyterians " God's silly people."* 
 
 In connection with the subject of education it may be of in- 
 terest to note, that when, in 1811 and 1812, the question of 
 locating the theological seminary of the church was discussed 
 and decided, the claims of one of our prosperous towns were 
 considered as well nigh rivaling those of Princeton. We re- 
 fer to Chambersburg. Dr. Archibald Alexander says : " There 
 was much diversity of opinion respecting the most eligible site 
 for the institution. Between Princeton, IS. J., and Chambers- 
 burg, Pa, the chief competition existed."* The geographical 
 position, the character of the people, the excellence of educa- 
 tional institutions of a lower grade, and the strength and in- 
 fluence of the Presbytery, were all taken into account. There 
 were not felt then, as now, the overshadowing influence and 
 power of churches and Presbyteries in the great cities. In the 
 whole church, Carlisle Presbytery then ranked second as to 
 number of ministers on her roll and third as to number of 
 communicants. And the weight and influence of her ministers 
 did not arise alone from their number, but rather from their 
 eminence for learning and ministerial worth. The meeting of 
 the fourth General Assembly (1792) was held in Carlisle, and 
 a member of the Presbytery of Carlisle — Dr. John King, of 
 Mercersburg, was chosen its moderator. This w^as the first 
 Assembly held outside the city of Philadelphia. 
 
 By the year which closes the period of which we now speak 
 (1837) there remained but two of those whose names were en- 
 rolled at its commencement, forty-two years before, viz : Robert 
 Cathcart and David Denny. Others had either been raised up 
 upon the field, or called from abroad to fill their places, many 
 of whom al^o had passed away by removal to other fields or 
 by death. 
 
 We take pleasure in here introducing the brief pen pictures 
 of some of them so graphically and gracefully drawn by Rev. 
 
 ' Log College, p. 16, Princeton Edition, 1345. 
 
17^0-1638 — SkekJiea of Ministers. 113 
 
 Dr. t'onway P. Wing in a historical address delivered ten 
 years ago.^^ 
 
 " In the earlier portion of tlie period might still be seen the 
 learned and witty Dr. Nisbet, whose premature death was so 
 severe a blow to the institution over which he presided, 
 Dickinson College; and his no less distinguished colleague, 
 Dr. Davidson, whose smoothly flowing soul turned not only 
 the Psalms but even the roughest geographical names into 
 verse, whose ingenious inventions extended to complicated 
 astronomical instruments as well as to children's playthings, 
 whose advocacy of his country's rights and civil order more 
 than once exposed him to popular violence, and whose gentle 
 catholic spirit so calmed the elements of strife that the two 
 congregations of Carlisle, long bitterly hostile, became har- 
 moniously united under him. The institution over which these 
 two men presided was for many years the rival of Nassau Hall 
 in the honorable work of supplying the church and the state 
 with her most distinguished men, and afterwards, under the 
 presidency of Drs. Atwater (1809-15), Mason (1821-24), 
 Neili and Howe went through a varied experience of success 
 and decline, until, in 1832, its activity under Presbyterian in- 
 fluence was suspended. Some of the fathers of the former 
 period still remained for a while to take part in the new era of 
 progress. But gradually, in slow succession, came forward a 
 new^ but equally eminent race of ministers. In Path Valley 
 was David Denny, who, however, in 1800. was transferred to 
 Falling Spring (Chambersburg), where he continued for thirty- 
 eight years, manly, conservative, but candid and sincere, 
 always at the post of duty, and beloved to the last by his 
 grateful people. Instead of Dr. McKnight came, in 1792, 
 William Paxton, at Lower Marsh Creek, humble, simple-hearted 
 as a child, but profound in intellect, sound in doctrine, affec- 
 tionate to friends and for half a century an almost idolized 
 pastor. The place of Dr. Cooper at Middle Spring was vacated 
 in 1797, but was well filled from 1803 to 1854 by Dr. John 
 Moodey, whose long life of christian consistency and instructive 
 
 • A discourse on the History of Donegal and Carlisle Presbyteries. 
 
 8 
 
114 Presbytery of Carlisle — Cen tennial. 
 
 and logical expositions of truth gave him a most desirable 
 reputation. The congreation at Big Spring, after being served 
 for a while by Mr. Samuel Wili^on (1786-'99), was more per- 
 manently supplied by Dr. Joshua Williams, who, after preach- 
 ing four years at Paxton and Derry, took up his residence 
 among them for nearly thirty years, metaphysical, valiant for 
 what he deemed to be truth and order, communicative, apt as 
 a theological teacher, persuasive as a preacher, and instructive 
 everywhere. Then there was his opponent in theology, Dr. 
 George Duffield, who, in 1816, succeeded Dr. Davidson in Car- 
 lisle for nmeteen years, equally metaphysical and doughty for 
 his views of truth and order, somewhat fond of mysteries and 
 hard scriptural questions, but a loving pastor, a powerful 
 searcher of the conscience and asserter of divine authority, a 
 fearless disciplinarian and reformer, and singularly successful 
 in forming the character of his people. Intimate with him, 
 though very unlike in natural temperament, was Dr. William 
 R DeWitt, who for forty-nine years ministered to his only 
 pastoral charge at Harrisburg, gentle in manner, mellifluent in 
 style, magnificent in his representations of the Mediatorial 
 kingdom, and cautious even to timidity when in the least un- 
 certain of his ground, but rich in conversational humor and 
 tenderly pathetic in his public appeals. A little outside of our 
 present bounds, but so mingled with our Presbyterial associa- 
 tions and counsels as to be most naturally one of us, was Dr. 
 Robert Cathcart, for forty years never (but once) absent from 
 the meetings of his Presbytery, for forty-four years (1793-1837) 
 the pastor of York and Hopewell, and for thirty a commis- 
 sioner to the General Assembly, of which he was clerk for 
 nearly twenty, never losing a Sabbath for want of health, 
 thoroughly orthodox, unchangeable in his opinions, skilled in 
 ecclesiastical law, the determined foe of all wrong and disorder, 
 and in lively sympathy with everything which makes man bet- 
 ter and happier. Dr. King still remained at Mercersburg, 
 though in extreme age but " with natural force unabated," until 
 1811, but was succeeded the next j^ear b}^ Dr. David Elliott, 
 for seventeen years pastor there, then at Washington, Pa., and 
 finally a professor in Allegheny Theological Seminary, learned, 
 
1790-lSSS—iSketches of Miimters. 116 
 
 genial, courteous and beloved throughout the whole denomi- 
 nation. Instead of Craighead, Dr. Hen-on was for ten years 
 (1800-10) the minister at Rocky Spring, when he removed to 
 the First church of Pittsburgli. In the congregation of Upper 
 Marsh Creek (Gettysburg) and (J reat Conewago, David McCon- 
 aughy was installed in 1800, to remain there thirty-two years, 
 when he was transferred to become the president of Washing- 
 ton College. We tind also at Welsh Run and Greencastle Mr. 
 Robert Kennedy, who became the pastor there in 1803 and re- 
 mained in that charge for thirty-six years,* a fine scholar, 
 especially in the ancient languages, eccentric in manner, but 
 full of humor, lucid and methodical in matter, and fearless in 
 the avowal of his opinions, and, with no graces of oratory, some- 
 times most effective in his power over his hearers. We ob- 
 serve also Mr. Henry R. Wilson, a professor, and pastor of 
 several churclies, but principally for sixteen years atShippens- 
 burg (1828-39), and w^e should judge him to have been re- 
 markably steady of purpose, energetic in execution, awakening 
 as a preacher, and abundant in labors." To this list we would 
 add the name of another of about like age with them — Dr. 
 McGinley, who for well nigh fifty years served the churches 
 of Path Valley. In the gentleness of his spirit, the character 
 of his sermons, and the manner of their deliverv. he is said 
 to have borne a very marked resemblance to Dr. Archibald 
 Alexander. 
 
 During most of the time covered by this period, the growth of 
 the church was gradual, but it was healthy and permanent. At 
 first, almost the entire field was occupied by her alone. There 
 was nothing from without to interfere with her work or retard 
 her progress. But gradually a change took place. The de- 
 scendants of the first Scotch-Irish settlers began to move west- 
 ward and southward. A new population was coming in to 
 occupy their places and take up the still vacant land. Many 
 of these were Germans. The policy adopted by our church 
 generally, toward these people, was shortsighted and injurious. 
 
 * Dr. Wing is here, in error. This pastorate terminated in 1816, at which time 
 Mr. Kennedy removed to Cumberland, Md., where he remained until 1825. when 
 he returned to Welsh Run. From that time to the close of his life in 1843 he was 
 the stated supply of this congregation. W. A. W. 
 
116 Preshytei^y of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 It wa.s wrong, alike in reference to themselves and the new- 
 comers. There was not extended to them the cordial welcome 
 to their midst and to tlieir church services that should have 
 been. 
 
 The old antipathy was there, and the erroneous idea was 
 too prevalent that nobody but a Scotchman or an Irishman or 
 a cross between them could make a good Presbyterian. It 
 took years of intermarrying among the children of these dif- 
 ferent people, and j^ears of business and quasi social-inter- 
 course to correct this idea. In the meantime many a Presby- 
 terian church sinned away its da}^ of grace. As in country- 
 places particularly the Scotch -Irish population decreased, tlie 
 German increased, and the people once neglected became able 
 to take care of themselves, and there sprang up here and there 
 Lutheran and German Reformed Churches. At first the ser- 
 vices were conducted almost exclu^ivelv in the German lan- 
 guage. But gradually the English language was introduced ; 
 and now in our midst it is difficult to find a church of these 
 denominations that uses the German language (at least exclu- 
 sively). 
 
 Then came in also the Methodist Church, with all the zeal 
 and earnestness of youth. Her mmisters went everywhere, 
 preaching in school houses, holding campmeetings, visiting the 
 people in their homes and in every way endeavoring to reach 
 and influence them. They did not hesitate, where the oppor- 
 tunity afforded or could in any way be secured, to make in- 
 roads upon Presbyterian flocks and Presbyterian families. In- 
 deed they gloried in this. They thought they were thereby 
 doing God service. For, in the estimation of the average man 
 who itinerated the country with horse and saddlebags, there 
 was scarcely a possibility of salvation for a Presbyterian. Of 
 course they were not loved by those on whom they sought to 
 make inroads, and they and their teachings and their ways 
 were handled without gloves. There were wars in those days. 
 
 But, happily, those days have passed away — passed away, 
 we trust, forever. Now it can be said : " Behold, how good 
 and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity." 
 Such indeed is the prevalent spirit among all evangelical chris- 
 
1795-1838— 77/e Revival of 1831-32. ■ 117 
 
 tians of the present day. It is well — it is right. For '' there 
 is one body and spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of 
 your calling ; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and 
 Father of all, who is above all and through all and in you all." 
 Let there he still further closing up of the ranks among Xiod's 
 people. 
 
 This changed state of aHairs interfered with the very rapid 
 growth of the Presbyterian Church. There were times, how- 
 ever, when its progress was very decided. Thus, for instance, 
 from 1817 to 1820 the Presbytery advanced in church mem- 
 bership from 2,143 to 3,000. But the most rapid growth ac- 
 curred during the last decade. Ministers and christian people 
 became awakened and aroused in regard to the state of the 
 Church and the great need of a revival of God's work in their 
 bounds. When this was the case, was not a revival already 
 at hand? This awakened interest led Presbytery to take ac- 
 tion at the fall meeting, 1828, in which it expressed itself as 
 " deeply affected with the responsibility of its station as guar- 
 dian of the churches within its bounds;'' and then recom- 
 mended the holding in each congregation of protracted services, 
 " for the purposes of preaching, prayer and such other religious 
 services as may comport with the order of the Gospel." The 
 deptb and earnestness of their feelings on this subject were 
 evinced by their keeping it before them from meeting to meet- 
 ing as a subject of conference and prayer. 
 
 Thus at the April meeting, 1830, this resolution was adopt- 
 ed : " That this Presbytery will, during its present sessions, 
 hold a meeting for christian and ministerial fellowship, with a 
 view to obtain from each other the benefit of their experience 
 in the work and ways of the Lord ; and to inquire especially 
 whether anything can be done by its members individually, 
 or by the Presbytery collectively, to promote the work of grace 
 and secure a revival of religion in their churches." And agam, 
 at the fall meeting, 1831, they speak of the visible and surpris- 
 ing success which has attended associated efforts in the preach- 
 ing of the Word," and determine " that something shall be 
 attempted by them in this way for the spiritual improvement 
 of the churches under their care." "It is a time," they add, 
 
118 Presbytery of Cnrlisle — Centennial 
 
 "when the blessed Spirit of God seems to be extensively 
 poured out, and when the Lord is evincing his readiness to rain 
 dovvn righteousness on those who seek him." 
 
 They resolved, '• That it be recommended to all our churches 
 to observe a concert for prayer for the expi-ess purpose of en- 
 treating God to revive his work extensively throughout this 
 Presbytery and elsewhere. " They then appointed committees 
 of visitation, who should hold protracted services in the several 
 congregations : and recommended '• that these services, as far 
 as practicable, be held on week days, beginning on Tuesday, 
 so as to allow the brethren generally to be with their respec- 
 tive charges on the Sabbath." 
 
 God was pleased to hear the prayers and bless the labors and 
 grant the desires of his ministers and people by sending sea- 
 sons of gracious refreshing to nearly all the churches in the 
 Presbytery. The result of the revival of 1831 and 1832 was 
 felt in the churches through long years after. God's people 
 were lifted up to a higher plane of spiritual life and christian 
 activit}' than had been occupied before ; and there were gathered 
 into the Church, at that time, many men and women who have 
 been her most efficient workers since, in every department of 
 christian activity , some of whom still remain among us, with 
 strength unabated and activity unrelaxed. 
 
 In the foregoing we have one of the many instances afforded 
 in her history, furnishing evidence that the Presbyterian 
 Church is the friend and promoter of revivals of religion. 
 
 Trial of Eev. George Duffield 
 
 From a subject so full of interest, and affording so much of 
 real pleasure as the foregoing, we are compelled to pass to one 
 of another character, viz : The trial of one of the members of 
 Presbytery for holding and publishing doctrines inconsistent 
 with those taught in the Westminster Standards. Rev. George 
 Duffield, the person referred to, was pastor of the church in 
 Carlisle — a man of lovely Christian character, an able ex- 
 pounder of the Word of God, a most faithful and successful 
 pastor. A great and good work had been performed by him 
 among the people of his charge. During the revival above 
 
1795-1838— r^/c// of Dr. Duffield. 119 
 
 spoken of, as high as one hundred and twenty-live were re- 
 ceived to the communion of the church during one year (1831), 
 several of whom became ministers of the gospel. In the Pres- 
 b3^tery no man was loved and honored more than was he. He 
 is represented by one as having been " somewhat fond of mys- 
 teries and hard scriptural questions." This with him, as with 
 many another, may have been his great misfortune. P'or one, 
 who knew him well and loved liim tenderly as his spiritual 
 father, has said that in metaphysics he was cloudy, difficult to 
 be understood and ofttimes unintelligible. It is not po.ssible, 
 nor is it desirable, that an account of the trial should here be 
 attempted in detail. It was lengthy, extending through a 
 whole year and furnishing matter for not less than one hundred 
 closely written pages of Presbytery's Eecord. But a matter 
 so important as this would indicate may not be passed without 
 a l)nef statement of the essential facts. 
 
 Early in 1832, in the midst of the revival season with which 
 his own and very many of the other churches of the Presby- 
 tery were blessed, Mr. Duffield published his book on " Regen- 
 eration." Its contents surprised and grieved a number of the 
 people of his charge, who signed and presented to him a re- 
 monstrance. Many of his ministerial brethren were startled 
 " by what they looked upon as a departure from the Standards 
 of the Church."* 
 
 That there existed points of divergence from old and ac- 
 cepted views there can be no doubt. This appears to have 
 been admitted by Mr. Duffield himself in the "Dedication " of 
 his book, which is thus worded : '• To the members of his 
 charge, as an atonement for occasional attempts in the early 
 periods of his ministry among them to explain the great fact 
 of a sinner's regeneration by the aid of a philosophy imbibed 
 in his theological education and interwoven in many of his ex- 
 hibitions of truth, but for many years past repudiated." This 
 is certainly very frank. 
 
 If it be asked, where and under whom Mr. Duffield received 
 his theological education, the reply is, in the Associate Re- 
 formed Theological Seminary in New York, under Dr. John 
 
 • Dr. Wing— Discourse on Hist, of Donegal and Carlisle Presbyteries. 
 
120 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 M. Mason — a man who, as scholar, theologian and preacher, 
 perhaps has not had his peer in the American church. 
 
 Mr. Duffield's book was brought to the notice of Presbytery 
 April 11, 1832 ; and a committee, composed of the Rev. Messrs. 
 James Williamson, Amos A. McGinley and Matthew Lind 
 Fullerton, was appointed to '' review it and report to Presby- 
 tery." At the meeting of Presbytery in June following the 
 committee reported unfavorably to the book. Upon this re- 
 port were based ten charges which were preferred against Mr. 
 Duffield at an adjourned meeting held at Newville on the 28th 
 of November following. The committee which prepared the 
 charges consisted of the Rev. Messrs. James R. Sharon, Joshua 
 Williams and James Williamson. Their report was as fol- 
 lows : " The committee appointed to prepare charges of error 
 to be preferred against the Rev. George Duffield are unani- 
 mously of opinion, that he may be fairly charged on the 
 ground of ' common fame ' with maintaining and industriously 
 propagating, both from the pulpit and through the press, the 
 following doctrines or opinions, either absurd in themselves or 
 directly at variance with some of the most important and vital 
 doctrines and truths taught in the standards of the Presby- 
 terian Church and the word of God — nameh^ : 
 
 1. That life consists in the regular series of relative, ap- 
 propriate characteristic actions in an individual being, and 
 that the life of God himself is not distinguishable from his own 
 holy volitions and actions. 
 
 2. That the human soul equally with the body is derived from 
 the parents by traduction or natural generation — that the body 
 and the soul are alike developed in their actions respectively — 
 and that the soul as created by God and brought into connec- 
 tion with the body, ' whether in conception, quickening or in 
 the first inspiration ' is wholl}^ destitute of all capacities what- 
 ever. 
 
 3. That the image of God, in which man or Adam was origi- 
 nally created, principally consisted in a threefold life with 
 which he was endowed by his Creator, viz : vegetahU, animal 
 and spiritual life. 
 
 4. That Adam was not the federal covenant head of the 
 
1795-18S8— Trial of Dr. Buffield. 121 
 
 human race — that he sustained no other relation to his poster- 
 ity but that of a natural parent, and that there did not exist 
 anything that could be properly denominated a covenant re- 
 lation between God and Adam as the representative of his 
 natural offspring. 
 
 5. That Adam's first sin is in no proper sense imputed to 
 his posterity to their legal condemnation, and that the temporal 
 or natural death of infants is the natural result or consequence 
 of Adam's sin solely by virtue of their connection with him as 
 their parent. 
 
 6. That all holiness and sin consist exclusively in the vol- 
 untary acts and exercises of the soul — that there is no princi- 
 ple of holiness or sin inherent in the soul, which exerts any 
 power or causal influence in producing holy or sinful acts and 
 exercises — and that there is no innate, hereditary, derived de- 
 pravity or corruption m our nature. 
 
 7. That no moral character can appropriately be predicated 
 of, or possessed by infants — that they are neither sinful nor 
 holy — are not actually under the government of law, nor above 
 the level of mere animals — and that even our Lord Jesus 
 Christ in his infant state possessed no holiness of character 
 other than what might be affirmed of the Mosiac Tabernacle 
 or innermost chamber of the temple and other consecrated m- 
 struments of Jewish worship ; and that our first parents were 
 not created in a state of moral rectitude, i e., they possessed 
 no holiness or moral character anterior to and independent of 
 their own voluntary exercises ; or, in other words, they had no 
 spiritual life till they acquired it by their own voluntary acts 
 and exercises. 
 
 8. That man in his fallen state is possessed of entire ability 
 to repent, believe, and perform other holy exercises inde- 
 pendently of any new power or ability imparted to him by the 
 regenerating or new-creating influence of the Holy Ghost 
 Consequently, 
 
 9. That regeneration is essentially a voluntary change or act 
 of the soul — is exclusively the effect of a man's own unassisted 
 powers and efforts, independently of any divine influence 
 whatever, excepting what is of a mere objective moral kind, 
 
122 Preshyeery of Carlisle — Centennial, 
 
 or in other language, the moral suasion of the Spirit, or the 
 suasive influence of the truth in connection with an arrange- 
 ment of providential circumstances. 
 
 10. That by election in the sacred scriptures is meant nothing 
 else than the actual selection of a certain portion of men from 
 the great mass, by their being made the subjects of spiritual life 
 which is not possessed by the rest ; that it is the actual display 
 of God's sovereignty in making believers alive from the dead 
 or quickening them (believers) from the death of trespasses and 
 sins in which they (believers) in common with all mankind were 
 lying." 
 
 Mr. Duffield gave reasons to Presbytery for not being able 
 to attend this meeting and requested that Presbytery should 
 meet at Carlisle. Accordingly action was deferred and Mr. 
 Duffield was cited to appear before Presbytery at Carlisle on 
 the second Tuesday of April, 1833 ; at which time and place 
 the trial took place. It lasted five days, and was attended not 
 only by deep interest but by no small degree of excitement. 
 The sole testimony offered against Mr. Duffield was adduced 
 from his work on Regeneration. Before the close of the trial 
 was reached and the vote was taken on sustaining or not sus- 
 taining the charges, many of the members had gone home. On 
 the first charge seven voted to sustain, four not sustain and six 
 non liquet. On the second charge six voted to sustain, five not 
 sustain and seven non liquet. On the third charge five voted 
 to sustain and five not sustain. The moderator submitted the 
 question a second time with like result. He then gave the 
 casting vote in the negative, and so the charge was not sus- 
 tained. On \h.e fourth, fifth ^ sixth^ seventh and eighth charges 
 twelve voted to sustain, four not sustain and two non liquet. 
 On the ninth charge ten voted to sustain, four not sustain and 
 four non liquet. On the tenth charge two voted to sustain, 
 nine not sustain and seven non liquet. 
 
 The judgment thus arrived at was against Mr. Duffield in 
 eight out of ten charges brought against him. But inasmuch 
 as there was not unanimity of sentiment a paper was introduced 
 and adopted as " definitive " of the view and attitude of Pres- 
 bytery, and as finally disposing of the case. It is as follows : 
 
1795-1888— TV^a/ of Dr. Duffield. 123 
 
 "As to the counts on which Mr. Duffield has been foun«l 
 guilty, Presbytery judge that Mr. Duffield's Book and Ser- 
 mons on Regeneration do contain the specified errors; yet, 
 as Mr. Duffield alleges, that Presbytery have misinterpeted 
 some of his expressions, and says he does in fact liold to all 
 the doctrines of our Standards, and that he wishes to live at 
 amity with his brethren, and labor without interruption for the 
 glory of God and the salvation of souls ; therefore, Resolved, 
 That Presbytery, at present, do not censure him any further 
 than warn him tu guard against such speculations as may 
 impugn the doctrines of our church, and that he study to 
 * maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.' " 
 
 This action appears to have been almost unanimous. At 
 least, but two of the members (Messrs. James and McKnight 
 Williamson) gave notice of intention to protest. We would 
 accept it also as an honest expression of their views, and not 
 as the result of a temporizing spirit. Mr. Duffield was esteemed 
 not only for his ability, but for his piety and devotion to the 
 Master's work as well, and Presbytery was willing to accept 
 his disavowal of departure from the faith, and let it have its 
 modifying influence on their decision. To this action, how- 
 ever. Synod took exception, when, in November, 1834, Pres- 
 bytery's records were under review, saying, they could not 
 " approve it, because it compromises essential truth, defeats 
 the ends of discipline and, under the circumstances of the case, 
 presents a result never contemplated by our constitution after 
 a judicial conviction upon points involving material departures 
 from the doctrines of our Standards." This exception taken 
 by the higher judiciary, did not reverse the action of the Pres- 
 bytery, nor did it call for the reopening of the case and a new 
 trial. But, according to the rules of the church, was inscribed 
 in the record book of the Presbytery as expressive of the disap- 
 proving views of Synod. Thus ended a very painful trial. 
 
 During its progress sixty-five communicant members of Mr. 
 Duffield's congregation were set off, at their own request, and 
 organized into the Second Presbyterian church of Carlisle. 
 This occurred January 12, 1833. It met with very bitter 
 opposition from the pastor and those of his flock remaining 
 
124 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 with him, and it required years to remove the asperities on 
 both sides which resulted. But time and the grace of God 
 have effectually done the work. The delightful mingling and 
 co-operation of the people of the two churches on this centen- 
 nial occasion, and indeed for years past, abundantly testify to 
 this. In the spring of 1835, Mr. Duffield, havmg been called 
 to become pastor of Arch Street church, Philadelphia, was 
 dismissed to the Second Presbytery of Philadelphia. But his 
 name and memory still live and are cherished in the field of 
 his first ministerial labors. 
 
 During the progress of the trial it became obvious that a few 
 of the members of Presbytery sympathized to a certain extent 
 with the views of Mr. Duffield. At least, they felt that it was 
 possible for him to hold these views, and yet hold to the stand, 
 ards of the church. There were others who took exception to 
 some of the methods which were adopted in the prosecution of 
 the case, regarding them as somewhat arbitrary and therefore 
 unjust to Mr. Duffield, while they did not in the least sympa- 
 thize with his peculiar views. A few felt that he was mis- 
 understood and misrepresented, and sympathized with him on 
 that account. The great majority of the Presbyter3^ however, 
 were of one mind and were decided and firm. They regarded 
 Mr. Duffield as in error. It would have been strange, in a trial 
 such as this, had there been no alienation of feeling, no 
 estrangement, no sharp, no harsh utterances. We claim not 
 that there was exemption from these. The records show the 
 reverse. But we do claim that the spirit manifested by Mr. 
 Duffield, on the one hand, when he declared " that he wished 
 to live in amity with his brethren and labor without interrup- 
 tion for the glory of God and the salvation of souls ;" and by 
 the Presbytery, on the other, when it said, " therefore. Resolved, 
 That the Presbytery at present do not censure him any further 
 than warn him to guard against such speculations as may im- 
 pugn the doctrines of our church, and that he study to main- 
 tain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace," was the spirit 
 which should ever characterizb the followers of the gentle and 
 forgiving Jesus, and is worthy of all commendation and praise. 
 
Presbytery of Cbr/isZe— 1795-1838. 125 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 Old and New School Division. 
 
 IHE trial of Mr. Duffield was followed by the agitation 
 in Presbytery and in the church at large of those 
 questions which, four years later, resulted in the 
 division of the church into the Old and New School 
 bodies. It has been noted by Dr. Samuel Miller as "An in- 
 teresting fact that the years of most earnest controversy, pend- 
 ing the division, were years of special religious prosperity in 
 the Presbyterian Church. From 1829 to 1838, inclusive, the 
 statistical reports exhibited an unusual number of additions on 
 profession, though the reports of 1836-1838 were less favorable 
 than those preceding."'* 
 
 This accords with what has entered into the experience of 
 God's people and church again and again in all ages, viz : 
 seasons of special preparation for special duty or special tnal. In 
 these seasons are enjoyed gracious manifestations of God's 
 presence in communing with and strengthening His ov\m for 
 what lies before them. Moses found it thus at the " Burnino- 
 
 o 
 
 Bush ;" Elijah, when ministered to by the angel preparatory 
 to that forty days' journey which had otherwise been " too 
 great;'' the Master, when, prior to His being led forth to His 
 great temptations, there came to Him, with the visible manifes- 
 tation of the Spirit's descent, the voice from Heaven, "This is 
 my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased ;" or, later in His 
 eventful life, when upon the "Mount of Transfiguration," 
 " His decease which He should accomplish at Jerusalem " was 
 spoken of, and He was prepared for it bv those communings, 
 amid which there came again tliat audible testimony of the 
 Father: "This is my beloved Son, liear him." 
 
 The great revival of religion in the Presbyterian Church in 
 Scotland, 1625-1632, during which the remarkable works of 
 grace at Irvine, and Stewarton, and the Kirk of Shotts occurred, 
 
 • Historical Review— Reunion, vol. p. 8. 
 
126 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 furnishes a case in point. Great trials lay before the Scottish 
 Church ; and God there prepared His people to meet them. 
 Wrong, oppression, persecution, even unto the death, awaited 
 them at the hand of the Prelacy, sanctioned, backed, nay, urged 
 forward by the unprincipled and unscrupulous Charles I. 
 These gave rise to the covenant of 1638 ; the signing of which, 
 at the Gray Frier's church on the 28th day of February, marked 
 an epoch in the history of the church. 
 
 After no more space was left for signatures, even by initials, 
 standing in solemn silence and moved, as it were, by one spirit, 
 with low, heart-wrung groans, and faces bathed in tears, they 
 lifted up their right hands to heaven, avowing by this sublime 
 appeal that they had now "joined themselves to the Lord in 
 an everlasting covenant that shall not be forgotten."* 
 
 Who does not recognize in the baptism of the Holy Spirit, 
 which had preceded, God's special preparation for this heroic 
 stand and this noble testimony for Him — and not only so, but 
 preparation also for the unflinching firmness with which they 
 stood by their covenant in the conflict which followed, sealing 
 it, in many an instance, with their own blood. 
 
 Another very striking instance of special preparation for 
 special emergnecy is to be found in the great revival of 1730 
 and onward, which preceded the Old and New Side contro- 
 versy, resulting in the rending of the church in 1741. Thus 
 were human passions checked and controlled, asperities soft- 
 ened, sorrow felt at separation, and longings begotten to come 
 together again ere separation had much more than been accom- 
 plished. 
 
 Thus may we view the gracious '* seasons of refreshing " and 
 strengthening enjoyed throughout the bounds of this Presby- 
 tery and elsewhere, prior to this great schism. They seem to 
 have prepared God's ministers and people for it as nothing else 
 could have done ; and to have rendered the results on both 
 sides less disastrous than they should otherwise have been. 
 
 Dr. Sprague says : " For some time prior to 1830, it had 
 been apparent that there were really two parties in the Pres- 
 byterian Church ; which, though not often brought into actual 
 
 * Hetherington'8 Ch. of Scotland, pp. 155-156. 
 
1796-1838—0/(7 and New School Division. 127 
 
 collision, had occasion sometimes, in meeting a test question, 
 to indicate their existence.''"^ 
 
 In the Presbytery of Carlisle the existence oi these parties had 
 not to any extent been apparent until during and after the 
 trial of Mr. DulHeld. No test questions, such as Dr. Sprague 
 alludes to, seem to have arisen. And, until then, there had 
 been no direct agitation, save in one instance, of those ques- 
 tions which tended toward and finally resulted in separation; 
 and in that one instance the Presbytery was of one mind. 
 
 Most prominent among these questions were the following : 
 
 I. The existing " admixture of Congregationalism and Pres- 
 byterianism" in certain churches, but more especially in the 
 Presbyterian Judicatories. This was the result of the " Plan 
 of Union" entered into with the Congregational church in 
 1801. The Old School element insisted that this should cease, 
 whilst the New School element contended for its toleration and 
 perpetuation. 
 
 II. Doctrinal differences. In some parts of the church 
 these were on points regarded as fundamental ; such as the 
 federal relation of Adam to his posterity and original sin, 
 imputation, native depravity, regeneration — the independent 
 activity or the passivity of its subjects, etc. In many places 
 there was, as the result of the " Plan of Union," an element "m 
 the church which was not of the church." To this fact may 
 largely be attributed the existence of these differences. In 
 other sections of the church "the differences," Dr. Charles 
 Hodgje has well said. " between the Old and New School were 
 more in the matter of interpretation of Scripture and in the 
 modes of presenting truth than in fact" 
 
 III. The agencies for doing the beneficent work of the 
 church. The New School element wished to operate through 
 the "American Home Mission Society," in doing home mission 
 work ; the "American Board of Commissioners for Foreign 
 Missions," in doing foreign mission work; the "American 
 Education Society," in the education of young men for the 
 ministry ; and favored the "American Tract Society " and the 
 "American Sunday School Unirm " as the sources of religious 
 
 * Sprague'B Annals, III, p. Ift, Int. 
 
128 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 and Sunday school literature. On the other hand, the Old 
 School element desired denominational agencies under the 
 direct control of the Presbyterian Church ; and wished to do 
 the work of home missions through the " Board of Missions " 
 (now the Board of Home Missions) established in 1816 the 
 work of preparing young men for the ministry, through tlie 
 " Board of Education,'* established in 1819 ; the work of 
 foreign missions through an agency of the church's own. To 
 meet this last want, the Synod of Pittsburgh had, in 1831, 
 organized the " Western Foreign Missionary Society." The 
 Old School element wished to take this under the care of the 
 whole church and make it the channel for its gifts to the 
 foreign cause. But this was successfully opposed till after the 
 division in 1837, when the Old School General Assembly ac- 
 cepted the trust and established the " Board of Foreign Mis- 
 sions " in the city of New York. The Old School element 
 desired also that the religious literature for their families and 
 Sabbath schools should be issued by a board of publication, 
 responsible to the churcli for its work. 
 
 IV. Slavery, as then existing in parts of the country — the 
 measure of guilt attaching to it and the manner of disposing 
 of it. 
 
 With all these questions, in one form or another, Presby- 
 tery was brought face to face. 
 
 In 1825 occurred a case involving, to some extent, the first — 
 the " admixture of Congregationalism, etc." At the fall meet- 
 ing that year the Rev. Merrick A. Jewett presented testimo- 
 nials of his having been licensed by the Association of North 
 Worcester, and a certificate of his having been ordained by 
 a council of ministers and lay delegates, convened by letter 
 missive, on July 14, 1825, and asked to be received as a mem- 
 ber of Presbytery. There appeared to be some irregularity in 
 his papers, but Presbytery expressed a willingness to waive all 
 objection on this ground, and to receive him as a member, if 
 he was prepared to signify his adoption of the Confession of 
 Faith, and his approval of the government and discipline oi the 
 Presbyterian Church in the United States. Upon this, Mr. 
 Jewett withdrew his request and asked the return of his ere- 
 
1795-1838— OW and New iSchool Division. 129 
 
 dentials, which was granted. Later in the same day, commis- 
 sioners from the congregation of Great Cove (McConnellsburg) 
 appeared and presented a call for Mr. Jewett; whereupon, 
 Presbytery '' resolved that inasmuch as Mr. Jewett is not a 
 member of this Presbytery, the call be returned to the congre- 
 gation," and "appointed Rev. Amos A. McGinley to preach 
 in the church of the Great Cove, on the first Wednesday of 
 October next, at 12 o'clock M., and to read the minutes of this 
 Presbytery in relation to Mr. Jewett and the call of that con- 
 gregation.'' 
 
 From one who was an active participant in the scenes of that 
 occasion at McConnellsburg, we learn that Mr. Jewett had 
 been a student of Mr. Duncan, the famous Independent of 
 Baltimore, and that when he first came to McConnellsburg he 
 was thought to be a Presbyterian. People were greatly pleased 
 with him and extended to him a hearty call. His refusal at 
 Presbytery to accept the Confession of Faith was the first inti- 
 mation had of his not being a Presbyterian. But by this time 
 he had ingratiated himself into the confidence and affection of a 
 large part of the congregation. And after Presbytery very prop- 
 erly, under the circumstances, refused to place the call in his 
 hands, in steadof leaving, as a sense of honor and right should have 
 dictated, he returned and continued his labors. Around him a 
 large and influential part of the congregation rallied. From these 
 came to the meeting of Presbytery, September 26, 1826, the 
 following " reference :" " Whether a certam rule, entered in 
 the Assembly's Digest (p. 297)"* as a plan of union between the 
 Presbyterians and Congregationalists in the new settlements 
 could be applied to the congregation of Great Cove, without 
 infringing the rules or constitution of our church." Presby- 
 ter}^ answered this " reference " in the negative, and instructed 
 its clerk so to inform the congregation of Great Cove. Not- 
 withstanding this, Mr. Jewett returned to McConnellsburg, 
 where his adherents erected a church within a few rods 
 of the regular Presbyterian church. Here he preached for 
 several years. Services were conducted in the meantime in 
 
 • Edition of 1820. 
 
 9 
 
130 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 the regular house of worship by supplies appointed by Presby- 
 tery, till the spring of 1827, when the Kev. Robert Kennedy, 
 who two years before had returned to his old charge at Welsh 
 Run, became their stated supply a portion of his time. This 
 arrangement lasted till the fall of 1833. The course pursued 
 by Mr. Jewett occasioned great distraction and no little strife 
 in the church at McConnellsburg. He was also officious in the 
 congregations of Loudon and Upper West Conococheague 
 (Mercersburg), taking advantage of any dissatisfaction or disaf- 
 fection he found, and using special endeavors to foster it 
 
 Turning to the second question, it seems to the writer that 
 in the Presbytery of Carlisle there did not exist very material 
 or marked differences of views on doctrinal points among the 
 ministers, except in the case of Mr. Duffield. The case was 
 such a one as referred to before, where " the differences were 
 more in the matter of interpretation of scripture and in the 
 mode of presenting truth than in the fact." But during Mr. 
 Duffield's trial, party lines were drawn. In the main, these 
 continued and could be clearly seen during the remaining' 
 years which preceded the division. For instance, when, in the 
 fall of 1834, " The Act and Testimony " was under considera- 
 tion, and was voted on by Presbytery, those who had advo- 
 cated Mr. Duffield's cause opposed it. And almost the same 
 were found standing together on questions involving the third 
 point of difference, viz : the agencies for doing the church's 
 work. For instance the parties who opposed the act and testi- 
 mony, declined to join the rest of the Presbytery in the sup- 
 port of " their missionary," as was termed the Rev. Henry R. 
 Wilson, Jr., recently called to " rest from his labors," loved 
 and honored by the entire reunited church. They were also 
 unfriendly to the " Western Missionary Society " (afterward 
 the Foreign Missionary Board of the Presbyterian Church), 
 and the Home Missionary Society (afterwards Board of Home 
 Missions) and the Board of Education. The churches to which 
 they ministered bestowed their benefactions to the various ob- 
 jects above indicated through the Voluntary Union Associa- 
 tions. In the pastoral letter which was adopted at its second 
 meeting by the Presbytery, in which they became associated 
 
1795-1838— OW and New School Division. 131 
 
 after the division, and which was ordered to be circulated 
 among the churches, the brethren of tlic Old School party are 
 charged with "having so departed from the spirit and usages 
 of our church as to break up, in a very considerable degree, 
 the christian fellowship which existed and was manifested in 
 the co-operative boards and societies, by the formation of sepa- 
 rate and sectarian institutions." The co-operative boards and 
 societies, which they then specified, were : The American 
 Bible Society, the American Sunday School Union, the Amer- 
 ican Tract Society, the American Board of Commissioners for 
 Foreign Missions, the American Home Missionary Society and 
 the American Educational Society.* 
 
 Upon the subject of slavery, as then existing in parts of our 
 country, a widening diversity of sentiment was becoming ob- 
 vious in the meetings of the highest church court. This was 
 especially true in regard to the General Assemblies of 1835 
 and 1836. 
 
 It is true, that from 1818 until the time of the division no 
 deliverance was mtde touching the merits of the subject. 
 The deliverance of the Assembly of 1818 is very comprehensive 
 and explicit. We quote the following from it: "The Gen- 
 eral Assembly of the Presbyterian Church having taken into 
 consideration the subject of slavery, think proper to make 
 known their sentiments upon it to the churches and people 
 under their care. 
 
 '• We consider the voluntary enslaving of one part of the 
 human race by another, as a gross violation of the most precious 
 and sacred rights of human nature; as utterh^ inconsistent 
 with the law of God, which requires us to love our neighbor 
 as ourselves, and as totally irreconcilable with the spirit and 
 principles of the gospel of Christ, which enjoins that ' all things 
 whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even 
 so to them.' Slavery creates a paradox in the moral system ; 
 it exhibits rational, accountable, and immortal beings in such 
 circumstances as scarcely to leave them the power of moral 
 action. It exhibits them as dependent on the will of others, 
 whether they shall receive religious instruction ; whether they 
 
 * Records of Presby. Harrisburg', May 19, 1840. 
 
132 Presbytery of Carlisle — Gentennial. 
 
 shall know and worship the true God ; whether they shall 
 enjoy the ordinances of the gospel ; whether they shall per- 
 form the duties and cherish the endearments of husbands 
 and wives, parents and children, neighbors and friends; 
 whether they shall preserve their chastity and purity, or re- 
 gard the dictates of justice and humanity. Such are some of 
 the consequences of slavery — consequences not imaginary, but 
 which connect themselves with its very existence. * * * 
 
 " From this view of the consequences resulting from the 
 practice into which christian people have most inconsistently 
 fallen, of enslaving a portion of their brethren of mankind — 
 for ' God hath made of one blood all nations of men to dwell on 
 the face of the earth ' — it is manifestly the duty of all chris- 
 tians who enjoy the light of the present day, when the incon- 
 sistency of slaver}^, both with the dictates of humanity and 
 religion, has been demonstrated, and is generally seen and ac- 
 knowledged, to use their honest, earnest and unwearied en- 
 deavors to correct the errors of former times, and as speedily 
 as possible to efface this blot on our holy »eligion and to obtain 
 the complete abolition of slavery throughout Christendom, and 
 if possible throughout the world." * * * 
 
 In the General Assembly of 1835 " memorials and petitions 
 on the subject of slavery were presented from individuals and 
 from two Presbyteries," which led to the drafting of an " over- 
 ture (No. 12) praying the Assembly to take order on the sub- 
 ject of slavery." This was referred to a special committee, 
 who, after several days, made their report." 
 
 There is nothing in the minutes to show what the character 
 of their report was. To the statement that they made their 
 report it is simply added : "After some discussion, this report 
 and the whole subject was referred to a committee consisting 
 of Dr. (Samuel) Miller, Dr. (Nathan S. S.) Beman, Dr. (James) 
 Hoge, Kev. (James H.) Dickey and the Eev. (John) Wither- 
 spoon, to take the subject into consideration and report to the 
 next General Assembly." 
 
 This committee presented two reports to the General Assem- 
 bly of 1836 — a majority report and a minority report. The 
 majority report recommended for adoption as follows : 
 
l79r>-lSSS— Old and New School Division. 133 
 
 " Whereas, the subject of slavery is inseparably connected 
 with and regulated by the laws of many of the States in this 
 Union, with which it is by no means proper for an ecclesiasti- 
 cal judicatory to interfere ; and involves many considerations, 
 in regard to which great diversity of opinion and intensity of 
 feeling are known to exist in the churches represented in this 
 Assembly ; and whereas, there is every reason to believe that 
 any action on the part of the Assembly in reference to this 
 subject, would tend to distract and divide our churches, and 
 would, probably, in no wise promote the benefit of those whose 
 welfare is immediately contemplated in the memorials in ques- 
 tion ; therefore. 
 
 Resolved, That it is inexpedient for the Assembly to take 
 any further order in relation to this subject." * * * 
 
 The Rev. James IL Dickey, on his own behalf, presented 
 the minority report It is quite lengthy. The gist of it may 
 be found in these brief sentences near its close : " The whole 
 system is at war with the divine institutions ; it is, therefore, 
 sin — essentially SIN — and all its claims are founded on injustice. 
 Its withering influence, and its ruinous effects are seen, felt 
 and acknowledged wherever it has obtained a footing." 
 
 When these reports subsequently came up in the order of 
 business their consideration was postponed with a view to take 
 up a substitute for them, offered by the Rev. John McElhenny 
 of the Presbytery of Lexington, Ky. After the introductory 
 part it read as follows : 
 
 " Whereas, the subject of slavery is inseparably connected 
 with the laws of many States of this Union, in which it exists 
 under the sanction of said laws and of the Constitution of the 
 Unitd States ; and, whereas, slavery is recognized in both the 
 Old and New Testament as an existing relation, and is not 
 condemned by the authority of God ; therefore, 
 
 " Resolved, That the General Assembly have no authority 
 to assume or exercise jurisdiction in regard to the existence of 
 glavery." 
 
 Pending the discussion of this substitute the hour for ad- 
 journment arrived. When the Assembly reconvened, a mo- 
 
134 Preshi/tery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 tion was made, " That the whole subject be indefinitely post- 
 poned." The motion was carried by a vote of 154 to 87. 
 
 An examination of the majority and the minority reports 
 and the " substitute " reveals the fact that they substantially 
 set foith the positions subsequently occupied respectively by 
 the Old and New School branches of the church and by the 
 Southern Presbyterian Church. 
 
 In the Presbytery of Carlisle both parties were moderate — 
 both held slavery to be an evil, and the point of difference was 
 as to the method of dealing with it. Perhaps the instructions 
 given Presbytery's commissioners to the General Assembly in 
 1837 may be taken fairly to represent the views of the Old 
 School party. They were, " to oppose in every proper way the 
 agitating principles and practices of the immediate abolition- 
 ists." In the same connection they expressed their '' unquali- 
 fied approbation " of the Colonization scheme, as a means of 
 getting rid of slavery, and '* the onl}^ hopeful means of chris- 
 tianizing benighted Africa." 
 
 On turning to the records of the Presbytery of Hamsburg, 
 the first year of its history, we find an expression of the dis- 
 like of the New School men for the institution, and a desire to 
 get rid of all complicity with it or responsibility for its exist- 
 ence. They " resolved that the General Assembly (New 
 School) be urgently desired so to form the boundaries of the 
 Synods as that no Synod shall embrace within its limits 
 churches from within slave-holding and non -slave-holding 
 States, as Presbytery beheve that the responsibility of 
 authoritative ecclesiastical action in relation to the system of 
 slave-holding should rest entirely upon those portions of the 
 church where the system prevails, and that the members of 
 churches in the non-slave-holding States * * * should be 
 delivered from this responsibility."* 
 
 We have no means of knowing accurately what was the 
 numerical strength of these (the Old and New School) parties 
 respectively in the church at large, before the division took 
 place. Between the years 1830 and 1838 sometimes one and 
 sometimes the other was in the ascendency in the General 
 
 • Records of Pres. Harrisburg, May 19, 1840. 
 
1795-1838— 0/af and New School Division. 135 
 
 Assembly, as the vote on questions involving certain points of 
 difference would indicate. And yet, we must form our opin- 
 ion in this way with very liberal allowance. For votes did 
 not always represent views and principles, but sometimes ap- 
 proval or disapproval of measures and methods. 
 
 Looking from this point of time at things as they then ex- 
 isted m the church, division would seem to have been inevi- 
 table. There were differences, great and wide-spread, on im- 
 portant doctrines, and church polity and modes of church 
 work. Men on both sides were honest in their convictions 
 and uncompromising in their attitude. One has said : '' The 
 Presbyterian Church might have struggled along, as have other 
 denominations, holding together by her government without 
 any real agreement in doctrine or order." But this would 
 have been a sorry holding together of materials, such as 
 compose the Presbyterian Church. With their deep in- 
 wrought convictions, and their manly independence of thought, 
 and speech, and action, without unity there would have been 
 the absence of the essential elements of strength and the pres- 
 ence of every element of weakness. Better, it would seem, 
 they should have separated for the time — better for the cause 
 of peace, better for the promotion of efficiency on both sides, 
 better for the removal of differences of views and principles, 
 better for the ultimate unity and harmony and prosperity of 
 the whole church. Separately each party righted itself as 
 perhaps it would not, nor indeed could have done while 
 together. The divided condition which preceded, and not the 
 division itself, is to be regarded as the great calamity of the 
 church. 
 
 The division which took place in the church at large in 
 1837 was followed by division in the Presbytery of Carlisle. 
 At its meeting in October of that year Presbytery, by a very 
 decided vote, endorsed the action of the General Assembly, 
 and approved of the course of its commissioners in voting with 
 the majority. And at a meeting held July, 1838, in was 
 Resolved, 1st, " That this Presbytery declares its approbation 
 of the course pursued by the Assemblies of 1837 and 1888 for 
 the purifying and pacification of the church." 
 
136 Presbytery of Carlisle — Cerdennial. 
 
 2d. " That this Presbytery will continue to adhere to ihe 
 Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, whose 
 General Assembly was organized in the Seventh Presbyterian 
 Church of the city of Philadelphia on the 17th day of May, 
 1838, and continued in session in the same house to the close 
 of their meeting." 
 
 The ministers who dissented and withdrew from Presbytery 
 were Revs. Robert Cathcart, D. D., late pastor of the churches 
 of York and Hopewell ; William R. DeWitt, D. D., pastor of 
 the church at Harrisburg, and Robert Kennedy, stated supply 
 of Welsh Run church. The records do not show that any of 
 these brethren held, or were ever charged with holding, doc- 
 trines at variance with the *' Standards " or those held by other 
 members of Presbytery. They differed from the majority of 
 the Presbytery in their views as to the best method of doing 
 the benevolent work of the church. They also took very de- 
 cided exception to the action of the General Assembly of 1837 
 by which the '' Plan of Union "of 1801 with the Congrega- 
 tional Church was abrogated and the Synods of Western 
 Reserve, Utica, Geneva and Genesee, were cut off and "de- 
 clared to be no longer parts of the Presbyterian Church in 
 America ;" and to the consequent action of the General Assem- 
 bly of 1838, in refusing to admit to seats in that Assembly 
 members of Presbyteries in the bounds of the foregoing Synods. 
 This led to the withdrawl, at that time, of the New School 
 portion of the Assembly and the organization of a distinct As- 
 sembl}^ The above appear to have been the main points on 
 which differences existed among the members of the Presby- 
 tery of Carli&le. They were in no sense essential, but, on the 
 other hand, such as brethren might well afford to differ about 
 and yet dwell together in amity. Under such circumstances 
 the division of the Presbytery can be regarded only with very 
 deep regret 
 
 Such regret appears to have been felt by all parties at the 
 time. In a resolution adopted July 31, 1838, Presbytery ex- 
 pressed itself as being aware that the aforenamed brethren, 
 who were absent, have disapproved of some of the acts of the 
 General Assembly of that year, and declared that they •• are 
 
17 do-iS'S^— Old and New .School Division. 137 
 
 not disposed, on that account, to call in question their orthodoxy 
 or to render their continuance with us either difficult or disa- 
 greeable." 
 
 This feeling of confidence and regard was fully reciprocated 
 by the withdrawing members. We regret inability to find 
 among the papers on file ^^r. Kennedy's letter to Presbytery 
 in April, 1839. which is referred to in the minutes of that date. 
 But it is known thatheliyedon terms of most intimate friendship 
 with its members, and, with it^s hearty approval, continued stat- 
 edly to supply one of its churches till called to his rest in 1843. 
 Dr. Cathcart, in a letter addressed to Presbytery under the date 
 of July 26, 1838,Tbases his withdrawal wholly on " believing 
 that the doings of the Assemblies of 1837 and 1838 are in 
 direct opposition to the Book of Discipline and to the acts of 
 all former Assemblies," and closes his letter by expressing his 
 *' kind feelings towards each of its members as individuals." 
 Dr. DeWitt, in a letter to Dr. Moodey, chairman of Presbytery's 
 committee to correspond with him, bearing date April 6, 18-10, 
 (just after he had united with the Presbytery of Harrisburg), 
 says : " It has been to me no ordinary trial to be separated 
 from brethren who compose the Presbytery of Carlisle, and 
 especially its old members. It is true, I have been painfully 
 sensible of the withdrawment of the confidence of Presbytery 
 from me, for some years past, in consequence of my differing 
 essentially from the majority of the Presbytery on questions 
 involving, as I believe, the vital principles of constitutional Pres- 
 byterianism and of civil and religious liberty; yet I have sought 
 to guard m^- heart against any other feelings than those of affec- 
 tionate and respectful regard for my brethren." To Dr. Moodey, 
 personally, he adds : " May I be permitted to hope that the 
 step I have taken will not lessen me in your esteem, however 
 much you may regret it, nor interfere with our long and, on 
 my part, at least, cherished friendship." That "cherished 
 friendship," we may add, continued uninterrupted until the 
 venerable Dr. Moodey was called to his rest, October 7, 1857 — 
 seventeen years after the foregoing was written. Presbytery 
 was in session in Upper Path Yalley church at the time, and 
 at the close of the meeting most of its members went directly 
 
]38 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 thence to attend the funeral at Middle Spring church, the place 
 of Dr. Moodey's life long labors. Dr. DeWitt was invited to 
 deliver a memorial discourse in view of the long and cherished 
 friendship which had subsisted between Dr. Moodey and him. 
 This he did sometime during the autumn, using as his text, 
 Prov. 10:7 ; '' The memory of th(3 just is blessed." By request 
 of the congregation the discourse was published. 
 
 The churches that withdrew from Presbytery were : The 
 First church of Carlisle, York and HaiTisburg. The first 
 two were without pastors. The First church, Carlisle, had 
 been left vacant by the resignition of Mr. Duffield in the 
 spring of 1885, and the church of York by the resigna- 
 tion of Dr. Cathcart in the sprino- of 1837. The Rev. 
 William T. Sprole was, however, preaching to the con- 
 gregation of the First church, Carlisle. At a pro-re-nata 
 meeting, held in July, 1837, Presbytery gave permission to 
 that congregation to prosecute a call before the German Re- 
 form Classis of Philadelphia for the ministerial services of Mr. 
 Sprole. Shortly after this Mr. Sprole removed to Carlisle and 
 entered upon his labors in the congregation. He retained his 
 connection, however, with the Classis of Philadelphia, to the 
 spring of the following year, if not longer. He never pre- 
 sented his credentials to the Presbytery of Carlisle, but was 
 one of the number who petitioned the Synod of Pennsylvania, 
 New School, in the fall of 1889 for the formation of the Pres- 
 bytery of Harrisburg. The church was not represented in the 
 Presbytery of Carlisle after the regular fall meeting of 1837. 
 "With its minister it went into th^ new organization when 
 formed March 3, 1840. " Mr. Sprole, we may add, was never in- 
 stalled in Carlisle, though he continued there as stated supply till 
 October 22, 1843.''''^ After the resignation of Dr. Cathcart the 
 congregation of York elected Rev. Benjamin J. "Wallace, a 
 member of the Presbytery of Muhlenburg, their pastor, Mr. 
 "Wallace, like Mr. Sprole, did not apply for admission to the 
 Presbytery of Carlisle. 
 
 A pro-re-nata meeting was held at Shippensburg, July 81, 
 1838, to attend, among other things, to the " reception of the 
 
 • Dr. Conway P. Wing— Hist. 1st Church Carlisle, p. 302. 
 
1795-1838— 0^ and Sew School Division. 139 
 
 pastors elect of the First church of Carlisle and the church in 
 York, should they be present and make application to be re- 
 ceived as members of Presbytery."* The receipt of the notice 
 of this meeting was acknowledged by Dr. William Mcllvain, 
 niling elder of the church of York, in a letter addressed to 
 Presbytery, bearing date of July 28, 1838, in which he says: 
 "All I can say as an individual, is that we remain in the same 
 situation we were, the Rev. Mr. Wallace not having received 
 his papers from Kentucky, "f 
 
 Mr, Wallace does not appear to have sought admission to 
 the Presbytery at any subsequent time, or to have presented 
 his credentials either to Presbytery or its committee on cre- 
 dentials.^ On the 22d of January, 1839, the congregation of 
 York resolved to make application to the Third Presbytery of 
 Philadelphia to be taken under its care. At a special meeting 
 of that Presbytery, held February 19, 1839, the foregoing re- 
 quest was granted. A like request, with like result, was also 
 made by the First church of Carlisle. Mr. Wallace at the same 
 time united with the same Presbytery, through which a call was 
 presented by the church of York for his services. On the 9th of 
 May following, he was installed pastor by a committee of Pres- 
 bytery, Rev. Albert Barnes preaching the sermon. § Mr. Wal- 
 lace was one of those who overtured the Synod of Pennsyl- 
 vania in the fall of 1839 for the erection of the Presbytery of 
 Uarrisburg ; and when it was organized, he and the church of 
 York were identified with it. 
 
 In going into the New Scbool organization the congregation 
 of York was not a unit, as was the First church of Carlisle. 
 At the request of a number of persons, presented tx) the Pres- 
 bytery of Carlisle in October, 1838, a committee was appointed 
 to visit York and do what might seem to be demanded by the 
 state of the case. They did so and found there a number of 
 persons — among them a ruling elder of the church — who, to 
 use their own language, were '' resolved to adhere to Carlisle 
 Presbytery, and to remain under and subject to the jurisdiction 
 
 • Records of Presbytery, 1838, p. 354, 
 
 t Dr. Mcllvain's letter— on file. 
 
 .t Records of Pres. October, 1838, p. 366. 
 
 § Rev. Heury E. Niles, D. D.— Thauksgriviug sermon, Nov. 27, 1879. 
 
140 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 of that body." This little band was for a time supplied with 
 preaching by appointment of Presbytery. The Rev. Stephen 
 Boyer, of New Castle Presbytery, by permission of Presbytery 
 of Carlisle, subsequently served them as stated supply. After a 
 time this attempt at a separate existence was wisely abandoned, 
 and the congregation again became one. 
 
 The church of Hopewell, which had been united in one pas- 
 toral charge with York up to the time of Dr. Cathcart's resig- 
 nation as pastor of the former in 1834 did not go with the 
 church of York and its former pastor into the new Presbytery, 
 but remained loyal to the Presbytery of Carlisle. For a time 
 it was, by permission of Presbytery, supplied by Rev. Stephen 
 Boyer, mentioned above. Subsequently it was transferred to 
 the Presbytery of Donegal, where it remained till the reunion 
 in 1870. 
 
 The congregation of Harrisburg stood aloof from both sides 
 for a time. At a meeting held July 2, 1838, they resolved 
 that " they would not consent to any jurisdiction of either 
 party now claiming to be the General Assembly of the Pres- 
 byterian Church in the United States ; nor to any connection 
 of this church and congregation with an}^ Presbytery or church 
 judicatory which shall exact as the condition of such acknowl- 
 edgment or connection, a dissolution of the subsisting rela- 
 tions between us and our pastor, the Rev. William R. DeWitt." 
 
 This resolution breathes a spirit of warm attachment and 
 earnest devotion to a faithful pastor, and expresses in unmis- 
 takable terms a fixed purpose to make his future ecclesiastical 
 relations theirs also. Accordingly, the congregation continued 
 in this quasi-independent condition till the fall of 1840. Their 
 pastor having been received into the Presb3^tery of Harrisburg 
 at its first meeting, March 3, 1840, they applied for admission, 
 and were received and enrolled November 26, 1840. 
 
 The congregation of Middle Paxton — now Dauphin — is not 
 mentioned as having taken any action. It was at that time 
 very feeble. During almost its entire history it had either 
 been connected with Harrisburg in one charge, or had been 
 largely dependent on the pastor of the Harrisburg church for 
 what preaching service it had enjoyed. The subsequent his- 
 
1795-1888— OW and New School Division. 141 
 
 tory of the congregation shows that it went into the New 
 School movement. 
 
 Such was the division wrought in this Presbytery by the 
 great schism of 1888. Three of its members, viz : Drs. Cath- 
 cart and DeWitt and Mr. Kennedy and four of its churches, 
 viz: Harrisburg, York, First church Carlisle, and Middle Pax- 
 ton — went into the New School body, and with two of these 
 churches the ministers who were laboring in them, though not 
 members of the Presbytery of Carlisle, viz : Mr. Wallace and 
 Mr. Sprole. 
 
 We shall aim briefly to sket(;h the history of these Presby- 
 teries during the thirty years of separation which followed. 
 
142 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 Presbytery of Carlisle. 1838-1870. 
 
 Ministers and Churches on the Moll of Presbytery at the Commence- 
 ment of the Period. — Great caution in guarding against Error 
 and Errorists. — Steady^ Quiet, Progressive Work. — Churches 
 Organized. — Growth. — Care of Weak Churches. — Transferred 
 to the Synod of Baltimore. — Ante- War incidents in Synod. — 
 Presbytery of Winchester goes out. — Influence of the War of the 
 Rebellion felt in many of our Churches. — Members of Presby- 
 tery who Served as Chaplains in the Union Army. 
 
 Y the division, as we have seen, Presbytery lost 
 three of its honored ministers and four of its 
 churches — three of them strong and influential 
 Upon its roll were left the following names of 
 ministers and churches, as reported in 1838 : 
 
 James Snodgrass, P., Hanover church. 
 
 Wm. Paxton, D. D., P., Lower Marsh Creek. 
 
 Davdd Denny, W. C. 
 
 Joshua Williams, D. D., W. C. 
 
 Amos A. McGinley, P., Upper and Lower Path Valley. 
 
 Henry R Wilson, Sr.. P., Shippensburg. 
 
 John Moodey, D. D., P., Middle Springs. 
 
 James R. Sharon, P., Paxton and Derry. 
 
 James Buchanan, P., Greencastle and Waynesboro'. 
 
 Rober S. Grrier, P., Tom's Creek and Piney Creek. 
 
 Daniel McKinley, P., Second church Carlisle. 
 
 Robert McCachran, P., Big Springs. 
 
 Anderson B. Quay, P., Monaghan and Petersburg. 
 
 Matthew B. Patterson, P., Middle Ridge, Mouth of Juniata 
 and Sherman's Creek. 
 
 Thomas Creigh, P., Mercersburg. 
 
 James C. Watson, P., Gettysburg and Great Conewago. 
 
 Henry R. Wilson, Jr., Mis. 
 
1888-1870— 7'/ie Presbytery After the Divisim. U8 
 
 BaynardR Hall, S. S., Bedford. 
 
 N. Grier White, P., McConnellsburg, Green Hill and Wei Is 
 Valley. 
 
 John Dickey, P., Blootnlield, Landisburg and Buffalo. 
 
 C. P. Cummins, P., Dickinson. 
 
 A. K. Nelson, V.. ll])per and Center. 
 
 David D. Clark, P., Schellsburg. 
 
 Joseph McKee, S. S., Newburg and Roxbury. 
 
 S. PI. McDonald, S. S , Cumberland. Md. 
 
 The following churches were vacant: Falling Spring, Silver 
 Spring, Hagerstown, Md., Williamsport, Md., Hancock, Md., 
 Hopewell, St. Thomas, Rocky Spring. 
 
 Robert Kennedy, S. S., Welsh Run. 
 
 Having passed through the conflict and excitement preced- 
 ing and attendant upon the division, and having regretfully 
 parted with some of its ministers and churches. Presbytery 
 righted itself, adjusted its rigging — as would a staunch vessel 
 that had weathered a stferm — and went steadily forward on its 
 way and in the prosecution of its work, viz : caring for exist- 
 ing churches, and occupying new ground and organizing new 
 churches. 
 
 In looking to the interests of the churches under its care, its 
 first aim and effort were to have those that were vacant sup- 
 plied with pastors, or, where that could not be done, with oc- 
 casional means of grace, either by supplies appointed from its 
 own members or from abroad. In the latter case great caution 
 was exercised, lest unworthy persons should be permitted to 
 labor in their vacant churches and sow the seeds of error or 
 discord. The rule adopted in 1836, prior to the division, was 
 strictly enforced by the standing committee on vacant churches 
 and supplies. This rule called for the " examination and ap- 
 proval by the committee of all ministers from abroad before 
 they be allowed to labor within the bounds of Presbytery or 
 as stated supplies of vacant churches." In this connection, we 
 would add that Presbytery claimed and exercised the right to 
 examine all applicants for membership by letter, whether from 
 Presbyteries of our own denomination or foreign bodies. 
 Watchful care being thus exercised as to the preachers and the 
 
144 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centemiiai 
 
 preaching of the Gospel in its bounds, Presbytery put forth 
 earnest effort to develop the spiritual life of the churches and 
 educate them to more liberal and enlarged views and prac- 
 tices in regard to the benevolent operations of the church, both 
 at home and abroad. Its next aim was to occupy new ground 
 and organize new churches within its own territory. These 
 were years of earnest, quiet work and substantial progress in 
 this direction, as well as in developing the internal life of the 
 church. 
 
 As in the spheres of nature and of government, so in that of 
 the church. In nature, the few days of the season that are 
 marked by destructive cyclone and tempest and tornado attract 
 more attention and call forth more comment than the many 
 days of calm and sunshine and shower, in which occur the 
 growth of vegetation, the maturing of fruits, the ingathering of 
 harvests, the filling of barns with plenty and the hearts of men 
 with jo}^ and gladness. The few years of disastrous and des- 
 tructive war and conflict which fall to the lot of a nation fill 
 many more pages of her history than the many years of peace 
 and quiet, during which are witnessed marvelous development 
 and progress in the arts and sciences, in commerce and trade, 
 in agriculture and manufacture, in education and refinement, 
 in population and in national power and greatness. 
 
 Thus is it in the church. The years of peace and quiet may 
 attract less attention and furnish less material for the pen of 
 the historian, because each succeeding year may correspond 
 largely with that which went before. Nevertheless, these be- 
 ing the years of earnest, faithful toil in the Master's vineyard 
 are, ordinarily, the years of the church's prosperity and pro- 
 gress. 
 
 These thoughts are suggested by looking at the work under- 
 taken and the results secured during these years. This is 
 especially true in regard to the planting of churches in hitherto 
 unoccupied fields and in growing centers of population. We 
 turn with satisfaction to the action of Presbytery on the subject 
 of Church Extension in June, 1852, and with pleasure here insert 
 some extracts from its Records: " This Presbytery declares itself 
 favorable to the founding of churches of our denomination in 
 
1SSS~1S70— Churches Organized. 145 
 
 any place within their bounds where there may be encouraging 
 prospects of success, and a reasonable hope that in process of 
 time, self-sustaining congregations may be gathered and built 
 up in the faith of the Gospel. 
 
 For the purpose of carrying these measures into effect, Pres- 
 bytery now resolve to appoint a committee, consistmg of 
 Messrs. Creigh, Morris and McCa(;hran (ministers) and Messrs. 
 Blair and Young (elders) on the subject of Church Extension 
 within their bounds, with authority to employ a suitable agent 
 to take charge, especially of the enterprise going forward in 
 Middletown, as well as to superintend the cause of Church 
 Extension in general; to inquire concerning any other place 
 where there may be similar prospects of success in planting 
 churches and also to give information to Presbytery concern- 
 ing the same, from time to time." 
 
 Part of the territory to be looked after lay contiguous to the 
 Presbytery of Winchester, Va., and the co-operation of breth- 
 ren of that Presbytery was, in some instances, kindly proffered, 
 and by ours as thankfully received. For several years we had 
 two missionaries laboring in the rapidly developing coal region 
 west of Cumberland, Md., where the sturdy and intelligent 
 miners were brought together and organized into churches, 
 and thus a goo<i and permanent work accomplished. But the 
 work of organizing new churches was not confined to this 
 region. It extended throughout the Presbytery. 
 
 The following is the order in which these organizations took 
 place: Hancock, Md., 1841 : Middletown. 1850; Burnt Cabins, 
 1851 ; Clear Spring, Md., 1853 : Pine Street, Harrisburg, and 
 Frostburg, Md., 1858 ; Barton, Md., 1859 ; Mechanicsburg and 
 Lonaconing, Md., 1860; Newport, 1863 ; Harrisburg, Seventh 
 Street, 1866 ; Martinsburg W. Va., 1867 ; Chambersburg, 
 Central and Warfordsburg, 1868 : Buck Valley, 1869 ; and in 
 1845 the church of Millerstowm was transferred by Synod from 
 the Presbytery of Huntingdon to the Presbytery of Carlisle. 
 On the other hand the churches of Bedford and Schellsburg 
 were, on account of geographical position and traveling facili- 
 ties set over from the Presbytery of Carlisle to that of Hunt- 
 ingdon the year before the reunion. 
 10 
 
146 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 The membership of the churches increased from 3,173 in 
 1839 to 5,546 in 1870 ; and the gifts for benevolent objects 
 from $1,417 to $10,316. Presbytery took a deep interest in 
 the work carried forward by the various boards of the church, 
 and was ever ready to co-operate in such ways as were then in 
 vogue. It was not, however, till 1868 tliat standing com- 
 mittees were appointed whose duties call them to look to the 
 interests of the several boards. 
 
 But in the way above indicated the churches recently organ- 
 ized, together with a number of those organized within the ten 
 or fifteen years immediately preceding the division, received at 
 the hand of Presbytery's efficient committee on Church Exten- 
 sion the fostering care which they needed. It was to all in- 
 tents and purposes a committee on Home Missions within our 
 bounds. The old and tried policy of grouping new and feeble 
 churches into one pastoral charge was pursued, when it could 
 be done to advantage. And when churches were found to be 
 strong enough to stand alone they were encouraged and urged 
 to do so. 
 
 In April, 1868, Presbytery appointed, permanent committees 
 on the departments of church work under the management of 
 the several boards. There was earnest discussion in regard to 
 the work that should receive the attention of the newly ap- 
 pointed committee on Home Missions. The great importance 
 of the general work was felt and spoken of. But Presbytery 
 was also deeply impressed with the importance of caring for 
 the new and weak churches and looking after the destitute 
 fields in our own bounds. This led to the adoption of the follow- 
 ing : " Presbytery requests all the churches under her care, for 
 the present to send fifty per cent, of their contributions (for 
 home missions) to the treasurer of the committee on Domestic 
 missions, to be expended by them (all or so much as needed), 
 under the direction of Presbj^tery, within our bounds. Pres- 
 bytery hopes by this action not to diminish, but to increase 
 the church's contributions to the general fund, and at the 
 same time to secure the means whereby she may more fully 
 occupy and effectually cultivate the interesting and encourag- 
 ing mission fields falling more immediately under her own cara" 
 
188b-ltt7U — :Synod of Ikdtimorr. 147 
 
 The clianges which came "close upon the heels" of this action 
 prevented the measure recommended being tested, and caused 
 it to fall through. By the action of Synod our territory in the 
 count}^ of Bedford was transferred to the Presbytery of Hunt- 
 ingdon the following year. Then came tlie reunion with such 
 changes of Presbyterial lines and losses of territory as to cause 
 the scheme to be practically abandoned. 
 
 Within the period of which we write a change took place in 
 the synodical relations of the Presbytery. Donegal Presby- 
 tery was the child of the Synod of Philadelphia, when it stood 
 single and alone on this continent, and was the highest judicatory 
 of the church. It and its successor, the Presbytery of Carlisle, 
 never knew any other synodical connection till 1854, a period 
 of 122 years. 
 
 But at the April meeting in 1854, after an earnest and protracted 
 discussion. Presbyter}^ resolved to join the Presbytery of Balti- 
 more in overturing the General Assembly to divide the Synod 
 of Philadelphia. The General Assembly, in session the next 
 month, acted favorably, and erected the Synod of Baltimore, 
 to be composed of the Presbyteries of Baltimore, Carlisle, 
 Eastern Shore, Md., and Winchester, Va. In this synodical 
 connection the Presbytery of Carlisle continued till the time 
 of the reunion of the Old and New School General Assemblies. 
 Our relations with the brethren of the other Presbyteries com- 
 posing the Synod were exceedingly cordial and pleasant, es- 
 pecially during the first six years. But the harmony of these 
 relations was interrupted by occurrences which proved to be 
 of deepest import to the nation as well as the church. 
 
 The " John Brown Raid " and the burning of Harper's Ferry 
 took place just a few days before the meeting of Synod at 
 Alexandria, Va., October 18, 1859. The whole region round 
 about was in a ferment of excitement. The entire country was 
 startled. The government was aroused. Troops were huriy- 
 ing towards Harper's Ferry. Travel in parts of Virginia was 
 interrupted, andvsome members had difficulty in reaching Synod. 
 It is not to be wondered at that the members of Synod from 
 Winchester Presbytery were deeply stirred and wrought upon. 
 Those who were at that meeting will not soon forget some of 
 
148 Presbytery of Carlisle — Cejitennial 
 
 the exciting scenes that occurred. In the heat of awakened 
 feeling not a few of the Virginia members uttered words far 
 from complimentary to the North, whilst abounding in lauda- 
 tion of tlieir own State. The Rev. Wm. H. Foote, D. D., of 
 Romney, Ya., was especially outspoken. Amongst them, how- 
 ever, was one who, with unclouded judgment and unruffled 
 temper, remained cool and self-possessed. It was the venerable 
 T. Bloomer Balch, D. D., the oldest member of Winchester 
 Presbytery. Growing impatient he finally rose, exclaiming : 
 " I'm tired hearing about Virginia. It's Virginia ! Virginia ! 
 Old Virginia ! as if there were no other place under God's 
 heavens but Old Virginia." 
 
 The wedge of division here found its entrance. At the meet- 
 ing of Synod, at Georgetown, D. C, one year later, there were 
 but few members present from Winchester Presbytery. They 
 expressed a desire to be transferred to the Synod of Virginia. 
 In this, Synod did not concur, but adopted the following reso- 
 lutions, viz : " That Synod have heard with regret the expresed 
 desire of the Presbytery of Winchester to change their sy nodi- 
 cal relation ; and while they deprecate the attitude of opposi- 
 tion to what that Presbytery consider their duty in the case, 
 they do, in all kindness and christian love, resolve, under the 
 circumstances, not to accede to their request for the present, 
 and ask the Presbytery to reconsider their decision in the case." 
 This, however, was the last time they met with us. Already 
 the air was full of ominous mutterings. Soon after, the war 
 of the rebellion was upon us, and Winchester Presbytery went 
 out from the Synod of Baltimore as its State went out from the 
 Union. We regretted it, for its members were brethren whom 
 we esteemed and loved, and many of its older churches had 
 been planted by the Presbyteries of Donegal and Carlisle long 
 years before. Some of the brethren and churches in other 
 Presbyteries of the Synod, whose sympathies were with the 
 South, also withdrew. With those who remained our relations 
 were most pleasant, for they were loyal alike to the govern- 
 ment and the General Assembly. 
 
 During the dark days of the rebellion the churches of the 
 Presbytery were made to suffer not a little. Much of our terri- 
 
1SSS-IS7 0—Loi/aUy to the Gover7iment. 149 
 
 tory lay along the border and was subject to raids and incur- 
 sions by the enemy. In this ten-itory were fully one-half the 
 churches. Many of their edifices were occupied in turn by 
 friend and foe for hospitals, for barracks, and in one instance 
 by the enemy's cavalry for stable. By the burning of Cham- 
 bersburg in one of the raids, a large portion of Falling Spring 
 congregation was rendered homeless, and in many instances 
 almost penniless. Many of the noblest and best of the sons of 
 the churches were in the field. Five of our ministers became 
 chaplains in the arm}- — W. C. Ferriday, One Hundred and 
 Twenty-first regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers; John Jay 
 Pomeroy, Third Pennsylvania Reserves, 1862-1864, and One 
 Hundred and Ninety-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteers, 1864 to 
 close of war: John C. Wilhelm, Fort^^-fifth regiment United 
 States colored troops ; S. J. Niccolls, One Hundred and Twenty- 
 sixth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and Geo. W. Chalfant, Eighty- 
 fourth Pennsylvania Volunteers. 
 
 For weeks six counties of our Presbytery — Frederick and 
 Washington, Maryland ; aad Franklin, Cumberland, Adams 
 and York, Pa. — were occupied by Gen. Lee and his veteran 
 army ; and on our territory occurred at Gettysburg, July 1-3, 
 1863, the pivotal battle of the rebellion. 
 
 As we look back to the exciting and distracting influences 
 of those years, we are led to wonder that more of harm did not 
 come to the cause and church of Christ This must be attrib- 
 uted to the general loyalty of the people, and, above all, to the 
 watchful care of Him who is ^' Head over all things to the 
 church." 
 
 Presbytery declared its loyalty in the following preamble 
 and resolutions unanimously adopted April 16, 1863: 
 ** Whereas, the unjustifiable rebellion inaugurated in our 
 Southern States more than two years ago still continues, and 
 this nation is engaged in a desperate struggle for its very life ; 
 and whereas, this conflict involves great moral and religious 
 principles, as well as merely political questions ; and whereas, 
 silence on the part of this Presbytery might be misunderstood 
 as indicating a want of interest in the national struggle or of 
 hearty sympathy with the national government ; therefore, be it 
 
150 Preshytenj of Carlisle — Ctniennial 
 
 "-Resolved, 1, That the Presbytery of Carlisle, having under 
 their care lifty-one churches in Pennsylvania and Maryland, 
 hereby declares their unwavering attachment to the Union 
 bequeathed to us by our fathers — our abhorrence of the princi- 
 ples of secession — our hearty sympathy with the government 
 and with the brave and self-denying defenders of the same on 
 the land and on the sea ; and we hereby call upon all the peo- 
 ple under our care to be firm and unwavering in their adher- 
 ence to the government and to the Union cause, until this 
 causeless rebellion shall have been suppressed by ' the powers 
 that be,' which are ordained of God, to bear the sword and to 
 be a terror to evildoers ; and until civil and religious liberty 
 be established in all our borders and enjoyed by all our people. 
 
 ^'-Resolved, 2, That we rejoice to know that our ministers, in 
 their public services, habitually pray for the blessing of God 
 upon the constituted authorities of the land, and upon the army 
 and navy of the republic ; and we trust that this eminently 
 proper practice will be continued. 
 
 ^'Resolved, 3, That we rejoice in the appointment by the 
 President of a day of fasting and prayer in view of the divine 
 judgments which are resting upon the land, and that we will 
 observe it with solemnity in all our churches. 
 
 ''Resolved, 4, That we recommend the reading of this minute 
 from all our pulpits on the fast-day." 
 
 While alienatioa and estrangement and separation were taking 
 place among brethren of the North and South, the great Head 
 of the church was moving the hearts of the brethren of the 
 divided Presbyterian family in the North, and preparing the 
 way for those, who, for well nigh a third of a century, had 
 been apart, once more to come together. There was a general 
 movement of the Old and New School bodies in this direction 
 which was hailed with gladness by the Presbytery of Carlisle. 
 But even before this was inaugurated, the two Presbyteries 
 now composing it had taken steps looking to a closer, and, if 
 possible, organic union. But of this and the history of the 
 reunited Presbytery, we shall speak more particularly after 
 briefly tracing the history of the Presbytery of Harrisburg. 
 
1839-1869 — Presbytery of Uarrishurg. 151 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 Presbyter V of Harrisburg, 1839-1869. 
 
 Its ErectioyL. — Members. — Churches. — Territory. — Dedaraiior} on 
 Church Standards, oil Church Polity, Slavery, Agencies for 
 Benevolent Work, etc. — Churches Organized. -Interest in Prac- 
 tical Questions of the Day. — Changes. — Final Adjournment. 
 
 I HE Presbytery of Harrisburg was erected by the 
 Synod of Pennsylvania (New School) on the 31st 
 of October, 1839, at the request of tiie Revs. Robert 
 Cathcart, D. D., B. J. Wallace, William M. Hall, 
 W. T. Sproleand Robert Kennedy, and was made to '* compre- 
 hend these mininisters and the Rev. William Tracy, with all 
 those ministers and churches in the Presbyteries of Carlisle^ 
 Huntingdon and Northumberland, and those within the coun- 
 ties of York, Cumberland and Lancaster, who have declared 
 or may declare their adherence to this Synod.'' 
 
 It will be seen from the foregoing that the territory covered 
 by tlie new Presbytery was about three times as large as that 
 of the Presbytery of Carlisle, and was substantially the same 
 as embraced in it when it included Huntingdon and Northum- 
 berland Presbyteries. 
 
 As ordered by Synod, the first meeting was held at Carlisle 
 on the 3d of March, 1840, and was opened with a sermon by 
 Dr. Cathcart, who was also appointed to act as moderator until 
 another be chosen. At this meeting Rev. Wm. R. DeWitt. D. D.. 
 was received as a member, and the First church of Carlisle and 
 the church of York were taken under its care. The ministers 
 present were Robert Cathcart, D. D., Robert Kennedy, William 
 T. Sprole, William M. Hall, William R. Dewitt, D. D., and 
 William Tracy. Absent, Benjamin J. Wallace. The church of 
 Harrisburg made application and was received under its care 
 the 26th of November following. 
 
 Mention has been made of the foregoing ministers, except 
 
152 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 Mr. Tracy and Mr. Hall, in speaking of the " division " of the 
 Presbytery of Carlisle. Mr. Tracy was a missionary laboring 
 in India under the American Board of Commissioners for 
 Foreign Missions. Mr. Hall, previously a member of the bar, 
 settled at Lewistown and enjoying one of the most extensive and 
 lucrative practices in central Pennsylvanra, had been licensed by 
 the Presbytery of Ohio, which included the cities of Pittsburgh 
 and Allegheny, with which Presbytery he was connected until 
 the division of the church took place. He tells us he " sided 
 with the body terming itself the ' Constitutional Party ' and was 
 opposed to the excision of the Synods and the measures of the 
 Assembly therewith connected, but never deemed himself a 
 New School man, theologically speaking.'"^ His connection 
 with the Presbytery of Harrisburg was brief. Withdrawing 
 from it — for there were no letters of dismission granted by 
 either party in those days of embittered feeling — he was re- 
 ceived and enrolled as a member of the Presbytery of Carlisle 
 the 21st of July, 1841. 
 
 Very soon after its formation, the Presbytery of Harrisburg 
 defined its position on several important points. At its 
 second meeting, held at Mount Joy, May 19, 1840, it de- 
 clared its attachment and adherence to the Voluntary Socie- 
 ties and boards, and charged the Old School branch of 
 the church with "having so departed from the spirit and 
 usages of our church as to break up, to a very considerable 
 degree, the christian fellowship which exiisted and was mani- 
 fested in the co-operative boards and societies, by the forma- 
 tion of separate and sectarian institutions." It also defined 
 its doctrinal position, declaring that its members "received 
 and adopted the Westminster Confession of Faith and Cate- 
 chisms, Larger and Shorter, as containing the system of doctrine 
 taught in the Holy Scripture," and emphasised this by adding, 
 " that no one can honestly subscribe these standards or remain 
 in the church after subscribing them, who is conscious of hold- 
 ing any opinions at variance with the system of truth they 
 exhibit." Yet they claimed liberty as to method of express- 
 ing and expounding these doctrines. In the matter of church 
 
 * Letter to Presbytery of Carlisle, on file. 
 
1840-1869— Presbytery of Harrishurg. 153 
 
 polity, they declared their " approval of the government and 
 discipline of the Presbyterian Church in the United States as 
 exhibited in its Form of Government and Book of Discipline." 
 But held " it a fundamental principle of our (church govern- 
 ment that the authority of ecclesiastical courts is only declara- 
 tive and ministerial, and that all their decisions affecting the 
 rights and reputation and the consciences of men must be 
 founded on the revealed will of God."^ 
 
 Most of the aggressive work undertaken and accomplished 
 by the Presbytery of Harrisburg was in the territory lying 
 beyond the bounds of the Presbytery of Carlisle, and mainly 
 in the bounds of the Presbyteries of Northumberland and 
 Huntingdon. 
 
 At its meeting in October, 1844, it " appointed a committee 
 on correspondence and church erection in the interior of Penn- 
 sylvania." It also "resolved that, in the opinion of this 
 Presbytery, it would be greatly for the interests of religion that 
 the Philadelphia Home Missionary Society should send into 
 the interior of Pennsylvania at least five missionaries, if prac- 
 ticable, who shall at first itinerate with a view to the formation, 
 as soon as possible, of permanent Presbyterian congregations." 
 We do not know to what extent their appeal for laborers was 
 responded to, but we have evidence from subsequent action at 
 different times that the interest of Presbytery in this matter 
 did not flag. Churches were organized at Northumberland, 
 Williamsport, Nittany Valley, Hublersburg, Spring Mills and 
 Mount Pleasant. The history of these churches naturally falls 
 to the Presbytery to which they now belong. 
 
 In the bounds of the Presbytery of Carlisle the Presbytery 
 of Harrisburg was instrumental in reviving and reorganizing 
 the almost extinct church of Middle Paxton, thus forming the 
 flourishing church of Dauphin. The old house of worship 
 stood on the high ground a short distance above the village. 
 The congregation accustomed there to assemble had, by re- 
 movels and deaths, become greatly reduced in numbers, and 
 was struggling to keep in existence. In the fall of 1848, Pres- 
 bytery sent the Rev. George R Moore into the field to labor 
 
 ♦ Records of Presbj-terj of Harrisburg. 
 
154 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 as a missionary. A new interest was soon awakened. The 
 people asked for a new organization, and Presbytery gave it to 
 them in 1850. They felt the need of a new house of worship. 
 Presbytery took an interest in this and recommended the con- 
 gregation to the churches under its care for aid. The result 
 was the erection in the same year of the neat and comfortable 
 church now occupied by the congregation, located in the town 
 instead of half a mile away in the country. The only other 
 church organized by the Presbytery of Harrisburg in the 
 bounds of the Presbytery of Carlisle, was the Second, now 
 known as the Elder Street church, Harrisburg. 
 
 Great interest was also taken by this Presbytery in the 
 general work of home missions. Nor was there less manifested 
 in the causes of foreign missions, church erection, publication, 
 ministerial relief and education. As was also the case in the 
 Presbytery of Carlisle, the subject of education of young men 
 for the ministry received much attention. The harvest fields 
 were ever widening in both Presbyteries, and there was felt a 
 pressing need of more laborers. 
 
 In tracing the history of the Presbytery we find a very per- 
 ceptible change taking place in the views of its members in 
 regard to the church doing its own work by means of agencies 
 of its own, instead of depending on those of " Voluntary Soci- 
 eties." Indeed, a change had come over the entire church. 
 With its growth in numbers and in influence and power, there 
 came to the New School body a growing consciousness of in- 
 dividuality and an ever-deepening sense of responsibility. 
 
 The Rev. Jonathan F. Stearns, D. D., speaking for the New 
 School body, tells us, in his paper on the reunion, that as early 
 as 1847 there was a strong sentiment in favor of the church 
 controlling the agencies employed to do her work. He says 
 that in the action of the General Assembly of that year " are to 
 be found the germs of the whole subsequent policy. * -^ * 
 Various causes contributed to retard for several years the full 
 execution or completion of the plan. But it was not dropped 
 or overlooked."' In the appendix of the Assembly's mmutes 
 (N. S.) of 1849, is to be found an exhaustive report on the 
 subject, prepared by Rev. Edwin F. Hatfield, D. D. In the 
 
1840-1869 — Presbytery of Harrisburg. 155 
 
 General Assembly of 1851, the whole subject was referred to a 
 committee, with Dr. Mills as chairman. This committee made 
 a report to the General Assembly of 1852, dealing mainly with 
 these subjects — ICducation for the ministry. Homo Missions 
 and Publication. The discussion was earnest and protracted, 
 lasting three days, and " resulted in the very general con- 
 viction that something must be done, and that quickly, if we 
 would perform our proper part in carrying forward the Lord's 
 work, or save ourselves from being absorbed on the one liand 
 or losing our very name as Presbyterian christians on the other." 
 Dr. Stearns adds: '' The results of this Assembly were emi- 
 nently gratifying to the friends of progress. The members 
 went home to their Presbyteries and churches, feeling that a 
 new era had at length opened on their beloved church. It had 
 now fairly taken its stand as an independent body of Presby- 
 terian christians."* 
 
 Not having formed any independent organization for the 
 work of Foreign Missions, the contributions of the churches 
 for that object continued to flow through the channel of the 
 American Board, down to the time of reunion. 
 
 This change of sentiment in regard to the independent man- 
 agement of church work was not confined to the New School 
 Presbyterians, but appears to have been shared by the Con- 
 gregationalists as well, with whom they had hitherto co-oper- 
 ated. The convention of that denomination which met at 
 Albany, N. Y., in 1852, abolished the "Plan of Union," as in- 
 jurious to them. This action was beneficial to the New School 
 church, and ultimately proved a blessing to the entire Presby- 
 terian Church ; for it removed one of the main grounds of 
 separation and marked an important stage really, though, to 
 the actors in those scenes, unconsciously reached in the direc- 
 tion of reunion. 
 
 Presbytery manifested a deep interest in the practical ques- 
 tions with which the clmrch has ever to deal ; such as the dis- 
 tribution of God's word among the people, the proper observ- 
 ance of the Sabbath, etc. In time of our country's peril from 
 rebellion, it was patriotic, fearless, outspoken. During the 
 
 • Dr. Stearns— Beuniom VoL p. 68. 
 
156 Presbytery of Carlisle — CentenniaL 
 
 latter years of its existence it had in active operation a system 
 of Presbyterial visitation, similar to that in the Presbytery of 
 Carlisle, only that its visitations were annual instead of bi- 
 ennial, as in the Presbytery of Carlisle. 
 
 We note some statistics given the year before the reunion 
 relating to those churches which had formerly belonged to the 
 Presbytery of Carlisle, or were organized in its bounds after 
 the division : 
 
 Members. In S. School. Home Mi8s. Foreign Miss. 
 
 Carlisle, First 348 260 $347.00 $144.00 
 
 Harrrisburg. First (Market sq.). 218 450 2,326.00 916.00 
 
 York 254 450 545.00 1.174.00 
 
 Dauphin 63 138 18.00 61.00 
 
 Harrisburg, Second (Elder st), 50 90 
 
 The above figures mdicate the state of the churches, and the 
 general spirit of beneficence — affording evidence of strength, 
 vitality, efficiency. The other objects for which contributions 
 were regularly made, were Education, Publication, Church 
 Erection, Ministerial Relief and (after the war) Freedmen. 
 
 Of the ministers who entered the Presbytery of Harrisburg 
 at its formation, from the Presbytery of Carlisle, not one was 
 present to answer at the final roll-call. Rev. Robert Kennedy 
 had fallen asleep in 1843, among the people where the main part 
 of his life-work had been done, aged sixt3^-five. Dr. Cathcart, 
 venerated and beloved, had, at the advanced age of ninety, 
 been called to his rest and reward in 1849. Dr. DeWitt, 
 whose memory is still fresh in the hearts of his brethren and 
 his devoted congregation, passed away December 23, 1867, at the 
 age of almost seventy-six~when the dawn of reunion was break- 
 ing, and his heart was all aglow in anticipation of its consumma- 
 tion. These were the ministers who had formerly belonged to 
 the Presbytery of Carlisle. 
 
 The Rev. Conway P. Wing, D. D., was pastor of the First 
 church, Carlisle, and Rev. Henry E. Niles, D. D., of the church 
 at York — both men of catholic spirit, whose desires were for 
 union. Rev. Thomas H. Robinson, D. D. , who had been co-pastor 
 with Dr. DeWitt from 1855 to the time of his death in 1867, 
 was now pastor of the First church, Harrisburg. A New 
 
1840-1869 — Presbytery of Harrisburg. 157 
 
 School man by birth and an Old School man by education, he 
 longed to see the churches one. As pastor at Dauphin, was 
 Rev. D. C. Meeker, who desired to see the two branches of the 
 church he loved united again. The Second (Elder Street) 
 church, Harrisburg, was without a pastor. 
 
 On the 4th of May, 1869, the Presbytery of Harrisburg took 
 its final adjournment, prior to doing so having made provision 
 for being called together by its moderator, should there be 
 occasion. There was none, however, and when its members 
 next assembled in Presbyterial capacity, it -was in company 
 with the Old School brethren in the various Presbyteries within 
 whose bounds their territory lay. Of the reunion of the Pres- 
 byteries of Carlisle and Harrisburg we have next to speak- 
 
158 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 CHAPTER VL 
 Reunion. 
 
 |HE view elsewhere expressed, that the general move- 
 ment of the Old and New School churches in the 
 direction of union, as manifested by the action of 
 their General Assemblies, was anticipated by the 
 Presbyteries of Carlisle and Harrisburg, is fully sustained by 
 their records. The movement appears to have originated in 
 the Presbytery of Carlisle. This would seem to have been 
 proper — it was the older and stronger body, and therefore 
 should be the first to move. 
 
 In session at Big Spring church, April 10, 1866, it adopted 
 the following preamble and resolutions : 
 
 " In view of the growing spirit of christian union among 
 christian believers and christian churches which is manifesting 
 itself in such a striking manner at the present time ; and as a 
 Presbytery desiring to place itself in harmony with this special 
 providence ; Resolved^ I, That we tender our fraternal regards 
 to the Presbytery of Harrisburg of the New School church, 
 and the Presbytery of Big Spring of the United Presbyterian 
 Church, and express our desire to have fellowship with their 
 members in the bonds of the Gospel of Christ. Resolved^ II, 
 That the Rev. Thomas Creigh, D. D., the Rev. S. S. Mitchell 
 and Elder H. M. Graydon be appointed delegates to the Pres- 
 bytery of Harrisburg; and the Rev. Wm. P. Cochran and 
 Elder J. A. Crawford be appointed delegates to the Presbytery 
 of Big Spring, in order to carry out the above resolution." 
 
 The committee appointed to visit the Presbytery of Harris- 
 burg and convey to it the salutations of the Presbytery of 
 Carlisle at once repaired to the city of Harrisburg, where the 
 former was in session. After presenting the preamble and 
 resolutions of which they were bearers, they were heard in 
 brief addresses, to which the moderator and a number of min- 
 
lSm-lS69—B€union. 159 
 
 isters and elders responded. The Presbytery of Harrisburg 
 then "appointed Revs. Wni. R De Witt, D. D., and Conway P. 
 Wing, D: D., a committee to draft resolutions in response to 
 those which had been presented, and to present the same in 
 person before the Presbytery of Carlisle at its next meeting." 
 Elder J. W. Weir was subsequently added to this conmiittee, 
 which met with the Presbytery of Carlisle, in session at Silver 
 Spring, October 3, 1866, and presented a paper containing 
 three resolutions : The first, expressing gratification at the visit 
 of the committee from the Presbytery of Carlisle in April ; the 
 second, declaring that the sameness of standards, the past his- 
 tory and present condition of the churches " demand an 
 increasing good-will, fellowship, communion and co-operation 
 between their membership and ministry, whether we regard the 
 immediate future before us as a transition state to an organic 
 union, or the field of history for continued separate .action." 
 Resolution third, given in full, reads : "That apart from certain 
 practical difficulties in the way of organic union, which need 
 not and should not be permanent and unremovable, these two 
 great branches of the Presbyterian Church in this country, 
 together with the minor branches of the same great faith, ought 
 to be one ; and we trust that the Spirit of God will so enlighten 
 and harmonize the sentiment of the great majority of Presby- 
 terians that all personal interest and local difficulties and special 
 rivalries and repellant opinions shall be carried away in the 
 enlarging and deepening tide of a rectified christian opinion ; 
 and that thus the various branches of the water of life now 
 running parallel with each other, and each weakened, perhaps, 
 by separate movement, shall be united in one great ' river, the 
 streams whereof shall make glad the city of our God ;' thus 
 exhibiting a glorious fulfilment of the Redeemer's prayer to 
 the Father, ' that they may be one even as we are one ; I in 
 thee and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one, 
 and that the world may know that thou hast sent me and hast 
 loved them as thou hast loved me.' " 
 
 The reading of this paper by Mr. Weir wfts followed with 
 addresses by Drs. DeWitt and Wi^K' the other members of the 
 committee. The venerable moderator of Presbytery, Rev. 
 
1 60 Presbytery of Car lis le — Cen tennia I. 
 
 William P. Cochran, responded in a very feeling address. At 
 an adjourned meetint^, held on the 18th of October, appropri- 
 ate resolutions in regard to this visit were passed, and were 
 communicated by letter to the Presbytery of Harrisburg when 
 in session, April, 1867. Thus was a movement toward union 
 set on foot and well advanced by these Presbyteries, partly an- 
 terior and wholly independent of any action of either of the 
 General Assemblies. 
 
 A joint committee, appointed by the two General Assem. 
 blies of 1866, made a report to the Assemblies of 1867, strongly 
 favoring reunion. This report was published in the appendix 
 to the minutes of each General Assembly, and the subject was 
 commended to the careful consideration of the whole church. 
 In this way it came before the Presbyteries of Carlisle and 
 Harrisburg, at their meetings in October that year. 
 
 In the Presbytery of Carlisle, the committee on the minutes 
 of the General Assembly presented a lengthy report which, 
 after some alterations, was adopted. After expressing its desire 
 for reunion and defining the grounds on which it should be 
 accomplished, the report closes with these words : " In thus 
 giving expression to our views on this subject as a Presbytery, 
 we desire to do it with all frankness ; and yet with christian 
 courtesy. We say from the depths of our hearts, that we de- 
 sire reunion with the ' other branch ;' and we rejoice to know 
 that we are coming closer and closer together on those great 
 and glorious and distinctive features of doctrine and polity 
 which are embodied in the Confession of Faith. No other re- 
 union than this is worthy the name of union. It would be 
 but a union in form, and not in spirit. Alienations and divis- 
 ions and jealousies would be the fruits of it. ' Endeavoring to 
 keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.' ' First 
 pure, then peaceable.' " 
 
 Coming up in the same way m the Presbytery of Harrisburg, 
 the subject received like favorable treatment. We give the 
 following extract from the preamble and resolutions adopted, 
 which will be found to correspond very closely in sentiment, 
 with the action had by the Presbytery of Carlisle: " In view 
 of the lessons of God's word, the signs of the times and the 
 
1866-1869— R^nnion. 161 
 
 interests of the Redeemer's kingdom, we liave reiuson to rejoice 
 in the strong desire so vividly manifested for a more evident 
 and liearty union between the followei-s of our Lord Jesus 
 Clirist, and especiallv in the tendencies among those who hold 
 our honored and approved Presbyterian system towards the 
 manifestation of a larger sympathy and more fraternal recog- 
 nition. The prospect of a formal organic union between the 
 two foremost branches of the Presbyterian family, which have 
 been so long and so sadly divided, affords us peculiar joy. 
 Resolved, I, That we hereby express our entire satisfaction with 
 the terms of reunion which have been agreed upon by the joint 
 committee of the two General Assemblies. II, That we dis- 
 tinctly protest against any other formal basis for such an ar- 
 rangement, than an honest subscription to the Confession of 
 Faith, such as was given by all officers of our church at the 
 time of their ordination, and that we regard no subscription to 
 our standards as fair and honest which implies the acceptance 
 of its articles merely for ' substance of doctrine,' or in any 
 sense contrary to their appropriate historical signification, as 
 opposed to Antinomianism and Fatalism on the one hand, and 
 to Armeniamsm and Pelagianism on the other." 
 
 Dr. DeWitt, who was deeply interested in the subject of 
 reunion, was not at this meeting. His health was feeble, and 
 he was never ngain permitted to meet his brethren in Presby- 
 tery or Synod. In his absence he wrote a letter to Presbyter)\ 
 which was placed on record, and which is here inserted, as en- 
 tering into the history of the movement and possessing more 
 than passing interest and value : 
 
 Harrisburg, October 18, 1867. 
 To the Presbytery of Harrisburg : 
 
 Dear Brethren : Owing to feebleness, the effect of recent 
 severe indisposition, I am unable to attend the meeting of 
 Presbytery and Synod this fall. I exceedingly regret this, for 
 although, from what I learn from the papers, there is not much 
 probability that the vote for the union of the two branches of 
 our church will prevail throughout the Assemblies, yet so 
 strongly am I impressed with the conviction that such a union 
 would meet the approbation of the great Head of the church, 
 11 
 
162 Presbytery oj Carlisle — Cenlennial. 
 
 and tend greatly to her prosperity on the earth, that I am 
 anxious to have mj vote recorded on the minutes of our Pres- 
 bytery in its behalf. With the consent and approbation of 
 Presbytery, I earnestly request that it may be so recorded. 
 With sentiments of great respect and esteem, 
 
 I remain yours, etc., 
 
 Wm. R DeWitt. 
 
 There is no uncertain sound in either of these papers, and it 
 will be seen from them that these Presbyteries were already 
 very fully prepared for the union which was near at hand. 
 We, therefore, do not deem it needful to giye in detail their 
 action subsequent to this and prior to the categorical answer 
 called for by the Assemblies of 1869. This w^e would say, 
 however, that both Presbyteries rejected any and all attempts 
 to substitute anything else for the standards " pure and simple," 
 as the doctrinal basis of union. Thus both, in taking action on 
 the plan sent down by the General Assemblies of 1868, rejected 
 that part of the first or doctrinal article which was known 
 among Old School men as the " Smith and Gurley amendment." 
 It is that part of the article which would have it to be " under- 
 stood that various methods of viewing, stating, explaining and 
 illustrating the doctrines of the Confession, w^hich do not im- 
 pair the integrity of the Reformed or Calvinistic system, are to 
 be freely allowed in the united church, as they have hitherto 
 been allowed in the separate churches." 
 
 So strong was the influence brought to bear on the General 
 Assemblies of 1869, from Presbyteries in both branches of the 
 church and in all parts of the country, that the objectionable 
 feature was removed from the doctrinal basis. This, and some 
 other changes in other parts of the " Basis of Union," having 
 been made, it was adopted by both the Assemblies, and it was 
 resolved that it "be sent dowm to the Presbyteries for their 
 approval or disapproval, and each Presbytery is hereby re- 
 quired to meet on or before the 15th day of October, 1869, to 
 express its approval or disapproval of the same by a categorical 
 answer to the following question : Do you approve of the 
 reunion of the two bodies now claiming the name and rights 
 of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, 
 
lS66-1869—Ji€utuon. 163 
 
 on the following basis, viz : The reunion sliall be effected on tlie 
 doctrinal and ecclesiastical basis of our common standards ; the 
 Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments shall V)e acknowl- 
 edged to be the inspired Word of God, and the only infallible 
 rule of faith and practice ; the Confession of Faith shall con- 
 tinue to be sincerely received and adopted as containing the 
 system^ of doctrine taught in the Holy Scriptures ; and the 
 Government and Discipline of the Presbyterian Church in the 
 United States shall be approved as containing the principles 
 and rules of our polity." 
 
 It may not be amiss for Presbyterians to keep this basis in 
 mind in these days when tendencies to laxity and latitudi- 
 narianism maybe seen in certain quarters, and the "Standards 
 of the Church '' are held in low esteem. Upon no other basis 
 than this would either the Presbytery of Plarrisburg or Carlisle 
 have voted for reunion. But the question coming before them 
 on this basis, met, in one of them with no, and in the other 
 with but little o})position. In the Presbytery of Harrisburg, 
 in session at York, October I9th, after a full opportunity had 
 been given for the expression of the views and feelings of each 
 member, and after a season of solemn prayer, the question was 
 answered in the affirmative by a unanimous rising vote. 
 
 When the question came up in the Presbytery of Carlisle, 
 in session at Waynesboro', October 6th, the calling of the roll 
 being asked for, forty-three voted in the affirmative, and six 
 in the negative ; whereupon, on motion of one of the members 
 who voted in the negative, seconded by another, it was Re- 
 bolved^ 1st, That the vote be made unanimous, and, 2d, that we 
 will do all we can to make the union a great and permanent 
 and glorious success ;" after which Presbytery was led in prayer 
 by Kev. Thomas Creigh, D. D. 
 
 When an adjourned meeting of the General Assemblies was 
 held at Pittsburgh on the 10th of November, 1869, it was found 
 that of the one hundred and forty- four Presbyteries in the two 
 Assemblies, one hundred and twenty-six had answered the 
 overture sent down, affirmatively, in writing, and three nega- 
 tively — one of these (Rio de Janerio) being a foreign Presby- 
 tery. 
 
164 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 In rearranging the Presbyteries after the reunion, '' by geo- 
 graphical lines," the ministers and churches of the Presbytery 
 of Hariisburg were distributed in three Presbyteries — North- 
 umberland, Carlisle and Westminster. The First church, 
 Carlisle, with Rev. C. P. Wing, D. D., its pastor; the First (or 
 Market Square) church, Harrisburg, with Rev. T H. Robin- 
 son, D. D., its pastor; the Second (or Elder Street), .church, 
 Harrisburg, supplied by Mr. J. H. Cole, a licentiate ; and the 
 church of Dauphin, with Rev. D. C. Meeker its pastor, became 
 part of the Presbytery of Carlisle. Whilst the church of York, 
 which had belonged to the Presbytery of Carlisle before the 
 division, with the Rev. Henry E. Niles, D. D., its paster, was 
 made a part of the Presbytery of Westminster. By the opera- 
 tion of the same rule, the Presf)jtery of Carlisle lostMonaghan 
 church, at Dillsburg, Pa., having no pastor ; and in the State of 
 Maryland, Emmittsburg and Piney Creek churches, with Rev. 
 Isaac M. Patterson, their pastor ; Hagerstown, with Rev. Trion 
 Edwards, D. D., pastor; Williamsport, with Rev. George G. 
 Smith pastor; Cumberland, with Rev. James D. Fitzgerald 
 pastor; Lonaconing and Barton, w^ith Rev. Alexander T. 
 Rankin their pastor ; Frostburg and Clear Spring, vacant ; 
 Hancock, having as stated supply a member of the Presbytery 
 of Winchester, and Martinsburg, W. Ya., which had just called 
 Rev. H. W. Biggs, of the Presbytery of Chillicothe — five min- 
 isters and twelve churches in all. Of these, Monaghan was set 
 over to the Presbytery of Westminster, ai.d the churches and 
 their pastors in the State of Maryland and Martinsburg, W. 
 Va., to the Presbytery of Baltimore. Thus the net loss of 
 churches to the Presbytery of Carlisle was nine. 
 
1 870- 1888— The Reunited Presbytery. 1 66 
 
 CHAPTER VIl. 
 Presbytery of Carlisle After the Reunion. 
 
 Boundary. - But fen jf those who were Members before the Divis- 
 ion Survive. — Roll of the Reunited Presbytery. — Unity and 
 Harmony. — Churches Organized. — Claims of Centers of Popu- 
 lation upon the Church. — Attention to feeble Congregations. — 
 Attitude of Presbytery on Moral and Social Questions such as the 
 Sabbath, Temperance, Marriage and Divorce. — Becomes a Cor- 
 porate Body when 100 Fears Old. — Growth in Beneficence. — 
 Women's Presbyterial Home and Foreign Missionary Societies, — 
 Persons who have gone from its Bounds to Labor in Foreign 
 Mission Fields. — Synods of Harrisburg and Pennsylvania. — 
 The Old felt to be better than the New. — Advaiice of the S S 
 Cause. 
 
 |HE first meeting of the reunited Presbytery of Car- 
 lisle was held June 30, 1870, beyond its own bounds 
 in the town of the Beautiful Fount (Bellefonte), 
 where the new Synod of Harrisburg had been di- 
 rected by the reunited General Assembly to meet and organize. 
 As the General Assembly defined the bounds of the Synod, so 
 it, in turn, defined the bounds of the several Presbyteries com- 
 posing it, and appointed the time and place of their first meet- 
 ing. Its action concerning the Presbytery of Carlisle reads : 
 
 ^'Resolvedy That the Presbytery of Carlisle shall consist of 
 all the ministers and churches within the territorial limits of 
 the counties of Dauphin, Perry, Cumberland, Adams, Franklin 
 and Fulton, to meet immediately on the adjournment of this 
 Synod in the Presbyterian church of Bellefonte ; and the said 
 Presbytery of Carlisle is hereby declared to be the legal suc- 
 cessor of the late Presbyteries of Carlisle and Harrisburg, and 
 as such is entitled to the possession and enjoyment of all the 
 rights and privileges, and liable to the performance of all the 
 duties of these Presbyteries." 
 
166 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial, 
 
 The season of the year and the distance from the homes of 
 most members occasioned the meeting to be small. But little 
 business was transacted beyond organizing, arranging time and 
 place of holding the stated meeting in the Fall and appointing 
 a committee to arrange and at that time report the various 
 standing committees of Presbytery. 
 
 Elsewhere it has been stated that none of those who, thirty 
 years before, had left the Presbytery of Carlisle to go into the 
 Presbytery of Harrisburg, were spared to witness the " good 
 and pleasant" sight of brethren, hitherto separated, meeting 
 again and henceforth "dwelling together in unity/' To only 
 four of the much larger number who at that time remained in 
 the Presbytery of Carlisle (taking the roll of 1839) was ac- 
 corded this pnvilege, viz : Revs. Robert McCachran, Thomas 
 Creigh, D. D., James Harper, D. D., and Alexander K. Nelson. 
 Five others were still living, but not within the bounds of the 
 Presbytery, viz : Revs. Matthew B. Patterson, James C. Wat- 
 son, D. D., Henry R. Wilson, Jr., D. D., N. Grier White and 
 Alexander T. McGill, D. D., LL. R Mr. White and Dr. 
 McGill are the only two of the roll of 1839 who now survive.* 
 Rev. Frederick A. Shearer, D. D., then on the roll as a licen- 
 tiate, still lives, and is engaged in the active duties of the min- 
 istery at Dexter, Iowa. 
 
 Placed in the order of ordination the following is the 
 
 Roll of the Reunited Presbytery of 1870 : 
 Robert McCachran, Thomas Creigh, D. D., Samuel B. Smith, 
 James Harper, D. D., Conway P. Wing, D. D., Joseph Mahon, 
 Alexander K. Nelson, James J. Hamilton, Joseph A. Murray, 
 D. D., Robert McPherson, O. H. Miller, J. Agnew Crawford, 
 D. D., Addison K. Strong, D. D.. David C. Meeker, J. G. 
 Downing, Ebenezer Erskine, D. D., James F. Kennedy, D. D., 
 Andrew D. Mitchell, Isaac N. Hayes, D. D., Edwin Emerson, 
 William A West, Thomas H. Robinson, D. D., William B. 
 Craig, J. Smith Gordon, James S. Woodburn, J. W. Wight- 
 man, David K. Richardson, George Norcross, D. D., Henry L. 
 
 * Since foregoing was written Dr. McGill has passed away (January 13, 1889). aged 
 88 years. 
 
1870-188b— The Reunited PreshyUn-y. 167 
 
 Rex, William S. VanCleve, Samuel W. Reigart, Stephen W. 
 Pomeroy, Charles A. Wyeth and G. W. Seiler. 
 
 From the first, on to tlie present, the brethren thus associated 
 in Presbyterial relation have lived and labored together in the 
 most complete harmony, without any distincti^m as to their 
 previous relations. Shortly after the reunion of the two 
 branches of the church, Dr. Samuel Miller penned these words : 
 '' It is well that the terms Old and New School should speedily 
 die away from the current language of Presbyterians. It is a 
 pleasure to be able to say after this short lapse of time that 
 they have died away and now live only in history. Here they 
 must live of necessity. It is well. They carry with them 
 their lessons, which may not fail of permanent blessing to the 
 church and glory to her head." Tiie terms Old and New 
 School have actuall}^ disappeared from our midst. But it has 
 fallen to our lot to be compelled to deal with them very freely in 
 the work laid upon us in endeavoring to sketch the history of 
 the Presbytery, for, alike in the rending of the church and in 
 the healing of the breach, it played no unimportant part. In 
 doing so, it has been our aim to preserve a mind free from 
 prejudice and to be true to history. We rejoice that the terms 
 Old and New School do now live only in history, and thdt the 
 Presbyterian Church, as far as it relates to these two branches, 
 is " one, and," we trust ever to remain, " indivisible." May the 
 history of this period not fail to impress upon us the lesson. 
 that whilst contending " earnestly for the faith once delivered 
 to the saints," we should ever cherish and manifest that charity 
 which " rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, believeth all 
 things, hopeth all things, endureth all things, never faileth." 
 
 The period of our history since the reunion has not been 
 without its tokens of divine favor not only in the form of un- 
 broken peace and unity and harmony, but also in the form of 
 a season of gracious " refreshing from the presence of the 
 Lord "' enjoyed by most of our churchey. During the autumn 
 of 1875 and the winter of 1875-1876 a spiritual awakening oc- 
 curred of very considerable power, and quite general in its ex- 
 tent over the Presbytery. The narratives of the state of 
 religion in the churches presented to Presbytery at its meet- 
 
168 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 ing April, 1876, were truly gratifying in their character. 
 The Presbyterial narrative prepared and forwarded to the 
 General Assembly was based on these, and, therefore, may 
 be taken as a fair representation of the condition of the churches 
 at that time. It is here inserted, as an interesting portion of 
 our history, and as conveying its important lesson to the Pres- 
 bytery and the churches just now in regard to the relation ex- 
 isting between the faithful use of God's appointed means of 
 grace and the bestowal of His blessing. The narrative is as 
 follows : 
 
 " The past year 'has been to the churches of this Presbytery 
 one of great and unprecedented divine favor. For some three 
 years past the pastors and churches have lamented the general 
 spiritual coldness; the conformity of the people to the world, 
 their indifference to spiritual and eternal things and the 
 small accessions to the churches reported from 3^ear to year. 
 Committees of visitation to the several churches had been ap- 
 pointed with a view to the spiritual quickening of the same, 
 yet no general awakening was reported. But this year from 
 nearly all our churches the grateful tidings came up that the 
 past year has been to them a year of the right hand of the 
 Most High. The Lord has put a new song into our mouths 
 and ' given us the Yalley of Achor for a door of hope.' 
 
 " During the summer and early autumn, while there was the 
 usual attendance upon the stated means of grace, and in some 
 churches more than the usual seriousness and some cases of 
 awakening and conviction, yet there was no general or special 
 visitation from on high. But with the observance of a season 
 of special prayer in November, followed by the visitation to 
 the churches of committees appointed for that purpose, a new 
 and deepening seriousness and an unusual religious earnestness 
 on the part of the people became generally manifest. A series 
 of meetings held in Harrisburg early in the fall led to a general 
 awakening in that city. Professing christians in all the evan- 
 gelical churches there were greatly quickened, a general re- 
 ligious interest ensued, which still continues, and which has 
 resulte^l in large accessions to most of the churches, on pro- 
 fession of faith in Christ 
 
1870-imS—lA^rivah. 169 
 
 " In the last week of December a series of union meetings 
 was commenced in Newville. The Presbyterian Cburcli had 
 enjoyed a refreshing communion season in connection with the 
 visit of tlie l^resbyterial committee in November. An earnest 
 spirit of prayer was vouchsafed to the people. With the union 
 meetings a work of grace of great power and of wide influence 
 began in that community, and continued during the winter 
 greatly reviving the professed people of God and causing 
 them to rejoice in God their Saviour, and resulting in the in- 
 gathering to the churches of that place and the immediate 
 vicinity of between tour and five hundred souls on profession 
 of their faith in Christ. A still more general seriousness now 
 soon began to manifest itself in most of the churches of the 
 Cumberland Valley, and in other parts of the Presbytery. 
 
 ''The week of prayer in Januar}^ was observed with unusual 
 interest and care by the churches. This was followed by 
 special protracted services in many places, which were largely 
 attended. General seriousness prevailed. An unwonted spirit 
 of prayer was vouchsafed to the professed people of God. 
 An unprecedented disposition was manifested to work for the 
 Master, the tongues of many were unloosed, so as to enable 
 them not only to take part in public prayer, but also to speak 
 and to plead with their impenitent friends and neighbors. 
 Showers of blessing came down successively upon Mechanics- 
 burg, Shippensburg, Carlisle, Middletown, Millerstown, New- 
 port, Centre, New Bloomfield, Duncannon, McConnellsburg, 
 Lower Path Valley and Burnt Cabins. 
 
 "The general result has been an unusual reviving and quick- 
 ening of God's people, the reclaiming of many backsliders, and 
 the conversion and ingathering to the churches of between twelve and 
 thirteen hundred souls (1,264). Three churches in the Presby- 
 tery (Market Square and Pine Street, Harrisburg, and Newville) 
 report an accession to each of them of over one hundred on 
 profession of faith ; a number of others of from fifty to near 
 one hundred. A further result of this most gracious awaken- 
 ing lias been an increased spirit of unity and harmony among 
 the professed people of God, a deeper interest in all the parts 
 of public worshi}), the erection of many family altars, a general 
 
170 
 
 Presbytery of Uarlisk — Centennial. 
 
 reformation in the morals of communities, a better observ- 
 ance of the christian Sabbath and a strong check upon the 
 public vices of intemperance, profanity and licentiousness. In 
 short, thi.5 whole region has been stirred by a superior spiritual 
 power. Infidelity, upon all sides, stands abashed, and all 
 classes are ready to acknowledge that this was truly the work 
 of God. 
 
 "The youth of our congregations have been generally and 
 actively enlisted in the service of God. Meetings for prayer 
 and evangelistic efforts have been multiplied, and the cause of 
 true and vital religion has been greatly advanced. Our 
 prayers are thatGod would greatly strengthen that which he 
 has wrought. It is with deep humility and profound grati- 
 tude to God that the Presbytery forwards this narrative to the 
 General Assembly." 
 
 The number of communicants reported by Presbytery to 
 the General Assembly the year preceding (1875) was 6,696. 
 In 1876 it was 6,739. In 1887 we report 6,926. 
 
 Less has been done by the Presbytery since the reunion m 
 the way of occupying new ground and organizing new churches 
 than in any other period of equal length in its history. West- 
 
 Westministbr Cttapet., Harrtsburg. Built in 1874. 
 minster Church, Harrisburg. in 1873. and First Church, Steel- 
 
lS70~iS66—Churche,s thrrjanized. 171 
 
 ton, in 1885. are the only two churches that have b<*en organ- 
 ized. * Most of the territory in which it had previ-^iLsly been 
 doing its aggressive work was cut off by the new boundaries 
 estabUshed at the time of the reunion. About five years ago 
 the attention of Presbytery was called "to the region of coun- 
 try lying along the border of Adams and Franklin counties 
 and near the Caledonia Springs," and a committee was ap- 
 pointed to inquire into the spiritual condition and needs of the 
 people. The report of that committee, made at the October 
 meeting, 1881, sets forth a principle which Presbytery recog- 
 nizes as sound, and which prevents it undertaking much new 
 work in long-settled rural districts. 
 
 The time was when the Presbyterian Church, we think, 
 might and should have occupied this ground. Other churches 
 hold it now. We insert part of the report of the committee. 
 " We inquired among the people of their spiritual privileges, 
 and were informed that they have had the Gospel preached to 
 them regularly once in two weeks for eleven years. They 
 have also two Sunday school organizations in the settlement 
 They have no church edifice. Preaching services and Sunday 
 schools are held in school houses. A church building is greatly 
 needed and desired by this people. But in the judgment of 
 your committee the field is preoccupied. There is no Presby- 
 terian element there. For Presbytery, therefore, to enter this 
 field would be to intei-fere with the work already begun and 
 would have the appearance of denominational opposition, 
 which, w(? think, the Presoytery does not desire. In view of 
 these facts your committee recommend that no further action 
 be taken." 
 
 The unanimity with which Presbytery adopted the report 
 testified to its belief in not attempting work on clearly preoc- 
 cupied ground. It is unquestionably a sound principle, and 
 should be put in practice by all denominations. Thereby 
 would be afforded one of the clearest demonstrations of the 
 practical unity of the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ, and 
 there would be a saving of men and means that might be eni- 
 ployed to advantage in really destitute parts of the land. Tho 
 
 * To these add Olivet Church, Harrisburg, organized October 1889. 
 
172 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial 
 
 whole subject just now demands earnest consideration at the 
 hands of the Boards of Home Missions and Church Erection 
 of the various evangelical denominations. Upon it Japan, just 
 awakenhig from the night of heathenism, occupies a position 
 in advance of Christian America, viz : where the ground is 
 already occupied by one Christian denomination let no other 
 come in until there is room and need for another. 
 
 But in our large towns and industrial centers of population 
 there is unquestionably a demand that our church should keep 
 pace with the growth of population, as it has not hitherto done. 
 Here are crying destitutions and here may be established cen- 
 ters of influence for good. To meet such destitutions several 
 of our churches have established or are about to establish mis- 
 sions in connection with their own organizations. Thus Central 
 church, Chambersburg, has its chapel and its mission among 
 the new population near the Taylor works ; Pine Street church, 
 Harrisburg, has its chapel and mission on Eleventh street, near 
 Herr, to meet the wants of the Sibletown district of the city, 
 and Market Square church, Harrisburg, has its mission near 
 the Lochiel iron works, where a fine stone chapel is in course 
 of erection. 
 
 During this period no little thought and attention have been 
 bestowed on the feeble and discouraged congregations. It 
 should ever be borne in mind that, in the main, the churches 
 which we have been accustomed thus to speak of have been 
 rendered so by the force of circumstances lying quite beyond 
 their control. Such, for instance, as the emigration of families 
 — sometimes many of them from a particular community — to 
 the west: local changes in centers of population, leading to 
 the building up of town churches by the depletion of those in 
 the country adjacent ; young men leaving their homes to seek 
 positions and employment in the cities and manufacturing dis- 
 tricts and on railroads, or in the distant west The fact that 
 they are weak should not lead Presbytery to regard them as 
 unimportant, or fail to care for and foster them. They may, 
 perchance, not grow strong. This, in many a case, is an im- 
 possibility. Nevertheless, they are doing important work. 
 They are rearing men and women who compose the very bone 
 
lS70-lS88—Suste7itatwn. 178 
 
 and sinew of the strong and aggressive churches of the land, 
 and are furnishing more young men to fill the ranks of the 
 ministry ut home and abroad, than the wealthy and influen- 
 tial churches of our large towns and cities. 
 
 In too many instances hitherto, these churches have been 
 dependent on and content with the occasional supplies ap- 
 pointed by Presbytery. In other instances, pastorates have 
 been formed by the help of the Board of Home Missions, 
 which, owing to inadequacy of support, were of short duration. 
 Wlien the original Sustentation -scheme was inaugurated by 
 the Greneral Assembly, Presbytery was very greatly in favor 
 of it, and thought it saw in it a remedy for many of these 
 troubles, by the competent support that would be guaranteed 
 to pastors under it. But for various reasons this scheme was 
 not permitted to be a success in its distinct and independent 
 character, and was made a department or a dependent of the 
 Board of Home Missions. Presbytery, in several instances, 
 attempted to establish pastorates under it in this connection, 
 but without success. The prescribed conditions with which it 
 was encumbered virtually laid Sustentation on the shelf for the 
 whole church. What Synodical Sustentation, just now going 
 into effect, may have in store for us, remains to be seen. It is 
 full of promise. A fair and honest trial should be accorded it 
 If this be done, we are hopeful of great good resulting from 
 its workings. 
 
 An important forward step was taken by the Presbytery in 
 the spring of its centennial year (1886), which should properly 
 here be noted. At the April meeting its Permanent Committee 
 on Home Missions and Vacant Churches made this recommen- 
 dation : " The appointment of a Presbyterial Missionary to take 
 the oversight of the feeble churches, under the direction of the 
 Committee on Home Missions and Vacant churches ; the funds 
 necessary for his salary to be raised on the field, supplemented 
 from the fund for Home Mission purposes in our bounds." 
 
 The resolution was adopted with great unanimity, and the 
 committee was instructed to make selection of a man to under- 
 take the work. The choice fell on Rev. Wm. H. Logan, pastor 
 of the churches of Newport and Millerstown. He was conse- 
 
174 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial 
 
 quently recommended tx3 Presbytery, in session at Steel ton, 
 June 8th, 1886. Mr. Logan having signitied his willingness 
 to accept the post, was, at his request, released from his pastoral 
 charge and appointed Presbyterial Missionary for two years. 
 
 The sequel has proven the measure adopted and the selection 
 of the man to carry it out to have been eminently fitting. The 
 weak have been strengthened ; the despondent encouraged ; 
 the dispersed gathered ; and nearly all have been shepherded — 
 so that very few vacant churches are now to be found in our 
 bounds. Truly, " the wilderness and the solitary place " have 
 been "made glad.'' 
 
 During these years Presbytery has not failed to keep pace 
 with the demand of the times in regard to the great social and 
 moral questions which affect alike the interests of the church, 
 the community and the home. In clear and unmistakable 
 terms has it spoken in regard to holding and keeping God's 
 holy day sacred. It is true, little appears thereby to have been 
 accomplished, beyond bearing testimony for the right; for, 
 Sabbath desecration has gone on, waxing greater and greater. 
 But the church's testimony, even if it fail of producing im- 
 mediate results, is important. It is not lost. Let there be 
 reiteration with ever-growing emphasis. Reaction may some 
 day come, and the American Sabbath may yet be preserved. 
 Railroad and iron manufacturing corporations and Sunday news- 
 papers are the great corrupters of public morals on this question. 
 
 It is refreshing to know that in our bounds there is at least 
 one railroad president and iron manufacturer who has wielded 
 his pen in behalf of the Lord's day in the production of an able 
 pamphlet on the subject"^ and that there are many other iron 
 men who do regard the Sabbath as sacred unto the Lord. 
 
 Presbytery also used its influence to secure the passage by 
 our State Legislature of a marriage license law, such as to 
 afford protecti!)n to ministers, to parents and to the contracting 
 parties themselves. The existing law may not be wholly free 
 from objectionable features. These can, and, no doubt, will 
 be remedied. Good cannot but result from the operation of 
 this law to homes and to society. 
 
 •C!ol. WiestUng, of Mont Alto, Pa. 
 
1 870-1 888— Temperance. 1 75 
 
 Upon another question, diametrically the opposite of the last, 
 yet bearing to it the most intimate relation, its voice has been 
 raised. We refer to divorce. Under existing laws in our 
 State, divorce may be obtained on not less than a dozen 
 grounds. Great and growing evils are arising from this in 
 families and community. Presbytery has not assumed any 
 new attitude on the subject; but, impressed with the evils 
 arising from existing laws, and adhering firmly to the doctrines 
 of our standards, it has earnestly asked the Legislature of the 
 State to enact a law which will make the procuring of divorce 
 possible on two grounds only — adultery and desertion such as 
 cannot be remedied. 
 
 W^ liere gladly note its attitude and record some of its utter- 
 ances on another socio-moral question, which is before the 
 church and society to stay and triumph, we believe — the tem- 
 perance question. This Presbytery and the church at large 
 have always been right on this question, ever since it came to 
 be a question, whatever unreasonable and fanatical men and 
 women may have said to the contrary. 
 
 The Rev. John Black, pastor of Upper Marsh Creek (Gettys- 
 burg) Presbyterian congregation, may properly be regarded as 
 the pioneer in the cause of temperance in this whole region of 
 country. He saw the evil effects of the use of intoxicants on 
 all occasions and by all classes of persons, and he openly and 
 fearlessly opposed it. 
 
 About 1790 or 1791 he proposed to his congregation for 
 signatures the following resolutions : 
 
 "We resolve that we will not make a frequent, much less a 
 common use of spirituous or intoxicating liquors, and will 
 guard at all times against drinking, so as in the least to disturb 
 our frame or in anywise injure us in rational and religious 
 exercises. 
 
 " We resolve, secondly, to avoid temptation to the vice of 
 drunkenness, to shun the company of drunkards, to abstain 
 from places where liquor is sold, except when the pursuits of 
 our lawful business, or the duties of good neighborhood, oblige 
 us to visit them. 
 
 "Moreover, we resolve that we will not give such liquor to 
 
176 Presbytery of Carlisle — Cen tenn lal. 
 
 persons whom we may employ in harvest, at house-raising, or 
 any other gathering for labor, to such a degree as to injure 
 them ; and that at vendues, which any of us may make, we 
 will not afford any of it at all. 
 
 This was before the temperance question began to be agitated. 
 Mr. Black was in advance of his time. In our day these reso- 
 lutions would be regarded as moderate. Not so then. But 
 three of Mr. Black's congregation were willing to subscribe 
 their names to them. On account of liis temperance senti- 
 ments his popularity, which had been very great in the early 
 part of his ministry waned, until he was finally constrained, 
 for want of support, to resign his charge. But the records of 
 Presbytery and the history of the churches show that as the 
 importance of the subject came to be felt more and more, our 
 ministers and people were found arraying themselves on the 
 side of right. 
 
 In the early history of the temperance movement, Presbytey 
 adopted the following : " Resolved, agreeably to the resolu- 
 tions of the General Assembly on the subject of intemperance, 
 that this Presbytery do recommend to the ministers and ses- 
 sions in their connection to use the means they respectively 
 consider best fitted to destroy this pernicious and growing 
 vice." * 
 
 But it is alone with the period since the reunion we now 
 have to do. A very clear and strong paper, adopted April 
 16th, 1874, concludes with these words : " Believing that in- 
 temperance is not only a bitter curse to man and a foe to his 
 dearest interests in this life and in the life to come, but a great 
 sin against Grod and a mighty obstruction to the progress of the 
 Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ in the world, we earnestly in- 
 voke all our ministers and elders and church members to bring 
 the whole weight of their influence against it, in the regulation 
 of their own family customs, in a sedulous care for the purity 
 of the church from all complicity with the evil, in the careful 
 instruction of our youth in the Sabbath schools, and by such 
 public efforts throughout the communities as shall at once and 
 forever give to religion its true position of uncompromising op- 
 
 ♦Records October 30, 1827. 
 
1H70-ISSS— Temperance. 17 
 
 position to a vice and a sin so enormous in its mischiefs and so 
 disgraceful to the christian name." 
 
 The "love of filthy lucre," or the lack of moral fortitude 
 which enables a man to say " no," sometimes leads men, even 
 wearing the christian name, to lose sight of what they owe to 
 God, the church, humanity, themselves. 
 
 So it proved in one of the cliurches under our care, whose 
 session addressed a " letter of inquiry " to Presbytery (April, 
 1881), as to " what should l)e done with church members who 
 signed applications for license or became bondsmen for those 
 engaged in the liquor traffic, or in keeping hotels where intoxi- 
 cating drinks are sold." This called forth the following answer, 
 which the Stated Clerk was instructed to have printed in cir- 
 cular form and sent to all pastors and sessions of churches: 
 " In the judgment of this Presbyteiy, signing applications for 
 license, becoming bondsmen for those engaged in the liquor 
 traffic and keeping hotels where intoxicating drinks are sold, 
 and all complicity with the business of keeping tippling-houses, 
 are inconsistent with our high vocation as followers of the Lord 
 Jesus Christ. Accordingly, the sessions of the churches under 
 our care are hereby advised to deal with such offenders. And 
 we also enjoin on all the membei's of our churches a steadfast 
 and conscientious opposition to intemperance in all its forms. 
 We cannot keep ourselves ' unspotted from the world ' if we, 
 in any way, become responsible for the business of making 
 drunkards in the land. We must take heed that the blood of 
 souls be not found on our skirts." 
 
 And, as showing that it kept fully abreast with the ever- 
 advancing temperance sentiment, when in session at Newville. 
 April, 1883, and a bill was up for final passage in the State 
 Legislature to submit the question of prohibitory amendment 
 of the Constitution to a vote of the people, Presbyteiy with 
 entire unanimity adopted the following resolution, and entrusted 
 it to one of its lay members to be taken directly to Harrisburg : 
 ^'Resolved, That the Presbytery of Carlisle, covering six coun- 
 ties of the State, and composed of forty-five ministers and 
 fortv-seven churches — embracing 6,390 communicants, ex- 
 presses to the liCgislature its earnest wish that the prohibition 
 12 
 
178 
 
 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 amendment be submitted to the vote of the people." What 
 the Legislature of that year failed to do has been done by the 
 Legislature of 1886-1887. 
 
 Up to the year 1886 the Presbytery of Carlisle, and before 
 it the Presbytery of Donegal, had lived a secure, though not 
 always quiet and peaceable, life without being a " body cor- 
 porate." In the centennial year of its own proper existence, 
 however, a charter was procured from the court of Cumberland 
 county. There were certain questions of property that made 
 this especially desirable. At the request of the trustees of 
 Presbytery the Kev. Joseph A. Murray, D. D., prepared a device 
 for their seal, which was accepted by them, and was afterwards 
 approved and adopted by the Presbyter}^ 
 
 The following description of the seal is copied from the 
 ''Daily Herald " of Carlisle: 
 
 " Near the lower part of the seal, and directly above a sym- 
 bol of light, are the j'ears 
 1786-1886, indicating when 
 the Presbytery was formed and 
 when it was chartered, com- 
 memorative also of its centen- 
 nial. Above these figures is 
 a pulpit, with an open Bible 
 upon it, indicating that preach- 
 ing is the great work of the 
 christian ministry. Above the 
 pulpit and encircling it are 
 three words, indicating the mat- 
 ter that is preached and its blessed effects — Veritas Uberahit vos. 
 (John viii, 32). And the whole is surrounded in capital letters 
 by the words, The Presbytery of Carlisle. The device is 
 alike simple and original, as well as significant and a23propriate." 
 This period of our history had in store for us another synod- 
 ical change. In the main, Presbytery was well satisfied with 
 the synodical connection in which placed by the reunited Gen- 
 eral Assembly. It is true, we regretted that by it we lost some 
 of our old and valued clmrche? — notably Hagerstown, Wil- 
 liamsport, Cumberland, Emmittsburg and Piney Creek, in the 
 
1870 -1888— aS^/ioc/ of Pennsylvania. 179 
 
 State of Maryland, and Moiiaghaii in Pennsylvania. The 
 churches themselves objected to the change; and an earnest, 
 though fruitless, effort was made alike by Presbytery and the 
 cliurches to have them restored. But the effort once made and 
 the adverse decision given, the situation was cheerfully, though 
 regretfully, accepted on all hands. The Synod of Ilarrisburg 
 was a compact body, composed of ministers and elders who had 
 much in common, and therefore were interested in each other and 
 each other's work. It was not so large as to prevent a jjcrsonal 
 acquaintance among its members and tlie formation of strong at- 
 tachments. Its annual meetings were hailed with pleasure, and 
 they never failed to prove occasions of personal enjoyment and 
 profit to its members, as well as of advantage to the cause of 
 Christ in the territory covered b}^ it. Presbytery would have 
 l)een well pleased to have had this synodical arrangement con- 
 tinued. It did not regard with any degree of favor the State- 
 synodical project, but during the time of its agitation presented 
 an unbroken front in opposition to it. And after the deed 
 had been accomplished, it overtured the General Assembly to 
 undo it so far as related to the State of Pennsylvania, by di- 
 viding the Synod of Pennsylvania into three Synods to be 
 known as tlie Eastern, Central and Western Synods of Penn- 
 sylvania. But our overture went where a great many good 
 overtures go. We are thorough Presbyterians. We bow in 
 submission ; and, like other Presbyteries, send our commis- 
 sioners to the great Synod of the great State of Pennsylvania 
 (which — the Synod we mean — embraces West Virginia, West 
 Africa and the Republic of Mexico, as well). But we think 
 the number of members of Presbytery very small who will not 
 still testify that the "old was better than the new.'' 
 
 The closing part of the first century of our Presbyterial exis- 
 tence has been characterized by very marked advancement in the 
 Sabbath school department of the church's work — in tlie num- 
 ber of schools, in the appliances for making them efficient and 
 in the membership. This will appear from the following 
 figures, commencing with 1856, the first year that the mem- 
 bership of Sabbath schools was reported : Membership — in 1856, 
 1,095 ; in 1867, 3,399 ; in 1877, 6,804, and in 1887, 8,794. 
 
180 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centenrdal. 
 
 Since the reunion there lias been a steady tliough not very 
 marked growth in giving to the work of the Lord. It is true, 
 that the year 1886 has been termed the " banner year.'" Its 
 reports show $121,354 to have been given for all religious pur- 
 poses by the churches of the Presbytery. Nor is the year end- 
 ing April, 1887, much behind, showing a summary of $120,128. 
 But it must be kept in mind that much of this was expended 
 in building and repairing churches, and that the giving to 
 strictly benevolent objects was not much in excess of that of 
 previous years. We give the net gain from the time of the 
 reunion : Communicant membership, 1,390 : Sunday school 
 membership, 3,339 : Home Missions, $4,447. Foreign Missions, 
 $4,117; Church Erection, $900: Ministerial Relief, $316: 
 Freedmen, $379: Congregational, $62,240: Miscellaneous, 
 $2,901. To this must be added Sustentation, $248, and Aid 
 for Colleges, etc., $516 (objects not named in 1870), whilst 
 there was a falling off of $1,097 for Education and $430 for pub- 
 lication. It must be admitted that our advance in the cause of ben- 
 eficence is not fully in keeping with the advance of the age and 
 with existing spiritual destitution and needs of our land and of 
 other lands. Golden opportunities as well as imminent perils lie 
 before her, and the church ought to do quickl}' and with her 
 might what her hands find to do. ^^Carpe diem^^ should be 
 her watchword just now. The inflowing tide of foreign popu- 
 lation confronting us on the one hand, and the open doors 
 among all people and kindreds abroad for the ingress of the 
 Gospel, on the other, crj- aloud. It were well that the church, 
 Isechar-like, '' had understanding of the times to know what 
 Israel ought to do." 
 
 It will be noticed from the figures above furnished that the 
 principal advance made in giving is in favor of the two great 
 causes of Home and Foreign Missions. This is to be attributed 
 largely, if not mainly, to what has been undertaken and ac- 
 complished by the women of the Presbytery. 
 
 In the spring of 1872, Presbytery adopted a resolution which 
 shows its appreciation of the importance of '' woman's work." 
 It reads : ^^ Resolved^ That this Presbytery express their ap- 
 preciation of this movement (" woman's work for woman '), 
 
1870-lbyb— irty//ir///6 Work. 181 
 
 and recommend that auxiliary societies, V)ands and circles be 
 formed in all our churches and Sabbath schools." Five years 
 after this (March 17. 1877), a meeting of the ladies of the 
 Presbytery was held in the First church, Carlisle, and "The 
 Woman's Foreign Missionary Society of the Presbytery of 
 Carlisle " was organized, and Mrs. Julia Briggs, of Harrisburg, 
 was chosen president. It was with unfeigned fear and trepi- 
 dation that they entered upon the work. They could scarcely 
 see their way clear to pledge $400 — the salary of Mrs. Eddy — 
 as the amount to be raised the first year. But they did it 
 Now their annual contributions amount to $4,000. 
 
 It is with pleasure we here insert the fitting words uttered 
 by Mrs. James F. Kennedy in the " Decennial Address "" de- 
 liyered by her before the society at its annual meeting, held at 
 Carlisle March 9, 1887: " The women of the Presbytery of 
 Carlisle joined a sisterhood of thirty societies, just ten years 
 ago. Many of us remember the birth throes of our organiza- 
 tion. A Presbyterial organization of women ' had not ceased 
 to be a strange sound in our ears " — a new term in the language 
 of Canaan. Was God's yoice in the call? Was His the hand 
 that beckoned us to follow? Were we in this way to be en- 
 abled to do more for the honor and glory of His name ? Earn- 
 est prayer ascended for the sure manifestation of His will, and 
 in His own time and way, the answ^er canie, as the clear shining 
 of the sun after rain. From a small beginning, the work went 
 on, each succeeding year marked by steady growth. Strong, 
 vigorous and mature, (nir Presbyterial society stands to-day, 
 in the place that gave it birth, to celebrate its tenth birthday, 
 and to attest that the good hand of our God has been upon it 
 We are here to thank Him for the sunshine and the dew, for 
 ' the early and the latter rain,' whereby that growth has been 
 attained. We thank Him for answered prayer, when we sought 
 o-uidance in the selection of our honored president We thank 
 Him that her health and strength have been kept precious in 
 His sight" 
 
 From this we turn for a moment to its twin sister organiza- 
 tion — Woman's Presbyterial Home Mission Society. Are they 
 not twins? Nay, are they not one, save in the fields of their 
 
182 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 operation ? And, to press the question further, are they not one 
 in this too ; lor has not the everywhere present Master, whose 
 are all soals, said: ''The field is the world T 
 
 One year and a half after the organization of the Woman's 
 Presbyterial Foreign Missionary Society, viz : October 18, 
 1878, Presbyterv took the following action in reference to the 
 formation of a Woman's Synodical Home Missionary Commit- 
 tee : " The Board of Home Missions having requested Synod 
 to appoint through its Presbyteries a committee of ladies to 
 represent woman's work in behalf of home missions in its 
 bounds, on motion, Mrs. George Norcross and Mrs. J. C. Cald- 
 well were made the representatives of this Presbytery." 
 
 But the other Presbyteries of the Synod (Huntingdon, Nor- 
 thumberland and Wellsboro') failed to appoint like com- 
 mittees. Hence no action was taken by Synod at its meeting 
 soon after. But at the meeting of Synod in the fall of 1879 a 
 committee of eight ladies was appointed — two from each Pres- 
 byteiy. 
 
 Thus far there was no distinct Presbyterial committee. The 
 ladies above mentioned were Presbytery's members of the 
 Synodical committee. But at its meeting held at Carlisle, 
 April 14, 1880, ''A Presbyterial committee on Home Missions, 
 consisting of Mrs. George Norcross, Mrs. J. C. Caldwell, Mrs. 
 William A. West and Mrs. Jacob S. Nixon was appointed by 
 Presbytery." Mrs. Nixon having declined to serve, Mrs. 
 Charles L. Bailey was appointed on the committee at the meet- 
 ing of Presbytery, October 23, 1880. 
 
 This committee reported to Presbyterv the following April 
 that they had raised and paid out as follows : Mrs. Park's 
 salary, $300, and $240.59 which had been distributed to dif- 
 ferent points in Kansas, Dakota and Alaska ; and that boxes 
 to the value of $493.68 had been contributed — making a total 
 of $1,034.17. That year (1881) the committee organized 
 regularly into the Woman's Home Missionary Societ}^ of the 
 Presbytery, with Mrs. Norcross as president. 
 
 Next spring they reported as the result of their year's work, 
 having received from twenty churches, $1,612 in money and 
 $1,541 in boxes — total. $3,153. In faith and patience they 
 
lS70-l8SS—M^sw)is. 
 
 183 
 
 have gone steadily forward in their work till, in 1886, their re- 
 port for the year foots up, from thirty-three churches and 
 twenty-eight bands, in money, $4,000, and in boxes, $1,500, 
 making a total of $5,500. Five hundred of the four thousand 
 dollars in money were contributed and applied to the cause of 
 Freedmen. 
 
 As a matter of interest, instruction, and encouragement we here 
 give the progress made in contributing to these two great causes 
 (Home and Foreign Missions) from the time of the division. 
 Just after the division, the Foreign Board came into existence. 
 The first report was made in 1889. We note what was given 
 every tenth year, except the last : 
 
 1839, Home Missions, 
 
 1849, " 
 
 1859, " 
 
 1869, •' 
 
 1879, " 
 
 1886, " 
 
 $319 
 570 
 1,917 
 2,880 
 5,419 
 9,477 
 
 Foreign Missions $593 
 
 1.560 
 
 2,030 
 
 3,218 
 
 7,004 
 
 9,120 
 
 The interest of Presbytery in the work of the Master beyond 
 its own bounds, has been manifested not alone by the gifts of 
 money to help it forward ; but by the gift of men and women, 
 as well. These have ever been found among the pioneers of the 
 church in our own land from the days of McMillan down. 
 
 Nor has it turned a deaf ear to the call wafted from lands be- 
 yond the seas: "Come over and help us." But in response 
 there have gone of its sons and daughters the following, whose 
 names we have. Others may have gone whose names we have 
 not. The figures indicate the term of service in the field ; * in- 
 dicates that they died in the service of the Board ; the blank 
 after the dash indicates that they are still in the field : 
 
 India. 
 
 Rev. Henry R. Wilson, D. D 1838—1846. 
 
 ♦Mrs. Henry R. Wilson 1838—1847. 
 
 ♦Rev. David E. Campbell 1850-1857. 
 
 Mrs. Rev. R S. Fullerton 1850—1866. 
 
 Rev. R. Elliott Williams 1852—1861. 
 
 Rev. Alexander P. Kelso 1869— 
 
 Rev. Galen W. Seiler 1870— 
 
 Mrs. Rev. F. I. Newton 1874— 
 
184 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 China. 
 
 *Rev. M. Simpson Culbertson, D. D 1844—1862. 
 
 Rev. Calvin W. Mateer. D. D 1864— 
 
 Rev. John R. Wherry 1864— 
 
 Mrs. J. R. Wherry 1864— 
 
 Rev. Robert M. Mateei ... 1881— 
 
 Rev. J. Hood Laughhn 1881— 
 
 Liberia. 
 
 Rev. David A. Wilsoij 1850—1858. 
 
 Mrs. D. A. Wilson, D. D 1850—1858. 
 
 Brazil. 
 
 *Rev. Ashbel G. Simonton 1859—1867. 
 
 *Mrs. A. L. Blackford 1860—1876. 
 
 Japan. 
 
 *Rev. Oliver M. Green 1873—1883. 
 
 Annie B West 1883— 
 
 Syria. 
 R. H. West (Prof, in Syrian Protestant College, Bey rout j . . 1883— 
 
 A few paragraphs on church property will not fail to interest. 
 None of the original churches are now standing. They were 
 generally built of hewn logs, "chinked and daubed," as were 
 also the dwellings of most of the early settlers. These generally 
 gave way to larger and better houses of worship, as the people 
 increased in numbers and advanced in wealth. To this, we 
 believe, there is no exception. Even the "old Deny church," 
 removed a short time ago, had been preceded by a smaller 
 building, erected in 1732. A very strong desire was felt to 
 preserve the building erected in 1756, but it had so crumbled 
 and gone to decay that it had to be taken down. This occurred 
 in 1883. Since then a beautiful and substantial limestone 
 structure has been reared on this historic spot by the descen- 
 dants and friends of the staunch Scotch-Irish Presbyterians 
 who worshiped in the old log church. 
 
 Most of the older congregations are now occupying their 
 third house of worship. 
 
 There are forty-nine congregations in the Presbytery, owning 
 fifty-two churches and three chapels. From valuations fur- 
 nished the Stated clerk, to be used in preparing a " tabulated 
 statement " for the General Assembly, the value of these places 
 
1870-1888— OW Churches. 185 
 
 of worsliip is estimated at over $460,000. Twenty-four of the 
 churches are brick, sixteen are frame, weatherboarded, and 
 twelve are stone. Some of the stone churches are ver}^ old. 
 The erection of seven of them dates back of tlie present cen- 
 tury, viz : Paxton, about 1762 ; First church, Carlisle, 1771 ; 
 Sliver SpriniT, 1783; Big S})ring, 1790; Lower Marsh Creek, 
 1790 ; Great Conewago, 1787; Mercersburg, 1794. And the Fall- 
 ing Spring church, at Chambersburg, was built in 1803. All of 
 these old churches are in a fine state of preservation and most 
 of them in excellent lepair. '' Humanly speaking," they may 
 stand for centuries to come. 
 
 In the case of five of the above eight, viz : First church, 
 Carlisle ; Silver Spring, Big Spring, Falling Spring, and Mer- 
 cersburg, changes have been made in the exterior by additions 
 or by otherwise remodelling them. These, except possibly in 
 one instance, were called for in order to secure much needed 
 additional room. In all cases as fe\v changes as possible were 
 made in the original buildings. We think those at Carlisle 
 and Falling Spring remain almost entirely intact ; and that the 
 changes made have been mainly in form of additions. These 
 five old churches deservedly take rank among the best and 
 most attractive in the Presbytery. It may be added that all 
 of them are provided with fine lecture and Sabbath school 
 rooms or chapels of recent date. Two of these are munificent 
 gifts of individuals — that at Mercersburg, of Mr. Seth Dickey, 
 and the elegant Memonal Sunday school chapel at Silver 
 Spring, of Col. Henry McCormick and wife, of Harrisburg, 
 
 The exterior of the other three old stone churches remains 
 unchanged, viz: Paxton, Lower Marsh Creek and Great 
 Conewago. There appears to be no occasion that would de- 
 mand change, and it is to be hoped that they will pass down 
 intact through the centuries to come. By each succeeding 
 generation they will be prized the more highly and held the 
 more sacred, because unchanged. At Paxton the congregation 
 have recently made internal changes and improvements which 
 render it one of the most comfortable and attractive places 
 of worship in the Presbytery, as it is the oldest Since through 
 with this improvement, i\iQy should erect upon their beautiful 
 
186 Pre^bytti^ of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 and spacious grounds a suitable building for Sabbath school 
 and lecture purposes. May there not be amongst them some 
 oue like-minded with Col. McCormick or Mr. Dickey ? There 
 exists the same need of such a building at Lower Marsh Creek 
 church. At Great Conewago a neat and commodious lecture 
 and Sabbath school room has just been erected. 
 
 One of the brick churches was built in the last century — 
 Rocky Springs, in 1794. It is four miles north of Chambers- 
 burg. Both internally and externally it remains as it was 
 when built. There may be seen to-day the old times wine- 
 glass shaped pulpit, perched high against the wall with sound- 
 ing board above ; the straight, high-backed pews ; the aisles 
 laid in brick, etc. Men of the present day, especially from the 
 towns and cities, regard it with great curiosity and deep in- 
 terest But what of the congregation ? The multitudes that 
 crowded its aisles and filled its pews in bygone years have passed 
 away, and there are few to take their places. This latter is the 
 one sad feature. 
 
 With scarce an exception, the church properties in the 
 Presbytery may be said to be in excellent condition. Three 
 fine new churches — Shippensburg, Derry and Lower Path 
 Valley, and a fourth, neat and comfortable, at Steelton — have 
 just recently been finished. The Second church, Carlisle, and 
 the churches at Mercersburg and Newport have been remodeled 
 and greatly improved. And repairs and improvements have 
 been or are being made in or about the churches of Harrisburg, 
 Upper Path Valley and Mechanicsburg ; and arrangements 
 have been completed for the erection of a fine brick church at 
 Duncannon in 1888. Never in the history of the Presbytery 
 has there been a time when more attention was paid to the 
 character and condition of places of worship than now. To 
 the honor of God's people be it said, there are none left lying 
 waste. It shoulgl be added, there are no debts on the churches 
 of the Presbytery of Carlisle. 
 
 Manses. 
 Another important form of church property is the manse or 
 parsonage. There are twenty-one of these in the Presbytery ; 
 
IS70-188S— Manses. 187 
 
 the aggregate value of which is about $57,000. Th(>se furnish 
 homes for the pasters of twenty -six churches, and uve owned 
 by the foUowing congregations ; Pine Street (Harrisluirg), Pax- 
 ton (for pastor of Paxton and Derry), Middletown. Dauphin, 
 Duncannon, Millerstown (for pastor of Millerstown and New- 
 port), Mechanicsburg, Silver Spring, Monaghan (for pastor of 
 Monaghan and Petersburg), Second church of Carlisle, Gettys- 
 burg, Big Spring, Dickinson, Middle Spring, Central church 
 (Chambersburg), Greencastle, Waynesboro', Robert Kennedy 
 Memorial, Mercersbu rg, Upper Path Valley and M'Connells- 
 burg (for pastor of M'Connellsburg, Green Hill and Wells 
 Valley). These properties are all good and in good condition. 
 May the day soon come wlien every congregation will have a 
 like comfortable home for its pastor. 
 
 We are glad in closing this chapter on church property, to 
 be able to say that the parsonages, like the church edifices, are 
 unincumbered w^th debt. 
 
 In concluding this ])art of our work we express the convic- 
 tion that perhaps there never was a time in their histurv when 
 the churches of the Presbytery were better manned and equipped 
 for efficient work than the present. 
 
 What we now most need, is the descent of the Fire — the 
 baptism of the Holy Spirit. May He come in His plenitude 
 and power. 
 
 A hundred years hence! Will the Master have come? If 
 not, what will our record be and what will the ''Spirit say to 
 the churches ? " 
 
18b Presbytery of Carlisle — Cente/nniaL 
 
 CHAPTER VIIL 
 
 Sketches of Churches now Belonging to the Pres- 
 bytery. 
 
 |HESE sketches relate almost exclusively to the 
 origin, organization, pastorates and names of present 
 elders of the churches. It is a matter of regret 
 that they have to be so brief. Whilst of value 
 and interest, as setting forth facts and dates, they will be un- 
 satisfactory because of their brevity. They are so to the 
 writer. But this is all that can be done under the circum- 
 stances. Even brief histories of all the churches would of 
 themselves make a large volume. 
 
 Pastorates are made to date fi'om the year of installation to 
 that of dissolution of pastoral relation or death. 
 
 * Affixed to an honerary title indicates that it was conferred 
 subsequently to that pastorate. 
 
 Many of the pastorates were long. Six extended through a 
 period of more than fifty years each — the longest having been 
 that of Mr. Snodgrass at Hanover, which was fifty-eight years ; 
 nine through a period of forty years and under fifty ; eighteen 
 over thirty and under forty years ; twenty-two over twenty 
 and under thirty years ; fifty six over ten and under twenty 
 years, and seventy-eight over five and under ten years. 
 
 But many of them were brief — quite too brief to even admit of 
 a thorough acquaintance between pastor and people. A reaction 
 in favor of longer pastorates, however, has manifestly taken 
 place. The probability of these in the case of the feebler con- 
 gregations will be greatly strengthened by the operations of 
 the sustentation scheme. 
 
 Derry Church. 
 
 So much has been said concerning the churches of Derry 
 and Paxton in the g^eral history of the Presbytery, especially 
 in connection with the organization and first few years of Old 
 Donegal Presbytery, that there is occasion to add but little 
 here. By the election and ordination and installation of its 
 
Sketches of Churchea. 
 
 \6^ 
 
 bench of elders in 1738 the church became full)' organized. 
 It and I'axton formed one pastoral charge during the first 
 four years of Mr. Bertram's pastorate. It was sadly rent into 
 two factions by the Old and New Side controversy which cul- 
 minated in the division in 1741 ; but the two factions held 
 together until after Mr. Bertram's death, which occurred in 
 1746. Then the New Side party, which was largely in the 
 majoiity, called the Rev. John Roan, and the minority formed 
 a separate congregation, placing themselves under the pastoral 
 care of the Rev. John Elder, of Paxton. This unhappy di- 
 vision continued until after the death of Mr. Roan in 1775. 
 
 Their first house of worship is said to have antedated their or- 
 ganization and to have been erected in 1732, or possibly in 1729, 
 while Mr. Anderson, pastor of Donegal church, was preaching 
 to them a portion of his time. It was a small log building. 
 This was succeeded by a larger and more substantial house of 
 worship in 1756. It was a weather- boarded building, and 
 withstood the ravages of time for more than a century and a 
 quarter. The high-up goblet-shaped pulpit the sounding- 
 board, the precentor's bench, the perpendicular high-backed 
 pews, have been viewed with mingled interest and curiosity by 
 hundreds of visitors to Old Derry church grounds summer after 
 summer for many years past, until the summer of 1883, when 
 the building was torn down because deemed unsafe. The 
 
 NEW DERRY CHURCH, BUTL.T IN 1886. 
 
1 90 Presbytery of Carlisle — Cerdeanial. 
 
 beautiful lime-stone edifice now seen there, erected by loving 
 hearts, and completed during the centennial year of Presbytery, 
 as a memorial of pastors and people who worshiped God on this 
 sacred spot the past century and a half and more, presents an ap- 
 pearance widely in contrast with that of the " old Derry church." 
 h\ this regard the glory of the latter house far exceeds that of 
 the former. Would that the time might soon come when it 
 should equal that of the former in the number of earnest, de- 
 vout worshipers of like faith with theirs. 
 Church Organized — 1733, 
 Pastorates. 
 
 Rev. William Bertram 1732—1746 
 
 Rev. John Roan 1746—1775 
 
 Rev. John Elder (of Old Side portion) 1746—1776 
 
 Rev. John Elder (of reunited church) 1775—1791 
 
 Rev. Nathaniel R. Snowden 1793—1796 
 
 Rev. Joshua WiUiams, D. D.* 1799—1801 
 
 Rev. James Adair, P. E 1803—1803 
 
 Rev. James R. Sharon 1807—1843 
 
 Rev. John M. Boggs 1845—1847 
 
 Rev. Andrew l\ Mitchell 1850—1874 
 
 Rev. Albert B. Wilhamson, S. S 1887— 
 
 Communicants in 1888 — 3. 
 
 Paxton Church. 
 Much of what has just been said in regard to Derry church 
 may be said about Paxton church also. Their origin was the 
 same and the time and circumstances of their organization the 
 same ; and in their subsequent history the two churches have 
 always stood very intimately related, as will be seen by a glance 
 at the pastorates of both . Paxton experienced the same disastrous 
 Old and New Side divisions that Derry did ; and if Paxton's 
 pastor preached to the Old Side portion of Derry congregation, 
 in like manner Derry 's pastor, after the death of Mr. Bertram, 
 preached to the New Side portion of Paxton congregation. In 
 each of the congregations there were distinct places of meeting 
 and distinct assemblies of worshipers. Sometimes " Presbytery 
 met at Mr. Elder's meeting house in Paxton," at other times it 
 "met in Mr. Roan's meeting house in Paxton." After Mr. 
 Roan's death and the reunion of the two parties in Paxton con- 
 
Sketches of Churdtes. 191 
 
 gregation, the " Roan church " became the "Matthew Lind 
 church" (Reformed Presbyterian), spoken of elsewhere. All 
 traces of the church building have disappeared. 
 
 At Paxton, a little south of the present church may be traced 
 the foundation of the first house of worship erected on that 
 ground. Without knowing the exact date we feel safe, on 
 general principles, in saying it was built not later than the 
 time at which the church was organized ; most likely it was 
 before this, and about the time the first house of worship was 
 built at Derry, as Mr. Anderson preached occasionally at Pax- 
 ton as well as Derry. It was a log house. The growth of the 
 congregation soon demanded more room. In 1752 the stone 
 
 PAXTON CHURCH, BX^IT^T IN 1752. 
 
 church was built which stands there to-day, in the midst of the 
 beautiful old grove that shaded the w^orshipers of God in gen- 
 erations gone by, admired and almost venerated by all the 
 friends of Paxton church. Tlie massive walls of limestone 
 are as firm and strong to-day as tlie day they were built. 
 And — thanks to that grace which restrained from the rage for 
 new things — the exterior of the church remains almost un- 
 changed. With commendable taste and liberality the congre- 
 gation remodeled the interior in 1888 and furnished it in the 
 new. 
 
192 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial 
 
 Paxton congregation is now small, as compared with what it 
 was in former years. But we must keep in mind the change that 
 has taken place in population, and the fact that on the territory 
 once covered by Paxton church alone there are now within a 
 radius of two miles not less than half a dozen churches of other 
 denominations. 
 
 Church Organized — 1733. 
 Pastorates. 
 
 Rev. VVilliaiu Bertram 1 732—1736 
 
 Rev. John Elder 1738—1791 
 
 Rev. John Roan (Xew Side portion) 1746—1775 
 
 Rev. Nathaniel R. Snowden 1793—1796 
 
 Rev. Joshua Williams, D. D.* 799—1801 
 
 Rev. James R. Sharon 1S07— 1843 
 
 Rev. John M. Boggs 1845—1847 
 
 Rev. Andrew D. Mitchell 1850—1874 
 
 Rev. WiUiam W. Downey • 1875—1877 
 
 Rev. Wilnam A. West (S. S.— 2 p. m. service) 1878—1883 
 
 Rev. Albert B. Williamson 1887— 
 
 Ruling elders m 1888— John B. Rutherford, Matthew B. 
 Elder, Spencer F. Barber, Francis W. Rutherford. 
 Communicants in 1888 — 37. 
 
 Silver Spring Church. 
 In response to the Macedonian call, " Come over and help 
 us," the Presbytery of Donegal sent supplies to preach to the 
 "people over the river," or, as they are sometimes termed, 
 "the people of the Conodoguinnet," as early as 1734. The 
 first supply sent was Alexander Creagheacl; who was licensed 
 on the 16th of October, 1734, and on the same day appointed 
 " to supply over the river, two or three Sabbaths in Novem- 
 ber." At different times during the following summer they 
 were supplied, by appointment of Presbytery, by Mr. Alex- 
 ander (>eaghead and the Revs. Wm. Bertram, pastor of Derry 
 and Paxton churches, and John Thomson, pastor at Chestnut 
 Level. 1736 is regarded as the year in which the organization 
 of the church occurred. For about half a century the church 
 was known as East Pennsborough (or sometimes Lower Penns- 
 borough^ to distinguish it from West (or Upper) Pennsborough 
 near Carlisle. 
 
Sketch es of C h u rch es. 193 
 
 West Pennsborough cliurch claims that tliey are " the people 
 of the Conodoguinnet," because their first house of worship 
 stood upon the bank of the creek, and hence that theirs was 
 the first congregation organized "over the river.'" To this, 
 East Pennsborough, speaking through one of her sons, the 
 Hon. A. Loudon Snowden, replies that the traditions which 
 come down from some of the old settlers through his father, 
 '* make the location of its first church within a very short dis- 
 tance of the creek, a little way above where Sample's bridge 
 now stands.* Other accounts there are which locate the original 
 log " meeting-house '' near the spot where the present church 
 stands. This, it may be added, is the generally received ac- 
 count. This does not militate at all against the view that the 
 people of East Pennsborough may have been the " people of 
 the Conodoguinnet. " It was a term used to denote the people 
 in the region of the Conodoguinnet, just as " the people of the 
 Conococheague " denoted people living in the region of Mer- 
 cersburg, Loudon, Welsh Run, Greencastle, etc. 
 
 Wherever the church may have stood, there can be no doubt 
 of its having been built prior to 1739. For on the lith day of 
 November, that year, the day on which the Rev. Samuel 
 Thomson was ordained and installed as first pastor of East and 
 West Pennsborough congregations, '' Mr. Anderson, at the 
 meeting-house door, gave public advertisement that if any 
 could advance any lawful objection against Mr. Samuel Thom- 
 son being set apart to the work of the holy ministry to both 
 societies of this place, and no objection offering," he was or- 
 dained and installed ! The present church edifice was built in 
 1783. In 1866 it underwent some changes, making it what it 
 now is. It stands near a beautiful spring, which derives its 
 name from James Silvers, who took out a warrant in 1735 for 
 the land on which the spring rises, adjoining the church property. 
 Mr. Silvers had located there several years before. The spring 
 and the stream flowing from it take their name not from an}' silvery 
 appearance of the water or the bottom of the spring, but, as 
 already intimated, from the name of the proprietor. It is 
 Silvei*s' Spring, not Silver Spring. We have no doubt it was 
 
 ♦Address at Sesqui-Ceutennial Anniversary, 1884. 
 
 13 
 
194 Presbytery of Onrlisle — Centennial. 
 
 intended the church sliould also be so named. But — whether 
 bj accident or otherwise we know not — in the act of the Legis- 
 lature, by which the church was incorporated September 25, 
 1786, it is called " Silver Spring Presbyterian Church of Cum- 
 berland county, Pennsylvania." In this way it comes to pass 
 that though the church was named after Silvers' Spring, its 
 corporate name is Silver Spring church. 
 
 This is one of the churches in our Presbytery which has 
 suffered greatly by changes which have taken place in the 
 population of the surrounding country. The organization of 
 a church in Mechanicsburg also occasioned a heavy drain upon 
 its membership and constituency. But the church still lives, 
 and, although not strong, is in a healthy condition. Its is his- 
 toric ground, which should be maintained. It is one of the 
 two pioneer Presbj^erian churches in Cumberland Valley. In 
 financial affairs it has not failed to have substantial friends out- 
 side its bounds in the persons of some, the remains of whose 
 ancestors rest in the " silent city "" close by. 
 
 We may not close this brief sketch without alluding to the 
 beautiful Sabbath school chapel erected in 1885 in memory of 
 a very dear child, Mary Cameron Mc<.'ormick, by her parents, 
 Mr. and Mrs. Henry McCormick, of Harrisburg. It testifies 
 alike to "her great delight in Sunday school associations " and 
 their interest in and attachment to old Silver Spring church. 
 
 Church Organized — 1736. 
 Pasiorates. 
 
 Rev. Samuel Thomson 1739—1746 
 
 Rev. Samuel Caven, 1749—1750 
 
 Rev. John Steel, 1764—1775 
 
 Rev. Samuel Waugh 1782—1807 
 
 Rev. John Hayes 1809 — 1814 
 
 Rev. Henry R. Wilson, D. 1) 1 815—1823 
 
 Rev. James WilHamson, 1824 — 1838 
 
 Rev. George Morris 1840 1860 
 
 Rev. WiUiam H. Dinsmore, 1861 — 1865 
 
 Rev. William G. Hillman, 1866—1867 
 
 Rev. William B. McKee, • . 1868—1870 
 
 Rev. R. P. Gibson, 1872—1875 
 
 Rev. Thomas J. Ferguson, 1879 — 
 
Sketches of Churches. 195 
 
 Ruling elders reported in 1888 — James Eckles, William 
 Irvine, William J. Meily. 
 
 Communicants reported in 1888 — 71. 
 
 P'iKST Church, Carlislk 
 
 The original name was Upper Pennsborough. This church, 
 if not the first, was one of the first two churches organized west 
 of the Susquehanna River. The question of priority between 
 it and Lower Pennsborough (Silver Spring) is one which is 
 difficult of solution at this remote day. The probability is that 
 they were organized about the same time. Over both of them 
 on the same day, at Lower Pennsborough church, was installed 
 the same first pastor. They are the honored pioneer churches 
 in a region soon after to become the strongest seat of Presby- 
 terianism of the last century in this new land. 
 
 Near the bank of the Conodoguinnet creek, about a mile 
 and a-half northwest of Carlisle, was erected, in 1735, the first 
 " meeting-house " of this congregation. " It was a log building 
 and stood near the southwestern comer of the present cemetery 
 ground, and, in accordance with the prevailing usage of the 
 time, was not far from some springs which break forth out of 
 the bank of the creek," which, from this circumstance have 
 ever since been called " the Meeting- House Springs.'' After 
 the resignation of Mr. Thomson in 1749, the church was with- 
 out a settled pastor until 1759. In the meantime the town of 
 Carlisle was founded and became a place of holding service. 
 The people of the congregation were by no means a unit 
 There was intense feeling here, as in nearly every congregation 
 throughout the Presbytery, on the religious questions of the 
 day. The Old and New Side controversy had produced divi- 
 sion even in Mr. Thomson's time ; and when the reunion of 
 1758 took place there were two congregations worshiping in 
 Carlisle. They remained apart The Old Side congregation 
 called the Rev. John Steel ; and the New Side congregation, 
 in connection with Big Spring, called the Rev. George Duffield. 
 They were" both installed the same year (1759V In May of 
 that year (as will be seen elsewhere) the united Synod of New 
 York and Philadelphia advised the erection of but one house 
 
196 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 of worship. But they not only declined the advice, but must 
 have proceeded with dispatch to erect their separate places of 
 worship; for the records show that on "the 21st of October, 
 1760, Presbytery met agreeably to adjournment in Mr. Steel's 
 meeting-house in Carlisle;" and that "on the 28th day of 
 April, 1761," they met "in Mr. Duffield's meeting-house in 
 Carlisle." "In 1766 a lot of ground 180x200 feet, on the 
 Centre Square, was conveyed by Thomas and Richard Penn to 
 the Presbyterians under the pastoral care of Rev. John Steel, 
 ' to remain a site for a church or a meeting-house forever.' On 
 this lot was commenced, by Mr. Steel's congregation, early m 
 1769, the large stone building, now in use, on the northwest 
 quarter of the public square. The work was interrupted for a 
 while in consequence of the failure of the contractor, so that it 
 was not completed sufficiently to be occupied for worship until 
 1772." 
 
 Dr. Duffield having removed to Philadelphia in 1772, and 
 Mr. Steel having died in 1779, the two congregations were 
 supplied by appointment of Presbytery until 1785, when thev 
 became one under Dr. Robert Davidson as pastor, with Dr. 
 Nisbet as co-pastor. In 1833 a number of persons belonging 
 to the congregation asked Presbytery to organize them into a 
 second church, and the request was granted. An account of 
 this will be found in sketch of Second church, Carlisle. 
 
 " In 1827 the interior of the house of worship was modern- 
 ized and much improved, and a building, one story in height, 
 was erected against the western wall to serve for prayer meet- 
 ings, lectures and Sabbath schools. The present beautiful and 
 commodious structure, which occupies a little more than the 
 same ground, was built as a memorial of the reunion of the two 
 branches of the general Presbyterian church, and was dedicated 
 in the autumn of 1873." 
 
 Church Organizkd — 1736. 
 Pastorates. 
 
 Rev. Samuel Thomson 1739 — 1749 
 
 Rev. John Steel (Old Side) 1759—1779 
 
 Rev. aeorge Duffield, D. D. (New Side) 1759—1772 
 
 Rev. Robert Davidson, D. D 1785—1812 
 
 Rev Charles Nisbet, D. D. (co-pastorj 1787—1804 
 
Sketches of Churches. 197 
 
 Rov. George Duffield, Jr , D. D* 18ir,— 1835 
 
 Rev. William T. Sprole, D. D.* (P. E.) 1837—1843 
 
 Rev. Ellis J. Newlin 1844—1847 
 
 Rev. Conway P. Wing, D. D 1848—1875 
 
 Rev. Conway P. Wing, D. D., Pastor Emeritus 1887—1889 
 
 Rev. Joseph Vance, D. D 1870 -1886 
 
 Rev. Eugene L. Mapes 1888— 
 
 Ruling elders in 1888 — J. C. Hoffer, James Coyle, John 
 Irvine, Thomas B. Thomson, John B. Landis, Robert M. 
 Henderson, Richard R. Craighead. 
 
 Communicants in 1888 — 305. 
 
 Big Spring Church, Newville. 
 
 The inviting character of the country, the fertile lands skirt- 
 ing the Conodoguinnett creek and its tributary, " the Great 
 Spring," caused a dense population to collect in the vicinity of 
 Newville very soon after the country was thrown open for 
 settlement. Perhaps as early as 1736, and certainly not later 
 than 1737, the Presbyterians settled at and near the "Great 
 Spring " were organized into a congregation. It was not with- 
 out great and grievous tribulation they were permitted to secure 
 for themselves a local habitation and a settled pastor. On the 
 22d of June, 1737, '' the people of Hopewell '' brought into 
 Presbytery, then in session at West Nottingham, Chester county, 
 a supplication requesting the concurrence of the Presbyter}^ to 
 draw a call to Mr. Thomas Creaghead." But, Presbytery find- 
 ing some inconvenience in reference to the situation of one of 
 their meeting houses, did not see cause to concur with them at 
 present." The Great Spring was the place they wished to build 
 their meeting house. Upper Pennsborough congregation was 
 opposing this as an encroachment on their territory. A con- 
 ference was had, by order of Presbytery, between the two con- 
 gregations, but without result. The ground was then " per- 
 ambulated "by a committee, who reported in November, 1737, 
 that by one road it was eight miles from Pennsborough church 
 to the Great Spring, and that by another road it was twelve 
 miles. The people of Hopewell urged their call. Mr. Creag- 
 head was impatient But Presbytery after taking "the affair 
 of the perambulation into consideration, and after much dis- 
 course upon it," deferred action until the next spring. Even 
 
]98 Presbytery oj Carlisle — Centennial 
 
 then it was not settled, and action has not been taken to this 
 day. But, August 31, 1738, Presbytery appointed Mr. Alex- 
 ander Creaghead to instal Mr. Thomas Creaghead the second 
 Friday of October, and that he send an edict to be published 
 timeously before.'' Mr. Creaghead died the following year. 
 
 From the foregoing it would appear that the first house of 
 worship at Big Spring was built in 1737 or 1738. It was a log 
 house and stood in the present cemetery enclosure and not far 
 from the site of the present church. In 1790 the congregation 
 built a large stone church, in the prevailing style of that time. 
 In 1842 it was remodeled and greatly improved. But the im- 
 provement then made was slight as compared with that of 1881. 
 As you gaze upon the massive sightly edifice of to-day with its 
 well-proportioned tower, you can scarcely imagine it to be the 
 plain, unpretending building put there almost one hundred 
 years ago. It proves the value of work well done. At the 
 same time that the last improvement was made upon the church, 
 a large and well -arranged building was erected at the eastern end 
 of the church in which to hold Sabbath school and the week 
 evening meetings of the congregation, and the beautiful grounds 
 were enclosed with a suitable fence. 
 
 Church Organized — 1737. 
 PasUirates. 
 
 Rev. Thomas Creaghead 1738—1739 
 
 Rev. John Blair 1742-1755t 
 
 tThe Rev. Richard Webster (Hist. Pres. Ch. p. 487) says : "The incursions of 
 the Indians led him i.the Rev. John Blair) to relinquish his pastoral charge Decem- 
 ber 28, 1748. Dr. Sprague (Annals, etc.) accepts and repeats this statement. Dr. 
 Archibald Alexander (Log College) says : * By reason of hostile mcursions of the 
 Indians, the people of Big Spring (now Newville) were obliged to leave their rude 
 habitations on the frontier and to retreat into the more densely populated part of the 
 colony.' Mr. Blair, it would seem, never returned to the place whence he had been 
 driven by the invasion of the savages, but upon the decease of his brother Samuel 
 he received and accepted a call to be his successor at Fagg's Manor in 1757." 
 
 Upon these statements we remark : 
 
 Ist. All agree that Mr. Blair was driven from his field of labor by the incursions 
 of the Indians. 
 
 3d. No incursions such as those spoken of (by which the people were obliged 
 to leave their homes and retreat into the more densely populated parts of the col. 
 ony), occurred in 1748, nor until 1755. 
 
 3d. It is not at all probable that John Blair would " have remained without a 
 Settlement trom 1748 to 1757 " (as said by Mr. Webster). 
 
 4th. For these reasons we think he continued pastor of the united congregations 
 of Big Spnng, Middle Spring and Ki>cky Spring until 1755. 
 
Sketches of Churches. 199 
 
 Rev. George Duffield, D. D 1759—1769 
 
 Rev. William Linn 1777—1784 
 
 Rev. Samuel Wilson 1787—1799 
 
 Rev. Joshua Williams, D. D 1802—1829 
 
 Rev. Robert MeCachran 1831—1851 
 
 Rev. J. S. H. Henderson 1852—1862 
 
 Rev. Philip H. Mowry, D.D* 1864—1868 
 
 Rey. Ebenezer Erskine, D. D 1870— 
 
 Ruling elders in 1888 — D. D. G. Duncan, John Wagner, 
 Thomas Stough, William Green, Edwin R Hays, Robert 
 Mickey, Samuel A. McCune and Peter Ritner. 
 
 Communicants in 1888 — 407. 
 
 Greencastle Church. 
 
 Owing to the wonderful influx of Scotch -Irish immigrants 
 and the distinct policy of the provincial authorities to place 
 them upon the frontier, the settlement of almost the entire 
 Kittochtinny or Cumberland Valley was well nigh simulta- 
 neous. Hence, Presbytery sent supplies to the " people of 
 Conococheague almost as soon as to the people of the Conodo- 
 guinnet." By the people of the Conococheague, as first men- 
 tioned in the Records of Presbytery, were meant those of the 
 region of Chambersburg, Greencastle, Mercersburg, Welsh 
 Run. Hence, also, the organization of a church at a point so 
 far remote as Greencastle the same year as that of Big Spring 
 (1737). 
 
 Their first " meeting-house " was built of logs, and stood 
 near a spring on the land of Mr. Rankin, a short distance east 
 ofthetown. Itwas built prior to 1739. Aftera time it gave place 
 to a larger frame weather-boarded building, about 28x42 feet, 
 which was painted red, and hence came to be known as the "Red 
 church." In 1803 it was enlarged by the addition of twelve 
 feet to the front. This was occupied till 1828, when it was 
 torn down, a plain brick church, 50x60 feet, havmg been built 
 in the town of Greencastle. The latter had a basement, which 
 was used for prayer meeting and Sabbatli school purposes. 
 But this being found damp and uncomfortable, a suitable build- 
 ing for these purposes was soon after erected. Recently the 
 whole church property has been made to undergo such changes 
 
200 Presbytery of Ca rlisle — Cen tenn > 
 
 and improvements as to render recognition impossible, and to 
 make it virtually new. In tiie centennial year of the Presby- 
 tery the congregation erected, in place of the old lecture room, 
 an elegant chapel at a cost of well nigh $5,000 : and in the 
 centennial year of the General Assembly they completely re- 
 modeled the church, without and within, making it at once a 
 beautiful, comfortable and convenient house of worship. 
 
 Either in 1737 or 1738 the people living on the east and 
 west sides of East Conococheague creek agreed upon division. 
 This they did without having consulted Presbytery. In 1738 
 Presbytery took exception to their conduct in not having con- 
 sulted them, " but, considenng the circumstances, approved of 
 the division." The " Red church " congregation was the " so- 
 ciety on the east side." They belonged to the "Old Side" 
 party in the great schism of 1740. The other " society " be- 
 longed to the " New Side " party. They worshiped in " the 
 tent;" and must have kept up their organization after the 
 union of the Old and New Side parties in 1758. This evi- 
 dently was the congregation over which Rev. Thomas 
 McPherrin was installed pastor in 1774, in connection with 
 Hagerstown and Lower West Conococheague. The Rev. 
 James T^ang was then, and had been for seven years, pastor of 
 the congregation worshiping in the "Red church." Mr. 
 McPherrin's pastorate continued to 1799, when, at his request, 
 it was dissolved by Presbytery. The following is the minute 
 concerning it, found in the Records of Presbytery : " The Rev. 
 Mr. McPherrin, by a letter to the moderator, prayed for liberty 
 to resign his pastoral charge of the congregations of Lower, 
 East and West Conococheague, and assigned reasons for the 
 same. The said congregations also, b}^ a representation signed 
 by several elders, declared their full consent to his attaining 
 his request.""^ 
 
 The pastoral relation between Mr. Lang and the congrega- 
 tion worshiping in the Red church was dissolved by Presby- 
 tery in November of the following year (1800). Thus the two 
 branches were left without pastors at the same time. They 
 shortly after united in extending a call to Mr. Robert Kennedy, 
 
 * Pres. Records, October 2, 1799, p. 75. 
 
Sketches of Churches. ' 201 
 
 who became tlieir pastor in 1803. Lower West Conococlieague 
 (now Robert Kennedy Memorial) church had one-half Mr. 
 Kennedy's time. After the union of the two congregations of 
 East Conococlieague they both worshiped in the Red church. 
 It was this that necessitated the addition to the church hereto- 
 fore spoken of. 
 
 In a little less than a quarter of a century after this, the size 
 of the congregation was greatly increased by the incoming of 
 another congregation. This, most likely, necessitated the erec- 
 tion of the new church of 1828. In 1783 the Rev. Matthew 
 Lind settled at Greencastle as pastor of the Associate Reformed 
 congregation, wliich was a combination of the Reformed and 
 Associate churches of the neighborhood prior to 1782 ; each of 
 which had a small log house of worship. In 1791 the congre- 
 tion erected what was known as the " White church." It was 
 a log structure on Baltimore street, which was weather-boarded 
 and painted white. Hence the name, in distinction from the 
 " Red church." That plain, little building became historic. 
 Here the Associate Reformed Synod met in 1799, when the 
 standards of that church were adopted. Here the first General 
 Synod held its sessions in 1804. Here Dr. John M. Mason 
 made his celebrated defense as the friend and advocate of open 
 communion, or rather in the grove just by, for the house could 
 by no means hold the immense concourse of people. 
 
 The Rev. Matthew Lind was pastor of this church, 1783- 
 1800; John Young, 1800-1803; John Lind, 1804-182-1. 
 
 In 1825 the congregation placed itself under the care of the 
 Presbytery of Carlisle, and the Rev. Matthew^ Lind Fullcrton 
 became its pastor. (For particulars see Hagerstown church.) 
 Mr. Fullerton preached here and at Hagerstown on alternate 
 Sabbaths until the time of his death in 1833. It was so ar- 
 ranged that he preached in Greencastle the day Mr. Buchanan 
 preached in Waynesboro'. Thus the people met alternately in 
 the Red and White churches, as one congregation every Sab- 
 bath. After Mr. Fullerton's death Mr. Buchanan became their 
 sole pastor, and the Presbyterian element in and around Green- 
 castle became one in organization, as they already were one in 
 all other respects. 
 
202 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 Church Organizkd — 1737. 
 Pastorates. 
 
 Rev. Samuel Caven 1739- 1741 
 
 Rev. John Steel 1752—1756 
 
 Rev. James Lan^^ 1767—1800 
 
 Rev. Thomas McPherrin, (New Side) 1774—1799 
 
 Rev. Robert Kennedy 1803—1816 
 
 Rev. James Buchanan 1818 — 1839 
 
 Rev. Matthevr Lind FuUerton, (Second church) 1825- 18'^3 
 
 Rev. J. T. Marshall Davie 1840—1845 
 
 Rev. Thomas V. Moore, D. D.* 1845—1847 
 
 Rev. William M. Paxton, D. D., LL. D.* 1848—1850 
 
 Rev. Edwin Emerson 1852—1860 
 
 Rev. WiUiam T. Beatty, D. D.* 1861—1863 
 
 Rev. J. W. Wightman, D. D.* 1 863—1870 
 
 Rev. David K. Richardson 1872—1877 
 
 Rev. James H. Stewart 1877-1883 
 
 Rev. James D. Hunter 1884 — 
 
 Ruling elders in 1888— J. K. Davidson, M. D., J. C. Mc- 
 Lanahan, William McCrory, G. Fred. Ziegler, William A. Reid, 
 C. F. Fletcher, J. A. Fleming, L. H. Fletcher. 
 
 Communicants in 1888 — 248. 
 
 Falling Spring Church, Chambersburg. 
 
 Benjamin Chambers was the youngest of four brothers who 
 emigrated from County Antrim, Ireland, between the years 1726 
 and 1730. In 1730 he settled where Chambersburg now stands 
 and gave to the place the name of Falling Spring. This settle- 
 ment was made in advance of the general settlement of the 
 territory west of the Susquehanna. It was done bj^ special 
 grant of the proprietory government and with the consent of 
 the Indians. Many cases of like character occurred all through 
 Cumberland Valley. The settlement was known by the name 
 of Falling Spring until 1764, when the town of Chambersburg 
 was laid out and named after the proprietor. 
 
 By appointment of Presbytery the Revs. Samuel Thomson 
 and Samuel Caven supplied "the people of Conococheague 
 much of the time during the years 1737 and 1738. By the 
 people of Conococheague is meant the various settlements at 
 Falling Spring, Greencastle, Mercersburg, etc. There is a very 
 strong probability that Falling Spring church was organized 
 
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Sketches of Churches. 208 
 
 the same year that Greencastle church was, L e,, 1737. Mr. 
 Caveii and Mr. Thomson (especially the latter) were frequently 
 appointed by Presbytery to minister to the people of Penns- 
 borough the same years they were sent as supplier :<) Conoco- 
 cheague (1737 and 1738). In the same year (1739), Mr. 
 Thomson was settled as pastor of Lower and Upper Penns- 
 borough churches and Mr. Caven as pastor of Falling Spring 
 and East Conococheague congregations. On the same day — 
 June 29, 1738 — that the call was presented from the former 
 charge for Mr. Thomson, a supplication was presented by 
 Benjamin Chambers, desiring that a minister be appointed to 
 moderate a call from Falling Spring church for Mr. Caven. 
 On the same day Thomas Brown, commissioner from East 
 Conococheague, asked " that a minister be sent there to baptize 
 children and inspect into their disorders.'' After "spending 
 a pretty dale of time in consulting" over the supplications of 
 Mr. Chambers and Mr. Brown, Presbytery " ordered Mr. Black 
 to go on that expedition about the beginning of August and 
 do what he can to answ^er tlie end of both supplications."* 
 
 At a meeting of Presbytery August 31 of the same year 
 Mr. Black reported the division of the congregation of East 
 Conococheague into two societies and the call of Mr. Caven by 
 the society on the east side of the creek. As part of Mr. 
 Black's duty in " this expedition " was to moderate a call for 
 Mr. Caven at Falling Spring, we may presume that he attended 
 to it at the same time. Mr. Caven declined giving an answer 
 to the call until April 5, 1739, when he signified his accept- 
 ance. He was ordained and installed November 16, following 
 — just two days after the ordination and installation of his 
 friend, Mr. Thomson, at Pennsborough. 
 
 The Presbyterians of Chambersburg and vicinity are under 
 lasting obligation to Col. Benjamin Chambers for the donation 
 made one hundred and fifty years ago, of the beautiful spot where 
 the Falling Spring church stands and the remains of many of 
 their departed loved ones rest. About the time of, or very soon 
 after, the organization of the congregation a plain log structure 
 was built as a house of worship. In a few years it proved too 
 
 •Presbj'terial Records, June 29, 1738. 
 
204 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 small to accommodate the growing congregation and too plain 
 and uncomfortable to suit the improved condition and taste of 
 the people. Hence, in 1767 it was removed and in its place 
 was erected a larger and better finished house of worship, 85x70 
 feet. A deed of the ground was presented bj Col. Chambers 
 the y^ar following. In 1803 the stone church, which graces 
 the spot to-day, was built. In 1856 a vestibule was added to 
 the front and the church was otherwise improved without in- 
 terfering more than possible with the original building. It is 
 to be hoped it will be handed down through succeeding genera- 
 tions with ever-growing veneration. In a beautiful stone 
 
 chapel was erected near the church, containing not only lecture 
 and Sabbath school rooms, but also session room and pastor's 
 study. 
 
 For more than hali a century after their organization Falling 
 Spring and East Conococheague (Greencastle) churches con- 
 stituted one pastoral charge. But since the installation of 
 Rev. Wm. Speer, in 1794, Falling Spring church has formed a 
 distinct charge. 
 
 In 1868 a colony went out from the church and was organ- 
 ized into tiie Central Presbyterian church, Chambersburg. 
 Church Organized — 1737. 
 Pastorates. 
 
 Rev. Samuel Caven 1739—1741 
 
 Rev. James Lang 1767—1793 
 
 Rev. William Speer 1794—1797 
 
 Rev. David Denny 1800—1838 
 
 Rev. William Adam 1840—1841 
 
 Rev. Daniel McKinley, D. D.* 1841—1850 
 
 Rev. Joseph Clark 1852—1857 
 
 Rev. Lambert S. Fine 1858—1859 
 
 Rev. Samuel J. Niccolls, D. D.* 1860—1864 
 
 Rev Joshua B. H. Janeway. P. E 1866—1866 
 
 Rev. J. Agnew Crawford. D. D 1867—1 886 
 
 Rev. J. Agnew Crawford, D D., Pastor Emeritus 1886 — 
 
 Rev. John Grier Hibben 1887 — 
 
 Ruling elders in 1888— William G. Reed, George F. Piatt, 
 Jacob S. Nixon, Henry A. Riddle, William B. Reed, John S- 
 Mcllvaine, John G. Orr. 
 
 Communicants in 1888 — 250. 
 
Sketches of Churches. 2(X 
 
 Mercersburg Church. 
 
 The year following the organization of East Conococheague 
 church, that is, in 1738, the people of West Conococheague were 
 organized into a congregation. The choice of location for their 
 " meeting-house " lay between the beautiful spring at Waddell's 
 grave-yard, not far from Bridgeport, along the South Penn 
 branch of the Cumberland Valley Kailroad, and the fine spring 
 at what has since been known as " Church Hill." The latter 
 was selected, and here a rude log church was erected. Like 
 nearly all the churches of that day, it was cheerless and un- 
 comfortable in the extreme. Even the luxury of fire in mid- 
 winter was a thing unknown. The territor)' at first covered 
 by the congregation was large, embracing St. Thomas, Loudon 
 and Welsh Run in addition to the immediate neighborhood. 
 When the church at Welsh Run was organized, in 1741, by the 
 New Side party, it took the name of Lower West Conoco- 
 cheague, and that near Mercersburg the name of Upper West 
 Conococheague. 
 
 Owing to the perils connected with the Indian wars, of which 
 special mention is made elsewhere, their church was surrounded 
 by a stockade. Their first pastor, the Rev. John Steel, was 
 the leader of hL people in war as well as in peace. He and 
 they went to the house of God on the Sabbath day armed and 
 ready for any emergency. During these Indian ware the con- 
 gregation was virtually broken up. When greater security 
 and quiet were restored, Mr. Steel did not return to his con- 
 gregation but settled in Carlisle. 
 
 Dr. Creigh, in his carefully prepared history of the congrega- 
 tion, speaks of the church edifice having been twice enlarged 
 prior to 1819. Whether this was by additions to the original 
 structure or by the erection of new and larger houses of wor- 
 ship is not altogether clear, but the language would seem to 
 imply the former. To meet the wants of the congregation a 
 large stone church was built at Church Hill in 1819 and dedi- 
 cated in January, 1820. Its walls were rough-cast or plastered 
 on the outside. This was what was known as the " White 
 church." It was occupied until 1855, shortly after which it 
 was torn down. The o^raveyard is all that now remains to 
 
206 
 
 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial 
 
 mark the sacrerl spot. It is surrounded by a strong stone wall 
 and is well taken care ol Here rest the remains of their second 
 pastor, the Rev. John King, D. D., who was a man among men 
 in his day. He was moderator of the fourth General Assembly, 
 which met at Carlisle in 1792. In a time of great excitement 
 and peril to the church another who for many years had been 
 their pastor (Rev. David Elliott, D. D.. LL. D.) presided over 
 that body. 
 
 In the same year that the Presbytery of Carlisle was erected, 
 the town of Mercersburg was laid out. To meet the wants of 
 the population which soon collected here, it was felt that there 
 ought to be a place of worship in the town and divine service 
 conducted in it. It was two and a half miles to the original 
 place of worship. This led to the erection, in 1791, of the 
 stone church which is still occupied by the congregation. The 
 ground on which it and the parsonage stand was the gift of the 
 Hon. Robert Smith. 
 
 Mercersburg Church as Remodele,d in 1844. 
 
 From the time of its erection part of the preaching service was 
 held in town. Fmally, in 1855, the original place of worship 
 was abandoned and all the services began to be held in town. 
 This church was repaired and a portico was added to it in 1844 
 In 1886 it was further repaired and remodeled, outside and in- 
 side, and made what it now is — an exceedingly pleasant and 
 comfortable place of worship. Very little of the appearance 
 of the former place of woi'ship is to be seen in the handsome 
 and attractive church edifice of to-day. At the same time that 
 the church was undergoing these changes, the lecture and 
 
PRESBYTERIAN CIIl'RCII, 
 
 MERCERSBURG, I'A. 
 
Sketches of ChnrcJits. 207 
 
 Sabbath school building was taken down, and rebuilt in the 
 rear of the church. It is in every way a great improvement 
 on the old ona 
 
 Church Organizki) — 1738. 
 Pastorates. 
 
 Rev. Jolin Steel 1752 1756 
 
 Rev. John King, D. D 1769 1811 
 
 Rev. David Elliott, D. D., , LL. D.* 1812—1829 
 
 Rev. Thomas Creigh, D. D 1831 1880 
 
 Rev. Harlan G. Mendenhall 1881 — 1883 
 
 Rev. W. T. Linn Kieffer 1883— 
 
 Ruling elders in 1888 — Oliver L. Murray, Seth Dickey, 
 John McCullough, S. McLain Rhea, James W. Witherspoon, 
 W. Van Fosen Bradley and A. E. French. 
 
 Communicants in 1888 — 229. 
 
 Middle Spring Church. 
 
 During the first few years of its history the church of Big 
 Spring was known by the name of Hopewell. It evidently 
 had two places of worship — one at Big Spring, the other at 
 Middle Spring — Hopewell and Upper Tlopewell. Hence it is 
 that in the Records of Presbytery for June 22, 1737, the church* 
 proposed to be built at the "Great Spring'' is spoken of as 
 " one of their houses." The other house was at Middle Spring. 
 It is, no doubt, in regard to the latter point we find this entry 
 in the Presbyterial records under date of October 17, 1738 : 
 " Robert Henry, a commissioner from Hopewell complained 
 that the people of Falling Spring are about to encroach upon 
 Hopewell congregation." This is of like character with the 
 complaint made by Upper Pennsborough congregation against 
 Hopewell congregation for building a church at Big Spring. 
 During his short ministry the Rev. Thomas Creaghead preached 
 here as well as at Big Spring. 
 
 It is not stated in the Records of Presbytery that a formal 
 severance took place between Hopewell and Upper Hopewell 
 after the death of Mr. Creaghead, which occurred in Apr., 1739 ; 
 but there is some indication of it in the fact that at the meetincr 
 of Presbytery held on the 20tli of the same month " Mr. Caven 
 was appointed to supply at Upper Hopewell. Most likely it 
 
208 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 became a distinct and independent congregation at that time. 
 Then for the first time in the Records the name Upper Hope- 
 well is used, indicating that it had become distinct and separate 
 from Hopewell. And under date of Novernber 17, 1739, we 
 find the following record : " Ordered that Mr. Anderson supply 
 at Upper Hopewell to-morrow and Mr. Boyd at Lower Hope- 
 well. Mr. Caven at Upper Hopewell the fourth Sabbath of 
 December, the first Sabbath of February and the third Sabbath 
 of March.'' 
 
 At what time the name was changed from Upper Hopewell 
 to Middle Spring the writer is unable to tell. Perhaps it was 
 about tlie time the three churches of Big Spring, Rocky Spring 
 and Middle Spring (lying between the other two) united in 
 choosing the Rev^ John Blair for their pastor. Of this choice 
 of pastor there is no record in the minutes of Presbytery. It 
 was the time of the Old and New Side division, during which 
 the churches of the Presbytery of Donegal were terribl}^ rent 
 and separated. Mr. Blair was an ardent New Side man and 
 was never identified wkh the Presbytery. From the records 
 of Middle Spring church it is learned that the elders of the 
 three above-named churches and the minister (My. Blair) met 
 at Middle Spring December 27, 1742, in order to settle the 
 division of the minister's labors among the three congregations, 
 which resulted in an equal division of time. In regard to the 
 period covered by Mr. Blair's pastorate see sketch of Big 
 Spring church, foot-note. 
 
 The first house of worship was built of logs and was erected 
 in 1737 or 1738. It stood on ground now included in the lower 
 graveyard and not far from the present entrance. The con- 
 gregation increased rapidly owing to the great influx of Pres- 
 byterian population ; and it was not long until it was necessary 
 to erect a larger churclt The same material was used. The 
 second building was 48x58 feet. Even it had to be enlarged 
 ere long. In 1781 a stone church was built on the higher 
 ground, near the site of the present church. Its dimensions 
 were 58x60 feet. This stood till 1848, when the present com- 
 fortable and substantial brick structure was reared. Aliddle 
 Spring has always been a strong and influential congregation. 
 
Sketches of Churches. 209 
 
 Alike in times of peace and of war its pastors and men have 
 played no unimportant part in the affairs of church and of state. 
 
 Church Oroanized — 1739. 
 PastorateH. 
 
 Kev. Tliomas Creaghead 1 738—1739 
 
 Rev. John Blair 1742—1755 
 
 Rev. Robert Cooper, IJ. D I7G5— 1797 
 
 Rev. John Moodey, D. D 1803—1854 
 
 Rev. Isaac N. Hays, D. D.* 1854—1868 
 
 Rev. David K. Richardson 1870—1871 
 
 Rev. Samuel S. Wylie ..1872— 
 
 Ruling elders in 1888— William D. Means, William D. 
 McCune, William A. Cox, Robert Peebles and A. M. Clark. 
 Communicants in 1888—200. 
 
 Rocky Spring Church. 
 
 About four miles north of Chambersburg is one of the 
 beautiful springs of Cumberland Valley, at which the pioneer 
 Presbyterian settlers were wont to assemble for the worship of 
 God. The early history of this church is wrapped in a great 
 deal of oVjscurity. It is generally agreed that its organization 
 occurred about 1739. That was a period of intense excitement 
 in the Presbyterian church on questions connected with 
 the Old and New Side controversy, and which culminated the 
 following year in the rending of the church. In some instances 
 in the Presbytery of Donegal complete division ocjcurred in 
 congregations; in others, entire congregations arrayed them- 
 selves on one side or the other. Rocky Spring church belonged 
 to the latter class. It and Middle Spring and Big Spring, 
 occupying contiguous territory, all identified themselves with 
 the New Side branch of the church, and in 1742 secured the 
 services of the Rev. John Blair. Mr. Blair was a member of 
 the Presbytery of New Castle (New Side). Thus it occurs 
 that in the records of the Presbytery of Donegal we do not 
 find an}^ mention of him or his churches during his pastorate, 
 which extended, presumably, to 1755. (See Big Spring church, 
 foot-note.) For a number of years after this the church was 
 dependent upon supplies appointed by Presbytery. In 1768 
 the Rev. John Craighead became their second pastor. He was 
 14 
 
210 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 not only an eloquent preacher of tlie gospel, but also a zealous 
 patriot and a fearless soldier. In the Kevolutionary struggle 
 he marched at the head of a company raised by himself in his 
 own congregation, and joined the army of Washington. Here 
 he did not forget his high calling as an ambassador for Christ, 
 but when in camp acted as chaplain to the soldiers. The history 
 of old Rocky Spring church in connection with the Indian 
 troubles and Revolutionary war is full of thrilling interest 
 But we may not enter upon it here. 
 
 Their first '' meeting-house " was a small log building, erected 
 in 17-iO, which stood near the site of the present church. It 
 soon proved too small for the congregation. To remedy this 
 " a small square building was attached to the south side of the 
 church, extending one-half its length, and the roof was extended 
 from the main building over it. There were no windows in 
 this addition. Hence it was poorly lighted and ventilated. Subse- 
 quently an addition of like character was put to the end of this. 
 In this way a lop-sided appearance was given to the structura 
 The present brick building was erected in 1794. It remains 
 almost intact, an object of mingled interest and curiosity. In 
 the chapter on church property will be found a description of 
 it. It remains, but its aisles are no longer crowded with 
 devout worshipers. Time and change have done their sad work. 
 The decendants of the original settlers have passed away, seek- 
 ing homes and helping to build up churches elsewhere ; and 
 other people of other faith have come in to occupy their farms 
 and their places in the community. 
 
 Church Organized — 1739. 
 Pastorates. 
 
 Rev. John Blair 1742-1755 
 
 Rev. John Craighead 1768—1799 
 
 Rev. Francis Herron D. D.* 1800—1811 
 
 Rev. John McKnight, D D 1811—1815 
 
 Rev. John McKnight 1816—1836 
 
 Rev. Robert Kennedy, S. S ... 1836—1840 
 
 Rev. Alexander K. Nelson 1840—1873 
 
 Rev. Samuel C. George 1875—1887 
 
 Rev. Henry G. Finney 1888— 
 
 Membership in 1888—20. 
 
Sketches of Churches. 211 
 
 Gettysburg Church. 
 
 Tht' intelligent, staunch Scotcli-Insli Presbyterians who 
 settled in the Marsh Creek region soon after the land was 
 thrown into market in 1736, were not content to do long with- 
 out enjoying the public means of grace. Whatever services 
 they may have had ])rior to that date, the records of Presby- 
 tery show that in 1740 they sought and obtained the apj)oint- 
 ment of supplies. On the 18th of June Presbytery "appointed 
 the Rev. Samuel Caven to supply Great Conewago and Marsh 
 Creek the first Sabbath of July, and to preach there on a week 
 day and inquire into the state of both these settlements and 
 make a report at our next.'' The records do not show that 
 Mr. Caven made any report concerning '' the state of these 
 settlements" at the next meeting of Presbytery, which was 
 held September 3, 1740. But they show that he was then ap- 
 pointed " to supply at Great Conewago the first Sabbath of tliat 
 month, at Marsh Creek a week day and the second Sabbath of 
 October, and at Great Conewago a week day.'' 
 
 This is the year in which the organization of what was then 
 known as " the Marsh Creek church " took place. It was 
 afterwards called Upper Marsh Creek in order to distinguish it 
 from " Lower Marsh Creek church," organized eight years 
 later. In still later years it has been known as the church of 
 Gettysburg. For thirteen years after its organization it had no 
 settled pastor, but was dependent on supplies appointed by 
 Presbytery. From 1741 to 1749 Mr. Caven was without a 
 regular charge. During this time he ministered very frequently 
 to the people of the contiguous congregations of Great Cone- 
 wago and Marsh Creek. By appointment of Presbytery he 
 moderated the first call the latter gave to anyone to become 
 their pastor. This was in 1748, and the call was given to Mr. 
 Joseph Tate, a licentiate, under the care of Presbytery. Mr. Tate 
 declined the call. Rev. Robert McMordie was the first regular 
 pastor of the church. As his settlement occured in the period 
 covered by the lost volume of records, w^e are dependent on 
 other sources of information for the date. We are indebted to 
 the present pastor, the Rev. John K. Demarest, for the follow- 
 lowing, which we think quite conclusive: *' Mr. McMordie in 
 
212 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 A})ril, 1760, gave a receipt, which is still extant, for some 
 money 'in full for six years' stipend,' and about a year after 
 another to the same person, 'in full for seven years' stipend,' 
 from which T infer that he became pastor of this church in 
 1753."-- 
 
 On the 7th of April, 1742, a supplication was presented to 
 Presbytery ''from Marsh Creek and Conewago, requesting a 
 committee to be sent to assist them to agree about the seat of 
 their meeting-house or houses." It was "ordered that Mr. 
 Samuel Thomson, Mr. Hoe and Mr. Kain and Benj. 
 Chambers meet for that purpose at Widow Jackson's on 
 the 2d Tuesday of May, etc.'' As reported at the next meet- 
 ing of Presbytery, it was the judgment of this committee " that 
 it is expedient that there be two meeting-houses, and that the 
 people of Marsh Creek are agreed that their meeting-house be 
 at a certain spring near Robert McFerson's (McPhei son's)." 
 This met the approval of Presbytery, and here they located 
 their first "meeting-house." It was a plain small log building, 
 and was not completed until 1747. To meet the wants of the 
 congregation a stone church of larger size was erected near the 
 same spot in 1780. While this house stood it was very fre- 
 quently spoken of, in accordance with a custom of the times, 
 as " Mr. Black's meeting-house," and the place is now popularly 
 known as "Black's Grrave Yard.'' Mr. Black was the second 
 pastor of the church. In 1813 the congregation resolved to 
 abandon the old ground and remove to Gettysburg, where 
 their first house of worship was erected in 1816. In 1842 this 
 building was torn down and, another site having been selected, 
 the church was erected which the congregation occupies to-day. 
 In 1876 a suitable building for prayer meeting and Sabbath 
 school was erected; and in 1884 the church was thoroughly 
 remodeled and yqyj greatly improved. The entire property 
 now presents an attractive appearance, and its internal arrange- 
 ment is such as to render it well fitted for the worship of God 
 and the work of the congregation. 
 
 * The Presbyterian Church of Grettysburg, p. 11. 
 
Sketches of Churches. 
 
 213 
 
 Church Organized — 1740. 
 Pastorates. 
 
 Rev. Robert McMordir^ 1753 — 1761 
 
 Rev. John Black 1 775—1794 
 
 Rev. David McCoiiauf?hy, D. D., LL. I).* 1800—1832 
 
 Rev. James C. Wat^ou, I). D 1832—1849 
 
 Rev. Robert Johnston 1850—1855 
 
 Rev. George P. Van \V yck 1856—1859 
 
 Rev. Henry G. Finney 1861—1864 
 
 Rev. I). T. Carnahan 1865—1867 
 
 Rev. Edsal Ferrier. S. S 1867—1869 
 
 Rev. William II. Hillis 1869—1871 
 
 Rev. William W. Campbell. 1873—1875 
 
 Rev. John K. Demarest, D. D 187G— 
 
 Ruling elders In 1888 — David Wills. Joseph Bayley, Calvin 
 Hamilton, J. Harvey Cobean, John McAllister. 
 
 Communicants in 1888 — 125. 
 
 (treat Conewago Church. 
 
 Five miles from Gettysburg and close to the village of 
 Hunterstown is another of our churches, which was organized 
 the same year as was Upper Marsh Creek, viz: 1740. It 
 takes its name from the Great Conewago Creek which flows 
 near by. Tradition tells us that the people commenced pre- 
 
 (xKKAi <.u>K\VA<iu Church, Biilt in I<©7 
 
214 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 paration f(jr their lirst house of worship the same year. It was 
 a log structure, which stood within the present grave yard en- 
 closure, and in size was 32x40 feet, as shown by the stone 
 foundation, which is still there. Locating the church at this 
 point was not without stern opposition from that part of the 
 congregation which lay in the neighborhood of Round Hill. 
 The conflict waxed warm and the case was carried up to 
 Presbytery. The reader is referred to the account given in 
 sketch of Round Hill church. Presbytery decided in favor of 
 the present location, and the church was completed. But the 
 Round Hill people would not yield ; and it led to division and 
 the organization of a New Side church at Round Hill five 
 years after the decision was made by Presbytery in 1743. For 
 account of this and subsequent reunion the reader is referred 
 to sketch of Round Hill church. It was not customary to 
 locate churches so near to each other as are Gettysburg and 
 Great Conewago. The fact that the original church, then 
 known as Marsh Creek church, was three miles out of Gettys- 
 burg affords explanation of Presbytery's action in this case. 
 
 From date of organization to the close of last centurv'. Great 
 Conewago church formed a ]>astoral charge by itself. The next 
 fifty years it was associated with Gettysburg. Then it stood 
 alone during the short pastorate of Rev. Isaac N. Hays. For 
 the past thirty years it and Lower Marsh Creek church have 
 formed a pastoral charge. 
 
 After the return of the Round Hill portion of the congrega- 
 tion, the church accommodations were found insufficient. 
 Moreover the old log church had served its day and was falling 
 into decay. Hence the erection in 1787 of the large and sub- 
 stantial stone church which we look upon with admiration to- 
 dav. Its walls, like those of other stone churches of that period 
 (such as Paxton and Lower Marsh Creek), are as good and 
 strong as ever. Just one hundred years later, in 1887, the con- 
 gregation erected an elegant building for prayer meeting and 
 Sabbath school purposes, having for many years been using 
 the old academy building, located on their ground. No better 
 way than this could have been found to celebrate this cen- 
 tennial occasion. 
 
Sketches of Churches. 2 15 
 
 Church Organized— 1740. 
 Pastorates. 
 
 Rev. Samuel Thomson 1750-1779 
 
 Rev. Joseph Henderson 1781—1795 
 
 Rev. David McConaughy, D. D., LL. D.* 18*00—1832 
 
 Rev. James C. Watson, D. D 1832-1849 
 
 Rev. Isaac N. Hays, D. D.* 1850—1854 
 
 Rev. John R. Warner 1858—1867 
 
 Rev. William S. Van Cleve 1869— 
 
 Ruling elders in 1888 — Hugh Mcllhennj, Henry Saunders, 
 Ephraim Sbriver, John G. Brinkerhoff. 
 Communicants in 1888 — 103. 
 
 Robert Kennedy Memorial Church. 
 
 This church was at first known as the Lower West Gonoco- 
 cheague, in distinction from the Upper West Conococheague, 
 now Mercersburg, church. It had its origin in the divided 
 state of the church at the time, and was organized as a New 
 Side church. For a time it was ser\^ed by a Mr. Dunlap, and 
 afterwards by the Rev. James Campbell, a member of the Pres- 
 bytery of New Castle. His labors commenced about 1749 or 
 1750 and lasted several years. Without access to records the 
 dates cannot be determined accurately. In 1774 the Rev. 
 Thomas McPherrin became pastor of the congregations of East 
 Conococheague (New Side branch), Lower WestConococheague 
 and Jerusalem (Hagerstowu). After five years he gave up the 
 Hagerstown part of his charge, but continued pastor of the 
 other two congregations until 1799. More than half a century 
 ago the church was greatly weakened by changes in the com- 
 munity, such as have been experienced in so many rural dis- 
 tricts in our bounds. During eight or ten years of this time 
 they were without a pastor, which greatly tended to disperse 
 and weaken the congregation. 
 
 Their first house of worship, which was a log structure built 
 about the time of organization, was burned by the Indians 
 during one of their hostile incursions in 176 L In 1774, when 
 Mr. McPherrin became pastor, another log church was built 
 This underwent various repairs, and finally was weather- 
 boarded. It is described as having been of " the ancient 
 
216 Presbytery of Carlisle- — Centennial. 
 
 model, with high pulpit, elaborately ornamented sounding, 
 board, and seats having backs as high as the shoulders." This 
 building served the congregation as a place of worship well 
 nigh a century, but had become terribly dilapidated before it 
 was removed, in 1871, to give place to the present handsome 
 and comfortable church, put there the same year, as the muni- 
 ficent gift of Mr. Davidson Kennedy, of Philadelphia, in 
 memory of an honored father, who for many years had been 
 the faithful and beloved pastor of the congregation. 
 
 Church Organized — 1741. 
 Pastorates. 
 
 ^ ^* ~ ^^ ^P" , > Time unknown. 
 
 Rev. James Campbell, \ 
 
 Rev. Thomas McPherrin 1774—1799 
 
 Rev. Robert Kennedy 1803—1816 
 
 Rev. Robert Kennedy. S. S 1825—1843 
 
 Supplied by Presbytery 1843—1855 
 
 Rev. John K. Cramer 1856 — 1859 
 
 Rev. Thomas Creigh, D. D., S. S. (afternoon) 1859—1869 
 
 Rev. A. S. Thome (Pres. Bait.), P. E 1870—1872 
 
 Rev. Joseph H. Fleming 1873— 
 
 Ruling elders in 1888 — Hugh B. Craig and Henry B. Angle. 
 Communicants in 1888 — 55. 
 
 Lower Marsh Creek Church. 
 
 The same causes which led to the organization of Lower 
 West Conococheague church were fruitful of the organization 
 of Lower Marsh Creek church. There was an element in the 
 Marsh Creek church in sympathy with Whitefield and the 
 Tennents and the Blairs in their views on the subject of re- 
 vivals and the methods and measures to be employed in pro- 
 moting and conducting them. The persons composing this 
 element were organized into a church in 1748 by the Rev. 
 Andrew Bay of New Castle Presbytery. The first house of 
 worship erected by Lower Marsh Creek congregation stood on 
 the bank of Marsh creek about two miles northeast of their 
 present church. A description of it will be found in the ac- 
 count of the first meeting of the Presbytery of Carlisle, which 
 was held in it on the 17th of October, 1786. This rude struc- 
 
Sketches of Churches. 217 
 
 ture sheltered the congregation about forty yearn. In 1790 
 they built the substantial stone church in which they now meet 
 to worsliip God. The well preserved condition of its walls 
 bear testimony to the excellence of the workmanship of that 
 day, and its unchanged appearance is coming to be prized more 
 and more eacli succeeding year. In these respects it is like 
 the church edifice belonging to the other congregation (Great 
 Conewago) of the same pastoral charge. 
 
 Church Organized — 1748. 
 Pastorates. 
 
 Rev. Andrew Bay 1748—1758 
 
 Rev. John Siemens 1765—1774 
 
 Rev. James Martin, S. S 1779—1 78.) 
 
 Rev John McKnight, D. D.* 1783—1789 
 
 Rev. William Paxton, D. D 1792—1841 
 
 Rev. David D. Clark, D. D.* 1843 -1856 
 
 Rev. John R. Warner 1858—1867 
 
 Rev. WiUiam S. VanCleve 1869— 
 
 Ruling elders in 1888 — J. J. Kerr, William Bigham, John 
 Cunningham. Robert Blythe and John B. Paxton. 
 Communicants in 1888 — 153. 
 
 MoNAGHAN Church. 
 
 The first mention we have in the Records of Presbytery of 
 the people wlio subsequently formed the church of Monaghan 
 is under date of September 3, 1745, and is as follows : " Com- 
 missioners from a small settlement on Bermudin acquainted 
 the Presbytery that in order to have the ordinances dispensed 
 among them they desired to be adjoined to and looked on as a 
 part of the lower congregation of Pennsborough, and that they 
 might be allowed to build a meeting-house conve lient for them. 
 
 '" Commissioners from the above said congregation (Lower 
 Pennsborough) informed us that they were heartily willing 
 that the people of Bermudin be looked on as a part of their 
 congregation and be allowed supplies in proportion to their 
 subscription, but they, understanding that some of the mem- 
 bers of their congregation living at Yellow Breeches wanted 
 to join the people of Bermudin, beg that this may not be granted, 
 inasmuch as it would draw off those' at Yellow Breeches to 
 
218 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 that new meeting-house, and so cast the old meeting-house 
 quite out of the center of the body of the congregation. 
 
 " Ordered that Mr. Samuel Thomson, together with Robert 
 McClure and Charles Gilgore, convene with commissioners 
 from these })laces and report at our next w^iat they shall judge 
 proper to be done in the affair." 
 
 The minutes of Presbytery from Septenjber 25, 1745, to 
 June 16, 1747, were lost before having been entered on the 
 record-book. We, therefore, have no way of knowing what 
 was agreed upon between the commissioners and committee 
 and reported to Presbytery. The still more serious loss of the 
 Records of Presbytery from 1750 to 1759 leaves us m very 
 great darkness as to w^hat occurred in the history of the 
 churches during that period. 
 
 On the very first page of the second volume of Records ex- 
 tant, commencing with June 5, 1759, we find this : " The 
 people of Monaghan, on the south side of Yellow Breeches, 
 have fixed on a place where to build their meeting-house, 
 according to the advice of Presbytery, the confirmation of 
 which is desired." It was ordered that notice of this be given 
 to the congregation of Lower Pennsborough. 
 
 The subject was up again at the meeting of Presbytery, 
 August 21, 1759. when "the affair of Monaghan was deferred," 
 and it was " ordered that Mr. Duffield write to the people of 
 Lower Pennsborough to attend our next, and either consent to 
 or give reasons against the people of Monaghan being erected 
 into a congregation," Instead of attending they sent in a 
 supplication to Presbytery at its meeting October 80, 1759, 
 "to defer the location of Monaghan meeting-house." Though 
 the date of organization of the church is not given, it is sup- 
 posed to have been near this time, or perhaps in 1760. There 
 can be no doubt, however, but that preaching had been main- 
 tained here from the date first mentioned in this sketch (1745), 
 and that there was a quasi-organization of a congregation. 
 
 The settlement of the location of Monaghan church was 
 placed in the hands of a large and able committee but a final 
 report was not brought in for about two years. According to 
 this the line of division between the two congregations was to 
 
c 
 
Sketches of Churches. 219 
 
 be the Yellow Breeches creek, and the people of Monaghan 
 were to havo the privilege of building their meeti:ig-house at 
 John Dill's 
 
 These points of controversy once settled, the people of the 
 two congregations very soon united in seeking the settlement 
 of a pastor. November 11, 1761, they joined in asking Pres- 
 bytery to appoint a member to moderate a call for the Rev. 
 John Beard, and the Rev. Samson Smith was appointed Thus 
 they showed that in the midst of their heated controversies 
 they entertained kindly feelings for each other, and were will- 
 ing to be associated in the close relationship of the same pas- 
 toral charge. Mr. Beard did not accept the call. 
 
 The first meeting-house was built of logs and stood at the 
 old grave-yard, a short distance northwest of the present town 
 of Dillsburg. In 1782 a stone church was erected at the edge 
 of the village. It was burned in 1813 and was rebuilt the 
 following year — the old walls having remained standing. But 
 it was never deemed secure, and hence was supported by props 
 without and posts within.. In 1849 it was torn down to give 
 place to the present brick church, which was erected that year. 
 This church has just (1888) been made to undergo important 
 repairs and improvements which add greatly to its appearance 
 and comfort. 
 
 Church Organized — 1 760. 
 Pastorates. 
 
 Rev George Duffield, D. D 1769— 1 772 
 
 Rev. Samuel Waugli 1782—1807 
 
 Rev. JohD Hayes 1809—1814 
 
 L Prof. Alexander McClelland, 
 Supplied by \ Rev. N. R. Snowden, ^ 
 
 ( Rev. N. Todd. 
 
 Rev. Anderson B. Quay 1831—1839 
 
 Rev. Edmund McKinney, S. S 1841—1841 
 
 Rev. Joseph A. Murray, D. O.* 1842—1858 
 
 Rev. William D. Patterson, P. E 1860-1861 
 
 Rev. John R. Agnew, S S 1861—1862 
 
 Rev. John 0. Proctor 1862—1865 
 
 Rev. Albert W. Hubbard (Pres. N. Brunswick), S. S 1870—1872 
 
 Rev. J. Quincy Adams FuUerton 1 873 — 1879 
 
220 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 Rev. John P. Barbor 1879—1886 
 
 Rev. John C. Barr 1887— 
 
 Ruling elders in 1888 — Matthew Porter and John N. Logan. 
 
 Communicants in 1888 — 75. 
 
 Upper Path Valley Church. 
 
 In 1740 or 1741 there were some settlements made by the 
 whites in Path Valley. This was in violation of treaty stipula- 
 tions with the aborigines and in the face of oft-repeated warn- 
 ings from the provincial authorities in the form of proclama- 
 tions. In 1742 the Indians made complaint to the authorities. 
 Their complaint had reference to encroachments on territory 
 lying west of the Kittochtinny Mountain and between the Sus- 
 quehanna and Potomac Rivers, and included Sherman's, Path 
 and Aughwick (about the Burnt Cabins) Valleys and Licking 
 Creek, near the Potomac. They were, however, permitted to 
 remain on the land they had taken up until 1750, when they 
 were removed to the east of the Kittochtinny Mountain by the 
 authorities. The names of those whose homes were burned 
 and who were removed from Path Valley were Abraham Slack, 
 James Blair, Moses Moore, Arthur Dunlap, Alexander Mc- 
 Cartie, Felix Doyle, Andrew Dunlap, Robert Wilson, Jacob 
 Pyatt, Jr., William Ramage, Reynold Alexander, Samuel 
 Patterson, Robert Baker, John Armstrong and John Potts. 
 
 Directly after the treaty of Albany, in 1756. they all returned 
 and settled down on the lands they had previously occupied. 
 With them, or following closely after them, were many others 
 also, so that in a short time a large settlement was formed. 
 They were, in the main, Scotch -Irish Presbyterians, and carried 
 with them their characteristic love for their church and its 
 simple but impressive services. Hence, as we learn from the 
 records, at their request Presbytery began to send supplies to 
 them as early as 1761. At the April meeting,- 1766, they 
 made request for " a minister to preach and preside at the elec- 
 tion of elders." The Rev. Robert Cooper, pastor of Middle 
 Spring church, was appointed to these duties. At the meeting 
 of Presbytery in October following, he reported having fulfilled 
 his appointment. Thus we are enabled to ^:k the time of 
 organization as between April 24 and October 14, 1766. 
 
Sketches of Churches. 221 
 
 There appears to have been but one church organization in 
 the Valley at first, with two places of preaching. After much 
 disputation and several visits by committees appointed by 
 Presbytery, James Montgomery's (Spring Run) was chosen as 
 the place for locating the Upper church, and William Mcin- 
 tire's the place for the Lower church. But as there were two 
 places of preaching between seven and eight miles apart, the 
 two congregations of Upper and Lower Path Valley became 
 distinct after a few years. During the first five years of Mr. 
 Dougal's pastorate Upper Tuscarora church had one-half his 
 services. But from the year 1779 his services and those of all 
 his successors down to the close of Dr. McGinley's pastorate 
 were equally divided between the churches of Upper and 
 Lower Path Valley. 
 
 About 1769 the people of the Upper congregation erected a 
 log house of worship at Spring Run, on a piece of ground 
 deeded to them five years before b}^ the Penns, for meeting 
 house and burying ground purposes. It stood at a point now 
 inclosed m the grave-yard, and not far from the public school 
 house. To meet the wants of the growing congregation it was 
 subsequently enlarged. A much larger stone house was erected 
 in 1816 and located on higher ground, on the east side of the 
 public road. It was furnished with the usual high pulpit and 
 and straight high-backed pews. After a gracious revival of 
 religion, experienced during the winter of 1856-57, and conse- 
 quent enlargement of the congregation, the present brick 
 church was built on the site of the stone church, in the summer 
 of 1857. Perhaps in no other community in the bounds of 
 the Presbytery have the descendents of the early settlers re- 
 mained as in Path Valley. May not this in a large measure 
 account for the predominating strength of Presbyterianism 
 there ? 
 
 Another thing is worthy of note here, as having greatly con- 
 duced to this result. The first pastor of the church, the Rev. 
 James Dougal, was an Irishman. But he did not believe the 
 fallacy then so prevalent, that nobod}^ but an Irishman or a 
 Scotch -Irish man could make a Presbyterian. It is a fallacv 
 which still exists in some quarters, greatly to the detriment of 
 
222 Predbytery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 the church. Mr. Dougal, on the other hand, '* had respect 
 unto " the Germans who came into the valley and settled down 
 among the Irish. He treated them kindly, won their confi- 
 dence, made them his friends, brought them to the house of 
 God, gathered them into the Presbyterian church. Their de- 
 scendents and the descendents of the early Irish and Scotch- 
 Irish settlers are intermarried. It is proverbially the German 
 element in a community that " sticks." This perhaps has some- 
 thing to do with the stability and permenancy of the population, 
 and thus with the prosperity of the church. 
 
 Church Organized — 1766. 
 Pastorates. 
 
 Rev. Samuel Dougal 1775—1790 
 
 Rev. David Denny 1794—1800 
 
 Rev. Amos A. McGinley, D. D. . .• 1803-1851 
 
 Rev. William A. Graham 1851—1853 
 
 Rev. William A, West 1853—1873 
 
 Rev. Samuel C. Alexander '. 1873—1887 
 
 Rev. Thomas Dobbin 1888— 
 
 Ruling elders in 1888 — James McCurdy, Stephen M. Skinner, 
 John Wolff, George W. Shearer, Denton 0. Shearer, William 
 C. Shearer, David W. Bair, T. B. Gaston, James Culbertson, 
 William .M Alexander, Wilson H. Coons, David Denny 
 Stitt, J. Clinton Burk. 
 
 Communicants in 1888 — 350. 
 
 Lower Path Valley Church. 
 
 The early history of Upper and Lower Path Valley churches 
 is much the same. What has been said in the sketch of the 
 former in regard to the early settlers and the first pastor ap- 
 plies equally well to the latter. From the time of organiza- 
 tion in 1766 to the close of Dr. McGinley's pastorate in 1851 
 they constituted one pastoral charge. 
 
 Following the advice of a committee of Presbytery the Lower 
 church built its first house of worship (probably in 1774) near 
 William Mclntire's, at the beautiful spring a mile and a quar- 
 ter south of Fannettsburg. It was a log house. A second 
 meeting-house of like character, only larger, was built in 1794. 
 In 1832 this gave place to the weather-board frame church 
 
aroaacufa ires '. £//c co ^m.':- 
 
 Tmk Lowek Path Vallky Church, FANNKTTsBUKii, Pa., 
 , Built 1885. 
 
224 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 which was occupied till the close of 1886. , The erection of 
 this large building was made necessary by the rapid growth of 
 the congregation about that time. A revival of religion had 
 occurred in Mr. McGinley's charge in 1831, is the result of 
 which one hundred and twenty-seven members were added in 
 1831 and sixty the following year. The larger part of these 
 additions was made to the Lower church. So that the erection 
 of the new house of worship may be regarded as at once an 
 expression of gratitude for this work of grace and a necessity 
 for the accommodation of the people. In the spring of 1885 
 the congregation decided to abandon their old place of worship 
 and erect a church in the village of Fannettsburg. This was 
 done with many regrets at parting with the old sacred spot, 
 around which clustered so many hallowed associations and 
 memories. But it was felt that the convenience and comfort 
 of a large part of the congregation demanded this change. 
 The new house of worship in town was built and furnished 
 during the summer and fall of 1885 and was dedicated on the 
 3d of February, 1886. It is a substantial brick building, with 
 basement, lecture and Sabbath school apartments. It meets a 
 long felt want by providing for week evening meetings and 
 Sabbath school. 
 
 Church Organized — 1766. 
 Pastorates. 
 
 Rev. Samuel Dougal 1775—1790 
 
 Rev. David Denny 1794—1800 
 
 Rev. Amos A. McGinley, D. D 1803—1851 
 
 Rev. Lewis W. WiUiams, P. E. and P 1851—1855 
 
 Rev. Watson Russell, P. E 1855—1857 
 
 Rev. J. Smith Gordon 1 858— 
 
 Ruling elders in 1888 — Jacob Wilhelm, John H. Walker, 
 Amos Devor, William R Noble, James B. Seibert and James 
 M. Hill. 
 
 Communicants in 1888 — 131. 
 
 Centre and Upper Churches. 
 Sherman's Valley and Path Valley were settled under very 
 similar circumstances. A like similarity attended the locating 
 of their places of worship. In both cases there were divided 
 
Sketches of Churrhes. 225 
 
 sentiments and warm controversies : and in both cases was 
 Presbytery called upon to inter})ose and aid in the settlement. 
 At its meeting, held April 24, 1766, it appointed a committee 
 "to attempt to settle matters respecting the seat of a meeting. 
 house or meeting-houses to be erected " in Sherman's Valley. 
 This committee was to meet the Wednesday after the third 
 Sabbath of June, and was composed of the "Revs. Robert 
 Cooper and Greorge Duflield, and Elders Col. Armstrong (with 
 Wm. Lyon, Esq., alternate) Thomas Wilson and John Mc- 
 Knight, Esqs. — Col. Armstrong, or in his absence Wm. Lyon, 
 with Messrs. Wilson and McKnight to spend the Tuesday pre- 
 ceding in reconnoitering the settlement and preparing a repre- 
 sentation to be laid before the committee." The committee 
 met at George Robinson's (close by where Centre church stands) 
 the 2d of July ; and, after two days spent in hearing testimony 
 and deliberating, reached the conclusion tljat there ought to 
 be a church at Alexander Marrow's or James Blain's (where 
 there was already a grave yard) for the upper end of the vallev, 
 and one at George Robinson's for the center. " Fixing the 
 place for the seat of the lower meeting-house was deferred till 
 further light be obtained." * At the October meeting of Pres- 
 bytery, the same year, a commission from the lower end of the 
 valley " appeared and objected against the determination of the 
 committee respecting the places for public worship in the 
 valley." The Rev. John Roan was added to the committee, 
 and they were ordered to meet at George Robinson's the second 
 Wednesday of November next. At that meeting Dick's Gap, 
 in the lower end of the valley, was decided on as the place for 
 the third church, thus leaving out "Fisher's'' oi' Limestone 
 Ridge, where the work of erecting a church had already been 
 commenced. The committee made its report at the April 
 meeting of Presbytery, 1767, and it was approved. In all 
 probability the three churches of Dick's Gap, Centre, and Upper 
 were organized in the fall of 1766. An account of Dick's Gap, 
 which no longer exists, will be found elsewhere. 
 
 The people of Centre built their log church in the forest, 
 near the beautiful spring and close by where theii- present 
 
 • Records of Presbytery for 1766, p.p. 186-189. 
 
 15 
 
226 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 house of worship stands. It served their purpose till 1793, 
 when their increased numbers and improved circumstances 
 demanded a larger and a better place of worship. In that year 
 was erected what is now spoken of as the "old stone church.*' 
 In style, in appearance and in arrangement it was like nearly 
 all the stone churches of that day. The writer remembers 
 well its appearance in his boyhood days, when he enjoyed the 
 annual treat of a visit at his maternal grandfather's, close by. 
 The present church — a neat and comfortable frame weather- 
 boarded building was erected in 1850. It may not be without 
 interest here to state that all the pews of the present church 
 were made of lumber sawed from a poplar tree that grew upon 
 the site of the original log church after it was torn down. 
 
 The people in the upper end of the valley erected their log 
 house of worship " near James Blain's and close to the spot 
 where the '' Upper church '' now stands. Close by is the silent 
 abode of the dead spoken of in the report of the committee. 
 The present house of worship was built in 
 
 By the influx of Presbyterian settlers Upper and Centre 
 churches rapidly increased in numbers. They, in connection 
 with Limestone Kidge church, organized a few years later, 
 extended a call to Mr. John Linn in 1777. He was ordained 
 and installed the following year, and continued to be their 
 pastor to the time of his death in 1820. He was the father of 
 Dr. James Linn, the whole of whose long ministry was spent 
 at Bellefonte, Pa. 
 
 The history of the churches in these adjoining valleys — Path 
 and Sherman's — has been different. In the former they have 
 continued healthy and strong, down to the present, because to 
 a large extent the Presbyterian population remained, and the 
 church by wise measures absorbed to a great extent the non- 
 Presbyterian population as it came into the valley. In the 
 latter the churches have grown weaker, because of just the 
 opposite reasons — a very large proportion of the descendents 
 of the original settlers have left Sherman's Valley, and those 
 who have come in have been of different faith, and in such 
 numbers as to enable them at once or very soon to plant churches 
 of their own preference. 
 
Sketches of Ch urches. 227 
 
 Centre Church Organized— 176(1. 
 PaMorate!!;. 
 
 Rev. John Linn 1 778—1820 
 
 Rev. Mattliew llarned. 8. S 1820—1823 
 
 Rev. James M. Olmstead D. D.^ 1825—1832 
 
 Rev. Lindley C. Rutter 1833—1834 
 
 Rev. Alexander K. Nelson 1837—1840 
 
 Rev. George D Porter, 1846—1851 
 
 Rev. Geor<re S. Rea, P. E 1851—1854 
 
 Rev. Lewis W. Williams 1855—1857 
 
 Rev. John H. Clark 1857—1862 
 
 Rev. James S. Ramsey, D. D.* 1864—1867 
 
 Rev Robert McPherson 1869—1881 
 
 Rev. John H. Cooper 1884—1885 
 
 Rev. William M. Burchfield 1887— 
 
 Ruling elders in 1888— Albon McMillan, R A. Clark, W. 
 H. Adair. 
 
 Communicants in 1888 — 32. 
 
 Upper Church Organized — 1766 
 Pastorates. 
 
 Rev. John Linn 1778—1820 
 
 Rev. Matthew Ilarned, S. S 1820—1823 
 
 Rev. James M. Olmstead, D. D.* 1825—1832 
 
 Rev. Lindley C. Rutter 1833—1834 
 
 Rev. Alexander K. Nelson 1 837—1840 
 
 Rev. George D. Porter 1846—1851 
 
 Rev George S. Rea, P. E 1851—1854 
 
 Rev. Lewis W. Wilhams 1855—1857 
 
 Rev. John H. Clark . . . • 1857—1862 
 
 Rev. James S. Ramsey, D. D.* 1864—1867 
 
 Rev. James J. Hamilton 1869—1875 
 
 Rev. John H. Cooper 1884—1885 
 
 Rev. William M. Burchfield , 1887— 
 
 Ruling elders in 1888 — Thomas McConnell, George Mitchell, 
 M. D., Martin Motzer, William B. Anderson, William Hall. 
 Communicants in 1888—36. 
 
 McCONNELLSBURG ChURCH. 
 
 The Great Cove, lying west of th^ Tuscarora Mountain from 
 the Conococheague settlement was occupied by the enterpris- 
 ing and hardy Scotch-Irish pioneers as soon as treaty stipula- 
 tions with the Indians permitted. Jndeed some of the more 
 
228 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 daring had crossed the mountain in advance of this. The fer- 
 tile soil and abounding s])rings of finest water presented great 
 attractions to men seeking liomes in a new country. These 
 homes were secured amid great hardships and peril. When 
 hostile incursions were made bj the Indians, the Great Cove 
 was sure to suffer. Through it lay one of the national routes 
 between the western and eastern parts of the State, and here, 
 during its early history, it was no uncommon thing for the 
 fury of the savages first to burst. The'p^<^ple who settled here 
 loved their church and loved the means of grace. As early as 
 1769, and from that onward, they from time to time asked 
 Presbytery for supplies — sometimes to preach alone, some- 
 times to preach and administer the sacraments, sometimes to 
 preach and catechise the youth and children. It does not seem 
 possible to determine definitely the date at which the church 
 was organized. It is supposed to have been about 1790. Kor 
 can the date at which their first house of worship was built be 
 definitely fixed. It was in all probability prior to the above 
 date. It was a log structure, located in the Great Cove about 
 two miles south of the town of McConnellsburg. Prior to its 
 being built services were held in private houses, especially that 
 of John Dicke}', for many years an associate judge of Bedford 
 county."^ In 1811 the congregation abandoned their first place 
 and house of worship and erected a brick church in McCon- 
 nellsburg, which was occupied till 1867 when it was removed 
 and the present attractive and comfortable brick church was 
 erected on its site. For a number of years, near the beginning 
 of the century, Loudon, seven miles to the east across the 
 Tuscarora Mountain, was associated with McConnellsburg — 
 first as a preaching point, then as an organized congregation. 
 But from the commencement of Mr. White's pastorate, more 
 than half a century ago, Green Hill and Wells Yalley have 
 been joined with McConnellsburg m one charge. 
 
 Church Organized — 1791. 
 Pastorates. 
 
 Rev. David Bard 1778—1779 
 
 Rev. Isaac Keller 1819—1824 
 
 * Rev. N. G. White, in Churches of the Valley. 
 
Sketches of Churches. 229 
 
 Rev. Robert Kennedy, S. 8 1827 — 1833 
 
 Rev. >iathan G. White 1 834—1864 
 
 Rev. Joseph H. Mathers i S66 — 1808 
 
 Rev. Stephen W, Pomeroy 1868—1871 
 
 Rev. J. Horner Kerr 1873 — 1875 
 
 Rev. Robert F. McClean 1878—1880 
 
 Rev. George ElUott 1880—1884 
 
 Rev. Robert H. Hoover 1884— 
 
 Killing elders in 1888— John M. Sloan, William A. Kendall 
 and Samuel J. Irwin. 
 
 Communicants in 1888 — 85. 
 
 Market Square Church, Harrisburg. 
 
 In 1785 the county of Dauphin was organized from part of 
 Lancaster county, and the village of Harrisburg was made, the 
 county seat. This led to an increase of population in the 
 latier- —persons of prominence and influence being attracted by 
 office or business to the seat of justice. Among them was a 
 goodly number of Presbyterians. These had no nearer place 
 of worship than Paxton church, three miles east of Harrisburg. 
 In order to have their wants better supplied a supplication was 
 handed to the Presbytery of Carlisle at the first meeting after 
 its erection, held October 17, 1786, "from Harrisburg and parts 
 adjacent, to be erected into a congregation and to have the 
 place of worship in that town, and to have supplies appointed 
 to them." 
 
 No action having been taken by Presbytery on this suppli- 
 cation, at its next meeting held April 12, 1787, there " wa^ 
 laid before the Presbytery and read " a " representation and 
 petition of a number of the inhabitants of Harrisburg and others 
 in the township of Paxton. The said representation sets forth 
 that these people desire to be considered as a Presbyterian con- 
 gregation and to have supplies appointed them by Presbytery, 
 and that in order to promote peace and harmony between them 
 and Paxton congregation, some proposals had been made to 
 and considered, though not accepted, by tliat congregation, a 
 copy of which was also laid before the Presbytery. Mr. Elder 
 also gave a representation of the state of the case as concerning 
 those people and Paxton congregation.''"^ Presbytery, after 
 
 * Records of Presb. 1787, p. 450. 
 
280 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial 
 
 considering the case, made propositions to the effect that " Har- 
 risburg should be considered as the seat of a Presbyterian 
 church and part of the charge of the Eev. John Elder, and in 
 which he should preach one- third of his time.''"^ Then follow 
 details of the plan as to support, assistance to be secured for 
 Mr. Elder, etc. The case was not then adjusted, however ; but 
 Presbytery appointed " Dr. Davidson and Rev. Mr. Waugh to 
 attend at the church in Lower Paxton on the last Tuesday in 
 May next to moderate and assist in the above matter.'' 
 
 This committee made its report to Presbytery the 19th of 
 June following. We here insert it in full. They reported : 
 " That the following articles were agreed to by Mr. Elder, his 
 congregation and Harrisburg. 
 
 " 1. That the congregation shall have two stated places of 
 public worship — the one where the Rev. Mr. Elder now offici- 
 ates, the other in Harrisburg. 
 
 " 2. That the Rev. John Elder shall continue to have and 
 receive during his life or incumbency all the salary or stipends 
 that he now enjoys, to be paid by his present subscribers as he 
 and they may agree; and continue his labors in Derry as 
 usual. 
 
 " 3. That for the present the congregation may apply to the 
 Presbytery for supplies, which, when obtained, the expenses 
 shall be defrayed by those who do not now belong to Mr. 
 Elder's congregation and such as may think proper to join with 
 them ; and should such supplies be appointed when Mr. Elder 
 is to be in Paxton, then he and the person to supply shall 
 preach in rotation — the one in the country and the other in the 
 town ; but should Mr. Elder be in Derry, then the supplies 
 shall officiate in town. 
 
 " 4 That the congregation, when able, or they think proper, 
 may invite and settle anj^ regular Presbyterian minister they, 
 or a majority of them, may choose and can obtain, as a co- 
 pastor with Mr. Elder, who shall officiate as to preaching in 
 the manner specified in the 3d proposal, "f 
 
 The foregoing arrangement was carried out, and from meet- 
 
 *lh. 
 
 t Records of Presb. 1787, p. 455. 
 
ThB 
 
 MRRKET SQURRE PRESBYTERIMN CHURCH. 
 
 Harrisburg, Pa, 
 
Sketches of Churches. 231 
 
 ing to ineetiDg of Presbytery supplies were appointed for 
 Harrisburg. Tradition says Mr. Elder never preached there. 
 He yielded to the inevitable when he consented that it should 
 be made a preaching place, but he never showed his real ap- 
 proval by his presence. In the articles of agreement he carried 
 his point by preserving Paxton congregation intact and pre- 
 venting the organization of a congregation in Harrisburg. 
 
 Thus things remained during Mr. Elders pastorate and 
 life. In April, 1791, he was released, on his own application, 
 '' from the pastoral charge of Paxton and Derry congregations 
 on account of the infirmities of age." In July of the follow- 
 ing year he entered upon his rest 
 
 In April and October, 1792, the congregations of Harrisburg, 
 Paxton and Derry asked and obtained permission to apply to 
 the Presbytery of Philadelphia for preachers, and especially 
 Mr. Cathcart. 
 
 At the meeting of Presbytery, April 9, 1793, "a call for 
 Mr. Nathaniel R Snowden, from the united congregations of 
 Harrisburg, Paxton and Derry, was brought in and read ; from 
 which it appears that each congregation engaged to pay to Mr. 
 Snowden, in case he should accept their call, the sum of fifty 
 pounds annually as long as he shall continue their pastor."* 
 
 Mr. Snowden accepted the call, and on the 2d day of October, 
 1793, ''was installed pastor of the united congregations of 
 Paxton, Derry and Harrisburg. "f At that time the congrega- 
 tion of Harrisburg was not properly organized. Its first ruling 
 elders were elected in January and installed in February, 179-1. 
 
 Until ten years after this the congregation had no house of 
 worship of its own, but worshiped in private houses, in the 
 second story of the county jail, and in a building occupied 
 jointly by it and the Lutheran and Eeformed congrega- 
 tions. This building stood on the ground now occupied by 
 the Salem Reformed church Sunday school room. In 1799 a 
 room for worship was obtained in the court house. In 180-1 a 
 lot at the corner of Second street and Cherry alley was pur- 
 chased, and upon it was erected the first Presbyterian church 
 
 * Records of Presb. p. 547. 
 t lb. p. 563. 
 
232 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 building in this city — a plain, unpretending brick house 
 45 by 60 feet. It was dedicated to God in 1809. Additions 
 were subsequently made to it. In the spring of 1841 it had 
 become too small for the congregation, and was taken down ; 
 and in 1842 a new, large, more convenient and beautiful build- 
 ing was erected on the same site. "^ ^ ^ On the 80th 
 of March, 1858 it caught tire from a burning building near 
 by and in an hour was in ruins.* A change of location was 
 made, and the congregation at once set about rebuilding. The 
 beautiful structure on Market square was dedicated March 18, 
 1860. In 1882 an addition was made to the lecture and Sab- 
 bath school part of the building which renders it one of the 
 most complete and convenient for all purposes anywhere to be 
 found. Impressed with the importance of the church keeping 
 pace with the growth of population, the congregation under- 
 took, in 1887, the erection of a chapel in the southern part of 
 its territory, which was very destitute of churches. The build- 
 ing is a handsome brown-stone structure, .well adapted for all 
 purposes for which intended, and is located at the corner of 
 Cameron and Sycamore streets. It was first occupied Sabbath, 
 September 2, 1888, for Sabbath school in the morning and 
 preaching by the pastor in the afternoon. There were present 
 at the Sabbath school that day 150 officers, teachers and 
 scholars. It bears the name of Calvary Chapel. 
 
 Church Organized — 1794. 
 Pastorates. 
 
 Rev. Nathaniel R. Snowdeu 1793—1805 
 
 Rev. James Buchanan 1808 — 1815 
 
 Rev. William R. DeWitt, D. D 1819—1867 
 
 Rev. Thomas H. Robinson, D. D . 1855-18841 
 
 Rev. George B. Stewart 1885— 
 
 Ruling elders in 1888 — Alexander Sloan, William S. Shaffer, 
 S. J. M. McCarrell, G. M. McCauley, Dr. J. A. Miller, Jo"hn 
 C. Harvey and J. Henry Spicer. 
 
 Communicants in 1888 — 563. 
 
 * A Thirty Years Pastorate— Dr. T. H. Robinson, pp. 16, 17. 
 
 t Dr. Robinson was co-pastor with Dr. DeWitt from 1855 to 1867. 
 
Sketches of Churches. 233 
 
 Shippensburg Church. 
 
 Shippensburg is the oldest town west of the Susquehanna, 
 though it was not incorporated as a borough until 1819. Mr. 
 Shippen, by whom the town was founded and after whom it 
 is named, was a Church of England man. Not so, however, 
 the great mass of the early settlers. They were either Presby- 
 terian or Associate Reformed, of a very decided type. The Pres- 
 byterians worshiped at Middle Spring and the Associate Re- 
 formed people at Big Spring. In course of time Shippensburg, 
 two miles from Middle Spring, became an Associate Reformed 
 preaching point. And when a church was organized there, it was 
 as an Associate Reformed church. Dr. Scouller, in his histoiy of 
 Bi^i^ Spring Presbytery says : " It is impossible now to tell when 
 the church was regularly and canonically organized, for it had a 
 kind of half organization for years, but was still subordinate, 
 or, rather, a constituent part of the organization of Big Spring. 
 When the Shippensburgers refused to ratify^ Big Spring's elec- 
 tion of Mr. McConnell, the congregation of Big Spring had a 
 public meeting on the 1st of September, 1798, to take under 
 consideration the distressed situation of the congregation, occa- 
 sioned by the disorderly behavior of the community of Ship- 
 pensburg." Dr. Scouller thinks the formal organization of a 
 distinct congregation at Shippensburg took place subsequently 
 to this. He says that the name of the church appears for the 
 first time on the roll of Presbytery in 1799. It is thought by 
 others that the organization took place several years prior to 
 the deeding, by the Shippen brothers in 179-1, of the lot on 
 which the church was subsequently built. They fix the 
 date at about 1790. The stone house of worship, which was 
 plastered and was generally known as the " White church," 
 was built in 1798. * 
 
 The congregation came into the Presbyterian church and 
 under the Presbytery of Carlisle as the result of what is known 
 
 as "the union of 1822." 
 
 « 
 
 By this union, what had been the Presbytery of Philadel- 
 phia in the General Synod of the Associate Reformed church, 
 became the Second Presbytery of Philadelphia in the General 
 Assembly of the Presbyterian church. It stands so recorded 
 
234 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial 
 
 in the minutes of the General Assemblies of 1823 and 1824. 
 The Associate Eeformed church at Shippensburg belonged to 
 this Presbytery. In 1823 the Rev. Henry R. Wilson accepted 
 a call to become its pastor and united with the same Presby- 
 tery. As will be seen above he did not sever his connection 
 with the General Assembly. According to article 1 of agree- 
 ment in the union of 1822, it was competent for the several 
 Presbyteries which had belonged to the General Synod of the 
 Associate Reformed church to either retain their separate 
 organizations or to dissolve and " amalgamate with those of 
 the General Assembly," where the members and churches 
 might be located. In the winter of 1824-25 the Second Pres- 
 bytery of Philadelphia resolved upon the latter course. Thus, 
 by its dissolution, the Rev. Henry R. Wilson and the Ship- 
 pensburg congregation came into the Presbytery of Carlisle. 
 The minute of Presbytery relating to this transaction is as 
 follows : " A notification of the dissolution of the Second Pres- 
 bytery of Philadelphia, dated Shippensburg, April 9, 1825, 
 signed by the moderator and clerk, and recommending the 
 several members thereof to other Presbyteries, with which they 
 might wish to be connected, was presented by the Rev. H. R. 
 Wilson, requesting that he might be received as a member of 
 this Presbytery, and that his church might be taken under the 
 care of the same ; which requests were granted."^ 
 
 On the same day and in the same way (as will be seen else- 
 where) " the Associate Reformed congregation of Hagerstown, 
 Md., and the Associate Reformed congregation which wor- 
 shiped in the " White church," at Greencastle, were received. 
 
 The congregation, thus transferred, continued to occupy the 
 building erected in 1798 until several years after the settle- 
 ment of Dr. Harper, as pastor, when the few persons who still 
 adhered to the Associate Reformed church, successfully brought 
 suit for the property. The congregation then erected, in 1843, 
 a comfortable and substantial brick church, 46x60 feet. To 
 meet the demands of the growing congregation twenty-two feet 
 were added to the length of this church in 1866. It was then 
 the beautiful spire, visible from all approaches to the town, 
 
 • Records of Presb. Apr. 12, 182.5. p. 475. 
 
THE CHURCH AT SHIPPENSBURG, 
 Built 1886-7. 
 
Sketches of Churches. 235 
 
 was erected on the front of the church, and a " neat and com- 
 modious chapel was placed at the rear," frontmg on a cross 
 street. Thus enlarged and refitted, it furnished a comfortable 
 church home for the congregation until the summer of 1885, 
 when it was wholly destroyed by fire. With characteristic 
 promptness and resolution the congregation addressed them- 
 selves to the work of rebuilding ; and the summer of 1886 
 witnessed the erection, on the same site, of one of the most 
 complete and attractive church buildings to be found in the 
 Presbytery. 
 
 Church Organized as Associate Reformed — 1790 or 1798. 
 Pastorates. 
 
 Rev. James Walker 1798—1820 
 
 Rev. Thomas M. Strong 1821—1822 
 
 Rev. Henry R. Wilson, Sr., D. D 1823—1825 
 
 Transferred to the Presbytery of Carlisle — 1825. 
 Pastorates. 
 
 Rev. Henry R. Wilson, Sr.,D. D.* 1825—1839 
 
 Rev. James Harper, D. D 1840—1870 
 
 Rev. William W. Taylor 1872—1874 
 
 Rev. William A. McCarrell 1875— 
 
 Ruling elders in 1888 — Robert C. Hayes, M. D., John A. 
 Craig, James Hays, John W. McPherson, Jr. 
 
 Communicants in 1888 — 327. 
 
 Shermaxsdale Church. 
 
 The date of organization and the early history of Sherman's 
 Creek congregation are wrapped in a great deal of obscurity. 
 There is every evidence that the country was occupied by 
 Presbyterian families very soon after it was thrown open for 
 settlement. The probability is that when, in 1767, it was 
 decided to locate a church at Dick's Gap, it was intended that 
 this should accommodate all the Presbyterians in the lower 
 end of Perry county, west of the Juniata and Susquehanna 
 rivers. The language of the committee, whose report Presby- 
 tery adopted, conveys this thought. In October, 1777, a call 
 from Dick's Gap church was presented for Mr. Hugh McGill. 
 When the acceptance of it came to be considered the following 
 spring the name of Sherman's Creek appears associated with 
 
286 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 Dick's Gap in regard to the proportion of bis time each should 
 have. The minate of Presbytery reads : *' Commissioners from 
 the united congregations of Dick's Gap and Sherman's Creek 
 appeared and represented that a difference has arisen between 
 them concerning the proportion of Mr. McGill's time that each 
 of the^e parts shall have. The Presbytery ordered that both 
 of the contending parties appear by their commissioners at our 
 next meeting in order to have the differences accommodated."* 
 Turning to the fall meeting of Presbytery (October 21, 1778) 
 we find this record : " A supplication for the instalment of the 
 Rev. Hugh McGill was brought in by the commissioner from 
 the united congregations of Dick's Gap and Sherman's Creek, 
 and read. After some conversation on that matter the Presby- 
 tery thought proper to defer any appointment for Mr. McGill's 
 instalment till next spring meeting." At tlie April meeting, 
 1779, " Mr. McGill informed Presbytery that on account of a 
 disagreement in his congregation respecting the places of public 
 w^orship, and his apprehension of their inability to support him 
 he designs to give up his call." Here he speaks of the con- 
 gregation as one, and the call as one, and of their ^^ places of 
 public worship." No doubt it was the church of Dick's Gap, 
 with Sherman's Creek an important place of preaching. But 
 it is noteworth}^, that from this on the " congregation of Sher- 
 man's Creek " asked for and received supplies independently 
 of Dick's Gap. In October, 1786, Mr. Hoge was appointed 
 " to suppl}^ at Sherman's Creek the first Sabbath in November, 
 and to catechise two days in that congregation." The Rev. 
 Matthew B. Patterson, pastor of the church, 1831-1853, tells 
 ■us that " in the year 1805 Sherman's Creek church was organ- 
 ized by the Rev. Joseph Brady,'" f its first pastor. The records 
 of Presbytery say nothing about the organization having been 
 effected at that time. Our impression is that it occurred prior 
 to it. 
 
 April 13, 1803, calls from the congregations of Mouth of 
 Juniata and Sherman's Creek for the Rev. Joseph Brady 
 were presented to Presbytery. A like call from the church of 
 Middle Ridge followed at the following October meeting. Mr. 
 
 * Records of Presbytery, April, 1778, p. 288. 
 
 t Churches of the Valley, Rev. Alfred Nevin, D. D. 
 
Sketches of Churches. 23' 
 
 Brady accepted, and in October, 1804, was ordained and in- 
 stalled pastor of these congregations. 
 
 In 1804 Sherman's Creek congregation built their first house 
 of worship. We are left in ignorance as to where they wor- 
 shiped during the preceding quarter of a century. Their first 
 church was built of logs, and stood near the creek, along the 
 road leading from Duncannon to Landisburg, about two and 
 a-half miles east of Shermansdale. The present church was 
 built in 1843 and is located a short distance north of the village 
 of Shermansdale, by which name it is now known. Like nearly 
 all the older Presbyterian churches in Perry county, it has 
 suffered fi'om the emigration of its people, and hence ranks 
 among the weaker churches of the Presbytery. 
 Church Organized — 1803 or 1804. 
 Pastorates. 
 
 Rev. Joseph Brady 1804—1821 
 
 Rev. John Niblock 1826—1830 
 
 Rev. Matthew B. Patterson 1831—1853 
 
 Rev. Hezekiah Hanson 1854 — 1856 
 
 Rev. Winiam B. Craig 1857—1867 
 
 Rev. WiUiam Thomson 1868—1873 
 
 Rev. Silas A. Davenport 1878-1880 
 
 Rev. J. C. Oarver, S. S 1883—1884 
 
 Rev. Robert F. McClean 1884— 
 
 Ruling elders in 1888 — John Henderson, T. J. Droragold, 
 Samuel G. Smith, Wilson Smiley. 
 
 Communicants in 1888 — 39. 
 
 Duncannon Church. 
 
 There are forces at work to-day leading congregations to 
 change the location of their church buildings to suit the wants 
 of the people. The constant " up-town " movement in the city 
 of New York affords an illustration. On the same principle 
 the ground at Dick's Gap was abandoned in 1803 and the 
 churches at Middle Ridge and the Mouth of the Juniata river 
 were organized. Of course the name also was abandoned, for it 
 would not have been appropriate at any other point In like 
 manner and under like circumstances one of these churches 
 (Middle Ridge) was given up in after years, an account of which 
 will be found elsewhere. 
 
238 
 
 Presbytery of Carlisle — Cerctenriial. 
 
 The other church was located, as the r.ame indicates, near 
 the confluence of the Susquehanna and Juniata rivers. It 
 stood on the high ground within the present cemetery enclos- 
 ure. Prior to its erection — the date of which is not precisely 
 l^nown — the congregation worshiped in private houses. In the 
 Records of Presbyteiy is found the following, under date of 
 October 8, 1802 : "A verbal application from the Mouth of 
 Juniata for supplies every month at the house of John 
 Fitzhelm." 
 
 At the time the church was built, the location was the proper 
 
 DUNCANNON Chukch, Built IN 1888. 
 
Sketches of Churches. 239 
 
 one. But soon the population began to gravitate to a point a 
 little further down the river, and the village of Petersburg was 
 formed. On account of the inconvenient location and the 
 dilapidated condition of the church it was abandoned and a 
 new church was built in Petersburg — now Duncannon — in 
 1841 In this centennial year of the General Assembly this 
 is giving place to a handsome brick structure, located on the 
 same site. 
 
 As early as 1793 the people living at and near the Mouth of 
 the Juniata began to ask Presbytery to send supplies to preach 
 to them. The population grew, and with it grew the interests of 
 Presbyterianism, until in the spring of 1808 the congregation 
 of the Mouth of Juniata presented a call for one- third the 
 time of Rev. Joseph Brady. The remaining two-thirds of Mr. 
 Brady's time were sought by the churches of Sherman's Creek 
 and Middle Ridge. The pastoral charge thus formed contmued 
 till the time when Middle Ridge church was disbanded in 
 1841. Mr. Brady accepted the call, was installed in the fall 
 of 1804 and continued their pastor till the time of his death in 
 1821. The church is in the midst of a growing population, 
 and for some years has formed a distinct self-sustaining charge. 
 
 Church Organized — 1804. 
 Pastoriites. 
 
 Rev. Joseph Brady 1804—1821 
 
 Rev. John Niblock 1826— 1830 
 
 Rev. Matthevvr B. Patterson 1831—1844 
 
 Rev Charles B. McClay 1847—1848 
 
 Rev. Hezekiah Hanson (.S. S. and P.) 1849—1856 
 
 Rev. Wilham B. Craig 1857 -1867 
 
 Rev. William Thomson 1868—1873 
 
 Rev. George Robinson 1875 — 1877 
 
 Rev. William W. Downey 1877—1880 
 
 Rev. James W. Gilland 1881—1884 
 
 Rev. Oliver B. McCurdy 1886— 
 
 Ruling elders in 1888 — William J. Stewart, John Graham, 
 John Harper, Thomas Milliken and S. Linn Shull. 
 Communicants in 1888 — 186. 
 
2-iO 
 
 Presbytery of Carlide — Centennial. 
 
 MiLLERSTOWN ChURCH. 
 
 That part of Perry county vvliich forms the delta lying be- 
 tween the Juniata and Susquehanna riyers as they approach at 
 the *' Junction," fell to the lot of Huntingdon Presbytery when, 
 in 1794, it was erected out of part of the Presbytery of Carlisle. 
 Hence, when the church was organized at Millerstown. in 1800, it 
 was by the Presbytery of Huntingdon, under whose care it re- 
 mained until 1845. Accordingly, when, in connection with 
 Centre and -Upper churches, it presented to Presbyter}^, on the 
 7th of October, 1845, a call for the Rey. George D. Porter, that 
 call was accompanied by " an extract from the minutes of Hun- 
 tingdon Presbytery, permitting the church to prosecute the call 
 before the Presbytery of Carlisle," of which Mr. Porter was a 
 member. 
 
 ILLERSTOWN Church. 
 
Sketches of Churches. 241 
 
 At that time iiieasurCvS were already on foot looking to the 
 traust'ei- of the church to the Presbytery of CarHsie. The calls 
 were, therefore, retained in the hands of Presbytery until its next 
 stated meeting. At that meeting •' the committee on the 
 minutes of Synod reported that the Millerstown church had 
 been transferred from Huntingdon Presbytery to this Presby- 
 tery.'" Its name was then placed on the roll of our churches 
 aiul the calls from the three churches were placed in the hands 
 of Ml". Porter, who accepted tliem. Even before the transfer 
 was made the Presb3'tery of Carlisle, with the concurrence of 
 the Presbytery of Huntingdon, frequently sent supplies to 
 preach at Millerstown. It was a border churcli. just across 
 the river from us, having a goodly number of its members 
 living within our borders. When the Middle Ridge church 
 was disbanded in 1841 the larger part of its members went into 
 the Millerstown church. It has been associated with the 
 Newport churcli ever since the organization of the latter, thus 
 forming a convenient and pleasant i)astoral charge. 
 
 We have been unable to gain information in regard^ to the 
 first house of worship occupied by the congregation. In 1831 
 and 1882 they erected a substantial stone church 45x50 feet. 
 Its dedication took place in May, 1832. In 1878 the churcli 
 was repaired and a lecture room was taken off the northern 
 end of the auditorium, leaving the latter 36x45 feet. 
 
 The parsonage being in Millerstown, it is the home of the 
 pastor of the united congregations of Millerstown and Newport. 
 
 CuuRCH Organized— 1800 (by the Presbytery of Huntingdon). 
 From time of organization until 1818 the chiych was supplied l)y ap- 
 pointments of the Presbyteries of Huntingdon and Carlisle. 
 
 Pastorate's. 
 
 Rev Nathaniel R. Snowden 1818-1820 
 
 Rev. Brinton E. Collins 1829—1839 
 
 •Rev. xMcKnight Williamson, S. S 1840-1842 
 
 Rev. S. II McDonald. S. R 1842—1844 
 
 Rev. (ieorgv I). Porter 184G— 1851 
 
 Rev. Hezekiah Hanson. S. v^ 1851 -1854 
 
 Rev. John B. "Strain ]856— 1800 
 
 Rev. James C. Mahon, S. S 18.i0— 18(1 
 
 Rev. William P. Cochran, D. D..* S. S. and P 1802—1808 
 
 16 
 
242 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 Rev. J. G. Downing, S. S 1869—1870 
 
 Rev. James J. Hamilton 1871 — 1875 
 
 Rev. William H. Logan 1876—1886 
 
 Rev. Samuel C. Alexander 1 887 — 
 
 Ruling elders in 1888 — Thomas P. Cochran, William Kipp, 
 Sr., Jacob Kipp and Ezra P. Titzell. 
 
 Communicants in 1888 — 85. 
 
 Petersburg Church. 
 
 In the earlier history of the church and of communities in 
 this country people were content to go long distances to attend 
 public service. But with the growth of population there came 
 very naturally the desire to have places of worship near at hand. 
 It was thus with the members of Monaghan congregation living 
 at or near Petetersburg. Many of them had from eight to ten 
 or twelve miles to go to church. Hence they laid before Pres- 
 bytery, on the 7th of October, 1817, the following bri ef request : 
 "The people in the vicinity of Petersburg, in addition to sup- 
 plies, request to be organized into a congregation and recognized 
 as such by Presbytery." Impressed with the reasonableness 
 of their request^ Presbytery promptly acceded to it, and ap- 
 pointed the Rev. Henry R. Wilson " to preach to them and to 
 furnish them such instruction as they might need to the at- 
 tainment of their object." At the next meeting of Presbytery, 
 April 14, 1818, Mr. Wilson reported "that, agreeably to the 
 appointment of Presbytery, he had organized the people of 
 Petersburg into a congrega^tion." The date of organization is 
 not given. 
 
 For a length of time after this the congregation worshiped in 
 summer time in a barn and in winter in private houses. After 
 the erection of the academy, services were held in it. The little 
 church on the hill was built in' 1830. There it still stands, 
 not long since repaired and made an exceeding!}^ comfortable 
 and attractive place of worship. Of it truly may it be said ; 
 " Beautiful for situation," but not " the joy of the whole " village 
 amid summer heat and rain and winter storm and ice I 
 
 Since its organization the church has nearly always been 
 joined with Monaghan church, at Dillsburg, in a pastoral 
 charge. The points are eight miles apart, the road is excellent 
 
Sketches of Churches. 243 
 
 (at least in summer) and the intervening country is beautiful. 
 The congregation is small, but with its constituency and sur- 
 roundings, the question may properly be asked is not a more 
 successful and prosperous future possible? 
 Church Organized — 1818. 
 Durin<^' the first years of its history the church was frequt-ntly suppUed 
 by Revs. John McKnight, McKnight Williamson and Henry R.Wilson,D.D. 
 
 Pastorates. 
 
 Rev. Anderson B. Quay 1831—1839 
 
 Rev. Edmund McKinney, S. S 1841—1841 
 
 Rev. Joseph A. Murray, D. D.* 1842—1858 
 
 Rev. William David Patterson, P. E 1860—1861 
 
 Rev. John R. Agnew, S. S 1861—1862 
 
 Rev. John 0. Proctor 1862-1865 
 
 Rev. Joseph A. Murray, D. D., S. S 1869—1876 
 
 Rev. John Q. A. Fullerton, S. S 1878—1879 
 
 Rev. John P. Barbor 1879-1884 
 
 Rev. John C. Barr 1887— 
 
 Ruling elders in 1888 — John W. Neeley, William B. Bran- 
 don and William T. Brandon. 
 
 Communicants in 1888 — 30. 
 
 Waynesbokough Church. 
 
 Presbyterians living at and near Waynesboro' originally 
 belonged to Greencastle congregation. On the 14th of April, 
 1818, " Messrs. William Blaking and William Boal presented 
 to Presbytery a petition from eighty persons in Waynesboro' 
 and its vicinity, i-equesting to be organized into a congregation, 
 and taken under our care ; and to have as many supplies as it 
 may be convenient to grant them." Presbytery declined to 
 grant the organization at that time, but " gave them supplies " 
 and promised to '' direct their organization at their next meet- 
 ing, provided the congregation of Greencastle sliall not offer 
 reasons to convince them of the impropriety of the measure."'* 
 
 It would appear that Greencastle church made no opposition 
 to the organization of the new church, thus showing its gener- 
 osity and its wisdom. The general adoption of like policy by 
 the older churches would have given us flourishing congrega- 
 tions in many places wholly unoccupied by the Presbyterian 
 
 * Presb. Records, pp. 365, 366. 
 
244 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 chur^'h to-day. On the 30th of October, 1818, the Rev. James 
 Buchanan accepted a call to Greencastle, and the same day, by 
 resolution of Presbytery, " he was directed to organize a con- 
 gregation at Waynesboro', etc." Mr. Buchanan served the 
 congregation as stated supply during his pastorate at Green- 
 castle (1818-1839). While the Revs. Chas. P. Cummins and 
 D. D. Clark were its pastors it had no connection with Green- 
 castle. But in 1859 the union was restored, and continued 
 until 1870 : since that time it has constituted a separate charge. 
 It is one of our prosperous and growing churches. 
 
 Until the year 1867 the congregation worshiped in a build- 
 ing which had been erected conjointly by the German Reformed, 
 Lutheran and Presbyterian people, and which was known as 
 the " Union church." Each of these denominations now has 
 its own house of worship, and the old Union church is owned 
 by the German Baptists. 
 
 Church Organized — 1818. 
 Pastorates. 
 
 Rev. James Buchanan • . . . . 1818—1839 
 
 Rev. Charles P. Cummins, P. E 1846—1847 
 
 Rev. David D Clark, D. D.* 1848—1853 
 
 Rev. Edwin Emerson, 1859—1860 
 
 Rev. William T. Beatty. D. D.* 1861—1863 
 
 Rev. J. W. Wightman^ D. D.* 1863—1870 
 
 Rev. WiUiam N. Geddes 1871—1871 
 
 Rev. Robert F. McClean 1872—1876 
 
 Rev, Samuel McLanahan 1877—1880 
 
 Rev. Thomas C. McCarrell 1880— 
 
 Ruling elders in 1888 — James H. Clayton, Joseph Price, 
 William Hammett, Thomas H. West. 
 
 Communicants in 1888 — 148. 
 
 Dickinson Church. 
 
 At a meeting of Presbytery, held in Carlisle, September 25, 
 1810, " an application was made, subscribed by James Moore 
 and Joseph Galbraith, in behalf of a number of persons calling 
 themselves the Presbyterian congregation of Walnut Bottom, 
 in the county of Cumberland, that the Rev. Henry R. Wilson 
 should be appointed to supply them any portion of time which 
 he may be able and willing to give them. Presbytery thought 
 
Sketches of Churches. 245 
 
 proper to comply with the request." Mr. Wilson was then 
 professor of languages in Dickinson College, at Carlisle, lie 
 acceded to tlie request, and preached to the Presbyterian people 
 in W'llnut Bottom until called to the pastorate of Silvers' 
 Spring church in 1815. 
 
 The church of Dickinson was not, however, organized until 
 1823. At the stated spring meeting of that year, "applicaticm 
 was made to Presbytery by a number of persons residing near 
 the Stone Meeting-House in Dickinson township, Cumberland 
 county, to be organized into a congregation. It was resolved 
 that the request be granted, and Messrs. Williams, Duffield and 
 McClelland were appointed a committee for that purpose, to 
 meet, on their own appointment, as soon as convenient." On 
 the 7th of October following the committee reported to Presby- 
 tery, " that they had attended to the duty and that the congre- 
 gation organized bears the name of the ' Congregation of 
 Dickinson.' " The date of organization is not given. 
 
 Their first and only house of worship was erected in 1829. 
 It is a substantial and commodious bi-ick structure, capable of 
 accommodating a large congregation. It is beautifully located 
 in a clump of native forest trees — a circumstance which always 
 adds to the attractiveness, the convenience and comfort of a 
 country church. The plot of ground on which built was the 
 gift of William L. Weekly, Esq. 
 
 Church Organizkd — 1823. 
 
 Pastorates. 
 
 Rev. McKnight Williamson 1827—18.34 
 
 Rev Charles P. Cummins 1836—1844 
 
 Rev. Oliver 0. McClean, D. D.* 1844—1852 
 
 Rev James F. Kennedy, D. D.* 1855—1859 
 
 Rev. David Grier 1860—1864 
 
 Rev. S. H. S. G-allaudet 1864—1866 
 
 Rev. James S. Woodburn 1867—1874 
 
 Rev. Henry Rinker 1875-1882 
 
 Rev. John F. Diener. P. E 1884—1885 
 
 Rev George S. Duncan 1888— 
 
 Ruling elders in 1888— D. W. Tritt, William A. Brown, 
 David Caldwell, H. H. Weekly, James K. xMcCullough. 
 Communicants in 1888 — 62. 
 
246 Presbytery of Carlisle — Gentennia I. 
 
 Landisburg and Buffalo Churches. 
 
 In compliance with petitions laid before it, Presbytery organ- 
 ized these churches in 1823. For an account of circumstances 
 connected with their organization the reader is referred to the 
 article on Limestone Ridge church found elsewhere. 
 
 Landisburg congregation worshiped for several years after 
 its organization in a large building used as a court house 
 during the short time Landisburg was the county seat of Perry 
 county. In 1829 it erected a good and comfortable frame 
 weather-boarded church which is now in excellent repair. Since 
 very soon after its organization this little church has had many 
 adverse and discouraging conditions under which to labor. The 
 present, however, gives promise of a brighter and more pros- 
 perous future. 
 
 Church Organized — 1823. 
 Pastorates. 
 
 Rev. Nathan Earned —1823 
 
 Rev. James M. Olmstead, D. D.* 1825—1832 
 
 Rev. John Pomeroy, S. S 1832—1833 
 
 Rev. John Dickey 1834—1854 
 
 Rev. Lewis W. VViUiams. 1855—1857 
 
 Rev. John H. Clark 1857—1862 
 
 Rev. James S. Ramsey, D. D.* 1864—1867 
 
 Rev. Robert McPherson 1869- 1876 
 
 Rev. Silas A. Davenport 1878—1880 
 
 Rev. J. C. Garver, P. E 1883—1884 
 
 Rev. John H. Cooper, P. E 1884—1885 
 
 Rev. William M. Burchfield 1887— 
 
 Ruling elders in 1888 — James L. Diven and William W. 
 McClure. 
 
 Communicants in 1888 — 35. 
 
 Buffalo congregation located their first house of worship 
 about a mile and a quarter north of the village of Ickesburg. 
 But in 1860 they removed to the village and built the weath- 
 boarded frame church now occupied. It has recentl}^ been 
 made to undergo very thorough repairs which have rendered 
 it very comfortable and attractive. This church, like its 
 neighbors — Landisburg, Centre and Upper — has lost heavily 
 during nearly its entire history by changes in population, un- 
 
Sketches of Churches. 247 
 
 favorable to Presbyterianism. But it has been doing good 
 work for the Master. Perliaps no church in the Presbytery 
 has furnished as many men for tlie ministry in the same length 
 of time. At present it forms part of a pastoral charge with the 
 old churches of Centre and Upper, and Landisburg which was 
 organized simultaneously with it. 
 
 Church Organized — 1823. 
 Pastorates. 
 
 Rev. Nathan Harned —1823 
 
 Rev. James M. Olrastead, D. D.* 1825—1832 
 
 Rev. John Pomeroy, S. S 1832—1833 
 
 Rev. John Dickey 1834—1854 
 
 Rev. John B. Strain 1856—1860 
 
 Rev. William P. Cochran, D. D.,* S. S 1862—1867 
 
 Rev. James J. Hamilton 1869—1872 
 
 Rev. Robert McPherson, S. S 1877- 1881 
 
 Rev. John H. Cooper 1884—1885 
 
 Rev. William M. Burchfield 1887 - 
 
 Ruling elders in 1888 — Samuel Liggett and James Irvine. 
 Communicants in 1888 — 24. 
 
 Saint Thomas Church. 
 
 When Presbytery was in session at Carlisle on the 25th of 
 September, 1810, there was laid before it the following " ap- 
 plication from the town of St. Thomas in the county of Franklin, 
 requesting that Dr. John McKnight may he appointed as a stated 
 supply for one-half his time until the next meeting of Presby- 
 tery, it being expressly declared by the petitioners that their 
 obtaining supplies was not designed to interfere with or in any 
 wise ajffect their connection with contributions to any other 
 minister or congregation with whom they have heretofore been 
 connected." 
 
 " Presbytery thought it proper that their request should be 
 granted." Accordingly Dr. McKnight preached here and at 
 Rocky Spring with a good degree of regularity until 1815. His 
 son, Rev. John McKnight, who became pastor of Rocky Spring 
 church in 1816 supplied the people of St. Thomas much as his 
 father had done, and in course of time they probably came to be 
 looked upon as part of Rocky Spring congregation. Tliis would 
 seem to be implied by the word '' separate " in the petition found 
 
248 Presbytery of Ca rlisle — Cen ienn la I. 
 
 below. At all events no regular organization was affected until 
 1824, as is evident from the following petition and its sequel : 
 " The people of Canipbellstown (St. Thomas) and its vicinity 
 petitioned to be organized into a separate congregation."^ " The 
 petition was referred to Messrs. Denney, Elliott and McKnight.' 
 These were the pastors of the three adjoining congregations of 
 Falling Spring, Mercersburg and Kocky Spring. The com- 
 mittee reported the same day "recommending that the request 
 be granted ;" which was done, and Mr. McKnight was appointed 
 to organize the congregation. f At the stated meeting, October, 
 1824, Mr. McKnight informed Presbytery of having performed 
 the duty assigned him, but did not give the date. 
 
 The brick church now occupied by the congregation, was 
 built in 1852, two other temporary structures having succes- 
 sively occupied the same site before. St. Thomas has always 
 been associated with Rocky Spring in one pastoral charge, and 
 the people, we believe, with a single exception, have never en- 
 joyed the advantages of having a pastor reside among them. 
 The Rev. Alexander K. Nelson made this his home from the 
 time of his settlement as pastor until 1858. 
 
 Church Organized — 1824. 
 Pastorates. 
 
 Rev. John McKnight, D. D 1824—1836 
 
 Rev. Andrew K. Nelson 1840—1873 
 
 Rev. Samuel C. George 1875—1887 
 
 Rev. Henry G. Finney 1888— 
 
 Ruling elders in 1888— John W. Shields, J. Rush Gillan 
 and David Gillan. 
 I Communicants in 1888 — 37. 
 
 Second Chukch, Carlisle. 
 
 In the church at Carlisle there were many persons whose 
 views did not harmonize with those of their pastor, Dr. George 
 Duffield, especially as embodied in his w^ork on Regeneration. 
 These persons determined to seek the formation of a distinct 
 church organization. " Among them were three members of 
 
 • Presbyterial Records, 1824,p. 459. 
 tib. p. 461. 
 
SKCOXI) PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 
 
 CARLISLE, PA. 
 
Sketches of ChurcJita. 249 
 
 session, four deacons and a majority of the board of trustees."* 
 At the meeting of Presbytery, November 28, 1832, '' Mr. 
 Andrew Bhiir appeared as a commissioner fn^m a ])art of the 
 congregation of Carlisle and presented a petition from seventy- 
 seven members of that congregation, praying to be set off and 
 formed into a separate congregation. "f The following day 
 Presbytery " Resolved that the prayer of the minority of the 
 congregation of Carlisle, requesting to be formed into a separate 
 congregation under the care of this Presbytery, from and after 
 the 1st day of January, 1833, be granted in view of the state 
 of things now existing in that congregation and known to 
 Presbytery. "'J The Revs. J. Williamson and Anderson B. 
 Quay were appointed a committee to carry into effect this 
 resolution. "This committee met on the 12th of January, 1833, 
 in the county hall in Carlisle agreeably to public notice 
 previously given," and, after a sermon, organized the Second 
 church. The Rev. Daniel McKinley became their first pastor 
 in August following. Soon after their organization the con- 
 gregation commenced preparing to build a house of worship. 
 By the middle of November following their work was so far 
 advanced that they commenced holding tlieir services in the 
 lecture room, which was beneath the auditorium. On Sabbath 
 morning, the 17th, the Rev. Daniel McKinley, who had been 
 installed as their pastor on the 7th of August, preached the 
 opening sermon, based on Ps. 122 : 6-9, " Pray for the peace 
 of Jerusalem," etc. In the meantime they had been holding 
 their services regularly in the County hall or College chapel. 
 By the last of May, 1834, the church was completed and was 
 dedicated to the worship of God. The Rev. Henry R. Wilson, 
 Sr., preached the dedication sermon from 2 Chron. 6: 18, "But 
 will God in very deed dwell," etc. This was a plain, substantial 
 stone structure. It was removed in 1870 to give place to one 
 better adapted to the wants and work of a growing and ag- 
 gressive congregation. The present house of woi*ship was 
 dedicated the 29th of May, 1873. It is a beautiful church 
 
 * First Presbyterian Church of Carlisle (Dr. Wing), p. 188. 
 t llecords of Pres. 1832, p. 628. 
 X Pj. p. 634. 
 
250 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 edifice. But there were some things in the internal arrange- 
 ment which were not entirely satisfactor}'. These have all 
 been remedied, and the property has been put, in every way, 
 in the most desirable condition during the centennial year of 
 the General Assembly. 
 
 Church Okganizkd — 1833. 
 Pastorates. 
 
 Rev. Daniel McKinley, D. D.* 1833—1838 
 
 Rev. Alexander T. McGill, D. D., LL. D.* 1838—1841 
 
 Rev. Thomas V. Moore, D. D.* 1842—1845 
 
 Rev. James Lillie, M. D., D. D * 1846—1848 
 
 Rev. Mervin E. Johnston 1849—1854 
 
 Rev. Wilham W. Eells 1855—1862 
 
 Rev. John C. Bliss, D. D.* 1863—1867 
 
 Rev. George Norcross, D. D 1869— 
 
 Ruling elders in 1888 — William Blair, Joseph A. Stewart, 
 David Resid, Andrew Blair, John C. Eckles and James Clark. 
 Communicants in 1888 — 850. 
 
 Bloomfield Church. 
 
 In 1824 it was decided to make Bloomfield the seat of justice 
 for the newly erected county of Perry, Landisburg having 
 temporarily had that honor. This was the making of the town. 
 On the principle of not having two post-offices of the same 
 name in the same State, the original name was changed to New 
 Bloomfield, there being a Bloomfield in Crawford county. The 
 name of the Presbyterian church organized there has remained 
 unchanged. Hence the Bloomfield church located in the town 
 of New Bloomfield. To strangers who do not understand the 
 reason this is perplexing. Unless there be some legal hindrance 
 it would seem desirable to have it otherwise. The church was 
 organized in 1833 and was composed of persons who had been 
 attracted to the new town under the above circumstances, and 
 persons already living there or in the neighborhood, who had 
 hitherto belonged to either Middle Ridge or liimestone Ridge 
 congregations. Thus, for instance, McCowns, the Barnetts, 
 the Darlingtons, etc. The congregation at Limestone Ridge 
 had already been disbanded, in order to the organization of the 
 churches of Landisburg and Buffalo ten years before; and the 
 

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Sketches of Churches. 261 
 
 organization of the Bloomfield church led materially to the 
 weakening of Middle Ridge church, onl}^ four miles av, ay, and 
 hastened the abandoning of that ground, which occurr -d eight 
 years later. The Rev. John Nibloc.k, pastor of Middl • Ridge, 
 Sherman's Creek and Mouth of Juniata churches from 1826 to 
 1830, made his home in New Bloomlield, and is said to have 
 conducted preaching service occasionally in the court house. 
 This helped to crystallize the Presbyterian element in and about 
 the town. Not later than 1831 they formed themselves into a 
 religious association. The organization of the church took 
 place in 1833, and its tirst pastor, the Rev. John Dickey, was 
 settled over it (in connection with Landisburg and Buffalo 
 churches) the following year. His was a character in which 
 were blended gentleness, amounting ofttimes to diffidence, with 
 great firmness and moral fortitude. 
 
 In 1834 a roomy and substantial brick church was erected, 
 having a basement for lecture and Sabbath school purposes. 
 In 1872 the latter was greatly changed and improved. The 
 church proper was also remodeled and the way of entering it 
 was changed at the same time. The property is now in every 
 way attractive and desirable. 
 
 The church formed a pastori!! charge in connection with 
 Landisburg and Buffalo from 1834 to 1854 ; with Mouth of 
 Juniata and Sherman's Creek from 1857 to 1867. From 1870 
 to 1884 it had the entire time of its pastor. Since 1884 they 
 have generously allowed the congregation of Shermansdale to 
 have one-fourth the time of their pastor, as almost the only 
 means by which that church could be supplied with preaching. 
 
 Church Organized — 1833. 
 Pastorates. 
 
 Rev. John Dickey 1834—1854 
 
 Rev. William B. Craig 1857—1867 
 
 Rev. P. Hathaway K. McCorab 1868—1870 
 
 Rev. John Edgar, Ph. D 1870—1883 
 
 Rev. Robert F. McClean 1884— 
 
 Ruling elders in 1888 — William Willis, William A. Sponsler, 
 William N. Seibert, William Gner, John R. Adams, William 
 H. Neilson. 
 
 Communicants in 1888 — 128. 
 
252 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 Fayetteville Church. 
 
 In 1832 a brick cliurch was built at Fayetteville by subscrip- 
 tions obtained from Presbyterians and others living in and near 
 the village. About five-sixths of the funds were contributed 
 by Presbyterians, and according to the article of agreement, 
 still extant, it was to be called the English Presbyterian church 
 of Fayetteville; and other denominatsons were to have the 
 privilege of using it when not occupied by the Presbyterians. 
 
 At the meeting of Presbytery, April 10, 1833, "application 
 was made bv many persons in and around Fayetteville to be 
 organized into a church ; and Mr. McKnight was appointed a 
 committee to organize them.'' At the next stated meeting of 
 Presbyter}^ Mr. McKnight reported ''that on the 21st day of 
 July the church was regularly organized." 
 
 The Eev. John McKnight had been preaching part of his 
 time at Fayetteville for three years before this took place. And 
 the house of worship, as we have seen, was built one year 
 before. Mr. McKnight was mainly instrumental in bringing 
 together the congregation and securing its organization. After 
 this he continued to give the congregation one-fourth of his 
 time to the close of his pastorate at St. Thomas and Rocky 
 Spring, in 1836. During his ininistry at this place about eighty 
 persons were received to the communion of the church. At 
 the close of his successful labors the grave mistake was made 
 of procuring a minister who was not a Presbyterian, and who 
 is said to have used his position and influence to build up 
 another denomination. For a period of ten years the history 
 of the church is worse than a blank. Nearly all the Presby- 
 terian element was driven away, and sought a home in the 
 Falling Spring church, Chambersburg. Finally, in 1846, a 
 rall}^ was made largely through the exertions and influence of 
 one who is honored in the church and in the Presbytery to- 
 day — the ruling elder, Robert Black. The Rev. Daniel Mc- 
 Kinley, then pastor of Falling Spring church, of which Mr. 
 Black was then a member, kindly consented to preach every 
 alternate Sabbath in the afternoon. The downward tendency 
 was arrested and somewhat of the lost ground was recovered. 
 But, owing to the shock sustained in its early history, and the 
 
Sketches of Churches. 258 
 
 greater attractions and overshadowing influence of the church 
 in Charnbersburg, this has always been a weak and struggling 
 church. We believe, however, that it might be otherwise 
 with a minister on the field devoting all his time and labor to 
 it and adjoining neighborhoods, and sustained by the entire 
 Presbyterian population. To the faithful labors of Dr. Kennedy, 
 bestowed at different periods in its history, this church is 
 largely indebted for its existence to-day. 
 
 • Church Organized — 1833. 
 
 Pastorates. 
 
 Rev. John McKnight, S. S. 1830—1836 
 
 Rev. Daniel McKinley, D. D., S. S 1S46— 1847 
 
 Rev. James F. Kennedy, D. D.,* S. S 1847—1848 
 
 Rev. William L. McCalla, S. S 1848—1848 
 
 Rev. Thomas K. Davis, S. S 1849—1850 
 
 Rev. James F. Kennedy, S. S 1850—1854 
 
 Rev. Joseph Clark, S. S 1856—1857 
 
 Rev. James F. Kennedy, D. D., S. S 1864—1874 
 
 Rev. Robert L. McCune, S. S 1875—1877 
 
 Rev. Richard Arthur, S. S 1878—1881 
 
 Rev. James F. Kennedy, D. D., S. S 18«2— 
 
 Ruling elders in 1888 — Robert Black, Benjamin Black, O. 
 Perry Boggs. 
 
 Communicants in 1888 — 25. 
 
 Green Hill Church. 
 
 On the 8th of April, 1834, a call for the ministerial services 
 of Rev. Nathan G. White was laid before Presbytery " from 
 the church of Great Cove, Pa., including the inhabitants of 
 Wells Valley and Licking Creek." This call was accepted by 
 Mr. White, who had just been received, as a licentiate, from 
 the Presbytery of New Castle. He settled in McConnellsburg, 
 and at once addressed himself, with characteristic earnestness, 
 to the cultivation of the laborious field before him. On the 
 12th of September of the following year a church was organized 
 in the Licking Creek part of his charge, and the same fall a 
 neat and comfortable house of worship was completed. It is 
 located on the turnpike road leading to Pittsburgh, eight miles 
 west of McConnellsburg. The congregation have always taken 
 commendable pride in keeping their church in the best of 
 
254 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial 
 
 repair. Su^h was the origin of the Green Hill congregation. 
 
 It has always been identified in its history with that of the 
 
 churches of McConncllsburg and Wells Valley. 
 
 Church Organized — 1835. 
 
 Pastor aits 
 
 Rev. Nathan G. White 1834—1864 
 
 Rev. James H. Mathers 1866—1868 
 
 Rev. Stephen W. Pomeroy 1868—1871 
 
 Rev. J. Horner Kerr 1873—1875 
 
 Rev, Robert R McClean T. 1877—1880 
 
 Rev. George Elliott 1880—1884 
 
 Rev. Robert H. Hoover 1884— 
 
 Ruling elders in 1888— Rowland Austin, William A. Speer, 
 James Harris, John B. B. Garver. 
 
 Communicants in 1888 — 60. 
 
 Wells Valley Church. 
 We are unable to learn when the church in Wells Valley 
 was organized. In 1831 the Presbyterians of the valley erected 
 the handsome little church they now occupy. It was built of 
 logs, and after a time was weatherboarded. We think the 
 organization took place prior to the above date. The Rev. 
 Isaac Kellar, pastor of McConnellsburg church from 1819 to 
 1824, frequently preached in the valley. So did Rev. Robert 
 Kennedy, who was his successor from 1827 to 1838. Dr. 
 Creigh, of Mercersburg, also frequently supplied them. The 
 services which were enjoyed before the building of their house 
 of worship, were held in summer time in the barn of John 
 Alexander, the father of John B. Alexander, at present and 
 for many years an elder in the church ; in the winter they were 
 held in private houses. The old barn is still standing, and is 
 owned by Mr. John B. Alexander. In it were held several 
 communion services before the church was built. This church 
 has always been united with McConnellsburg and Green Hill 
 in the same pastoral charge. 
 
 Church Organized — 1825, Presumably. 
 Pastorates. 
 
 Rev. Nathan G. White 1834—1864 
 
 Rev James H. Mathers 1866—1868 
 
/Sketched of Churches, 265 
 
 Rev Stephen W. Pomoroy 1868—1871 
 
 Rev. J. Horner Kerr 1873—1875 
 
 Rev. Robert F. McClean 1877— 18S0 
 
 Rev. George Elliott 1880—1884 
 
 Rev. Robert H. Hoover 1884— 
 
 Ruling elders in 1888 — Tolin B. Alexander, S. P. Wishart, 
 R. J. Hunter, M. D. 
 
 Communicants in 1888 — 40. 
 
 Dauphin Church. 
 
 Turning to the records of nearly a century and a quarter ago 
 we find, under date of June 2-1, 1766, the following: "Mr. 
 Rowan, in behalf of Paxton above the narrows, requested some 
 supplies to be sent to that people." Till near the close of the 
 century supplies were- asked and granted, at fii-st under the 
 above name, afterwards that of Middle Paxton. The Rev. 
 Nathaniel R. Snowden, pastor of Harrisburg churcli, appears 
 to have preached to the people with regularity and system 
 from the time he was released from the Derry and Paxton part 
 of liis charge, in 1796, to the time of his resignation at Harris 
 burg, in 1805. There is a strong probability that he gave them 
 one-fourth his time ; for when the Rev. James Buchanan, his 
 successor, was called, it was to labor three-fourths his time in 
 Harrisburg and one-fourth his time at Middle Paxton. Accord- 
 ingly, in December, 1808, he was '' installed at Harrisburg as 
 pastor of the congregations of Harrisburg and Middle Paxton " 
 by a committee of Presbytery composed of the Rev. Messrs. 
 Snodgrass, Brady and Sharon. In 1811 Mr. Buchanan was 
 released from the Middle Paxton part of his charge in order 
 that he might give all his time and labor to the church in 
 Harrisburg. The Rev. Wm. R. DeWitt, from the time of his 
 settlement as pastor of Harrisburg church, in 1819, took a very 
 deep interest in this struggling church and frequently ministered 
 to it. In 1882 he requested Presbytery to " note on its minutes 
 that the church of Middle Paxton had been re-organized." 
 
 The congregation, however, continued feeble. After the 
 Old and New School division the Presbytery of Carlisle occa- 
 sionally sent supplies to them ; but they depended mainly on 
 the Presbytery of Harrisburg for supplies. 
 
 Under its supervision the Rev. George R. Moore, a member 
 
256 Presbytery of Ca rlisle — Centenn ia I 
 
 of the Tliird Presbytery of Philadelphia, had been performing 
 missionary labor there prior to October 17, 1848, when he 
 became a member of the Presbytery of Harrisburg, and from 
 which time he labored regularly among the people. A new 
 interest was awakened. About this time the old church, stand- 
 ing on the high ground back from the river and about three- 
 fourths of a mile above the village, was destroyed by fire. The 
 congregation determined to build a new church and to locate 
 it in town. The records of the Presbytery of Harrisburg for 
 October 16, 1849, show that just shortly before that date the 
 cornerstone had been laid " for an economical, 3^et suitable, 
 house of worship." And Presbytery recommended the church 
 for aid to the churches of the Presbytery and Synod. This 
 house was completed the following year. It is the church now 
 occupied by the congregation. 
 
 Though unable to furnish any date, we do not entertain any 
 doubt about the church of Middle Pax ton having been organ- 
 ized before the close of the last century. As seen above, a re- 
 organization took place in 1832. But after all this, they do 
 not appear to have felt sufficiently well organized. This we 
 judge from the records of Presbytery for April 11, 1850, where 
 we find this minute: "Rev. Messrs. DeWitt and Moore were 
 appointed a committee to examine and report upon an applica- 
 tion from various persons in Dauphin to be organized into a 
 church, which is to be connected with this Presbytery."' The 
 same day, after recess, the committee made the following 
 report : " That the petition was signed by twenty -one indi. 
 viduals residing in and near the borough of Dauphin, Dauphin 
 county, Pennsylvania, who had been organized into a church 
 and requested to be received under the care of Presbytery. 
 On inquiring it was found that the individuals signing the 
 petition had agreed and covenanted to walk together in church 
 relation according to the acknowledged doctrines and order of 
 the Presbyterian church, and had elected a ruling elder, who 
 had been regularly ordained and placed over them in the Lord. 
 The committee would therefore recommend that the church be 
 received as a constituent member of this Presbytery, under the 
 name of the Presbyterian church in Dauphin." This report 
 was adopted. 
 
Sketches of Ch urclies. 257 
 
 Church Organized — 1^50. 
 Pastorates. 
 
 Rev. G-eorge R. Moore 1848—1855 
 
 Rev, John W. Davis 1 sn7— l-SfjO 
 
 Rev. A. D. Moore IS60— 1808 
 
 Rev. David C. Meeker 1869—1880 
 
 Rev. Robert F. McClean 1880—1884 
 
 Rev. Francis M. Baker 1885— 
 
 Ruling elders in 1888 — Jefferson Clark, A. T. Poffenberger, 
 M. D., Calvin W. Shope. 
 Communicants in 1888 — 99. 
 
 MiDDLETOWN ChURCH. 
 
 At a meeting of Presbytery held at Paxton church, April 
 10, 1850, "a request was presented from certain citizens of 
 Middletown, that a committee be appointed to visit that place 
 and confer with them upon the practicability of establishing 
 there a Presbyterian church, and with power to proceed to the 
 organization, if the way be clear." In compliance with this 
 request Presbytery appointed a committee composed of the 
 Revs. George Morris and Robert McCachran and Ruling Elder 
 Benjamin Jordan. June 4th this committee reported to Pres- 
 bytery, " That in view of the encouraging opening there for 
 the organization of a Presbyterian church, the Board of Mis- 
 sions be requested to appoint a missionary to that field for one 
 year and to appropriate for his support the sum of one hun- 
 dred dollars." 
 
 By this report the committee showed that they were duly 
 impressed with the importance of the field and its encouraging 
 aspect. Moreover, the report shows that there must have been 
 expressed a disposition on the part of the people to contribute 
 liberally toward the support of a missionary, when but one hun- 
 dred dollars were named as the amount of aid needed. Pres- 
 bytery acted favorably on this report, but recommended that 
 two hundred dollars be sought from the Board instead of one 
 hundred, so as to make sure the adequate support of the man 
 who might be placed in the field. From the foregoing it is 
 evident that it was the opinion of the committee that the field 
 should be occupied in a tentative wav one year before en. 
 17 
 
258 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 deavoring to effect an organization. But the people of Mid- 
 dletown thought it not best to have the delay. Hence they 
 secured a pro re nata meeting of Presbytery at that place on 
 the 29th of October following, at which time the organization 
 of the church was effected and ruling elders were elected, 
 ordained and installed. In 1852 the congregation Erected a 
 brick church, with basement, lecture and Sabbath school rooms, 
 which is still occupied, but has gone sadly out of repair. The 
 congregation now speak of either thoroughly repairing or re- 
 building. This congregation has struggled against many ad- 
 verse circumstances. The fact that it has survived gives 
 promise of "a future;" and, with so large a number of non- 
 churched people around it, it ought to be a prosperous and 
 glorious future. 
 
 Church Organized — 1850. 
 Pastorates. 
 
 Rev. John Cross 1851—1851 
 
 Rev. Oliver 0. McClean, D. D.,* P. E 1852—1854 
 
 Rev. John W. White 1855—1858 
 
 Rev. Thomas K. Davis 1859—1862 
 
 Rev. William C. Ferriday 1863—1864 
 
 Rev. Henry L. Rex . . ." 1865—1874 
 
 Rev. Daniel Macfie 1875—1876 
 
 Rev. Andrew D. Mitchell, S. S 1876—1876 
 
 Rev. Malachi C. ^ailey 1878—1881 
 
 Rev. WilUam G. McDannold 1881—1884 
 
 Rev. John H. Groff, S. S., and P 1886— 
 
 Ruling elders in 1888— J. W. Rewalt, David H. Busher, 
 James Moore. 
 
 Communicants in 1888 — 50. 
 
 Burnt Cabins Church. 
 
 The church of Burnt Cabins was organized in 1851, in 
 which year the brick house of worship, still occupied, was 
 built. It is a good substantial building, well located. The 
 people composing this congregation originally belonged to the 
 Lower Path Valley portion of Dr. McGinley's charge. They 
 sustained very much the same relation to it that the people at 
 the head of Amberson's Valley did, and still do, to Upper 
 Path Valley church. 
 
PINE STREET PRESBYTERIMN EHURCH, 
 Harrisburg. Pa. 
 
Sketches of Churches. 259 
 
 Cut off, as they were, from the rest of the congregation by 
 the Tuscarora Mountain, they felt that it would be to their 
 interest to have a distinct organization. Consequently they 
 seized upon the resignation of Dr. McGinley and the division 
 of Upper and Lower Path Valley churches into two charges in 
 1851 as the opportune time to accomplish this. The Records 
 of Presbytery show that on the 7th day of October, 1851, ''A 
 petition was presented from some of the members of the Lower 
 church in Path Valley, asking the Presbytery to set off from 
 that church those members and elders, who reside west of the 
 Tuscarora Mountain, in the neighborhood of the Burnt Cabins, 
 and to organize a church at that place to be styled ' The Pres- 
 byterian church of the Burnt Cabins.' The Presbytery granted 
 their request and appointed the Rev. A. A. McGinley, D. D., 
 to organize a church in that place as soon as practicable." The 
 date of organization is not furnished in the records. But it 
 took place between the above date and December 12th of the 
 same year, when calls from the united congregations of Lower 
 Path Valle}^ and Burnt Cabins were presented to Presbytery 
 for the services of the Rev. L W. Williams. 
 Church Oroamzeh — 1851. 
 Pastorates 
 
 Rev. Lewis W. Williams, P. E. and P 1851—1855 
 
 Rev. Watson Russell, P. E 1855—1857 
 
 Rev. J. Smith Gordon 1858— 
 
 Ruling elders in 1888 — John B. Peterson and William 
 Matthias. 
 
 Communicants in 1888 — 57. 
 
 Pine Strp:et Church, Harrisburg. 
 When the Old and New School division took place, the church 
 at Harrisburg did not go into the New School Presbytery of 
 Harrisburg with any great degree of heartiness or promptness. 
 An account will be found elsewhere of its havins: stood aloof 
 for a time from both branches, -and of its ultimate decision and 
 course having resulted from attachment to the pastor and from 
 the step he took, rather than from any real preference, at th it 
 time, for that branch of the church. There was then, and there 
 continued afterwards to be, an element in the church whose 
 
260 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 preferences were for the Old Scliool branch. After the dis- 
 astrous fire occurred in the spring of 1858, bj which the church 
 edifice at the corner of Second street and Cherry avenue was 
 wholly destroyed, those who composed this element felt that 
 then was the proper time to take steps looking to a new organ- 
 ization. Accordingly they sent a representative to the Pres- 
 bytery of Carlisle, in session at Greencastle on the 14th of 
 April. The following is the minute in the Records of Pres- 
 bytery relating to it : " Mr. J. W. Simonton was heard rela- 
 tive to the organization of a church in Harrisburg, w^hereupon 
 the following preamble and resolution were adopted : The 
 Presbytery having heard with pleasure the statement made by 
 Mr. Simonton, a representative from persons in Harrisburg 
 who desire to be connected with us in church relationship, and 
 expressing our cordial sympathy in this contemplated move- 
 ment — Resolved, that a committee be appointed to visit Har- 
 risburg, and that they are hereby clothed with authority to 
 organize a church in that place, if it be found expedient, and 
 to do all other constitutional acts, as may further this interest. 
 Messrs. Creigh, Eells, Morris and Hays (ministers), and Samuel 
 Wherry, William Blair and Benjamin Jordan (elders), were 
 appointed said committee."* 
 
 At the adjourned meeting of Presbyterv', the 8th of June 
 following, the committee reported : " That they convened in 
 Harrisburg on the 22d day of May, and that, after preliminary 
 devotional exercises, fifty -two persons presented certificates of 
 their being in good and regular standing in other churches, 
 and of recommendation ; who were then organized into a 
 church according to the acknowledged doctrines and order of 
 the Presbyterian church. * ^ * '' 
 
 The going out from their midst of an active and aggressive 
 band such as this, was naturally very keenly felt by the pastors 
 and people of the parent church. We can conceive how it 
 would appear to them, at a time like that especially, as a great 
 calamity. But viewing it in the light of subsequent events we 
 can see the orderings of Him who is head over all things to 
 the church. The old organization was really not weakened, 
 
 • Records of Presb. p. 392. 
 
Sketches of Churches. 261 
 
 but rather strengthened — stimulated to new energy and greater 
 activity; and the new organization was formed and put in |)()- 
 sition for active and efficient work just when needed — when 
 Harrisburg began its rapid expansion and growth in connec- 
 tion with " war times " and the development of railroad and 
 manufacturing interests. 
 
 The importance which Presbytery attached to it may be 
 gathered from its action April 11, 1860, when the Synod of 
 Philadelphia was about to make an attempt to have all of its 
 territory east of the Susquehanna transferred from it to the 
 Presbytery of Donegal. I quote from the paper then adopted 
 and ordered to be sent to the approaching General Assembly : 
 " We deprecate such a separation of our Presbytery, because 
 the church at Middletown is the offspring of the Presbytery of 
 Carlisle, having been created and sustained by the contribu- 
 tions of all our churches, and carried through its period of un- 
 certainty and doubt by the prayers and exertions of all our 
 people ; and because, further, the ground occupied by the 
 churches of Paxton and Derry and Harrisburg has been the 
 possession of our Presbytery for a century, or ever since our 
 ancient Presbytery has had an existence. Moreover the new 
 church at Harrisburg recently organized by the Presbytery 
 bids fair to be one of our strongest churches, and we are 
 naturally unwilling to be shorn of the increase of our strength. 
 And lastly, we deprecate any such division, when our Pres- 
 bytery and the churches interested in this matter are quite un- 
 willing to favor the proposed change, originating wholly outside 
 of our bounds."* 
 
 We simply add, the expectations of Presbytery have not 
 been disappointed. This organization, of comparatively recent 
 date, has taken the very fore-front among our churches in point 
 of membership and in many other respects. 
 
 x\fter its organization, the congregation " occupied at dif- 
 ferent times for various meetings, four different places — the 
 lecture-room of the Reformed church, the lecture-room of the 
 Baptist church, the hall of the Senate and the hall of the 
 House of Representatives, "t 
 
 • Records of Presb. pp, 504, 505. 
 
 t Twenty-fifth anniversary, etc.. Rev. Geo. S. ChamtHTS. p. 14. 
 
262 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 They first erected their lecture and Sabbath school building — 
 occupying their lecture room for the first time the 30th of 
 January, 1859, and their Sunday school room the 5th of Jan- 
 uar}', 1860. The comer-stone of the main building was laid 
 on the 12th of May, 1859, and on the 22d of July, 1860, the 
 church edifice was dedicated to the worship of God. The 
 Rev. P. D. Gurley, D. D., of Washington, D. C, preached the 
 sermon. Ample as were the accommodations thus afforded, it 
 was found that owing to the growth of the congregation, and 
 especially the enlargement of the Sabbath school, they were in- 
 adequate. Hence the erection of the new lecture and Sabbath 
 school part of the building, which was dedicated on Wednes- 
 day eyening, April 7, 1875 ; on which occasion addresses were 
 made by Drs. Mutchmore and Cattell. As it stands to-day, it 
 is a symmetrical and beautiful edifice to look upon, and within 
 it is complete in all its arrangements. 
 
 With a view to meet the wants of the spiritually destitute, 
 the Bethany Mission was started in 1875 or 1876 in the north- 
 ern part of the city, and a one-story brick building, suitable for 
 Sabbath school and other services, was erected on Cameron 
 street near Herr. 
 
 Church Organized — 1858. 
 Pastorates. 
 
 Rev. William C. Cattell, D. D., LL. D.* 1860 -1863 
 
 Rev. Samuel S. Mitchell, D. D.* 1864—1869 
 
 Rev. Addison K. Strong, D. D 1870-1874 
 
 Rev. John R. Paxton, D. D.* 1875—1878 
 
 Rev. George S. Chambers, D D 1879— 
 
 Ruling elders in 1888 — Francis Wyeth, James McCormick, 
 Jacob F. Seller, H. Murray Graydon, Francis Jordan, Daniel 
 W. Cox. 
 
 Communicants in 1888 — 604. 
 
 Elder Street Church, Harrisburg. 
 
 The first mention of this church in the records of the Pres- 
 bytery of Harrisburg is found under date of September 25, 
 1858, which reads : " Messrs. DeWitt, Wing, Robinson, J. W. 
 Weir and Mordecai McKinney, were appointed a committee 
 for the organization of a church of colored people in the 
 
Sketches of Churches. 268 
 
 borough of Harrisburg, whenever, in their opinion, the way is 
 prepared for such an organization, previous to tlie next stated 
 meeting of Presbytery." 
 
 At the next meeting of Presbytery, which was held at Wil- 
 liamsport, Pa., April 13, 1859, the ''Rev. Wni. U. DeWitt, D. 
 D., chairman of the foregoing committee, reported, that on the 
 27th day of October last, all the members of the committee 
 were present on the call of its chairman, at Harrisburg, and 
 after a sermon by the Rev. C. P. Wing from Matt. 16 : 18, pro- 
 ceeded to examine and receive on profession of their faith 
 twelve persons, and one by letter, whom they duly constituted 
 a church of Jesus Christ according to the usual forms of the 
 Presbyterian church, by prayer and mutual covenant. "^ "^ 
 That this church had adopted the name and style of the Second 
 Presbyterian church of Harrisburg. They would also state 
 that with their approval the Rev. C. W. Gardner, of the Pres- 
 bytery of New Brunswick, has been laboring with this congre- 
 gation as its stated supply until the present time, and that it 
 is the expressed wi^h of the congregation that he may be per- 
 mitted to continue with them in that capacity until other ar- 
 rangements can be formed." 
 
 Mr. Gardner never became pastor of the congregation. But 
 having labored as stated supply until October 11, 1861, he 
 was received from the Presbytery of New Brunswick, and was 
 continued in that capacity until the time of his death, April 6, 
 1863. At its meeting on the sixteenth of that month the 
 Presbytery, of Harrisburg adopted the following minute: 
 "Whereas, the Rev. Charles W. Gardner, a member of this 
 Presbytery departed this life on the sixth day of the present 
 month, the Presbytery would hereby record their gratitude to 
 God for the long life and useful labors of this departed l)r()ther, 
 and also for the grace by which . he was supported in his last 
 and serious illness, and enabled to triumph in death." 
 
 From the date of its organization the congregation worshiped 
 in various places — part of the time in private houses, part in the 
 old armory building and part in "Masonic Hall," in Tanner's 
 alley — until their first house of worship was completed in 1866, 
 at the corner of Elder and Forster streets. This house was 
 
264 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial 
 
 buraed in 1880. In 1881 the present substantial stone struc- 
 ture was built on the same site. 
 
 Church Organized — 1858. 
 Pastorates. 
 
 Rev. Charles W. Gardner, S. S 1858—1863 
 
 Rev. Hiram Baker 1863—1869 
 
 Rev. J. H. Cole, S. S 1870-1872 
 
 Rev. Hiram Baker 1872—1875 
 
 Rev. Isaac W Davenport 1875 — 1H77 
 
 Rev. George M. Bonner 1877 — 1883 
 
 Rev. Lawrence Miller 1884—1885 
 
 Rev. Reuben H. Armstrong 1886 — 
 
 Ruling elders in 1888— C. M. Brown, T. J. Miller, W. J. 
 Adore, Charles Porter. 
 
 Communicants in 1888 — 43. 
 
 Mechanicsburg Church. 
 
 It was but natural that business men and retired farmers 
 should seek homes in an enterprising and growing town like 
 Mechanicsburg. It was equally natural — though in its origin 
 a matter of grace and not of nature — that christian people 
 should desire to have and enjoy the services and worship con- 
 nected with the "house of God." To do this Presbyterians 
 had to go to Silver Spring church, some two miles away. 
 There most of the original Presbyterians in and around 
 Mechanicsburg had their membership. It was found too dis- 
 tant and inconvenient for people not having conveyances of 
 their own to attend church at this old and venerated place of 
 worship. Hence with the growing population of the town 
 there was a growing desire to have a place of worship in the 
 town. Moreover, it was felt to be a desideratum, not simply 
 for the comfort and edification of God's people, but as a means 
 of reaching and saving the unconverted and non-churched. 
 With this feeling, persons who were interested in the matter 
 addressed a letter to Presbytery in session April 15, 1858. A 
 committee having been appointed the day previous to see to 
 the organization of a church in Harrisburg, this letter was 
 referred to it. We do not find that the committee made any 
 report upon the letter. The movement met with opposition 
 
THE PRESEYTERIMN CHURCH, 
 MEchanicsburg, Pa. 
 
 From a Photograph Taken 18 
 
Sketches of Churches. 265 
 
 on the part of very many in Silver Spring cburcli. This was 
 to have been expected. The pastor sympathized with the 
 movement. It may liave been for prudential reasons that the 
 committee maintained silence, deeming it "golden." 
 
 Two years later (August 14, 1860) the Presbytery was again 
 brought face to face with the question ; for " a petition was 
 presented and read from forty members of the church of 
 Silver Spring, living in and near Mechanicsburg, asking to 
 be set apart as a separate church." " Presbytery granted the 
 request and appointed Messrs. Hays, Eells, Mitchell and Davis 
 (ministers), and Messrs. Blair, Bailey, Means and Clendenin 
 (elders), a committee to visit Mechanicsburg and organize a 
 church there on the 6th of October next at 11 o'clock a. m."* 
 At an adjourned meeting, November 20th, the committee re- 
 ported the duty as having been attended to. 
 
 An excellent and substantial brick church, with basement, 
 lecture and Sabbath school rooms, was built the same year in 
 which the organization of the church was effected Repairs 
 and improvements of the most important character were made 
 on it in 1888, adding very greatly to its appearance and com- 
 fort The field is an important one, and it has been yielding 
 good fruit. 
 
 Church Organized — 1860. 
 Pastorates. 
 
 Rev. George W. Chalfant 1861—1863 
 
 Rev. BoydM. Kerr 1865—1868 
 
 Rev. Samuel W. Reigart 1869— 
 
 Ruling elders in 1888— William Eckles, David L. Clark, 
 James Graham, F. K. Ployer, C. D. Uertzler, William Penn 
 Lloyd, James M. Ralston, Isaac Bauman. 
 
 Communicants in 1888 — 197. 
 
 Newport Church. 
 The disturbed state of public affairs in Missouri, at the out- 
 break of the civil war, and the loyalty of the Rev. William P. 
 Cochran to the general government brought him back to his 
 native place for a time. He was not the man to be idle or in- 
 active, and, therefore, he promptly accepted, in 1862, an invita- 
 • Kecorda of Presb. p. KL 
 
266 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial 
 
 tion from the churches of Millerstown and Buffalo — then 
 vacant — to become their stated supply. He resided at Millers- 
 town. With his skilled eye ho was quick to recognize New- 
 port, five miles ea^st, as a place where there were both need and 
 opportunity for a Presbyterian church. The place was rapidly 
 growing, and giving promise of soon becoming the leading 
 town in the county in a business point of view. Impressed in 
 this way, Mr. Cochran began to hold service at Newport at 
 such times as his other engagements permitted. Thus were 
 the few Presbyterians in and about the town brought together 
 and led to think and speak about seeking a church organiza- 
 tion. They already owned an interest in a house of worship, 
 and had a place where they could meet. 
 
 The records show that at the meeting of Presbytery the fol- 
 lowing April (1863), a petition was presented " from certain 
 persons, members of the Presbyterian church, residing in the 
 village of Newport, Perry county, and vicinity, asking Presby- 
 tery 'to organize them into a Presbyterian church.' Where- 
 upon it was resolved that the request of said petitioners be 
 granted, and that the Kev. W. P. Cochran and W. J. Jones^ 
 elder, be appointed a committee to organize a church there on 
 Saturday next." 
 
 On the 13th of May following, Mr. Cochran reported to 
 Presbytery that on the 18th of April the committee had organ- 
 ized a church of fifteen members at Newport, closing his re- 
 port with these words : " The auspices of this church are very 
 fair — with the blessing of God she will soon take her stand 
 with the other churches of the Presbytery." The correctness 
 of Mr. Cochran's judgment has already been proven. 
 
 The church property, to which allusion has been made above, 
 was owned conjointly by the Lutheran, Reformed and Presby- 
 terian people of the place. By the payment of $460 the Pres- 
 byterians became owners of one-half the property in 1869, and 
 in 1877 they purchased the other half for $900. In 1885 the 
 church underwent a thorough repairing and remodelling, and 
 had an addition put to it, so as completely to change it in ap- 
 pearance and arrangement. It was rededicated on the 13th of 
 December of that year, entirely free of debt Concerning it 
 
Sketches of Churcfies. 
 
 267 
 
 &! ]fi:t' ^ .t>^ri 
 
 Newport Church, Remodklled in 1885. 
 the pastor writes : "In its present state it is indeed an attrac- 
 tive and comfortable place of worship." 
 
 Church Organized — 1863. 
 PasiorateH. 
 
 Rev. William P. Cochran. D. D..* S. S. and P 1S63— 1868 
 
 Rev. J. G. Downing 1869—1870 
 
 Rev. John Edgar, Ph. O., S. S 1871—1872 
 
 Rev. Albert C. Titus 1872—1875 
 
 Rev. William H. Logan 1876—1886 
 
 Rev. Samuel C. Alexander 1887— 
 
 Ruling elders in 1888— Thomas H. Milligan, Alfred M. 
 Gantt, William H. Bosserman, Joseph C. Barrett. 
 Communicants in 1888 — 83. 
 
268 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 Covenant Church, Harrisburg. 
 
 In 1866 there is said to have been but one church of any 
 denomination north of North street. That was the Ridge 
 Avenue M. E. church. It was felt by persons living in the 
 extreme northern part of the city that they ought to have 
 some church accommodations in order to meet the wants of 
 church-going people who could not attend the down-town 
 churches with regularity, and of non -church -goers who might 
 be induced to attend if a church were near at hand. The 
 opening of a Sabbath school was felt to be especially desirable, 
 in hope of it proving the nucleus of a future church. No 
 one was so deeply impressed and interested in regard to this 
 matter as Dr. John Curwen, then, and for many years after, 
 the superintendent of the State Hospital for the Insane at 
 Harrisburg. He also felt that a place of worship for the less 
 seriously afflicted and the convalescing patients in the hos- 
 pital, who could enjoy and who would be profited by the 
 services of the sanctuary, was a great desideratum. So im- 
 pressed was he upon the importance of having a place to hold 
 religious services that at his own expense he purchased several 
 lots on Seventh street above Muench, and in 1865 commenced 
 the erection of a church building. He completed it the next sum- 
 mer. It is the Seventh Street church — a good substantial frame 
 structure, with basement accommodations for Sabbath scjhool. 
 
 Presbytery was made acquainted with this state of affairs at 
 its meeting, April 11, 1866; whereupon it appointed a com- 
 mittee, composed of Revs. James Harper, D. D., J. C. Bliss, 
 S. S. Mitchell and A. D. Mitchell, and elders H. Murray 
 Graydon and James Elder, to visit the ground and organize a 
 Presbyterian church, if the way be clear. At the meeting of 
 Presbytery, October 2d, following, this committee reported 
 that they had attended to the duty assigned them, and had 
 organized a church on the 8th of September — that nine persons 
 had been received on certificate from other churches and en- 
 rolled, that Dr. John Curwen had been elected and ordained 
 and mstalled a ruling elder in the new organization, which was 
 to be known as the Seventh Street Presbyterian Church of 
 Harrisburg. 
 
Sketches of Churches, 269 
 
 For a number of years that part of the city did not build up 
 with tlie rapidity that was anticipated and the growth of the 
 church was impeded. But within a few years past a new im- 
 pulse has been given to improvement there, and at this time a 
 large and desirable population is found witliin easy reach of 
 the church, which gives promise of future growth and pros- 
 perity. The church property belonged to Dr. Curwen until 
 this year, when he generously deeded it to the Presbytery of 
 Carlisle.* 
 
 Church Organized — 1866. 
 Pastorates. 
 
 Mr Ambrose C. Smith, S. S 1866—1866 
 
 Mr. Stephen W. Pomeroy, S. S 1866—1867 
 
 Rev. William A. McAtee, S S 1867—1869 
 
 Rev. Charles A. Wyeth 1870—1883 
 
 Mr. John H. Oroff, S. S 1884—1885 
 
 Rev. I. Potter Hayes 1887— 
 
 Ruling elders in 1888 — John Curwen, M. D., J. M. Stewart 
 and W. M. Wolfe. 
 
 Communicants in 1888 — 15. 
 
 Warfordsburg Church. 
 
 In 1868 a Presbyterian house of worship was erected at 
 Warfordsburg, a small town in Fulton county, Pa., a few miles 
 from the Maryland line. For several years prior to the above 
 date, Warfordsburg had been a preaching point in connection 
 with the church at Hancock, Md. In this way the congrega- 
 tion worshiping here were supplied with preaching during this 
 period as follows : 
 
 Rev. Lewis F. Wilson about 1853—1861 
 
 Rev. Samuel J. DonneUy 1864—1865 
 
 Rev. J. T. Osier 1865—1867 
 
 But there was no organized clmrch at Warfordsburg until 
 the fall of 1868. At the meeting of Presbytery held at Cum- 
 
 • In the Spring of 1889 a large and desirable lot was purchased at the comer of 
 Peflfer and Fifth streets, and in the early part of the Summer the church was re- 
 moved to it. The congregation is to be congratulated on this change of location, 
 which relieves them from former annoyances, arising from close proximity to the 
 railroad. The name of the church has been changed to "The Covenant Presby- 
 terian Church." 
 
270 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial 
 
 berland, Md., October 8, 1868, "The Bev. I. N. Hays presented 
 request of persons living in Buck Valley, Fulton county, Pa., 
 for organization as a church. It was resolved that a committee 
 consisting of Revs. J. A. Crawford and J. W. Wightman, with 
 Ruling Elder R. Bridges, be appointed to attend to this matter, 
 fixing their own time." 
 
 This is the last we hear of this committee in the Records of 
 Presbytery. For some reason the names of Revs. James F. 
 Kennedy and John C. Wilhelm must have been substituted 
 for those of the Revs. J. A. Crawford and J. W. Wightman, 
 but no mention is made of it in the records. For, from the 
 records of the church of Warfordsburg we learn the following: 
 "The committee appointed [by Presbytery] to organize a 
 church at Buck Valley having proceeded to Hancock, and hav- 
 ing conferred with the session and Mr. Waller, the stated 
 supply, it was deemed expedient to proceed to Warfordsburg, 
 where a series of meetings were held, commencing on Sabbath 
 morning, November 15, 1868. On Tuesday morning, the 17th, 
 the session of the Hancock church convened at Warfordsburg, 
 and, after conferring with the committee, adopted the follow- 
 ing resolution, viz : 
 
 ^^Resolved, That the organization of the church at Buck 
 Valley is now impracticable for the reason that there are no 
 church members in that region ; but the session would request 
 the committee of Presbytery to organize a church at Warfords- 
 burg, Fulton county, Pa." 
 
 On the strength of this resolution the committee, after 
 public worship, proceeded to take the proper steps to organize 
 a church at Warfordsburg. Fourteen persons presented cer- 
 tificates of dismission from the church of Hancock, "and these 
 were enrolled as members of the new organization. Mr. Charles 
 Gobin was elected a ruling eider, and was installed (having 
 previously been ordained to the office in the church of Han- 
 cock). The charge to the elder was delivered by the Rev. 
 James F. Kennedy, and the charge to the people by the Rev. 
 John C. Wilhelm," members of the committee. 
 
 At the spring meeting of Presbytery, 1869, calls were pre- 
 sented for the services of the Rev. Maurice Waller by the 
 
THE CENTRAL PRESEYTERIRN CHURCH, 
 ChambErsburg, Pa. 
 
Sketches of Churches. 271 
 
 cluirch of Hancock for one- half his time and by the church of 
 Warfordsburg for one- fourth his time. Mr. Waller held the 
 calls under consideration for a time, but did not accept them, 
 and was not installed as pastor. It was at his request that a 
 committee was appointed in June (16), 1869, to organize a 
 church in Buck Valley. 
 
 Church Organizkd — 18(;8. 
 Pastorates. 
 
 Rev. Maurice Waller, S. S 1868 - 1871 
 
 Rev. E. L. Wilson, S. S 1872— 187:J 
 
 Rev. Richard Arthur 1875—1876 
 
 Rev. J. S. Woodburn, S. S 1877—1878 
 
 Rev. P. D. Stevenson, S. S 1881-1882 
 
 Rev. George Buckle. S. S 1885—1886 
 
 Ruling elder in 1888 — Charles Gobin. 
 Communicants in 1888 — 17. 
 
 Central Church, Chambersburg. 
 
 For some time prior to the organization of this church a 
 growing conviction had existed in the minds of certain persons 
 belonging to Falling Spring congregation, and of others not 
 identified with any church, that, in order to meet the wantvS of 
 a rapidly-increasing community, additional church facilities and 
 accommodations ought to be afforded. Theirs was simply the 
 sound theory that the church should keep pace with population. 
 In behalf of these persons the Rev. James F. Kennedy, on the 
 10th of June, 1868, '' presented to Presbytery a paper, which 
 proved to be a request from persons in Chambersburg for a 
 second organization. It was resolved that a committee of three 
 be appointed which shall meet in Chambersburg at the call of 
 the petitioners and organize a church, if, in their judgment, it 
 be expedient, and the way be clear." The Revs. Dr. Creigh, 
 William A. West and Elder J. C. McLanahan were made the 
 committee. 
 
 On the 7th of October following the committee reported to 
 Presbytery that they had met on the 15th of August for the 
 purpose above named : that twenty-eight persons had pre- 
 sented certificates from Falling Spring church, and that tliese 
 had been organized into a congregation, to be known as the 
 
272 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 Central Presbyterian Church of Chambersbarg. The follow- 
 ing year the congregation erected a fine church on the Centre 
 square of the town. Without weakening the parent church, 
 this new organization has found abundant work to do. In 
 1885 it erected a chapel near the Taylor works, in the southern 
 part of town, in which Sabbath school and week evening ser- 
 vices are held. 
 
 During the time this work is passing through the press, this 
 young and prosperous church has had sad experience of be- 
 reavements and losses. On the 7th of November (1889), 
 Major James C. Austin, who may be regarded as the prime 
 mover toward the organization of the church, was taken away 
 by death. He was one of the most earnest, devoted and ener- 
 getic christian business men anywhere to be found. From the 
 date of the church's organization he was an active and efficient 
 ruling elder. Financially, he was one of its main supports. 
 Towards the pastor's salary and the current expenses of the 
 church he contributed his hundreds of dollars annually. To- 
 wards the erection of the church and chapel, and the purchase 
 of the parsonage he gave his tens of thousands. 
 
 In less than a month after Major Austin's death the Kev. 
 John Jay Pomeroy, D. D., the beloved pastor of the church 
 was on Sabbath morning, December 1, in like manner, sum- 
 moned away. Dr. Pomeroy was cut down in the vigor of 
 manhood and in the midst of great usefulness. He was known 
 as a man of noble character and unblemished life, who enjoyed 
 the confidence, the respect and the esteem of the entire com- 
 munity, irrespective of congregational or even denominational 
 lines. Dr. Pomeroy was an able and earnest minister of the 
 Gospel of Jesus Christ, who obeyed the divine injunction, 
 "preach the word," and who was a most assiduous, faithful 
 and devoted pastor. 
 
 Church Organized — 1868. 
 Pastorates. 
 
 Rev. Isaac N. Hays, D. P.* 1868—1874 
 
 Rev. John C. Caldwell, D. D 1874—1883 
 
 Rev. John Jay Pomeroy, D. D 1884—1889 
 
 Euling elders in 1888 — John Cree, James A. Reeside, John 
 
iS ketch e.s oj Ch n rch is. 278 
 
 Walker. J. C. Austin. William H. If. Mackcv and Ilezekiah 
 
 KeelVr. 
 
 Coiimimiicants in 18b8 — 200. 
 
 Buck Vallky <'HrRCH. 
 
 Without a congregation having been formally organized there 
 was ])reaching in Buck Valley with considerable regularity by 
 pastors or stated supplies of the church of Hancock from about 
 1863 or 1864. The Rev. Maurice Waller, who was laboring 
 there in this way at the time, made request of Presbytery, June 
 16, 1869, to appoint a committee to organize a church. The 
 request was granted, and the Rev. Isaac N. Ilays and Elder 
 Robert Bridges of Hancock, were appointed tlie committee, with 
 instruction to organize a church the following Sabbath, if the 
 way be found clear. At the next stated meeting of Presbytery 
 the committee reported that this duty had been attended to 
 agreeably to appointment — that on the 19th of June the com- 
 mittee met the people of Buck Valley at their place of worship, 
 when, after appropriate religious services, at the unanimous 
 request of those present, they proceeded to organize a church 
 according to the direction of the General Assemljly : that in 
 doing so they received and enrolled six persons who presented 
 certificates and three who made professions of their faith ; that 
 Messrs. John T. Richards and Thomas Rish were chosen ruling 
 elders, and on the evening of the same day were ordained and 
 installed. Their house of worship was built in 1866 — three 
 years before the organization of the congregation — and was 
 dedicated in January, 1867. Prior to this their services were 
 held in Zack's Ridge school house, which stands just across 
 the road from the church. 
 
 In its isolated position this little church hiis had to struggle 
 against difficulties and discouragements from the very start. 
 It and its neighbor at Warfordsburg have been largely de- 
 pendant for the means of grace upon the pastors or stated sup- 
 plies of the church of Hancock, both whilst it belonged to our 
 Presbytery and since. It is now hoped that a better day is 
 dawning for this church. 
 18 
 
274 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 We give below, as accurately as we can, the names of those 
 who have served as pastor or supplies. , 
 
 Church Organized — 1869, 
 Pastorates. 
 
 Rev. Samuel J. Donnelly. S. S 1864—1865 
 
 Rev. J. F. Osier, S. S 1865—1867 
 
 Rev. Maurice Waller, S. S 1868—1871 
 
 Rev. E. L. Wilson, S. S 1872—1873 
 
 Rev. Richard Arthur 1875—1876 
 
 Rev. J. S. Woodburn, 8. S 1877- 1878 
 
 Rev. P. D. Stephenson, S. S 1881—1882 
 
 Rev. George Buckle, S. S 1885—1886 
 
 Ruling elder in 1888 — John T. Richards. 
 Communicants in 1888 — 10. 
 
 Westminster Church, Harrisburg. 
 
 It was at the instance of Market Square and Pine Street 
 churches, acting conjointly, that the movement was set on foot 
 which led to the organization of this church. And this con- 
 joint action may be regarded, we think, as a fruit of the re- 
 union of 1870. Both churches thought they saw the need of 
 another Presbyterian church in the growing city of Harrisburg, 
 and they determined to co-operate in an effort to supply that 
 need. In the spring of 1872 propositions were made by Drs. 
 Robinsoir and Strong, pastors of these churches, to Rev. Wm. 
 A. West, pastor of Upper Path Valley church, to come to 
 Harrisburg and undertake the work. But he declined to en- 
 tertain these. They were renewed in the fall, during the ses- 
 sions of Presbytery and Synod Later in the fall a personal 
 examination was made of the ground and consent was given to 
 enter on the work in the near future, if Presbytery would con- 
 cur. At a pro re nata meeting held at Chambersburg, Decem- 
 ber 27th, the matter was laid before Presbytery, and the pas- 
 toral relation in Path Valley was dissolved. 
 
 The work at Harrisburg was entered upon the beginning of 
 February, 1873. During the first year services were held every 
 Sabbath at two points — in the morning at Lochiel iron works, 
 where there was a comfortable chapel : and in the evening, in 
 a room over part of the Broad Street market house. At each 
 
Sketches of Churches, 275 
 
 place there was a Sabbath school. This arrangement, as to 
 places and time, was tentative Though it was continued dur- 
 ing the year, it was not long until the conclusion was reached 
 that the northwestern part of the city was the place to concen- 
 trate labors and efforts. The population about Lochiel was 
 largely of a migratory character — one month there, the next 
 away off to some other iron works, and their places filled by 
 strangers. Moreover, there was not and there could scarcely, 
 in the nature of the case, be formed a bond of union among 
 them. On the contrary the much greater stabilit}' and perma- 
 nancy of the population of the other end*of the city afforded 
 corresponding reason to hope for success. 
 
 At a meeting of Presbytery, held at Big Spring, June 10, 
 1873, " a paper signed by fifty persons residing in West Har- 
 risburg was presented to Presbytery, asking the appointment 
 of a committee to visit the field, and organize a church, if the 
 way be clear. The request was granted, and Drs. Strong and 
 Robinson, the Rev. C. A. Wyeth, with Ruling Elders James 
 McCormick, John A. Weir and Dr. John Curwen were ap- 
 pointed the committee.'' At the next meeting of Presbytery 
 (October 8) the committee reported that they met for the above 
 purpose *' in Market Hall, West Harrisburg, on Thursday 
 evening, June 19, 1873, and after appropriate religious services 
 proceeded to organize a church in the usual manner. Thirty- 
 one persons were enrolled on certificate from other churches, 
 and four were received on profession of their faith." West- 
 minister Presbyterian church of Harrisburg, was the name 
 assumed by the new organization. 
 
 " Market Hall," spoken of in the above report, is a miserable, 
 dingy, low-ceilinged, badly-lighted, illy-ventilated room over 
 the frame portion of the market house, at Broad and Elder 
 streets. Here the congregation met for the worship of God 
 for one year and nine months. It was the best place to be had 
 in that part of the city at that time. It is not without its 
 hallowed associations. Through the liberality of the parent 
 churches a neat and comfortable two-story brick chapel, 33x73 
 feet, was erected at the corner of Reily and Green streets in 
 t'^e summer of 1874. Its opening occurred on the evening of 
 
276 Presbytery of Carlisle — Cenlenniul. 
 
 October 27th. The Synod of Harrisburg closed its sessions at 
 Carlisle the evening of the preceding day, and several of its 
 members " stopped off " at Harrisburg for the occasion. The 
 venerable Dr. William J. Gibson, of Huntingdon Presbytery, 
 preached, and Dr. Robinson took part in the service. On a 
 Sabbath evening, in May 1876, just before the hour of public 
 worship, the chapel was robbed of its beautiful spire by a violent 
 thunderstorm. At present (fall of 1888) the question of e^-ect- 
 ing the greatly needed main building is being agitated. 
 Church Organizkd — 1873. 
 Pastorate. 
 Rev. William A. West 1873— 
 
 Ruling elders in 1888 — John E. Patterson, William Jones. 
 
 Communicants in 1888 — 240. 
 
 First Church, Steelton. 
 
 At four o'clock Sabbath afternoon, June 25, 1882, the Rev. 
 Wm. A. West preached in Reehling's Hall, having visited 
 Steelton the' previous Thursday, and, in company with Mr. 
 Wm. W. Neely, having called on such Presbyterian families 
 as could be learned of, and made arrangements for the Sabbath 
 service. This is said to have been the first sermon preached 
 in Steelton by a Presbyterian minister. By permission of the 
 Rev. George S. Chambers an appointment was made for him 
 at the same place and hour the following Sabbath. In like 
 manner Mr. Chambers made an appointment for the Rev. 
 Thomas H. Robinson, D. D., the next Sabbath. These three 
 pastors of Harrisburg churches arranged so as to have Steelton 
 regularly supplied with afternoon service until the fall of 1883, 
 when the Rev. William G. McDannold, pastor of the church 
 at Middletown, became stated supply. Mr. McDannold's resig- 
 nation of his charge at Middletown in the spring of 1884, led 
 to the termination of this relation. In a few weeks after the 
 first preaching service was held, a Sabbath school was organ- 
 ized, which met in the same hall at an hour just before preach- 
 ing. Later in the season, at a meeting held at the home of 
 one of the families, a prayer meeting was organized. 
 
 Under the direction of Presbytery's committee on Home mis- 
 
Sketches of Churches. 277 
 
 sions and vacant churches, Mr. John H. Groff commenced to 
 supply the people with preaching in the fall ol" 1884, and so 
 continued until the time of his installation as their pastor. At 
 its meeting, held April 16, 1885, Presbytery appointed the 
 Revs. George B. Stewart and George S. Chambers and Elder 
 James McCormick — members of the permanent committee on 
 Home missions — to organize a church at Steelton. At the next 
 stated meeting of Presbytery (October 6, 1885,) this committee 
 reported " that this duty had been attended lo on the 16th of 
 July preceding," at which time certificates were presented by 
 twenty-nine persons from various churches, and three persons 
 wei-o received on profession of their faith. 
 
 On the same day, the cornei"stone of a house of worship was 
 laid. On the evening of October 5th following it was dedi- 
 cated to God, free of debt. It is a beautiful brick chapel, 
 which is used for preaching and Sabbath school purposes. 
 Church Organizko — 1885. 
 
 Pasto7'aff. 
 Rev. John H. Groff 1886— 
 
 Ruling elders in 1888 — Charles P. Baker, Lemuel K Mc- 
 Ginnes, Frank T. McElroy, John W. Davis, Robert F. Mc- 
 Elroy. 
 
 Communicants in 1888 — 79. 
 
 Olivet Church, Harrisburg."^ 
 
 This is the youngest church in the Presbytery, having been 
 organized on the 15th of October, 1889. Though its organiza- 
 tion is of so recent date the records ot Presbytery show that 
 the importance and claims of the field occupied by it had been 
 recognized a number of years before. These records inform 
 us that when Presbytery was in session at Duncannon, April 
 14, 1875, "the Rev. Dr. Robinson stated to Presbytery that 
 there was, it was thought, an opening on Allison's Hill, in the 
 eastern part of Harnsburg, for the planting of a new church 
 in connection with our Presbytery — wliereupon it was resolved 
 That a committee be appointed to visit the field and organize 
 a church, if the way be clear. The Revs. Dr. Robinson, and 
 
 • Delay which has occurred in the publication of this volume renders possible the 
 insertion of this sketch. 
 
278 Presbyte)'y of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 W.W. Downey, with Ruling Elders James McCormick and J. A. 
 Weir, were appointed said committee."'* 
 
 Only the day before this, Mr. Downey had been received 
 from the Presbytery of Winchester, and had accepted a call to 
 become pastor of Paxton church. His installation occurred 
 on the 29th of the same month. Not long after this date it 
 was arranged that he should preach on Sabbath afternoons in 
 the Free Baptist church at the corner of Derry and Kittoch- 
 tinny streets. This service was kept up for more than a year 
 and was well attended. A Sabbath school was also organized, 
 with Mr. Samuel H. Kautz as superintendent. It had in it 
 more than one hundred scholars with an able and earnest band 
 of teachers. In the foregoing respects everything seemed to 
 augur well for the success of the movement. And yet it did 
 not prove a success. This was owing largely to two things : 
 1. Mr. Downey felt that it lacked definiteness, and that his 
 labors were aimless as to the accomplishment of any particular 
 result. Entertaining this view he felt but little encouraged or 
 disposed to continue his labors ; 2, and mainly, a difficulty 
 arose about securing the use of the church after the expiration 
 of the year for which it had been leased. No other suitable 
 place in the neighborhood for holding preaching and Sabbath 
 school services being available the friends of the enterprise 
 felt constrained to abandon it for the time. 
 
 Nothing further was done until the fall of 1887. For some 
 weeks prior to November 22d a cottage prayer meeting had 
 been held, which was attended with very marked interest. On 
 the evening of that day a number of Presbyterians living on 
 Allison's Hill met at the house of Mr. Wm. S. Shafier, and 
 after prayer and deliberation organized themselves into the 
 "East Harrisburg Presbyterian Association," with Mr. Shaffer 
 as president, and Mr. Samuel H. Kautz, secretary. Under its 
 auspices weekly cottage prayer meetings were held during the 
 ensuing fall and winter. 
 
 A deep interest was taken in and encouragement afforded to 
 the movement by the Rev. Wm. H. Logan, Presbyterial mis- 
 sionary, who regarded this field as the most important, and 
 
 ♦ Presbyterial records, 1875, p. 277. 
 
Sketches of Churches. 279 
 
 promising the l>est results of any new field in the bounds of 
 the Presbytery. 
 
 In July, 1888, an advance step was taken, in the determina- 
 tion to organize a Sabbath school. In order to carry this into 
 effect the church previously mentioned was secured. Having 
 been sold years before, it was then held as private property. 
 It was leased for five years and tastefully fitted up at a cost of 
 over $600, nearly all of which was defrayed by members of 
 Pine Street and Market Square churches. On Sabbath, 
 October, 7, 1888, the house was opened and a Sabbath school 
 was organized with eighty-two scholars, fourteen teachers and 
 six officers. On the first anniversary of the association (No- 
 vember 21st) the weekly prayer meeting was moved to the 
 chapel. Shortly after this the movement was placed under 
 the care of the sessions of Market Square and Pine Street 
 churches. 
 
 On Sabbath evening, December 16, 1888, the first preaching 
 service was held, conducted by the Rev. J. Agnew Crawford, 
 D. D., of Chambersburg. During the ensuing winter and 
 spring occasional preaching service was held. 
 
 With the opening of the year 1889 the association and Sab- 
 bath school sustained a heavy loss by the death of Mr. George 
 A. Ogelsby, who had charge of the adult class in the Sabbath 
 school. On Sabbath, January 13th, Governor James A. Beaver 
 was a visitor at the school, and by invitation taught Mr. 
 Ogelsby's class. In an address at the close of the school he 
 expressed a deep interest in the enterprise and a disposition to 
 labor in it. He was elected teacher of the adult Bible class. 
 In this providential way commenced his connection with 
 "Olivet," and he has been fully identified with it ever since 
 
 In May, 1889, the services of Mr. Robert Cocln-an, a student 
 of Western Theological Seminary and a licentiate were secured. 
 He commenced his labors on the 19th of that month and con- 
 tinued there to the close of the year. They vvere owned and 
 blessed, and the enterprise prospered. Everything about the 
 movement pointed to success and permenancy. Hence the 
 people felt encouraged to seek organization. The following 
 extract from the minutes of Presbytery, in session at Dun 
 
280 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 cannon, October 9, 1889, shows what they sought and with 
 what result : 
 
 " A petition was presented from persons residing mainly in 
 the eastern part of Harrisburg — on what is known as Allison's 
 Hill — asking to be organized into a churcli. The petition was 
 signed by 139 persons, forty-five of whom signified their in- 
 tention to become members of the church. The committee 
 appointed by the signers to present this petition was heard. It 
 was composed of Mr. Robert Cochran and Mr. Wm. S. Shaffer; 
 the latter of whom informed Presbytery that $880 had already 
 been pledged to the support of a pastor, and that it was their 
 expectation to be self-supporting from the beginning. The 
 pastor of and elder (the Hon. Francis Jordan) representing 
 Pine Street church, and the elder (S. J. M. McCarrell, Esq.,) 
 representing Market Square church — the pastor being absent — 
 were heard ; all of whom expressed their approval of the move- 
 ment After thorough discussion the request was gi'anted, 
 and the Revs. George S. Chambers, D. D., George B. Stewart 
 and Ebenezer Erskine, D. D., and Elders Francis Jordan and 
 S. J. M. McCarrell were appointed a committee to organize the 
 church at such time as may be arranged with the petitioners." 
 
 The time agreed upon was the 15th of October, when all the 
 members of the committee were present except Dr. Erskine. 
 Thirty-one persons were enrolled as members of the organiza- 
 tion about to be formed — twenty-six on certificate from other 
 churches and five on profession of their faith. After a sermon 
 by Dr. Chambers, James A. Beaver, Wm. S. Shaffer, Sr., Jacob 
 ■ K. Walker and Charles C. Steel were chosen ruling elders. 
 They signified their acceptance of the office — whereupon 
 Messrs. Walker and Steel were ordained. Governor Beaver 
 having been an elder in the church at Bellefcnte, and Mr. 
 Shaffer in Market Square church, Harrisburg, ordination in 
 their cases was not called for. The four elders were then in- 
 stalled — Dr. Chambers presiding and proposing the constitu- 
 tional questions and delivering the charge to the elders and 
 Mr. Stewart the charge to the people. The name taken by the 
 new organization is Olivet Presbyterian church of Harrisburg. 
 The Sabbath school membership at the time of the organiza- 
 tion numbered well-nigh 300. 
 
Sketches of Churches. 281 
 
 Churches Recently Added to the Presbsrtery. 
 
 On the 21st of October, 1889, an overture was reported by 
 the appropriate committee to the Synod of Pennsylvania, then 
 in session at Altoona, "including records of the proceed in p;s of 
 congregational meetings, successively of Christ church, Leba- 
 non, of the Fourth Street church, Lebanon, and of Elizabeth 
 township, Lancaster county, asking that the Presbvterian 
 churches of Lebanon county and of Elizabeth township, Lan- 
 caster county " (the James Coleman Memorial chapel), " be 
 transferred from the Presbytery of Westminster to the Presby- 
 tery of Carlisle." 
 
 " Also extracts from the minutes of the Presbyteries of 
 Westminster and Carlisle, showing that these bodies consent 
 to such transfer." 
 
 Accordingly, upon recommendation of Synod's Committee 
 on Bills and Overtures, the " transfer was made as requested, 
 to take effect January 1, 1890.""^ 
 
 The year 1890 having dawned upon us, we are glad to wel- 
 come the above named-churches to the sisterhood of the 
 churches of our Presbytery, and to place the names of their 
 pastors upon the roll of her ministers. 
 
 Through the kindness of the Rev. Charles A. Evans, Jr., 
 pastor of Christ church, and the Hon. John B. McPherson, 
 ruling elder in the Fourth Street church, we are enabled to 
 present interesting sketches of these churches and of the va- 
 rious missions of the former. 
 
 Christ Church, Lebanon. 
 
 The foundation of what afterward grew into the w^ork of 
 Christ church was begun in 1856, when a Sabbath school was 
 organized near the Lebanon furnaces by Mrs. George Dawson 
 Coleman and others interested in the work. 
 
 From small beginnings the work grew until, in 1870, the pre- 
 sent beautiful church building was erected, and soon after the 
 Rev. J. Albert Rondthaler was called to the pastorate of the 
 new church, which was organized with thirty-one members. 
 
 William Cooper was ordained a ruling elder, October 5th, 
 
 'Minutes of Synod of Pennsylvania, 1889, p. 167. , 
 
282 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 1873. John R Evans, July 5th, 1874. Dr. Perry Elliott, 
 August 22d, 1874. 
 
 Christ church began its home mission work very soon after 
 organization, and in 1873-74 a mission school was established 
 at Elizabetli Farms in Lancaster county. 
 
 Rev. Mr. Rondthaler, who was then a young man, full of 
 energy and zeal, pushed this work vigorously, and in April^ 
 
 1874, was rewarded by receiving from the already large school 
 eleven members into the church on profession of their faith. 
 These became the nucleus of the mission church which was 
 organized on the ground soon after. Rev. J. M. Galbreath 
 was called the same year to minister to this portion of the 
 field, and under his pastoral care the work grew rapidly. 
 
 In the meantime a beautiful chapel was erected at a cost of 
 $25,000, for the use of the mission church at Elizabeth Farms, 
 by Mrs. G. Dawson Coleman, in memory of her son James 
 Coleman, who died March 8d, 1879. 
 
 It was named the James Coleman Memorial chapel, and Rev. 
 John L. Landis was called to succeed Rev. J. M. Galbreath in 
 the pastoral oversight. 
 
 In 1883 Rev. Charles H. Asay was called as co-pastor to 
 Rev. Mr. Martin, and assumed charge of the James Coleman 
 Memorial chapel. 
 
 On January 27th, 1884, Rev. James W. Williams was called 
 to be assistant pastor to Rev. Martin, and entered upon his 
 duties February 18th. 
 
 In 1882 a mission school was organized under the care of 
 Christ church at Nacetown, and a beautiful and commodious 
 chapel was erected at a cost of $4,800, and known as Grace 
 chapel. 
 
 In 1884 another mi,5sion work was organized in the eastern 
 part of the city of Lebanon known as its " Good Sheperd 
 Mission," which was afterward organized as a church under 
 the pastoral care of Rev. E. A. Lowe, and is the present Fourth 
 Street Presbyterian church of Lebanon, with Rev. Robert E. 
 Carter as pastor. 
 
Sketches of Ch urches. 283 
 
 Organized — 1870. 
 Pastorates. 
 
 Rev. J. A. Rondthaler, D.D.* 1870—1878 
 
 Rev. Wm. B. Reed 1879—1881 
 
 Rev. Samuel A. Martin 1882—1885 
 
 Rev. Charles L. Cooder 1885—1888 
 
 Rev. Charles Alexander Evans, Jr 1888 — 
 
 Ruling elders, January 1, 1890 — John Morgan, Cyrus 
 Grassman. 
 
 Communicants, January 1, 1890 — 162. 
 
 Fourth Street Church of Lebanon. 
 
 Tlie F'ourth Street Presbyterian church of Lebanon had its 
 origin in a mission Sunday school, begun by Christ church in 
 May or June, 1884, assisted for some months by teachers from 
 other denominations. Meetmgs were held at first in an old 
 building on the corner of Fourth and Willow streets, and af- 
 terwards in the Burrows public school building on Willow 
 street. In the summer of 1885 the school passed under the 
 care of the Presbytery of Westminster, Rev. Edson A. Lowe, 
 of Washington, D. C, who was graduated from Princeton 
 Theological Seminary in 1885, being the Presbyterial mission- 
 ary, and having also, by arrangement with the Presbytery of 
 Carlisle, the oversight of the work at Derry. 
 
 Toward the end of 1885, the small congregation which had 
 been gathered together in connection with the school resolved 
 to make an effort to build a church, and the work was begun 
 in 1886. Generous aid was given by friends in Lebanon. Ilar- 
 risburg and elsewhere, and a substantial brick building was 
 erected in the course of that year. It was first used in Janu- 
 ary, 1887, and dedicated, free of debt, in February, at which 
 time also the church was formally organized, and Mr. Lowe 
 was called, ordained and installed as the pastor. Hugh M. 
 Maxwell and James Lord were chosen ruling elders, the former 
 being installed and the latter ordained and installed. In June. 
 1889, Mr. Lowe resigned, and Rev. Robert E. Carter, of Hun- 
 tingdon, L. I., a graduate of that year from L^nion Theological 
 Seminary, was, in July, called, ordained and installed as pastor. 
 
 In October, 1889, the Synod of Pennsylvania transferred 
 
284 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 the churches of Lebanon county and of Elizabeth township, 
 Lancaster county, from the Presbytery of Westminster to the 
 Presbytery of Carlisle, both Presbyteries and the churches con- 
 cerned consenting to the change, which was made mainly for 
 geographical reasons. This transfer took eflFect January 1st, 
 1890. 
 
 The church building is situated on Fourth street between 
 Cumberland and Willow streets. The Sunday school has an 
 average attendance of between sixty and seventy scholars, and 
 there are also connected with the church a Ladies' Missionary 
 Society, a sewing school and a flourishing Christian Endeavor 
 Society. 
 
 Church Organized — 1887. 
 Pastorates. 
 
 Rev. Edson A. Lowe, S. S 1887—1889 
 
 Rev. Robert E. Carter 1889— 
 
 Ruling elders, January 1. 1890 — Hugh M. Maxwell, James 
 Lord, John B. McPherson. 
 
 Communicants, January 1, 1890-57. • 
 
Sketches of Churches. 2^5 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 Churches no Longer un the Roll of Presbytery. 
 
 N a number of instances the names of churches, once 
 upon the roll of Presbytery, have disappeared from 
 it. These churches may be arranged in three 
 classes — 1. Those whose names have been changed ; 
 
 2. Those now in other Presbyteries, and, 3. Those that have 
 
 ceased to exist. 
 
 1. Those which now appear on our roll under names differing 
 
 from the original. This class is not small. 
 
 Lower or East Pennsborough has been changed to Silver 
 Spring ; Upper or West Pennsborough to Carlisle, then tu 
 First church, Carlisle ; East Conococheague lo Greencastle ; 
 Upper West Conococheague to Mercersburg ; Lower West 
 Conococheague to Welsh Run, then to Robert Kennedy 
 Memorial ; Hopewell to Big Spring ; Upper Hopewell to 
 Middle Spring: Marsh Creek to Upper Marsh Creek, then to 
 Gettysburg, Middle Paxton to Dauphin; Sherman's Creek to 
 Shermansdale ; Great Cove to McConnellsburg ; The English 
 Presbyterian church of Harrisburg to First church, Harrisburg, 
 then to Market Square church, Harrisburg; Mouth of Juniata 
 to Duncannon; The Presbyterian Church of Harrisburg to 
 Pine Street church, Harrisburg ; Second church, Harrisburg, 
 to Elder Street, Harrisburg. To these we add Seventh Street 
 church, Harrisburg, changed to the Covenant church. 
 
 2. Churches which have belonged to us until comparatively- 
 
 recent date, and have been transferred to other Presby- 
 teries. 
 
 Tom's Creek and Piney Creek Churches. 
 These churches were organized not by the Presbytery of 
 Donegal, as were nearly all the other churches of that period 
 in this region, but by the Presbytery of Carlisle, which was 
 erected by the Synod of I^ew York and Philadelphia in the 
 spring of 1765, and which had an existence of only one year. 
 
286 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial 
 
 Tom's Creek church is at Emmittsburg, Md., and is now known 
 by that name. In the first mention made of it in the Records 
 of Presbytery, Piney Creek is called Pipe Creek. On the 29th 
 of October, 1765, a " supplication " was presented to Presbytery 
 from the people of these places asking the " appointment of 
 supplies, and some member to preside in choosing of ruling 
 elders among them." The Rev. Andrew Bay was appointed 
 for Piney Creek the 4th Sabbath in November, and the Rev. 
 John Slemons for Tom's Creek the first Sabbath of February. 
 We find no mention of the fact, but the presumption is, that, 
 having been appointed in compliance with a request for a 
 particular purpose, they presided at the election of elders at 
 the above dates. This gives us a clue to the dates of organi- 
 zation of these churches. For several years prior to this sup- 
 plies had been sent to them at their request. These churches 
 have constituted one pastoral charge the greater part of their 
 existence. They were among the churches which our Presby- 
 tery regretted to lose by the regulations connected with the re- 
 union in 1870, which threw them into the Presbytery of 
 
 Baltimore. 
 
 Tom's Creek Church, Organized — 1766. 
 
 Pastorates. 
 
 Rev. Hezikeah James Balch 1775 — 1779 
 
 Rev. John McKnight, D. D 1783—1789 
 
 Rev. William Paxton, D. D 1792—1796 
 
 Rev. Patrick Davidson 1800—1810 
 
 Rev. Robert S. Grier 1814—1865 
 
 Rev. Isaac M. Patterson 1866 — Reunion. 
 
 Piney Creek Church, Organized — 1765. 
 
 Pastorates. 
 
 Rev. Joseph Rhea 1771—1776 
 
 Rev. James Martin 1780—1789 
 
 Rev. Patrick Davidson 1801 — 1810 
 
 Rev. Robert S. Grier 1814—1865 
 
 Rev. Isaac M. Patterson 1866 — Reunion. 
 
 Church of York. 
 
 We find ourselves unable to fix the date of the organization 
 
 of this church. Very soon after the * territory west of the 
 
 Susquehanna was thrown into market many Scotch and Irish 
 
 families found their way into what are now York and Adams 
 
Sketches of Ch urches. 287 
 
 counties, though the general policy of tlie puV)lic authorities 
 was to locate these classes in Cumberland Valley. Prior to 
 1749 churches were organized at Gettysburg, Lower Marsh 
 Creek, Great Conewago and Round Hill, in what is now 
 Adams county. The strong probability is that the churcli at 
 York was organized, between 1750 and 1759 (tlic period coved 
 by the losi volume of Records). Our reasons for thinking so 
 are: 1. On the 5th of June, 1759, the inhabitants of Shrews- 
 berry presented to Presbytery a supplication to be erected into 
 a congregation. This was not the Shrewsberry of the present 
 day, which had noexistence at that time, but the community about 
 Round Hill, in what is now Hopewell township. Their seek- 
 ing an organization at this time furnishes strong presumptive 
 evidence, we think, that the people in the larger and much 
 more flourishing settlement of York had already been erected 
 into a congregation. 2. At this meeting supplies were ap- 
 pointed for the congregation at York ; and so continued to be 
 appointed from time to time until the settlement of a regular 
 pastor, without any mention heing made of the organization of 
 the church. For these reasons the question may be raised, 
 whether it is not probable that the account of the organization 
 is contained in the lost volume. 
 
 On the 29th of April, 1761, a "supplication was presented 
 from York and Shrewsberry requesting that Mr. Hanna be ap- 
 pointed their constant supplier for one year, promising to pay 
 ninety pounds as his support during that year." For reasons 
 assigned, the request was not granted, but Mr. Hanna was per- 
 mitted to supply the churches until the meeting of Synod. 
 In compliance with a " supplication " made to Presbytery in 
 October, 1764, Mr. Long, a licentiate, was appointed to supply 
 these two churches most of his time until the spring of 1765. 
 On the 16th of April, 1765, they applied for and secured the 
 appointment of Mr. Long as their supply for one year. In 
 April, 1766, they "presented a call for Mr. Long, and a sup- 
 plication to have him continued as their supply until such 
 time as he should give answer to said call." In August he 
 notified the congregations of his declinature of the call and 
 ceased to serve them as stated supply. 
 
288 Presbytery oj Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 On the 20th of December, 1791, the congregations of York 
 and Hopewell (known at different periods as Shrewsberry and 
 Round Hill) asked and obtained permission of Presbytery to 
 prosecute a call for Mr. Cathcart before the Presbytery of 
 Philadelphia. Mr. Cathcart accepted the call, and on the 9th 
 of April. 1793, placed himself under the care of the Presbytery 
 of Carlisle. On the 2(1 of October, of the same year, he was 
 ordained and installed pastor. He was the only pastor the 
 church of York had during its connection with the Presbytery 
 of Carlisle. The church of York became a constituent part of 
 the Presbytery of Harrisburg at the time of its formation, and 
 so continued until the reunion of the Old and New School 
 branches in 1870, when it was assigned to the Presbytery of 
 Westminster. 
 
 Church Organized — 
 Pastorates. 
 
 Rev Robert Cathcart. D. D 1793—1837 
 
 Rev. Benjamin J. Wallace, D. D 1838—1845 
 
 Rev. Daniel H. Emerson 1846—1855 
 
 Rev. Charles J. Hutchins 1855—1859 
 
 Rev. Thomas Street 1860—1864 
 
 Rev. Henry E. Niles. D. D 18()5— 
 
 Hopewell Church. 
 
 So much has been said in regard to this church in the sketch 
 of the organization of the church of York and in the body of 
 this work that little need here be written. In the Records of 
 the Presbyteries of Donegal and Carlisle it is spoken of at 
 different periods of its history as Shrewsberry, Round Hill and 
 Hopewell. It is not known when services began to be held at 
 Shrewsberry. The first record we have is under date of June 
 5, 1759, and is as follows : "A supplication from the inhaV)i- 
 tants of Shrewsberry to be erected into a congregation, was 
 brought in and read. The erection deferred till the people of 
 Gwinetown be notified." Of the nine years immediately^ pre- 
 ceding this we have no record. But the above show^s that 
 during that time or some part of it, the people had been asso- 
 ciating as a worshiping assembly, and^that they now felt that 
 the time had arrived when they ought to be regularly organized 
 
Sketches of Churches. 289 
 
 into a congregation. Presbytery, however, did not see its way 
 clear to grant their request at that time. Who '• the people of 
 Gwinetown " were we do not know. The Rev. S. Srnitli was 
 appointed to notify these people. But we can nowhere liiid 
 any report of his having done so or of tlie result Nor have 
 we a distinct statement of the time of organization of the 
 churcli. It is thought to have been in 1770, when a log 
 church was built at Round Hill. The name was not, however, 
 changed to Round Hill at that time. The " Round Plill 
 church," in Adams county, was still in existence. The name 
 of Shrewsberry was, in the main, still retained. Thus in the 
 Records of April, 1773, "a reference from the session of Shrews- 
 berry respecting a certain Samuel Dixon," is spoken of. The 
 first mention of the church by the name of Round Hill is in the 
 Records of April, 1779. iVt the same meeting it is also called 
 Hopewell. And so from that time on it is generally Iloj^ewell 
 in the Records ; though it was not until 1813 that the name 
 was changed from Round Hill to Hopewell by a vote of the 
 congregation. 
 
 As far as relates to the public means of grace enjoyed, the 
 history of this is almost identical with that of the church at 
 York from its very beginning down to the date of Dr. Cathcart's 
 resignation in 1834 ; and the reader is referred to the sketch 
 of the church of York which immediately precedes this. At 
 the time of the Old and New School divisions the church of 
 Hopewell remained loyal to the Presbytery of Carlisle and to 
 the General Assembly. Several years after, on account of its 
 geographical situation, it was transferred from the Presbytery 
 of Carlisle to that of Donegal (now Westminster). 
 
 Bedford Church. 
 
 Along where Bedford stands lies one of the great routes 
 between east and west pointed out by nature. Along it was 
 the Redman's trail centuries ago. Here was the trader's patli 
 of the beginning of the past century. Over it ])assed the 
 earl}^ emigrants westward. Here was located one of the great 
 turnpike roads, over which " rattled " the travel and ''rumbled " 
 the commerce between Baltimore and Philadelphia, and large 
 19 
 
290 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial 
 
 sections west of the Allegbenies. And here is to be found the 
 shortest and best railroad route between Pennsylvania's two 
 great cities — one at the confluence of the Delaware and Schuyl- 
 kill rivers, the other at the confluence of the Allegheny and 
 Monongahela rivers. Its being occupied can only be a ques- 
 tion of time. 
 
 Along this route westward, as well as westward and northward 
 along the Juniata and Susquehanna, a tide of emigration began 
 to pour soon after the country was thrown open for settlement by 
 the treaty of Albany. The region of Bedford, with the fertile 
 Cumberland Valley running southward to the Potomac, pre- 
 sented special attractions. Thither the sturdy Scotch-Irish 
 Presbyterian pioneers from the overflowing valley of the 
 Kittoch tinny quickly found their way. And no sooner were 
 they there than they began to congregate for the worship of 
 God. As earl}^ as the spring of 1763 they asked Presbytery 
 to send them a supply, and the Rev. John Steel, then at 
 Carlisle, was appointed. From this on they were frequently 
 supplied by Presbj^tery. We quote one of their supplications 
 to Presbytery, which has in it the true Presbyterian ring: 
 " From Bedford for supplies and a member to chatechise, visit 
 the families and administer the sacrament of the supper."* 
 Agreeably to request, Presbytery, on the 20th of December, 
 the same year, appointed the Rev. Colin McFarquhar, a mem- 
 ber of the Presbytery of Gairlock, Scotland, to be a constant 
 supply for one year, at Bedford two-thirds his time, at Franks- 
 town, now Hollidaysburg, one-sixth his time, and at Hart's 
 Log, now West Alexander, one-sixth his time. 
 
 Just after this came the struggle for national independence, 
 with its absorbing interest, when for a time not onty were but 
 few pastors settled over congregations, but when, with its 
 benediction, Presbytery witnessed not a few of its members 
 turn aside from the care of their flocks at home to accompany 
 the patriotic men to the camp and the battle-field. 
 
 But soon after the close of the conflict, the Presbyterian 
 people at Bedford extended a call to the Rev. Samuel Waugh. 
 This was in April, 1782. He was promised a '' salary of one 
 
 • Records, April 13, 1774, p. 144. 
 
Sketches of Churrhrs. 291 
 
 hundred and thirty pounds, one moiety thereof every six 
 months." Mr. Waugh declined this call and accepted one 
 from the united congregations of East Pennsborough and 
 Mouaghan, which was extended to him at the same time. 
 
 On the Llth of April. 1786, a call was laid before Presbytery 
 from Bedford for the services of tlie Rev. David Bard, which 
 was accepted ; and Mr. Bard became the first settled pastor of 
 the congregation. The Rev. John King, D. D., pastor of the 
 church at Mercersburg, presided at the making out of this 
 call. There can be no doubt the church was regularly organ- 
 ized before this time, though the Records of Presbytery fail to 
 give us any date. There are circumstances which lead us to 
 thmk it was organized prior to the call given Mr. Waugh, and 
 perhaps as early as 1780. 
 
 On account of the naturalness of connection and the facilities 
 for travel, tlie churches of Bedford and Schellsburg were set 
 over to the Presbytery of Huntingdon in 1869. 
 
 Church Organized — 1780, Probably. 
 Pastorates. 
 
 Rev. David Bard 1786—1789 
 
 Rev. Alexander Boyd 1808—1815 
 
 Rev. Jeremiah Chamberlain, D. D.,* 1819—1822 
 
 Rev. Daniel McKinley, D. D.* 1827—1831 
 
 Rev. Baynard R. Hall, S. S 1833—18:39 
 
 Rev. Elbridge Bradbury 1839—1841 
 
 Rev. Alexander Heberton 1 843— 1844 
 
 Rev. W. McClay Hall . . : 1845—1848 
 
 Rev. William L. McCalla, P. E 1848—1849 
 
 Rev Thomas K. Davis 1850—1855 
 
 Rev. Robert F. Sample, D. D.* 1856—1866 
 
 Rev. A. V. C. Schcnck, D. D.* 1866—1868 
 
 Rev. Robert F. Wilson 1868— tr'fr. 
 
 Church of Cumberland. Md. 
 
 Supplies having been sent for a number of years to })reach 
 to the people at Fort Cumberland, a church was organized there 
 about the year 1811. Presbytery always manifested no small 
 degree of interest in this church as long as it was under its care. 
 It suffered as none other of our churclies did during the civil 
 
292 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 war. The town was occupied alternately by Union and Con- 
 federate forces, tlie church property was used and ruined by 
 the soldiers, the citizens were divided in sentiment, and the 
 church was distracted, rent and virtually disbanded. After 
 the close of the war Presbytery sent a committee, composed of 
 Revs. Thomas Creigh, D. D., Isaac N. Hays and William A. 
 West, and Elder William G. Reed, to bring together, if possible, 
 the divided and dispersed congregation, and once more to estab- 
 lish the means of grace among them. Their efforts were not 
 fruitless. Before the committee left, the people had come 
 together, together had surrounded the Lord's table after years 
 of sad sey^aration and dispersion, alienations and estrangements 
 had been healed, a hall had been secured in which to hold 
 church services, and funds had been pledged for the support 
 ■of the gospel among them, and it was not long till a pastor was 
 settled over them and a new and elegant house of worship was 
 erected. By boundary lines established at the time of the 
 reunion, Cumberland church was allotted to the Presbytery of 
 Baltimore. 
 
 Church Organized — 1811. or Prior. 
 Pastorates. 
 
 Rev. Samuel Porter 1811—1813 
 
 Rev. Robert Kennedy 1816—1825 
 
 Rev. Samuel H. McDonald, S. S 1837—1842 
 
 Rev. Bloomfield Wall 1843—1845 
 
 Rev. John H. Symmes 1845—1862 
 
 Rev. James D. Fitzgerald 1866 — Reunion. 
 
 Hagerstown Church, Md. 
 
 Under the name of Jerusalem, the people of Hagerstown 
 and vicinity made application to Presbytery for supplies as 
 early as April, 1768. (Jerusalem is the corporate name of 
 Funkstown, two miles south of Hagerstown, and was used to 
 denote that region.) The Rev. George Duffield, of Carlisle, 
 was the first supply sent to them. In response to their requests 
 appointments were made from meeting to meeting of Presby- 
 tery till 177-i, when the Rev. Thomas McPherrin accepted calls 
 from the united congregations of East Conococheague (New 
 Side), Lower West Conococheague and Jerusalem, and was 
 
Sketches of Churches. 203 
 
 installed their pastor. On the 17th of June, 1779, the pastoral 
 relation between Mr. McPherrin aiu] tlie Hagerstown (the 
 name used in the records of that date) portion of his charge 
 was dissolved. For several years the records make no mention 
 of Hagerstown. But from April, 1784, to A])ril, 1787, sup- 
 plies were regularly sought and obtained. The application 
 made in April, 1785, was in the form of "a letter from some 
 gentlemen in Hagerstown respecting a supply at least once per 
 month till next fall meeting." In 1788 Hagerstown, Williams- 
 poi't and Falling Waters asked and obtained the appointment 
 of Mr. Joseph Caldwell as a constant supply for one year. 
 After the expiration of this year the appointment of supplies 
 was less frequent than before. But these appointments did 
 not cease, as we are given to understand by the worthy author 
 of History of Big Spring Presbytery. The work, however, of 
 ministering to these people by degrees fell largely into the 
 hands of the Associate Reformed Church. The pastor of the 
 church at Greencastle looked after and frequently preached to 
 them. When the formal organization of the church took place 
 on the 15th of November, 1817, it was as an Associate Re- 
 formed church, with the Rev. John Lind as pastor, dividing 
 his time between Greencastle and Hagerstown. But it did not 
 long remain in that connection. Mr. Lind and his congrega- 
 tion had in view to come into the Presbytery of Carlisle about 
 the time he was removed by death, in the autumn of 1824. 
 Mr. Matthew Lind Fullerton was called to be his successor, and 
 on the 12th of April, 1825, he " presented a certificate of dis- 
 missal from the Second Presbytery of New York (Associate Re- 
 formed), recommending him as a probationer in good and regular 
 standing, to the care of this (Carlisle) Presbylery, and on his own 
 request he was received.'' At the same time Mr. John Kennedy, 
 elder and commissioner from the congregations of Hagerstown 
 and Greencastle, lately under the care of the General Synod 
 of the Associate Reformed Church, appean.'d in Presbytery 
 and presented petitions from said congregations, requesting to 
 be taken under the care of this Presbytery (Carlisle), etc "'^ 
 The requests were granted and the congregations were taken 
 
 • Records of Presbytery, 1823, p. 475. 
 
294 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial 
 
 under the care of Presbytery. They presented calls for Mr. 
 FullertoR, which he accepted. His brief pastorate was closed 
 by death in 1833. Rev. Richard Wyncoop became his suc- 
 cessor in 1834. Under him division occurred. In 1838 he 
 withdrew from the Presbytery, taking with him a large part 
 (pel haps a majority) of his congregation, and united with the 
 Associate Reformed Presbytery of New York. Mr. Wyncoop 
 died in 1842, and in the spring of 1845 the Rev. John McLaren 
 became pastor, the Presbyteries of New York and Big Spring 
 having supplied the pulpit during the interim. 
 
 In the fall of 1840 the Rev. J. T. Marshall Davie became 
 pastor of that part of the congregation which continued to 
 adhere to the Presbytery of Carlisle, in connection with Green- 
 castle. In April, 1842, Mr. Davie resigned in order to devote the 
 whole of his time to Greencastle. In 1845 the Mr. William 
 Love, a licentiate, became his successor, as P. E. Thus be and 
 Mr. McLaren were called to the two branches of the church 
 about the same time. They were both of one mind, viz : that 
 the people ought not to be thus divided, but ought to become 
 one congregation again. With a view to bringing about a re- 
 union they both withdrew in 1846. In September of the same 
 year the people of both congregations came together and united 
 on the Rev. Septimus Tustin as their pastor. 
 
 Since the reunion of the Old and New School churches, 
 Hagerstown has belonged to the Presbytery of Baltimore. 
 
 Quasi-Organization, Prior to 1774. 
 
 Rev. Thomas McPherrin, P 1774—1779 
 
 Mr. Joseph Caldwell, S. S 1788—1789 
 
 Regularly Organized, as Associate Reformed — 1817. 
 
 Rev. John Lind, P 1817—1824 
 
 Transferred to Presbytery of Carlisle — 1825. 
 Pastorates. 
 
 Rev. Matthew Lind Fullerton 1825—1833 
 
 Rev. Richard Wyncoop 1834—1842 
 
 Rev. J. T. Marshall Davie 1840—1842 
 
 Rev. John F. McLaren 1845-1846 
 
 Mr. WilHam Love, P. E 1845—1846 
 
 Rev. Septimus Tustin, D. D.* 1847—1850 
 
 Rev. Robert W. Dunlap 1853—1856 
 
Sketches of Churches. 295 
 
 Rev. R. A. Brown 1858—1861 
 
 Rev. William C. Stett 1863—1866 
 
 Rev. Tryon Edwards, D. D 1867 -Reunion 
 
 WiLLIAMSPORT ChURCH. Md. 
 
 Viewed from this distant period in the light of the present, 
 it appears strange that the organization of a church at Williams- 
 port did not take place earlier than it did. The records of Presby- 
 tery furnish evidence that for at least forty years before it oc- 
 curred the Presbyterian people of that place had, in some way, 
 been associated as a congregation for the worship of God. And in 
 October, 1788, a "supplication'' was presented from Falling 
 Waters, Ya., and Hagerstown and Williamsport, Md., for Mr. 
 Josepli Caldwell (a probationer of the Presbytery of Roote, Ire- 
 land) as a constant supply for one year." The request was 
 granted. Moreover, in April. 1791, a call was laid before 
 Presbytery from the congregations of Williamsport and Fall- 
 ing Waters for the ministerial services of Rev. David Bard, 
 accompanied by subscription papers, promising the annual sum 
 of seventy-seven pounds eighteen shillings and ten pence. 
 But Mr. Bard did not accept the call. From this date onward 
 the people were supplied with preaching by appointment of 
 Presbytery, running from meeting to meeting. But it was not 
 until 1825 they sought and obtained from Presbytery a regular 
 organization. The Revs. David Elliott, of Mercersburg, and 
 James Buchanan, of Greencastle, were the committee of Pres- 
 bytery who attended to this duty.* It was not until thirteen 
 years after this that they enjoyed the ministrations of their 
 first settled pastor, the Rev. Jonathan Dickerson. Since the 
 reunion the church has fallen in the bounds of the Presbytery 
 of Baltimore. 
 
 Church Organized (Formally) — 1825. 
 Pastorates. 
 
 Rev. Jonathan Dickerson 1838—1842 
 
 Rev. John 0. Proctor 1844—1853 
 
 Rev. William A. Graham, P. E 1854—1855 
 
 Rev. John K. Cramer 185&— 1859 
 
 Rev. Joseph Marr, S. S 1866—1867 
 
 Rev. George G. Smith 1868— Reunion. 
 
 • RecordB of Presb., p. 476. 
 
296 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial 
 
 SCHELLSBURG ChURCH. 
 
 At the meeting of Presbytery, in April, 1833, application 
 was made by " persons in and around Schellsburg to be organ- 
 ized into a church." Accordingly an organization was effected 
 by a committee of Presbytery the 15th of May following. 
 Most of the persons who went into it had belonged to the 
 church at Bedford. The Rev. James G. Brackenridge, wlio 
 had been ordained, sine titulo, by the Presbytery on the 4th of 
 October, 1832, was preaching to them at the time, and was 
 largely instrumental in bringing it about. He was not long 
 permitted to see and enjoy the fruits of his labors, having been 
 removed by death the following autumn. From this time to 
 the settlement of Rev. D. D. Clark, in 1838, the church was 
 supplied with preaching by appointments of Presbytery. In 
 1835 the church building which is still in use was erected. On 
 account of its geographical position the church was transferred 
 to the Presbytery of Huntingdon by Synod in 1869. 
 
 Church Organized — 1833. 
 
 Pastorates. 
 
 Rev. James G. Brackenridge 1832—1 833 
 
 Rev. David D. Clark, D. D.* 1838—1843 
 
 Rev. George S. Ingles 1844—1847 
 
 Rev WiUiam L. McCalla, P. E 1848—1849 
 
 Rev. Thomas K. Davis 1850—1855 
 
 Rev. Daniel Williams, P. E 1859 -1860 
 
 Rev. William Prideaux 1862—1863 
 
 Rev. James H. Donaldson 1864—1868 
 
 Hancock Church, Md. 
 
 One hundred years ago the people of Hancock, Md., began 
 to ask Presbytery to send ministers to preach to them. In 
 October, 1787, Presbytery appointed Revs. Messrs. King, 
 Black and Caldwell to supply, each a day, at " Hancock 
 Town." The following April the Rev. Mr. McPherrin was 
 appointed to supply at discretion. They continued to be sup- 
 plied in this way almost half a century. The Rev. James 
 Baber, who was ordained as an evangelist on the 26th of Sep- 
 tember, 1826, statedly labored at Hancock from that time until 
 
Sketches of Churches. 297 
 
 the fall of 1829. After ceasing statedly to supply the churches 
 of McCoiiiicllsburg and Loudon in 1833, the Rev. Robert 
 Kennedy preached very frequently at Hancock. Then for a 
 time a Rev. Mr. Scott. After this the Rev. James Baber, a 
 member of the Presbytery of Lexington, Va., for several years 
 preached and taught school. 
 
 In compliance witli a request made by the people of Han- 
 cock in April, 1841, Presbytery organized them into a church 
 — the Revs. Messrs. Creigh and Dickerson acting as the com- 
 mittee of organization. 
 
 Sometime after the close of the war of the rebellion the church 
 of Hancock withdrew from the Presbytery of Carlisle and put 
 itself under the care of the Presbytery of Maryland, belonging 
 to the Southern General Assembly. 
 
 Church Organized — 1841. 
 Pastorates. 
 
 Rev. Jonathan Dickerson 1841 — 1842 
 
 Rev. John O. Proctor 1844 — 1853 
 
 Rev. Lewis F. Wilson, S. S 1853—1861 
 
 Rev. Samuel J. Donnelly, S. S 1864—1865 
 
 Rev. J. T. Osier, S. S 1865—1867 
 
 Rev. Maurice Waller, S. S 1868— WithdrawL 
 
 Clear Spring Church, Md. 
 
 At the fall meeting of Presbytery, 1853, '' a petition from 
 the Presbyterian people of Clear Spring for the organization of 
 a church in that place was read ; and it was resolved that their 
 request be granted. The Revs. Thomas Creigh and Robert 
 W. Dunlap, and Elders Joseph Rench and John Dorrance were 
 appointed a committee to attend to the matter on the Friday 
 preceding the second Sabbath of November." At the April 
 meeting, 1854, the committee reported that the duty had been 
 attended to. 
 
 At the time of organization the Presbyterian element at 
 Clear Spring was weak, and it never gained any considerable 
 strength. The organization was perhaps a mistake, resulting 
 from the earnest zeal of a few Presbyterian families from abroad 
 who had settled there, and who were impressed with existing 
 spiritual destitutions, but who did not sufficiently acquaint 
 
298 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial 
 
 themselves with the religious preferences and prejudices of the 
 people. During its connection with the Presbytery of Carlisle 
 the church never had a regularly settled pastor. During the 
 time the Rev. J. K. Cramer was pastor of the churches of 
 Welsh Run and Williamsport (1856-1859), he statedly preached 
 at Clear Spring. Along with the other churches of our Pres- 
 bytery in Maryland it passed into the Presbytery of Baltimore 
 in 1870. For some years its name has disappeared from the 
 rolls of that Presbytery. 
 
 Frostburg Church, Md. 
 
 In the bituminous coal regions among the Allegheny Moun. 
 tains, in the State of Maryland, lies a district of country formerly 
 belonging to the Presbytery of Carlisle. It was far distant 
 from other parts of the Presbytery and inconvenient of access. 
 On the other hand it was convenient to and easy of access from 
 the Presbytery of Winchester. Hence, by mutual understand- 
 ing between these Presbyteries, much of the mission work- 
 done in that field was by members of the Presbytery of Win- 
 chester. This will explain what follows. Dr. Foote, of the 
 Presbytery of Winchester, was present at the meeting of the 
 Presbytery of Carlisle, October 21, 1858, and was a correspond- 
 ing member. Under that date we find the following record : 
 " The Rev. Dr. Foote presented a communication from certain 
 persons in Frostburg and vicinity, Allegheny county, Mary- 
 land, asking Presbytery to organize them into a church, and, 
 inasmuch as that place Is within the bounds of this Presbytery, 
 the petition, by direction of the Presbytery of Winchester, was 
 referred to the Presbytery of Carlisle. Whereupon, it was re- 
 solved that the matter be referred to the Presbytery of Win- 
 chester to do what they may deem advisable in the case." * 
 
 Accordingly a committee of the Presbytery of Wincheste-r 
 organized a church in Frostburg in December following. The 
 churches of our Presbytery were appealed to for assistance in 
 erecting their house of worship, which was completed and dedi- 
 cated to the worship of God in May, 1860. 
 
 * Records, Pres., p. 442. 
 
Sketches of Churches. 299 
 
 The Church of Barton. Md. 
 
 Through the Rev. M. W. Woodworth, a member of the 
 Presbytery of Winchester, the attention of Presbytery was 
 called to the desires of the people of Barton, to be organized 
 into a church. Mr. Woodworth was doing mission work in 
 tiie coal regions, and was familiar with the condition and needs 
 of the people. This occurred at the meeting of Presbytery, 
 October 5, 1889. The case was referred to a committee, who 
 brought in a report from which we take the following ; 
 ' Whereas, the field herein contemplated has been for some, 
 time past under the care of the Presbytery of Winchester, with 
 the consent of this Presbytery ; and whereas, that Presbytery 
 has already organized two churches (Piedmont and Frostburg) 
 in the said field, where one of its members is now laboring ; 
 there/ore resolved, that this whole matter be referred to the 
 Presbytery of Winchester to do as they may deem advisable 
 in the premises." A committee of the Presbytery of Win- 
 chester organized the church that fall. By recommendation 
 of the Presbytery of Carlisle, its churches took up collections 
 to aid in the erection of a suitable house of worship. Barton 
 is now one of the strong churches in the Presbytery of Balti- 
 more. 
 
 Church of Lonaconing, Md. 
 
 At the October meeting of Presbytery, 1860, application was 
 made by the people of Lonaconing to be organized into a 
 church. They, like the people of Frostburg and Barton and 
 Piedmont, were intelligent hardy Welsh and Scotch coal 
 miners, who had an earnest hungering and thirsting after the 
 bread and water of life. Presbytery responded to their re- 
 quest by appointing a committee consisting of Revs. J. H. 
 Symmes, R. F. Sample and Elder A. McDonald to visit Lona- 
 coning at discretion, and, if the way be clear, to organize a 
 church in that place. This duty was attended to by the com. 
 mittee that fall. This entire territory was transferred to the 
 Presbytery of Baltimore by the plan of reunion between the 
 old and new school churches. 
 
300 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial 
 
 3. Churches "Which No Longer Have an Existence. 
 It is highly proper brief mention should here be made of 
 these. Around many of tliem no small degree of interest 
 clusters. Being dead they yet speak through the potent in- 
 fluences that have gone forth from many of them. We shall 
 mention them in the order of their organization. 
 
 Hanover (Orkhnally Manadai Church. 
 
 Here we have to chronicle the disappearance from the roll 
 of one of the first churches organized by the Presbytery of 
 Donegal. About the time Paxton and Derry churches were 
 separating, so that each might enjoy the services of a pastor, 
 the people of Manada Creek began to claim recognition at the 
 hands of Presbytery by asking to be organized into a congre- 
 gation. After a careful " perambulation " of the ground by a 
 committee, to ascertain surely that there would be no encroach- 
 ment on the territory or infringement of the rights of those 
 congregations, Presbytery, on the 26th of May, 1736, " erected 
 the people of Manada into a distinct congregation and approved 
 the place where they had begun to build their meeting house. ""^ 
 
 Hanover soon became one of the large and influential con- 
 gregations of the Presbytery, and so continued, till by the sum- 
 mons of the '' silent messenger," the flow of emigration's 
 irresistible tide and the attractions of town and city, its members 
 became greatly reduced. Many a churcli in the west has 
 been strengthened and built up by the weakening of old Han- 
 over. And many of the most prominent and successful people 
 in Harrisburg to-day cherish the memory of a sturdy Presby- 
 terian ancestry whose home was in Hanover. This is especially 
 true in regard to the men who adorn the " Bar " of Dauphin 
 county. 
 
 The minutes of the General Assembly (statistical table) 
 show the number of communicants to have been one hundred 
 and thirteen in 1838. After that no numbers are reported. 
 This number was reduced very rapidly. The year after the 
 death of the venerable pastor, Mr. Snodgrass, which occurred 
 in 1846, the congregation was consolidated — except as relates 
 
 * Records of Presbytery. 
 
Sketches of CI lurches. 
 
 801 
 
 to property interests — with the congregation of Derry,* though 
 preaching service was kept up within the bounds several years 
 after this. In 1877 there remained but three communicant 
 members. And as Derry was practically abandoned after the 
 resignation of Rev. A. D. Mitchell in 1874, the names of these 
 persons were transferred to the roll of Paxton church. They 
 were the descendants of Lazarus Stewart, the most active and 
 efficient man in securing the organization of the church one 
 hundred and fifty years ago. In 1878 the name of the church 
 was dropped from the roll of Presbytery. 
 
 Below will be found the names of the faithful ministers who 
 served this congregation, terminating with James Snodgrass, 
 whose pastorate extended through a period of well-nigh three- 
 score years. As a preacher he is described as having been 
 " biblical, clear, logical and forcible in his statements of truth." 
 
 Hanover Chuch. 
 The old church edifice went to decay, and was removed in 
 1875 or 1876. In the hands of a self-perpetuating board of 
 trustees is a fund for keeping the old cemetery and other 
 property in repair. We can have no better wish than that 
 those who follow may as faithfully keep and use the trust as 
 those who hold it now. 
 
 * Records of Presbytery, p.576. 
 
302 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial 
 
 Church Organized — 1736. 
 Pastorates. 
 
 Rev. Richard Sanckey 1738—1759 
 
 Rev. Robert McMordie 1762—1764 
 
 Rev. Matthew Woods 1782—1784 
 
 Rev. James Snodgrass 1788 — 1846 
 
 CoNEWAGo Church. 
 
 This church stood near the creek of that name, which is the 
 dividing line between Lancaster and Dauphin counties, and a 
 short distance north of the turnpike leading from Hanisburg to 
 Lancaster. It was sometimes called (in the Records of Pres- 
 bytery) " Little Conewago," and sometimes *' Cone wago, this 
 side the river," to distinguish it from Great Conewago church, 
 in Adams county. 
 
 The church was organized in 1738, and the boundary lines 
 between it and Derry church were established by Presbytery. 
 In the fall of 1741 the Rev. Samuel Black became its pastor. 
 In April, 1745, this relation was dissolved in order that Mr. 
 Black might go into Virginia to labor ; but in the fall of the 
 same year it was, at the earnest request of the congregation, 
 renewed. Mr. Black remained with them two years, when 
 Q747) he and Messrs. Thompson and Craig were sent by Pres- 
 bytery to Virginia to superintend its work in that State. In 
 the minutes of the Synod of Philadelphia of the year 1748, 
 we find the following, relating to these men : *' Ordered that 
 the Presbytery of Donegal write to Virginia to let the ministers 
 know that we expect one of their members yearly to attend 
 our Synod that we may know the state of their churches." 
 
 From all that can be gathered from the Records of Presby- 
 tery and other sources we infer that the congregation was never 
 strong, and that it never enjoyed the services of any regular 
 pastor except Mr. Black. For a period Mr. Roan gave them 
 one-fifth his time, and after that they were supplied with 
 preaching by appointments of Presbytery until near the close 
 of the century, when the congregation appears to have ceased 
 to exist, without any formal disbanding. 
 
 The foundation walls of a building, supposed by some to 
 have been the church, a few stones marking the resting place 
 
Sketches of Churches. 303 
 
 of the dead, and the spring are all that rernaius on the ground 
 to remind us of the congregation that once worshiped here. 
 These are not in an}^ way enclosed or protected, but lie out in 
 the center of a field. There is now on foot a movement in 
 Presbytery which it is lioped will lead to remedying this de- 
 fect here and elsewhere. 
 
 Round Hill. 
 
 In 1743 a dispute arose among the people of Great Conewago 
 congregation about the location of their ''meeting house." 
 Part of them wanted it at Round Hill, but the majority were 
 in favor of the present location at Hunterstown. The case was 
 referred to Presbytery, whose decision was favorable to the 
 majority. This ought to have settled it. But the minority 
 were better Scotch -Irish men than Presbyterians, and refused 
 to yield. Hence, when Rev. Andrew Bay organized the Lower 
 Marsh Creek church, in 1748, he also, at their solicitation, 
 organized the Round Hill people into a distinct congregation. 
 Both these churches were New Side, and for ten years formed 
 Mr. Bay's pastoral charge. 
 
 From 1758 to 1778 the congregation of Round Hill appears 
 to have been dependent on Presbytery for supplies. At ihe 
 October meeting of the latter year " William Thalmany and 
 Henry Stergeon, commissioners fi*om the congregations of Great 
 Conewago and Round Hill appeared before Presbytery and 
 gave the information that said congregations have agreed on 
 an union with each other and that they desire that Presbytery 
 may consider them as one congregation." Presbytery was 
 gratified by this action. Thus, after the lessons of a thirty years' 
 experience, the people of Round Hill returned to the bosom of 
 the church from which they had hastily gone out 
 
 On visiting the spot in November, 1886, the writer was im- 
 pressed with the natural beauty and excellence of the location. 
 There is there a large burying ground, enclosed by a neat and 
 substantial stone wall and kept in the best of order. But no 
 trace of a church building remains. One hundred years and 
 more have done well their work of erasing. 
 
304 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 Limestone Ridge — Organized 1768. 
 
 This church was sometimes called " Fishers church,'' because 
 the land on which located (37 acres) was taken up by Samuel 
 Fisher for church purposes. It was also sometimes called the 
 Lovver church, from its location relatively to Upper and Centre 
 churches — the three being in a straight line and each of the 
 other two about equidistant (six miles) from Centre. The 
 name, " Limestone Ridge," comes from its location at or near 
 the southeastern base of that ridge. 
 
 For a time Presbytery strenuously opposed the organization 
 and location of this church, and refused to appoint supplies to 
 preach to people desiring it. But the people were tenacious of 
 their purpose and did not abandon the enterprise. They were 
 very closely associated with Centre and Upper churches. In 
 October, 1770, "a supplication was brought in and read before 
 Presbytery from Sherman's Valley for supplies, particularly 
 some minister to be appointed as a stated supply, to divide his 
 labors between the Upper, Centre and Fisher's meeting houses." 
 shortly after this Mr. William Thom, a licentiate of Presbytery, 
 became stated supply of these congregations, and divided his 
 labors, giving to Centre church, most likely, one-half and to 
 each of the others one-fourth of his time. In September, 1772, 
 a call was presented to Presbytery for Mr. William Thom 
 '' from the united congregations of Sherman's Valley, viz : of 
 Toboine,"* Centre and Limestone Ridge, together with a sup- 
 plication requesting the Presbytery to present said call to y^r. 
 Thom, and in case he does not now accept the same, that he 
 be appointed to supply as much among them as ma^^ be.'' Mr. 
 Duflield, who moderated the call, "informed Presbyterj^ that 
 it was done in the most unanimous manner, without one dis- 
 senting voice." Mr. Thom declined the call, and shortly after 
 accepted one to Alexandria, D. C. (now Va.), then in the 
 bounds of the Presbytery. In 1778 Mr. John Linn was or- 
 dained and installed pastor of the three churches. This rela- 
 tion continued to the time of his death in 1820. 
 
 That year (1820) Perry county was stricken off from Cum- 
 
 * Upper church in " Toboine " (.Toboyne) township. 
 
Sketches of Churches. 305 
 
 berland county. Landisburg was at first the county seat This 
 gave the village new importance and led to rapid improvement 
 Its future seemed bright and hopeful. The members of Lime- 
 stone Ridge congregation living in and near Landisburg ft.'lt 
 that this was the time to move for a church organization tlicrc. 
 The Rev. jSathan Harned, who was supplying the pulpits of 
 Mr. Linn's churches after his death, was (piick to recognize the 
 situation and engineer the case before Presbytery. With the 
 concurrence of the other parts of the charge the church of Lan- 
 disburg was organized in 1823. At the same time Buffalo 
 church, at Ickesburg, was organized. Most of the Limestone 
 Ridge people went into the organization at Landisburg, some 
 went to Buffalo and a few to Centre. Thus the ground at 
 Limestone Ridge was abandoned for other ground thought to 
 be more favorable. 
 
 All that remains is the graveyard. Mr. W. W. McClure, 
 an elder in Landisburg church, writes : '' The graveyard is 
 enclosed by a good and substantial post-and-rail fence and is 
 in good condition." The names of some of the old families of 
 the county are on its tombstones : e. g.^ FuUwiler, Foster, 
 Nelson, McClure, etc. Here, as in some other instances the 
 church did not abandon either the work or the field, but, to 
 use a military phrase, simply changed its base of operations. 
 
 Dick's Gap. 
 
 Dick's Gap church (a name that has well-nigh passed from 
 the knowledge even of Presbyterians), was located four or five 
 miles northeast of where New Bloomfield now stands. It was 
 organized in 1766 or 1767. Rev. Hugh Magill was invited to 
 become the pastor, but after laboring a time in the field and 
 holding the call under consideration, he declined it and ac- 
 cepted a call elsewhere. The congregation never had a settled 
 pastor, but was dependent on Presbytery for supplies during 
 its short existence. In this way preaching service was- kept up 
 for a number of years, but there appears to have been but little 
 or no growth in the church. Its location proved to be un- 
 favorable for this. There were other points more favorably 
 situated for business and trade that had stronger attractions- 
 20 
 
306 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 This was particularly true of the neighborhood about the Mouth 
 of the Juniata River. Here population increased rapidly, and 
 in 1803 or 1804 a church was organized. It was soon found 
 that this church, located in a growing community, was too near 
 Dick's Gap church. Population, trade — everything tended in 
 the direction of the Mouth of Janiata. This led the congre- 
 gation of Dick's Gap to abandon their ground and make choice 
 of a point more remote from the junction. Their choice fell 
 on Middle Ridge, several miles north of their first location. It 
 was not so much the disbanding of a congregation as changing 
 its location. This occurred in 1808 or 1804, and was the origin 
 of another of our extinct congregations, viz : 
 
 Middle Ridge. 
 
 This church, organized as seen above in 1803 or 1804 
 formed part of a pastoral charge, composed of Duncannon (then 
 Mouth of Juniata), Shermansdale and it. From the time of its 
 organization it had three pastors — Joseph Brady, John Ni block 
 and Matthew B. Patterson. It was never a strong and aggres- 
 sive church. As the country became settled and developed it 
 was found that its location was unfavorable. In 1841 the 
 organization was disbanded and most of the members were 
 transferred to the church at Millerstown, whilst a few living in 
 the direction of New Bloomfield went into the church which 
 had been organized there in 1833. In the first instance, that 
 church had been made up largely of Middle Ridge people. 
 The Rev. Jolm Dickey, the first pastor of the Bloomfield church, 
 who was installed in 1834, says: "The Bloomfield church was 
 originally formed out of the Ridge church about four miles 
 distant, which has become extinct.'" * Indeed, this large exodus 
 was the main cause of the Ridge church becoming so weakened 
 and discouraged as to lead to its disbanding. Its pastor, the 
 Rev. Matthew B Patterson, became the first principal of the 
 New Bloomfield Academy, founded shortly before this, whilst 
 he continued to be pastor of the churches of Sherman's Creek 
 and Mouth of Juniata. 
 
 Churches of the VaUey, p. 318. 
 
Sketches of Churches. 307 
 
 Churches of Liverpool and New Buffalo. 
 
 When the Presbytery of Huntingdon was stricken off from 
 the Presbytery of Carlisle by the General Assenihly in 1794. 
 the Juniata River, from its mouth to the Tuscarora Mountain, 
 was made a dividing line. Consequently, that part of Perry 
 county composing the delta formed by the Susquehanna and 
 Juniata rivers, as they approach and meet, Vjelonged to Hunt- 
 ingdon Presbytery. At three points in this territory it organ- 
 ized churches — at Millerstown on the Juniata in 1800, and at 
 New Buffalo and Liverpool on the Susquehanna in 1818. Of 
 Millerstown church and its transfer to tlie Presbytery of Carlisle 
 we have spoken elsewhere. The churciies of Tiiverpon] and 
 New Buffjilo were organized at the time Rev. Nathaniel U. 
 Snowden became pastor at Millerstown, and were made part of 
 his charge. He remained but two years, resigning in 1820 
 The churches of Liverpool and New Buffalo were without a 
 pastor till 1828. when the Rev. James F. Irvine was installed 
 over them. In 1829 the Synod of Philadelphia transferred the 
 churches and pastor from the Presbytery of Huntingdon to that 
 of Carlisle. The following year Mr. Irvine sought to be re- 
 leased from his charge on account of removals from the con- 
 gregation and consequent inadequate support. A committee 
 of Presbytery, on visiting the ground, found that nearly the 
 entire Presbyterian population had left or were leaving and 
 seeking homes elsewhere, especially in the west. It was a time 
 wlien many of our churches were greatly weakened by the 
 emigration of the Scotch-Irish and the influx of German pop- 
 ulation. The committee whicli visited Liverpool and New 
 Buffalo found but eight responsible persons remaining to pay 
 the salary promised Mr. Irvine. The pastor was released from 
 his charge and the ground was soon after abandoned. 
 
 The New Buffalo church was located about two miles west 
 of tlie village, and was occupied conjointly by Presbyterians 
 and Lutherans. The latter still occupy the ground and worship 
 in a church erected on the site of the original one. Adjoining 
 it is a small cemetery beautifully located and kept in excellent 
 order. 
 
308 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 LOUDOK 
 
 Loudon appears to have been a preaching point in connection 
 with McConnellsburg church, seven miles distant across the 
 Tuscarora Mountain. When the Rev. Isaac Keller was called 
 to the church at McConnellsburg in 1819, the people of Loudon 
 asked Presbytery to organize them into a separate congregation. 
 But very stem opposition was made by Upper West Conoco- 
 cheague (Mercersburg) congregation — the two points being but 
 five miles apart — and the request was not granted. 
 
 In 1823 Mr. Keller renewed the application on behalf of 
 " the people worshiping at Loudon and now forming a part of 
 the congregation of McConnellsburg, to be formed into a sepa- 
 rate congregation, to be denominated the congregation of Loudon. 
 Presbytery, finding that the congregation of McConnellsburg, 
 to which they belonged, concurred m this measure, agreed that 
 their request be granted, and appointed Mr. Keller to organize 
 the church." * Mr. Keller resigned his charge the following 
 year. He was the first and only pastor of the church at Loudon, 
 While Rev. Robert Kennedy supplied the church of McCon- 
 nellsburg, 1827-1833, he was accustomed to preach to them. 
 After this they became entirely detached from McConnellsburg 
 and were dependent on Presbytery for occasional supplies. 
 The Rev. N. Grier White, who became pastor of McConnells- 
 burg church in 1834, found work to do in connection with that 
 church in another direction, viz : liicking Creek (now Green 
 Hill) and Wells' Valley. Without regular preaching and the 
 fostering care of a pastor, the new and weak flock at Loudon 
 gradually grew weaker until its name disappeared from the roll 
 of churches after 1836. 
 
 As having had an influence in bringing about the weakening 
 and decay of the church, it may not be amiss to remind the 
 reader that, by the construction of the Pennsylvania Canal and 
 the few railroads that existed at the above date, a wonderful 
 change was wrought along the old Turnpike routes of travel 
 and of traffic. Prior to this the rumble of the heavy Conestoga 
 wagon, laden with merchandise or produce and plying between 
 
 * Presbyterial Records. 
 
Sketches of Churches. 309 
 
 Pittsburgh and Philadelpiiia or Baltimore, and the merry 
 rattle of the four-in-hand stage coach scarcely over died away. 
 Then Loudon, snugly nestling in a little cove at the eastern 
 base of the Tuscarora Mountain, was no unimportant place. 
 But when these ceased, the life and enterprise of Loudon died 
 out^ — not, however, without having furnished one of the ablest 
 railroad presidents and financiers that this or any other country 
 has produced — the late Thomas A. Scott. 
 
 Changes such as above indicated do not fail to be felt by the 
 church. But withal, this impression remains — that either the 
 church ought never to have been organized, or the ground 
 ought not so soon to have been abandoned. 
 
 Newburg and Roxbury. 
 
 About the year 1830 some of the people living in and around 
 Newburg and Roxbury, and most of them belonging to Middle 
 Spring congregation, began to agitate the question of forming 
 distinct Presbyterian church organizations in these villages. 
 They laid it before Presbytery. Presbytery referred it to a 
 committee with instruction to meet the Middle Spring congre- 
 gation and ascertain their views and wishes. This they did, 
 and learned that Middle Spring would interpose no obstacles. 
 The committe reported accordingly to Presbytery. The result 
 was the organization of a church at each of these places in 1832. 
 Unitedly they formed a pastoral charge. They had two 
 pastors — Rev. Joseph B. McKee, from 1836 to 1839, and Rev. 
 George D. Porter, from 1839 to 1843. Their career was short 
 and was one continual struggle for existence. Some of the 
 families of the parent church living at or near these places were 
 not in sympathy with the movement which called the churches 
 into existence, and, withholding their moral and financial sup- 
 port, continued to worship at Middle Spring. Presbytery saw 
 and understood the situation and advised the churches to dis- 
 band and the members to be enrolled in Middle Spring church. 
 Following this advice the congregations ceased to exist in IS-i?. 
 
 But this did not, by any means, lead to abandoning the field. 
 At Newburg there is a flourishing congregation (a portion of 
 Middle Spring church), and preaching by their pastor is en- 
 
310 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 joyed every alternate Sabbath afternoon in a tasteful and sub- 
 stantial brick church, erected since the return of the people to 
 the parent congregation. And at Orrstown, four miles from 
 Roxbury, is another interesting branch of Middle Spring church 
 having a neat and comfortable house of worship, and enjoying 
 the same services at the hand of a faithful pastor that they do 
 at Newburg. In addition to this, the pastor frequently preaches 
 at Roxbury. 
 
 It will be readily seen from the foregoing sketches of ex- 
 tinct churches that there has been scarcely any abandoning of 
 ground once fairly occupied. In a number of instances it was 
 found expedient to change location on account of change uf 
 population. Many of the powerful and infiucitial churches in 
 our great cities are doing the same thing to-day. For instance, 
 in New York " up-town " is the watchword. In some other 
 instances the planting of churches can scarcely be regarded in 
 any other light than tentative in character. 
 
A RETROSPECT 
 
 Frontier Churches of Carlisle Presbytery. 
 
 1786-1795. 
 
 By Hon. JOHN BLAIR LINN. 
 
Histories make men wise. — Bacon. 
 
 Our intercourse with the dead is better than our 
 intercourse with the living. — HazliL 
 
Frontier Churches. 313 
 
 RETROSPECT OF THE FRONTIER CHURCHES OF 
 CARLISLE PRESBYTERY.* 
 
 1786—1795. 
 
 By Hon. John Blaik Linn. 
 
 Introductory. 
 [HE era of the erection of the Presbytery of Carhslc 
 May 22, 1786, corresponds with the nascent period 
 of Federal and State constitutional government. 
 On the 11th of September, 1786, not quite four 
 weeks previous to the organization of that Presbyter}^ (Octo- 
 ber 17, 1786), commissioners from five of the old thirteen States 
 met at Annapolis, Maryland, and recommended a meeting of 
 commissioners to take into consideration the situation of the 
 United States, which recommendation endorsed b}" Congress, 
 February 21, 1787, brought together. May 25, 1787, at Phila- 
 'delphia, the convention which blotted out the codes of the 
 eastern hemisphere reeking with blood and stained with pillage, 
 and established in their stead the Constitution of the United 
 States. 
 
 The Constitution of the United States was ratified by the 
 convention of delegates of the people of Pennsylvania Decem- 
 ber 12, 1787, and September 2, 1790, a new Constitution was 
 adopted for the State of Pennsylvania, by the convention called 
 together by a resolution of its General Assembly voted March 
 24, 1789 ; a State Constitution deservedly considered as an ad- 
 mirable model for a representative State ; securing force to the 
 Government and freedom to the people. 
 
 ♦ The region now covered by the Presbyteries of Huntingdon and Northumber- 
 land. 
 
314 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 Ante-dating the era of the organization of the Presbytery of 
 Carlisle not quite two years, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania 
 purchased from the Indians their claim to the soil of all the 
 territory within the acknowledged limits of the State ; thus 
 ha})pily finishing the transactions of a century on that subject* 
 
 The land office was opened May 1, 1785, for applications for 
 land within this new purchase. The old settlers of the 
 frontiers of Donegal Presbytery had returned to their deserted 
 homes in 1783 and 1784 ; but November. 1786, " the great 
 westward march of home makers" began and the tramp of the 
 emigrant was heard ; after him came the ring of the church 
 builders' axe as the Presbyterian church extended the symbols 
 of its faith — the church and the school house — along the 
 Susquehanna to the foot oi the AUeghenies on their way toward 
 the setting sun, — earnest of the system of church extension 
 which has grown ever since, slowly ascending the tributaries of 
 the Mississippi and Missouri, trampling down barbarism, and 
 will only stop when Sheldon Jackson and those upon whom 
 his mantle falls shall have planted the last Presbyterian 
 church on the most remote shore of Alaska. 
 
 Amidst the political elements then brewing and the civil 
 surroundings above indicated, the Presbytery of Carlisle, after 
 travail of twenty-one years (1765 — 1786), came into existence. 
 Its territorial bounds are not indicated in the ordinance con- 
 stituting the Presbytery, which only gives the names of the 
 ministers. These indicate that in Pennsylvania its jurisdiction 
 was to extend from the Susquehanna, at the Maryland line, as 
 far west as Mercersburg, and north from those points as far as 
 there were inhabitants. 
 
 The territory comprising the frontier churches of Carlisle 
 
 • President Dickinson's message to the Council, February 24, 1785. 
 This purchase was ratified by the Wyandota and Delawares at Fort Mcintosh 
 (Beaver C. H., now) in January. 1785. 
 
Visitation by Beatty and Duffield. 315 
 
 Presbytery in 1786, is now embraced within the counties of 
 Blair, Centre, Clearfield, Huntingdon, Juniata and Mifflin, now 
 in the Presbytery of Huntingdon ; and Clinton, Lycoming, 
 Northumberland and Union, now within the limits of the 
 Northumberland Presbytery, and the earliest light that gleams 
 upon the history of these frontier churches is from the journals 
 kept by the heralds of the Cross. 
 
 The First Supplies, 1766. 
 
 The Kev. Charles Beatty was appointed, May 29, 1766, by 
 the Synod of New York and Philadelphia* with Rev. George 
 Dufl&eld to preach at least two months in those parts, 
 and do what else is best for the advancement of religion. 
 Mr. Beatty 's journal says thej^ left Carlisle Monday, August 
 18, 1766, crossed the North Mountain and after traveling 
 four miles into Sherman's Yalley came to Thomas Ross'. 
 Thomas Ross was an elder in Centre church and resided on 
 the farm now owned by Col. Graham in Tyrone township, 
 near Landisburg, in Perry county. On the 19th they rode 
 four or five miles to a place in the woods designed for build- 
 ing a house of worship, and preached to a small audience — 
 notice of their preaching not having been sufficiently spread. 
 
 Centre Church. 
 
 Their preaching place was undoubtedly the site of Centu" 
 church. f The ground upon which it stands was appropriated 
 by an order of survey dated September 9, 1766, in the names 
 of Thomas Ross, John Byers, Edward Allet, John Hamilton 
 and Hugh Alexander, in trust for the congregation in Tyrone 
 township. The tract, containing some seven acres, is in Madison 
 township, Perry county, and was covered by a grove of majestic 
 oaks, many of which are still standing. The graveyard occupies 
 several acres and was used as such as early as 1766. The first 
 church was built in 1767 of logs. Their first regular pastor 
 
 • Priuted minutes, page 36:3 : aud see Appendix, Vol. 11. 
 
 t History of Juniata and Susquehanna Valley, Vol. 2, page 10.'»i. 
 
316 Presbytery of Carlisle — GentenniaL 
 
 was Rev. John Linn, father of the venerable James Linn, D. D., 
 who died February 28, 1868, at Bellefonte, after serving as 
 pastor there fifty-eight years. Rev. John Linn graduated at 
 Princeton in 1778, and was called to Centre church October 
 15, 1777, installed in June 1778, and continued pastor until 
 his death in 1820, a period of forty-four years. The present 
 Centre church, built in 1850, stands almost upon the site of the 
 original log church. 
 
 Lower Tuscarora Church. 
 
 On Wednesday, August 20, 1766, Messrs. Beatty and Duffield 
 crossed Tuscarora Mountain into Tuscarora Valley and on 
 Thursday, the 21st, came to a place where the people had begun 
 to build a house for worship before the late war, but by 
 accident it had been burned. The location of this preaching 
 station is at present the lower Tuscarora church, at Academia, 
 Beale township, Juniata county. Of this church A. L. Guss 
 in the history before quoted, vol. I. page 788, says the second 
 church was built soon after Mr. Beatty's visit, of round logs, 
 covered with clapboards, without a floor, with a fire-place in 
 one end. The ground on which the church was situated was 
 surveyed under a warrant to John Lyon, William Graham, 
 Robert Houston and Joseph McCoy, in trust for the Presbyte- 
 rian society or congregation in Milford township, Tuscarora 
 Valley. The old church gave place, in 1790, to the one of 
 hewn logs. In 1816 the fourth building was erected. It was 
 built of stone and still stands at the forks of the road and is 
 now used as a school building. The present church was built 
 under the pastorate of the late Rev. G. W. Thompson, D. D., 
 in 1849 ; it is of brick and cost $6,500. The first regular 
 pastor at Academia was Rev. Hugh Magill, who came there in 
 1776. He was installed as the first pastor of Lower Tuscarora 
 and Cedar Spring churches on the 4th Wednesday in November, 
 1779. He continued pastor at Academia until 1796. 
 
 Mr. Beatty says, " Here Mr. Duffield preached to a number 
 of people who had convened," and adds, "there are about eighty- 
 four families living in this valley ; they appear very desirous to 
 have the gospel settled among them, and are willing to exert 
 
Cedar Spring Church, 317 
 
 themselves to the utmost for that purpose, and they desire to 
 purchase ;i })lantation for a parsonage." 
 
 Cedar Spring Church. 
 
 The journal continues, 'Frichiy, 22(1, preacherl in the woods, 
 as we have done mostly hitherto, two miles on the Nortliaide of 
 the Juniata. Here the people some years ago began to Vjuild a 
 house for worship, but did not finish it, but expect soon to do so. 
 This congregation extends about twenty miles along the river 
 and its breadth from the Juniata is about ten miles." The site 
 of this old church known then as the Cedar Spring church, 
 according to Mr. (tuss, is in Walker township, Juniata county, 
 near the house of David Diven. The first church was commenced 
 at Cedar Spring in 1763. The settlement having been 
 broken up by the Indian war, the building of the church was 
 suspended and not resumed until the year 1767 when it being 
 found that the old logs were rotten, they were rejected and a 
 new church built within about four rods of the site of the old 
 foundation. On March 30, 1767, a location was entered for 
 200 acres in the names of James Patterson and James Purdy in 
 trust, for a Presbyterian meeting house and grave-yard. About 
 1774 a parsonage was built and occupied by Rev. Samuel 
 Kennedy. 
 
 The first official notice of Cedar Spring congregation is found 
 in the records of Donegal Presbytery, October 1. 1768, when the 
 congregation made application for supplies. In the year 1771 
 Rev. Samuel Kennedy came within the bounds of the congrega- 
 tion. He was an irregular and caused a great deal of trouble ; 
 refusing to put himself under the care of Donegal Presbytery. 
 Finally he was ordered to desist from preaching.''^ Rev. Hugh 
 Magill became pastor in 1779, as before stated in connection 
 with Lower Tuscarora — or Academia now — and took up his 
 residence in the parsonage on the glebe lands of the Cedar 
 Spring congregation. 
 
 The log church was occupied regularly until about the year 
 1800, and occasionally for a few years afterward, when the name 
 " Cedar Spring" disappears altogether from the records, and is 
 
 • Minutes of Synod under date of May 18, 1774. 
 
318 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennml 
 
 succeeded by that of Mifflintown and Lost Creek. The glebe 
 lands were sold and the proceeds divided between the Mifflin- 
 town and Lost Creek congregations. The grave-yard fenced in 
 marks the site of the church whose generations of worshipers 
 have long since broken and disappeared upon the shores of the 
 eternal world. 
 
 The Second Supply, 1775. 
 
 Nearly nine years after Revs. Charles Beatty and Greorge 
 
 Duffield, visited the frontier churches, Rev. Philip V. Fithian* 
 
 of Greenwich, N. J., was appointed by the Presbytery of 
 
 Donegal, as a supply. His journal is still extant. June 20, 
 
 1776, he says " crossed the Potomac then through a small blind 
 road to Mr. King's meeting house of upper West Conocochea- 
 gue,t where the Presbytery of Donegal met. Mr. Black gave 
 the sermon. Present — Messrs. Cooper, Thompson, Hoge, 
 McFarquhar. Candidates — Black, Keith, McConnel, Hunter 
 and myself. Students — Wilson, Linn, Waugh and Bard. At 
 Mr. Black's — he lives west under the North Mountain. He has 
 
 * Rev. Philip Vicars Flthian, eldest son of Joseph Fithian, was born at Green- 
 wich. New Jersey, December 29th, 1747. He was prepared for college by Rev. Enoch 
 Green, at Deerfield, N. J., and was a graduate of tbe.class of 1772, in the College of 
 New Jersey, a class noted for the ability and for the subsequent prominence ,of 
 many of its members ; Aaron Burr, Vice President of the U. S., William Bradford, 
 Attorney General U. S., Rev. Wm. Linn, D. D., etc. He was licensed to preach by the 
 First Presbytery of Philadelphia, November 6th, 1774. On the 4th of April, 1775, he 
 received an honorable dismissal from the Presbytery as there were no vacancies 
 within its boundaries, and was recommended as a candidate m good standing. He 
 left home at Greenwich, N. J., May 9th, 1775, on horse-back, for a tour through 
 Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania and Virginia,in company with Andrew Hunter, 
 also his classmate, taking notes of people and places in letters (journal form) 
 addressed to Miss Elizabeth Beatty (sister of Dr. John, Dr. Reading and Colonel 
 Erkuries Beatty, subsequently prominent officers in the Pennsylvania Line of the 
 Revolution). 
 
 After his return, October 25th, 1775, he was married to Miss Beatty, and the follow- 
 ing June accepted the appointment of chaplain to Col. Newcomb's Battallion of N. 
 J. Militia and died in camp at Fort Washington, N. Y., of dysentery, October 8th, 
 
 1777. His widow married March 4th, 1780, Joel Fithian Esq. (cousin of Rev. Philip), of 
 Cumberland county, N. J., and survived until August 6th, 1825, and left by her last 
 husband descendants of great prominence in the Presbyterian church among 
 whom was the late Dr. Enoch Fithian of the Greenwich,N. J., Presbyterian Church. 
 
 t This church edifice is now gone but the grave-yard, still marks the place two 
 miles north-easterly from Mcrcersburg, Penna. According to late Rev. Dr. Creigh, 
 this part of the country began to be settled in the year of the purchase 1736, and a 
 congregation was formed in 1738. Rev. John King was the first settled pastor in- 
 stalled August 30th, 1769, he discharged pastoral duties over forty-years. He died 
 July 15th, 1813 There were one hundred and thirty families in the settlement at 
 the commencement of Mr. King's ministry. 
 
Fithian's Preaching Tour. 319 
 
 a sweet pleasant wife and child. Mr. Black, played for our di- 
 version and amusement, many airs on the German flute; we 
 recalled and chatted over our peregrinations .since we parted. 
 
 '' Wednesday June 21. By nine at PresV^ytery : many pros 
 and cons, repartees and break-jaw compliments passed. Noth- 
 ing was done for us and we pa.ssed the day in dullness and then 
 a ramble among the trees. Evening we returned with friendly 
 Mr. Black,* and passed it in music and friendship. 
 
 '' Thursday June 22. At Presbytery by nine, we got our ap- 
 pointments, Mr. Keith over the Allegheny. I have the follow- 
 ing, next Sabbath at Cedar Springs; first Sabbath in July, at 
 Northumberland, second at Buffalo Valley, third at Warrior 
 Run, fourth at Bald Eagle, fifth in Chillisquaque, first, in 
 August, in Pennsvalley, second West Kiscoquillas, third East 
 Kiscoquillas, fourth Shirley, a vast stony round. At eleven 
 left the Presbytery and rode to Mr. King's, within a mile of 
 Fort Loudon ; Mr. Keith along. Wc rode north into Path 
 Valley; Mr. Keith left me at twelve miles on his way to Bedford. 
 
 "1 rode on to one Elliott's (Francis) he keeps a genteel house 
 with good accommodations. T saw a young woman, a daughter 
 of his, who has never been over the South Mountain as elegant 
 in her manner and as neat in her dress as most in the city. 
 
 "Friday June 23. Passed by the narrows into Tuscarora 
 Valley, a rainy dripping day, most uncomfortable for riding 
 among leaves. On the way all day, usually a small path, and 
 covered with sharp stones. Arrived about five in the evening, 
 although besoaked, at one James Gray'sf in a little hamlet in 
 the woods. He was kind and receiver! mecivillv: he had a 
 good pasture for my horse, and his good wife prepared me a 
 warm and suitable supper. 
 
 " Saturday June 2-i. Before breakfast came a Scotch matron 
 with her rock and spindle, twisting away at the flax. I rode 
 on after breakfast to Mr. Samuel Lyon's:]: twelve miles yet in 
 
 * Probably Rev. John Black, Princeton class of 1771, who died 1802. 
 
 t James Gray, lived in what is now Spruce Hill township, Juniata county. These 
 minute details will be interesting to the many Presbyterian descendants of Mr. 
 Fithian's entertainers. 
 
 X Samuel Lyon, Esq., lived on the John Kelley place, now Milford township, 
 Juniata county. 
 
320 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial 
 
 Tuscarora He lives neat, has glass windows, and apparently 
 a good farm. Here I met Mr. Slemons,* on his way down from 
 Mr. Lyon's, I rode to the Juniata three miles and stopped just 
 on the other side, at John Harris', Esq. He lives elegantly; in 
 the parlor where I am sitting are three windows, each with 
 twenty four lights of glass." 
 
 John Harris was a native of Donegal. Ireland, born in 1723, 
 and emigrated with his wife Jane and older brother James. 
 He purchased, by deed dated September 2, 1774, the ground 
 on which Mifflintown now stands, and laid out that place in 
 1791, and died in 1794. He was the father of James Hariis, 
 Esq., who, with Col. James Dunlop, laid out the town of Belle- 
 fonte in 1795, and ancestor of many of the prominent Presby- 
 terian families in Belief onte. James Harris" great-grandson, 
 Rev. J. Harris Orbison, M. D., in 1886 was ordained by the 
 Presbytery of Huntingdon, and went as a missionary to India. 
 
 Cedar Springs. 
 
 " Sunday, June 26. A large and genteel society, but in a 
 great and furious turmoil about one Mr. Kennedy. f Poor I 
 was frightened. One of the society when he was asked to set 
 up the tune answered : •' That he knew not whether I was a 
 Papist, or a Methodist, or a Baptist, or a Seceder." I r^ade 
 him soon acquainted with my authority. 
 
 " Monday, June 26. T rose early with the purpose of setting 
 off for Sunbury. After breakfast I rode to one Mr. Boyles, a 
 well-disposed, civil and sensible man (Joseph Boyles who lived 
 on the site of McAllisterville). He entertained me kindly and 
 acquainted me largely with the disturbance with Mr. Kennedy. 
 
 " June 27. Forded the river to Sunbury. It is yet a small 
 village, but seems to be growing rapidly : then I rode one-half 
 a mile to one Hunter's :[: within the walls of Fort Augusta." 
 
 * Rev. John Siemens, was a graduate of Princeton of the class of 1762, and was 
 ordained A. D. 1766, and belonged to the Presbytery of Baltimore in 1786. 
 
 t See page 317, ante. 
 
 X Col. Samuel Hunter owned the site of Fort Augusta and land adjoining Sun- 
 bury, which was laid out in 1770. This part of the county was settled promptly 
 after the purchase, 1768, and a congregation organized as Augusta congregation as 
 early as 1768, when it received supplies from the Synod. 
 
Buffalo X Roads 321 
 
 Northumberland. 
 
 On Sunday, July 2, Mr. Fitliian preached, at Laughlan Mc- 
 Cartney's house, in North uniV)erl and, a sermon at eleven o'clock, 
 and after an hour and a-half interuiission another service, lie 
 mentions among his auditors Sheriff Wm. Cooke, Robert 
 Martin. John Barker, Esq., William Scull, Mrs. Hunter. Mr. 
 McCartney paid him £1 5s. M. for the supply, and he adds 
 that Mr. Haines, the proprietor of the town, took him to see a 
 lot he was about to give to the Presbyterian society, "a fine 
 high spot on the North way street and near the river." 
 
 Buffalo X Roads (Union County now). 
 
 On Tiiursday, July 6th, he arrived at Capt William Gray's 
 in Buffalo Valley (Capt. Gray lived half a mile north of the 
 present site of Lewisburg). Sunday, the 9th, he preached at 
 Buffalo X Roads (now Union county), where, he says, the people 
 are building a big meeting-house. Here, he says, is a numer- 
 ous society. " I will also call this the silk-gowned congrega- 
 tion. I saw here the greatest number and the greatest variety 
 of silk gowns among the ladies that I have yet seen in my 
 course." 
 
 He speaks of meeting here Dr. William Plunket (ancestor of 
 the Maclay family of Mifflin county). Henry Van Dyke, 
 Robert Fruit, Samuel Allen, Walter Clarke, John Linn, almost 
 all of whose descendants are still connected with the Presby- 
 terian church, though now widely distributed over Western 
 Pennsylvania and the Western States. The church at Buffalo 
 X Roads was organized in 1773, and is still in existence. In 
 1786, at the time of the organization of Carlisle Presbytery, it 
 had one hundred and one families of adherents. In connection 
 with the congregations of Sunbury and Northumberland, Buf- 
 falo congregation, m May, 1787, gave a call to Rev. Hugh 
 Morrison, and he assumed the pastorate in November, 1788. 
 Buffalo congregation agreed to pay him £75 per year. Mr. 
 Morrison came from the Presbytery of Roote in Ireland, and 
 was received by the Presbytery of Donegal early in 1786. He 
 died September 13th, 1805, at Sunbury, aged forty-eight years- 
 Lewisburg, Mifflinburg, New Berlin, Hartleton, Washington 
 21 
 
322 Presbytery of Carlisle — CentenniaL 
 
 congregations are offshoots of old Buffalo, of wliich Mr. Moiri- 
 son was the first settled pastor. 
 
 The present brick editice stands within a few rods of the site 
 of the church they were building when Mr. Fithian visited 
 Buffalo cliurch, and is the third building erected there in the 
 course of the century after that visit. Buffalo congregation. 
 Rev. W. K. Foster, had, in 1886, 140 members; of its offshoots, 
 in 1886, Washington had 180 members; Lewisburg. 256 : Mif- 
 flinburg 1st, 140: New Berlin, 26; Mifflinburg 2d, 52; 
 Hartleton, 9 ; total, 843. 
 
 Chillisquaque. 
 
 That there was a congregation organized at Chillisquaque 
 before 1775 appears by Mr. Fithian's Journal. He preached 
 ut James Murray's house July 23, 1775, and says there were 
 in all sixty in attendance. One of the elders gave him 15s. 3g?. 
 for supply. 
 
 This congregation appears upon the records of Donegal 
 Presbytery in 1774. The patent for twelve acres of ground 
 on which the church stands in Northumberland county is dated 
 September 22, 1774. The first house of worship, a small log 
 building erected soon after Mr. Fithian's visit, was burned by 
 the Indians during the Revolution. The first pastor was Rev. 
 John Bryson,'* who served as such for fifty years. He was in- 
 stalled pastor of the united congregations of Chillisquaque and 
 Warrior Run on the second Wednesday of June, 1791. The 
 second church at Chillisquaque, called the White church, was 
 still unfinished when Mr. Bryson preached his first sermon 
 there. 
 
 Forty-two names are attached to Mr. Bryson's call, dated 
 June 23, 1790, including such prominent men as Thomas 
 Hewit David Hammond, James McMahon, John Montgomery, 
 William Murray, James Murray, John Murray, William Mc- 
 Cormick, Thomas Strawbridge, David Ireland, James Mc- 
 Knight, Robert Finney, John Ray, William Montgomery, etc. 
 
 * Rev. John Bryson bom in Allen township, Cumberland county. Pa., January 
 1, 1758 : graduate of Dickinson College, September 26, 1787 ; ordained at Carlisle, De- 
 cember ;», 1790; died August 3, 1855. 
 
Lock Haven— in i)-lSH6. 323 
 
 The original elders of this congregation wenj James Sheddan, 
 James McKnight and David Ireland. 
 
 This congregation is still in existence, and had, in l.S8t), one 
 hundred and five members. Mooresburg church, numbenng 
 forty-seven members, Mahoning, at Danville, immbering three 
 hundred and one members, Washingtonville, sixty-four mem- 
 bers, and Derry, seventy-tive members, are offshoots of Chillis- 
 quaque congregation. 
 
 Warrior Run. 
 
 Passing further up the west branch of the Susquehanna, Mr. 
 Fithian visited Warrior Run. His journal contains the earliest 
 recorded notice of this congregation, "June 16, 1775. Warrior 
 Run, this meeting house is on the bank of the river, eighteen 
 miles from Northumberland, it is not yet covered ; a large as- 
 sembly gathered." 
 
 This old church stood at the lower end of the now flourish- 
 ing village of Watsontown, where an old grave-yard is still 
 visible within the limits of Ario Pardee's lumber works. In 
 1789, this site was abandoned and a church erected on land 
 deeded the Warrior Run congregation hy Joseph Hutchison, 
 on the main road from Milton to Muncy, in a beautiful grove 
 by a spring of water. 
 
 At the time of Mr. Bryson, June 28, 1790, there were sixty- 
 seven adherents. The original elders were James McAfee 
 Robert Smith and John Woods. Warrior Run, in 1886, had 
 seventy-nine members, its immediate offshoot, Watsontown, 
 had in that year one hundred and twenty-seven members. The 
 Milton and McEwensville congregations are also offshoots of 
 Warrior Run. 
 
 Great Island Congregation. 
 
 This was the next and last settlement up the west branch in 
 1775, now tbecity of Lock Haven and its environs. June 25, 1775^ 
 Mr. Fithian arrived at the home of John Fletning, Esq., who lived 
 on the site of the present city, and on Sunday, 30th, preached to 
 the " Bald Eagle congregation,'' as he calls it, on the bank of 
 the river, opposite the Great Island, about a mile and a-half 
 
324 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial 
 
 below Esquire Fleming's. " He was the first orderly preacher, 
 or that had come by appointment ever to this settlement'' 
 There were present about one hundred and forty people, who gave 
 good attention. He adds, '' I recommended to them earnestly 
 the religious observance of God's Sabbath in this remote 
 place." 
 
 Subscription paper dated in 1787, for the support of the 
 Gospel in this church, is subscribed by forty-three names, 
 which indicates the strength of the congregation at the organi- 
 zation of Carlisle Presbytery. 
 
 Great Island church (Lock Haven) had, in 1886, two hun- 
 dred and ten members, " Bald Eagle and Nittany," an off- 
 shoot, one hundred and sixteen ; Beech Creek, sixty members : 
 and Holland Run, fifty. Pine Creek, (now Jersey Shore), con- 
 gregation was organized in 1792. Its first pastor. Rev. Isaac 
 Grier,"'*' in the spring of 1792, was sent by the Presbytery of 
 Carlisle as a missionary to the west and north branches of the 
 Susquehanna, to proceed as far as Albany and Ticonderoga, 
 New York.f Lycoming congregation (late Newberry, now in 
 the Seventh ward of the city of Williamsport), was organized 
 also in 1792. On the 9th of June, 1793, the Presbytery of 
 Carlisle placed in Mr. Grier's hands a call from the churches of 
 Great Island, Pine Creek and Lycoming, who continued in 
 charge until the year 1806. Pine Creek, now Jersey Shore, 
 had, in 1886, two hundred and eighty-six members : Lycom- 
 ing, two hundred and ninety. 
 
 Penn's Valley Congregation. 
 
 After visiting Great Island congregation, Mr. Fithian rode 
 up Bald Eagle creek and stopped over night, July 31, 1775, at 
 Andrew Boggs' " Bald Eagle's Nest," near Milesburg. Next 
 
 * Rev. Isaac Grier was born in 1763; graduated at Dickinson College in 1788; 
 licensed by Carlisle Presbytery, December 21, 1791 ; married in June, 1793, to Eliz- 
 abeth, second daughter of Robert Cooper, D. D., and died at Northumberland, Pa.. 
 August 23, 1814. He was father of Hon. R. C. Grier, Judge of the Supreme Court of 
 United States, and of Rev. Isaac Grier, D. D., of Mifflinburg, Pa. 
 
 t This tradition has been often repeated, but there is no intimation in the original 
 minute of Carlisle Presbytery about proceeding " as far as Albany and Ticon- 
 deroga. N. Y." How the tradition originated it is impossible now to tell probably 
 in the facetious remark of some early j)reacher. — G. N. 
 
PenrCs Valley. 325 
 
 inorniiig he held service of prayer therein the presence of 
 some Indians and a room full of other people; no doubt the 
 fii-st religious service held by any minister in what is now the 
 borough of Milesburg. 
 
 Passing through Muncy Gap, he rode eighteen miles to Capt. 
 Potters (afterward Gen. James Potter). On Sunday, August 
 6th, he preached two sermons in Capt Potter's house, only eiLdit 
 men and not one woman, besides the family present, as a violent 
 storm was prevailing. Capt. Potter told him there were then 
 only twenty-eight families in Penn's Valley. Twenty-two of 
 these were subscribers, and they had raised £40 on subscription 
 as a fund to pay supplies. He was the second preacher that 
 had ever been in the valley — " Mr. Linn was here two Sabbaths 
 past, first of all, and I, by regular appointment, next." 
 
 The Mr. Linn he speaks of was Rev. William Linn (a grand- 
 uncle of the writer hereof), who had been a classmate of Mr. 
 Fithian's at Princeton. EEe was subsequently pastor at Big 
 Spring, Cumberland county (now Newville). Li 1789 he was 
 pastor of the Collegiate Dutch Church of New York city, and 
 died at Albany, N. Y.. January 8, 1808. 
 
 Rev. James Martin. 
 
 That there was an organized congregation known as Penn's 
 Valley Congregation, in 1776, is certain, as it made that year 
 an application to the Synod for supplies, but the valley was 
 entirely abandoned during the winter of 1779-80, and settle- 
 ments were not resumed until the year 1784, and its churcli 
 history is a blank until the call of Rev. James Martin, April 
 15, 1789, to the charge of the churches of east and west Penn's 
 Valley, Warriors Mark and Half moon. East Penn's Valley, 
 according to tradition, was his largest congregation. 
 
 Rev. James Martin came from Ireland, County of Df)wn, in 
 1774-5. May 21, 1777, he appears in Synod as a member of 
 Donegal Presbytery, and, according to Dr. Gibson, was first 
 settled at a place called Piney Creek, where he was installed 
 November 9, 1780, and continued there until his call to Penn's 
 Valley in 1789. He settled on what was known as the Musser 
 farm, east of Penn Hall. The old log church was erected on 
 
32 H Presbytery of Carlisle — Centeniiial 
 
 this place, where, on the 14th of April, 1795, the Presbytery 
 of Huntingdon was organized, and thereupon the jurisdiction 
 of Carlisle Presbytery over the frontier churches, whose history 
 we have been giving, ceased. 
 
 Dr. Gibson says of Rev. James Martin that he was an able 
 orthodox and popular preacher. His sermons were long, 
 seldom less than one hour and a-half, and sometimes consider- 
 ablv longer. In a warm summer day it was not unusual for 
 him to take off his coat and preach in his shirt sleeves. In the 
 pulpit he was very forgetful of himself and of his personal ap- 
 pearance. He would first take off his coat, then loosen his 
 cravat, and conclude by taking off his wig, holding it in his 
 hand, and shaking it in the face of the congregation. 
 
 Mr. Martin died in the same year the Presbytery was con- 
 stituted, on the 20th of June, 1795. When his children sold the 
 place they reserved three-quarters of an acre, where the 
 meeting house then stood, and the burying place adjacent 
 thereto. 
 
 There are, no doubt, many graves there, but the large marble 
 slab that covers the grave of the first Presbyterian pastor of 
 Penn's Valley, alone keeps due sentinel of this old church 
 property. His tombstone has inscribed upon it: ''Here lies 
 the body of the Rev. James Martin, Pastor of the first Presby- 
 terian Congregation in Penn's Valley, who died June 20. A, 
 D. 1795, aged about 65 years. 
 
 " I eep was the wound, Oh, Death, and vastly wide. 
 When he resigned his useful breath and died. 
 Ye sacred tribes with pious sorrow mourn, 
 And drop a tear at your dear pastor's urn. 
 
 " Concealed a moment from our longing eyes, 
 Beneath this stone his mortal body lies ; 
 Happy the Spirit lives, and will, we trust. 
 In bliss associate with his pious dust." 
 
 Mr. Martin left four sons, James, Samuel, John and Robert, 
 and three daughters. One of the latter married Edward Bell, 
 Esq., father of Rev. A. K. Bell, D. D., a prominent minister 
 in the Baptist church ; another married Andrew Bell, and the 
 other married Judge John Stewart, of Huntingdon county. Of 
 
Ruling Elders of the Early Days. 827 
 
 the sons, Robert removed to Kentucky, James spent his life 
 in teaching, John married and left cbildron in Huntingdon 
 county-. 
 
 Of Mr. Martin's ciders we only know certainly the names of 
 John Watson and George McCormick. John Watson lived 
 about a mile eastwardly of the old church. 
 
 George Mc<)ormick came into Penn's Valley as early as 
 1773, settled at Spring Mills, and built the first mill there. He 
 sold to James Cooke, Esq., of Lancaster county, moved up to 
 the neighborhood of Lemont, and died there in 1814. His 
 daughter, Eleanor, married Archibald Allison. Among his 
 descendants are William Allison, of Gregg township, Archibald 
 Allison, of Axemann, Mrs. Frank McCoy and others. 
 
 George Wood was also an elder at an early date of the Penn's 
 Valley congregation. He came into the valley in 1774 or 
 1775, and settled at the base of Egg Hill, about one mile west 
 of Spring Mills. He built a fulling mill, the first in the valley. 
 He died August 14, 1819, aged seventy-three years. His son, 
 Matthew, built Farmers' Mills in 1815, but removed to the 
 State of Michigan. One of George Wood's daughters married 
 James Hutchinson, and he still has descendants residing in the 
 valley. 
 
 Robert McKim was also one of the early elders of the church. 
 He was born in Ireland in 1747, and removed into Penn's 
 Valley in the fall of 1777. Col. James Gilliland says of him 
 in a recent letter : " He lived to be a very old man, was de- 
 voted to the church, and often acted as precentor or leader of 
 the singing. He took an active part in the prayer meetings, 
 was kind, gentle and always pleasant. He had a large supply 
 of Irish anecdotes which he could relate in an amusing manner. 
 He lived one mile west of Potter's Mills. He died in the spring 
 of 1834, aged eighty-seven years. David succeeded him as 
 precentor, but left the church when Watts' psalms and hymns 
 were introduced. His children were David, Robert, Jr., Nancy, 
 Mary, Margaret and Jane. Robert McKim, Jr.'s granddaughter 
 is the wife of Gen. Hylyer, a millionaire residing near Wash- 
 ington, D. C. 
 
 William Rankin was an elder in Sinking Creek church 
 
328 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centeit ii ia L 
 
 (Center Hillj. He was born in Franklin county, November 5, 
 1770. lie settled on a farm about two miles west of Centre 
 Hill. He was the second sheriff of the county in 1803, and 
 from 1806-]810 represented the county in the Legislature. 
 Col. Gilliland says of him : " He was my first Sunday school 
 teacher, and one of the best men I ever knew. Religion was 
 uppermost in his thoughts. He led the prayer meetings, and 
 never omitted an exhortation. He was not fluent in speech, 
 but sensible and instructive. Physically he was a powerful 
 man, weighing about two hundred and fifty pounds, six feet in 
 height, and not corpulent. I have seen him handle a grain 
 cradle so large and wide that a man of ordinary strength could 
 not handle it" 
 
 In 1828 William Rankin removed^ to Ferguson township, 
 near the Centre line, where he died November 29. 1847, reach- 
 ing the same age that Robert McKim did — eighty-seven. One 
 of William Rankin's sons, Joseph A. Rankin, is an aged and 
 highly respected citizen of Bellefonte; another was William 
 Rankin, M. D., of Shippensburg, and James Rankin, M. D., 
 of Muncy, both gentlemen eminently distinguished in their pro- 
 fession, but now deceased. 
 
 East Kishacoquillas. 
 
 On Sunday, August 13, 1775, Mr. Fithian preached to this 
 congregation. He observes : " There is a large society and it 
 makes a good appearance. We were, in the forenoon, in a 
 large barn; it was too small and we went into a fine meadow 
 (the meadow of Judge Brown, opposite the present village of 
 Reedsviile, Mifflin county). I am told the people of this 
 village are all united in religious mattei-s, all Presbyterians, 
 and all orthodox, new light, primitive Presbyterians, too, all 
 except eight sour, unbrotherly seceders, and sociable and 
 agreeable churchman, Mr. Landrum. For supplv Esquire 
 Brown gave me 206'. 9o?.'" 
 
 West Kishacoquillas (Belleville). 
 
 Here Mr. Fithian preached in Mr. Brokerton's barn, August 
 20, twice ; for this supply Mr. John McDowell gave him 20s. 
 
Early Services at Danville. 829 
 
 These churches of East and West Kishacoquillas are still iu 
 existence. The members of East and West Kishacoquillas 
 conj^regations called their first pastor. Rev. James Johnston,* 
 March 15, 1783, eight years after Mr. Fithians visit, sixty-nine 
 members signing the call, William Brown, Esq., heading the 
 list East Kishacoquillas had, in 1886, one hundred and thirty- 
 two members : West Kishacoquillas had, in the same year, 
 two hundred and hfty-one members. 
 
 Huntingdon. 
 
 When Mr. Fithian visited Huntingdon (town) in 1775, there 
 was no organized congregation, but as early as April 13, 1790, 
 Rev. John Johnston accepted a call for one-half of his time at 
 Huntingdon and its neighborhood. He was born in Belfast, 
 Ireland, in 1760, emigrated in 1784, and received into the 
 Presbytery of Carlisle, May 26, 1787, and installed pastor of 
 Hartslog and Shavers Creek congregation, Nov, 14, 1787. He 
 was married, April 1, 1788, to Jane Macbeth, and continued 
 pastor at Huntingdon until his death, December 16, 1823. 
 
 Shirley. 
 
 The last congregation Mr. Fithian visited on this tour was 
 at Fort Shirley, near Shirleysburg, Huntingdon county. He 
 preached, August 27, in Mr. James Foley's barn, and though 
 a rainy, stormy day, fifty or more people were present. Shirleys- 
 burg congregation, in 1886, numbered seventy-one members. 
 
 The Mahoning Presbyterian church at Danville, Pa., 
 was organized in 1785. Services were held in Gren. Wm. 
 Montgomery's house as early, it is said, as 1777, and among 
 the earliest adherents, previous to 1785, were Gen. Montgomery, 
 Peter Blue, Gilbert Vorhees, David Goodman, John Clark, 
 William Gray, John Wilson, John Irwin, Benjamin Fowler, 
 William Lemon and others. John Bryson, then a licentiate, 
 preached his first sermon at Mahoning, on the third Sabbatli 
 of November, 1789, and supplied the church regularly from 
 
 • Rev. James Johnston, born September 24, Vt'A, near Shippengburg, Pa.; studied 
 theology under Dr. Robert Cooper; licensed by Donegal Presbytery, October 17, 
 1782 ; married, January 11, 1785, a daughter of Judge Brown ; and died at his home 
 in East Kishacoquillas, near ReedBville, January 3, 1820, aged 66 years. 
 
330 Presbytery oj Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 April 13, 1790, until in October, 1790. Its first installed pastor 
 was Kov. John B. Patterson, called in 1798, in connection with 
 Derry congregation (Columbia county now). The latter con- 
 gregation was organized about the year 1784, but it has no re- 
 corded history until after Mr. Patterson's settlement. 
 
 These reminiscences of the frontier churches afford ample evi- 
 dence that Carlisle Presbytery, in the providence of Grod, was 
 erected at exactly the proper time, and that there was no fail- 
 ure, on the part of the Presbytery, to supply with stated preach- 
 ing and with church organizations, the Presbyterian home- 
 makers of central Pennsylvania, thus securing for them that 
 intellectual and religious excellence, which made them good 
 citizens, and which has been a great blessing to our country. 
 
 Historically, Presbyterian polity ''runs glittering like a brook 
 in the open sunshine," along the track of the Scotch -Irish set- 
 tlers, as they push their way from the Delaware, thr^ ugh 
 Chester and Lancastpr counties, up the Susquehanna to Harris 
 Ferry, increasing their pathway while they move witb a long 
 reach through Cumberland Valley, they cross the Alleghenies 
 and widen out grandly all around the head-waters of the Ohio. 
 That it made few proselytes from other nationalities was not 
 the fault of Carlisle Presbytery. The time had not come, and 
 only would, when the conglomerate elements of European em- 
 igration became welded into an American civilization, and 
 society permeated to such degree by culture and religion, as to 
 be susceptible of understanding, being impressed by and con- 
 verted to the doctrine, government and worship of the Pres- 
 byterian church. 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 Huntingdon Presbytery. 
 
 This Presbytery was formed under the direct action of 
 
 the General Assembly, with the concurrence of the Synod. 
 
 The overture came from the Synod of Philadelphia requesting 
 
 the division of the Presbyterj of Carlisle, whereupon the As- 
 
Sketches of Ministers. 38 1 
 
 sembly enacted that such of the members of Carlisle Presbytery 
 as were situated north of or by a line drawn along the Juniata 
 river, from the mouth up to the Tusoarora, and along the Tuy- 
 carora to the head of PiAh Valley, thence westerly to the east- 
 ern boundary of the Presbytery of Redstone, leaving the con- 
 gregation of Bedford to the south, be erected into a Presbytery 
 by the name of the Presbytery of Huntingdon, and appointed 
 their first meeting, 14th of April, 1795, to be held at Mr. 
 Martin's church in Penn's Valley. 
 
 Rev. John Iloge was appointed to preside until a moderator 
 was chosen. He preached from John 1:12, after which he 
 constituted the Presbytery with prayer. Beside him the fol- 
 lowing ministers and elders were present at the organization : 
 Revs. James Martin, Hugh Magill, Matthew Stephens, Hugh 
 Morrison, John Bryson, Isaac Grier and James Johnston : with 
 Elders John Watson, Walter Clark, Robert Smith and William 
 Hammond. Mr. Hoge was chosen lirst moderator, and James 
 Johnston, clerk. 
 
 The ministers of Carlisle Presbytery at its organization, in 
 1786, whose names are associated with the annals of the frontier 
 churches, were Revs. David Bard, John Hoge, James Johnston, 
 Hugh Magill, James Martin and Matthew Stephens. None of 
 these fell within the eastward portion of the territory of Hunt- 
 ingdon Presbytery, which became the Presbytery of Northum- 
 berland by resolution of the Synod of Philadelphia, on May 
 16, 1811. 
 
 Rev. David Bard 
 
 was born in Leesburg, Va., graduated at Princeton in the clnss of 
 of 1773, and was licensed in 1776. In 1778, he was called to 
 Great Cove, in Pennsylvania, and ordained August 16, 1779. 
 In 1780 he was pastor of Kittochton and Gum Spring, Va.. 
 and, in 1786, be received a call to Bedford, Pa. In June, 
 1790, he accepted a call to the Frankstown congregation <,near 
 Hollidaysburg). In the fall of 1795, he was elected member of 
 Congress, and was released, at his own request, from his con- 
 gregation in 1799. He served in Congress from 1795 to 1799, 
 and from 1803 to March 3, 1815, and died at Alexandria 
 
332 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial 
 
 Huntingdon county, at the house <jf his daughter, Mrs. Dr. 
 Buchanan, on his way home from Congress, March 12, 1815. 
 Dr. Gibson says, " He was possessed of popular talents, both 
 as a preacher and politician, and he did not, at any time, for- 
 sake the pulpit because he was unacceptable as a preacher. 
 Nor ought it be intimated that he had no heart for the ministry, 
 for, during the recess of Congress, he was constantly engaged 
 in the work of the ministry, and at t*he time of his death he 
 was stated supply of Sinking Valley church. His descendants, 
 grandchildren and great grandchildren are among us yet." 
 
 Rev John Hoge 
 
 was a graduate of Princeton, in its second class, that of 1749. 
 Dr. Gibson, in his history of Huntingdon Presbytery, says : 
 " He appears never to have been a settled pastor. It is prob- 
 able he had a peculiar talent f(>r hunting up and gathering 
 together the scattered members of the church. In 1793, he was 
 appointed a supply in Northumberland county. He was 
 always highly esteemed as a minister, and had an unquestioned 
 character for piety." The General Assembly appointed him 
 to preside at the organization of the Presbytery of Huntingdon, 
 and he preached the opening sermon, April 14, 1795. He died, 
 February 11, 1807. The grandchildren of this pioneer evan- 
 gelist of the frontiers still reside at Watsontown, Northumber- 
 land county. 
 
 Rev. James Johnston, Rev. Hugh Magi 11 and Rev. James 
 Martin have been mentioned in the preceding notes. Their 
 memory is preserved in the traditions of the church, and short 
 biographies of them appear in Dr. Gibson's excellent history of 
 the Presbytery of Huntingdon. 
 
 Rev. Matthew Stephens 
 
 was a native of Ireland, and was an ordained minister from the 
 Presbytery of Letterkenny, when received by the Presbytery 
 of Donegal, in 1784, and permitted to preach within its bounds. 
 On the 4th of October, 1797, he was called to become pastor of 
 Shaver's Creek church, Huntingdon county. In 1810, his pas- 
 toral relation there was dissolved at his own request. Dr. 
 
Xort/iumberland Presbytei-y. 883 
 
 Gibson says he was a man of great and ready wit, and fell a 
 victim to the accursed drinking habits of those times. He was 
 suspended in 1824, and died under suspension the following 
 year. 
 
 The Northumberland Presbytery. 
 
 This Presbytery was erected by the Synod of Philadelphia^ 
 May 16, 1811, by dividing the Presbytery of Huntingdon, at 
 its request, by a line beginning at the mouth of Mahantango 
 creek, thence a northwesterly course, so as to take in the west 
 branch of the Susquehanna at the line which divides Lycoming 
 and Centre counties, so as to leave to the eastward the follow- 
 ing members : Revs. Asa Dunham, John Bryson, Isaac Grier. 
 John B. Patterson and Thomas Hood and their respective 
 charges. The above-named ministers and congregations to be 
 named the Presbytery of Northumberland, to meet at the 
 Presbyterian church in Northumberland, on the first Tuesday 
 of October, 1811. Presbytery met accordingly, and Rev. Asa 
 Dunham was chosen moderator, and Rev. John B. Patterson 
 temporary clerk. The only members of Huntingdon Presby- 
 tery, who had been members of Carlisle Presbytery, falling 
 within the new organization, were Rev. John Bryson and Rev. 
 Isaac Grier. 
 
THE WORK OF EDUCATION 
 
 Bounds of the Presbytery of Carlisle. 
 
 By Rev JOSEPH VAxNCE, I). D. 
 
*God had sifted three kingdoms to find the wheat 
 
 for this planting, 
 Then had sifted the wheat, as the Hving seed of a 
 
 nation ; 
 So say the chronicles old, and such is the faith of 
 
 the people I " 
 
 ^^Long/ellow. 
 
.^^i^j:.^ J3X JW.JAR^/ZS. mrGP ST 
 
 J1(0)1>{]K1 Mo^MAScDKl 
 
i700-l7SS— The Colonists. 337 
 
 THE WORK OF EDUCATION IN THE BOUNDS OF 
 THE PRESBYTERY OF CARLISLE. 
 
 By Rev. Joskph Vanck, D. D. 
 
 flE liistory of the educational work in these bounds 
 may be very naturally divided into three periods. 
 
 First. From the early settlements in 1700 until 
 the founding of Dickinson College in 1783 
 Second. From 1783 until the transfer of the college in 1833. 
 Third. From 1833 until the present time. 
 
 1700—1783. 
 
 The Colonists. 
 
 Whatever their imperfections, the most enlightened and 
 Christian people on the earth inhabited northwestern Europe 
 when America was discovered. God had hidden these shores 
 from the Old World until the dawn of the reformation of the 
 sixteenth century. When the religious persecutions of the 
 seventeenth and eighteenth centuries came, those nations were 
 winnowed, and here was scattered- some of the finest of the 
 wheat, ^yhether we turn to the Pilgrim, the Puritan, the 
 Huguenot, the Friend, the Holland Dutch, the German or the 
 Scotch-Irish Presbyterian, we find them, in their colonial life, 
 in the face of great difficulties, founding both the church and 
 the school. 
 
 The Germans who settled in these bounds brought with them 
 their teachers as well as their ministers. In his history of 
 Pennsylvania, Sypher says, " A company of German philan- 
 tliropists, sustained by contributions from religious societies in 
 Europe, established free schools in Pennsylvania early in the 
 eighteenth century. In 1756, these schools were open and 
 well sustained in Philadelphia, and in the counties of Berks, 
 Bucks, Chester, Cumberland, Lancaster, Montgomery, North- 
 ampton and York." 
 22 
 
338 Presbytery of Carlisle — CentennmL 
 
 " We boast of our common schools," says our great historian 
 Bancroft, ''but John Calvin was the father of popular educa- 
 tion, the inventor of the S3^stem of free schools/' Scotland's 
 great reformer, John Knox, was a pupil of Calvin's in Geneva, 
 and we find him, as early as 1560, urging in Scotland the 
 necessity of schools for the poor, sustained by the Kirk. In 
 1696, the common school existed in every parish in Scotland, 
 sustained in part b}' the parish and partly by rate-bills. The 
 earlv Presbyterian settlers of these valleys were disciples of 
 Calvin and Knox. An open Bible, an enlightened intellect 
 and an unfettered conscience were their watchw^ords. True to 
 their principles and their traditions, the}^ carried the lamp of 
 learning into the wilderness. The Rev. George R Crooks, D. 
 D., a leading scholar of the Methodist church, to whom I ac- 
 knowledge special obligation in preparing this paper, says of 
 them, " Their storj- has yet been but imperfectly told. They 
 were the founders of the schools of learning of the Middle 
 States. They carried in their minds the ideals of a lofty civil- 
 ization and, amid the rigors of frontier life, established the 
 beginnings of the culture which adorns society in its most ad- 
 vanced stages. The shaping of the liberal culture of the 
 Middle States was in their hands." As is well understood in 
 the history of this region, the Penns sought to locate the set- 
 tlers of each nationality by themselves, consequently there 
 were German settlements and Scotch-Irish ones. After a set- 
 tlement was formed, the first aim was to have a church, and 
 with it a school. Judge Chambers says, '' Among them it 
 was a disgrace not to be able to read and write." Their minis- 
 ters were men of liberal education, and were active promoters 
 of schools. 
 
 Schools and Teachers. 
 
 The first ones were often taught by ministers. At Derry, 
 as earty as 1720, the Rev. Robert Evans taught at such times 
 as he could, being a missionary. The Rev. William Bert- 
 ram, the first stated minister of that church, served also as 
 teacher until 1745. ''' As early as 1740," says Dr. Wing, " we 
 read of school districts and masters," though there is no exist- 
 
School Houses. 339 
 
 ing record of their bounds or work. At Paxton there was a 
 school on Thomas Rutherford's farm, in 1760, wliich, in the 
 year 1800, was removed to a house owned b>' tlic church. In 
 1747, a Lutheran minister, the Rev. Michael Schlater, opened 
 a German school in Adams county. The iii'st English school 
 spoken of ir. that county was taught in 1769. hut the work was 
 difficult and the teacher abandoned it for tlic more remunera- 
 tive one of tavern keeping. Without doubt there was at the 
 earliest possible day a school in every congregation in these 
 bounds. The Irish " master '" was one of the early characters ; 
 usually, he was a well educated man and often a classical 
 scholar. In that age of no newspapers he was a walking cyclo- 
 pedia of information, especially as to the latest news from 
 beyond the seas. Next to the minister he was the most im- 
 portant man in the congregation. He was not easily obtained 
 and was sought with a carefulness not less than that for a pas- 
 tor. Not only intelligence was required, but aptness to teach 
 the Calvinistic faith. The studies were reading, writing, arith- 
 metic, and sometimes surveying. 
 
 The Bible was always a text book. The Shorter Catechism 
 was taught for substance of doctrine, and on Saturday morn- 
 ing was recited by the whole school, the minister often con- 
 ducting the examination. 
 
 School Houses. 
 
 Some of the first schools were, in good weather, taught 
 under large trees, and then wherever they could be accommo- 
 ' dated w^hen driven to shelter. It is said that an old tree is yet 
 standing in central Conewago township, Dauphin county, 
 known to be one hundred and twenty-five years old, which 
 once served this purpose. The houses were built by the joint 
 voluntary efforts of citizens contributing materials, labor and 
 rooney. At one end of this clapboard -roofed log building was 
 the large open fire-place with blazing back log and cord-wood, 
 affording good cheer and ventilation, though it left the boy 
 half frozen. On three sides of the house a section was cut out 
 of a log, and in the open space was set a row of lights, oiled 
 paper serving for glass. On the high benches around the room 
 
34U Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial 
 
 sat the larger scholars facing the wall and the inclined desk on 
 which they wrote and ciphered. The little fellows occupied 
 an interior row of low benches. On his little perch sat the 
 master, the only ornaments of his desk being an ink-horn, 
 quill pens and the necessary rod. On these benches sat, not the 
 spiritless children of poverty, but the coming divines, judges and 
 statesmen. The work was not free from difficulties for both 
 the teacher and the scholar. The teacher had no school laws 
 to exact requirements, and the scholar often found the master 
 arbitrary and severe. Dr. Charles Nisbet, writing to the Earl 
 of Buchan, in 1785, says, " What looks most ominous for the 
 rising generation is the extravagant indulgence that is shown 
 to children ; they must have the choice of their masters, and 
 may go to school or not, as they please. The whip is reserved 
 for negroes, yet the Roman /erwZa, of the very shape in which 
 it is represented in the statue of the ' Schoolmaster of Lyons," 
 is used in schools here, and often is not idle." 
 
 Terms. 
 
 The school was usually gathered within a radius of four or 
 five miles, and its sessions lasted from one to three months of 
 the year. The pay of teachers at Paxton was one cent per day 
 for each scholar. This most likely indicated the pay of the 
 average Irish school master. 
 
 Dangers. 
 
 When war parties of Indians invaded the settlements, the, 
 school house was an object of attack. The most notable in- 
 stance of this was daring the French and Indian war. On the 
 26th of July, 1764, a party of Indians attacked a school house 
 three miles north of Greencastle. The teacher, Enoch Brown, 
 finding himself helpless in their hands, besought them to spare 
 the scholars, but they clubbed him and nine of the children to 
 death and scalped them. One boy who was supposed to be 
 dead, revived and, though able to tell the story, never fully re- 
 covered from his injuries. A monument has lately been 
 erected by the citizens of Greencastle and the vicinity to mark 
 the place of the massacre. 
 
The Log College. 341 
 
 Colleges. 
 
 Ill 1733 there were but three chartered colleges in the colo- 
 nies — Harvard, founded in 1636; William and Mary, in 1692, 
 and Yale, which was founded in 1700. In addition to these 
 there was one college in Pennsylvania not chartered by the 
 Province, but ordained of God to a great work — the Log Col- 
 lege at Neshaminy, Bucks county, Pa. It grew out of the 
 demands of the day. As the Holland Dutch and the German 
 colonists were trammeled in their early history by being obliged 
 to preach in their native tongue, so was the early Presbyterian 
 church hindered by the demand for a thorough collegiate edu- 
 cation. New settlements were being made, the demand for 
 ministers was increasing, and yet they could not lower the re- 
 quired standard ; the Old World or New England must furnish 
 the only ministers they will receive. The Kev. Dr. Archibald 
 Alexander writes of a Mr. Evans as the only one without a 
 collegiate education among the early ministers. The records 
 show that many an unworthy man, by means of a diploma from 
 Glasgow or Dublin, got leave to waste God's flock. We can- 
 not understand the history of Presbyterian educational work 
 in this country without studying the record of 
 
 The Log College. 
 
 The Rev. William Tennant was, in the North of Ireland, an 
 Episcopal minister. Obeying his convictions, he, on coming 
 to this country, united with the Synod of Philadelphia. Of 
 him Dr. Archibald Alexander says, " the Presbyterian church 
 is not more indebted for her prosperity and evangelical spirit, 
 to any man, than to the elder Tennant." 
 
 He was never in full accord with the foreign Presbyterian 
 spirit. This was fortunate, as it resulted in widening the 
 bounds of the church. Prompted by his zeal, and looking 
 only to the demands of the Lord's work, he determined to edu- 
 cate young men for the ministry. His work was a scandal in 
 the eyes of the foreign graduates. '' His school was in deri- 
 sion called a college and despised," says Whitefield. Presi- 
 dent Garfield once said, " Dr. Mark Hopkins at one end of a 
 log and myself a student at the other would make a college," 
 
342 Presbytery of Carlisle — Cenlennial. 
 
 so William Tennant with his son Gilbert in his log house at 
 Ncshaminy made a college, and with his four sons, Gilbert, 
 William, John and Charles, and with John Blair and Samuel 
 Blair and Samuel Finley he had a college of cardinals. Gil- 
 bert Tennant, who was brought to this country at the age of 
 fifteen years and was licensed to preach the gospel in 1725, 
 was the first Presbyterian minister educated in America. He 
 was pastor of the Second church, Philadelphia, from 1743 to 
 1764. After a useful existence of twenty years, the Log Col- 
 lege died with William Tennent in 1746, but from that decay- 
 ing " corn of wheat " sprang Nassau Hall (Princeton College) 
 during the same year. Its existence began in the house of the 
 Kev. Jonathan Dickinson, pastor of the Presbyterian church 
 of Elizabeth, New Jersey. Thence it was removed to Newark, 
 and in 1756 was located at Princeton. Out of this work of the 
 Log College sprang also a number of 
 
 Classical Schools. 
 
 I. In 1739 the Rev. Samuel Blair, a graduate of the Log 
 College, founded an academy at Faggs' Manor, Chester county, 
 Pa., in which were educated such men as the Rev. Robert 
 Smith, D. D., of Pequea: the Rev. John Rodgers, D. D., of 
 New York : James Ross, the first professor of languages in 
 Dickinson College ; the Rev. Samuel Davies, D. D., a presi- 
 dent of Princeton College, and the Rev. John McMillan, D. 
 D., founder of Jefferson College, Pa. 
 
 II. In 1743 the academy of New London, Chester county, 
 Pa., which afterwards became Delaware College, was founded 
 by the Synod of Philadelpha, with the learned Rev. Dr. 
 Francis Alison as its teacher. Of its students were Charles 
 Thompson, secretary of the Continental Congress : the Rev. 
 John Ewing, D. D., provost of the Universit}^ of Pennsyl- 
 vania ; the Rev. Drs. Matthew Wilson and James Latta, and 
 three signers of the Declaration of Independence, the Hons. 
 Thomas McKean and George Read, of Delaware, and the 
 Hon. James Smith, of York, Pa. 
 
 III. In 1744 the Rev. Samuel Finley, a graduate of the Log 
 College, established an academy at Nottingham, Md., as a 
 
Carlisle Academy. 843 
 
 training school for ministers. The Rev. Jumes Power and 
 Joseph Smith, of western Pennsylvania; the Rev. James Wad- 
 dell, D. D., the famous " blind preacher " of Virginia; Gov- 
 ernors Martin, of North Carolina ; McWhorter, of New Jer- 
 sey ; Henry, of Maryland, and Dr. Benjamin Rush, of Phila- 
 delphia, the early patron of Dickinson College, were pupils of 
 this school. 
 
 IV. In 1749 the University of Pennsylvania was founded. 
 
 V. In 1750 the Rev. Robert Smith, D. D., a papil of the 
 Rev. Samuel Blair, established an academy at Pequea. Lancas- 
 ter county, which gave to the church the Rev. John Blair 
 Smith, D. D., the first president of Union College, New York, 
 and the Rev. Samuel Stanhope Smith, D. D., who founded 
 Hampden Sydney College, Virginia, in 1771. The influence 
 of the Log College was felt throughout the church, and when 
 the two branches were brought together in the Old and New 
 Side reunion of 1758, with such men as Gilbert Tennant, John 
 Blair, Samuel Davies, John Rodgers, Robert Smith and Sam- 
 uel Finley, there could be no question as to the worth of an 
 American education, whether for the pulpit, the academy or the 
 college. Henceforw^ard there was no barrier to the minister's 
 study becoming either the classical school or the theological 
 seminary, as the occasion might require, and there some of the 
 choicest spirits of the church were wholly or in part educated. 
 
 Caklisle Academy. 
 
 The first classical school within these bounds of w^hich we 
 have record was, according to Sypher's History of Pennsylva- 
 nia, organized in Carlisle about the year 1760. The Rev. Henry 
 McKinley was principal ; Gen. John Armstrong, Jr., Dr. 
 George Stevenson and the Rev. Elisha Macurdy are spoken of 
 as pupils. This school was broken up in 1776 by the j)rinci- 
 pal and most of the students enlisting in the patriot armv, but 
 it did not die. In his Life of the Rev. Elisha Macurdy, who 
 was one of the ablest of the early ministers of western Penn- 
 sylvania, the Rev. David Elliott, D. D., says, " Mr. Macurdy 
 was born in Carlisle in 1763, and enjoyed such advantages as 
 were common in the place at that time. One of his instruct* 
 
344 Presbytery of Ca rlisle — Ceii t<n ?? ial. 
 
 ors was the late Judge Creigh, grandfather of the Rev. Thomas 
 Creigh, of Mercersburg ; another was a son-in-law of the Rev. 
 John Steel. Under this instruction Mr. Macurdy began the 
 study of the Latin language, but had not advanced far when his 
 studies were interrupted and the school was dispersed by the 
 breaking out of the war of the Revolution." Of Professor 
 Henry McKinley, the Pennsylvania Archives say, " he was 
 an Irish clergyman who taught a classical school in Carlisle. 
 On the 16th of October, 1776, he was commissioned captain in 
 the Twelfth Pennsylvania regiment of the Continental line. 
 His company numbered seventy-two men. He resigned on the 
 18th of June, 1778, and resumed teaching in Carlisle/' Pre- 
 sumably he took up the work of the academy which he had re- 
 linquished. 
 
 In the order of time it is proper that I should here refer to 
 the worji of 
 
 Dobbin's Academy at Gettysburg. 
 
 In December. 1773. the Rev. Alexander Dobbin, a minister 
 of the Reformed Presbyterian church, arrived from Ireland, 
 and on the 24th of May, 1774, was installed pastor of the Rock 
 Hill church, near Gettysburg. He soon afterwards bought 
 three hundred acres of land, known as Dobbin's tract, on 
 which the National Cemetery is now located. In 1776, Mr. 
 Dobbin erected the stone house now standing at the intersec- 
 tion of Washington street and the Emmittsburg road. This 
 house served as a dwelling, an academy and a church. It is 
 the oldest Covenanter church building in this country. It is 
 two stories and a half high, sixty feet long and thirty-three 
 feet wide. The engraving"^ represents its present appearance, 
 and indicates that it is as strong as when it was dedicated dur- 
 ing the sessions of the Reformed Presbytery in August, 1776. 
 The mason who built it, had recently been elected an elder of 
 the congregation, he one day spoke to Mr. Dobbin of the poor 
 quality of some of the stone, Mr. Dobbin assented, saying, 
 " but I will have to do with the stone as the congregation did 
 in making elders ; when the best material was all used up, 
 
 * For the plate and information we are indebted to editor of the Reformed Pres- 
 byterian and Covenanter of Allegheny, Pa. 
 
Dobbin\s Academy at dtUyshury. 845 
 
 they had to take the cobble-stones." Some of the untutored 
 boys who came into Dobbins Academy may not have seemed 
 to be of very good material, but like those well-set cobble- 
 stones, their lives are yet giving permanence to both church 
 and State. Mr. Dobbin was born in Londonderrv in 1742 : 
 was educated at Glasgow University ; he died in Cfettv.sburg, 
 June 1, 1809. " He was possessed of an uncommon combina- 
 tion of ministerial gifts and graces, of prudence, of meekness, 
 of faithfulness in the discharge of public duty, of the love of 
 peace and pleasantness of temper." In 1792, he, with his 
 church, united with the Associate Kefornied Presbytery. Of 
 his academy, it is said, " it was broad and thorough in its in- 
 struction and gained a high reputation." It was in existence 
 in 1801, but was discontinued soon after that time. Sixty of 
 its pupils became professional men, of whom twenty-five were 
 ministers of the gospel, eight of these having studied theology 
 with Mr. Dobbin. The Rev. Henry R Wilson, D. D., of 
 Shippensburg ; Amos A. McGinley, D. D.. of Path Valley ; 
 William Speer, of Western Pennsylvania ; David McConaughy, 
 D. D., president of Washington College, Pa.: Robert Proud fit, 
 D. D., of Union College, New York ; John McJimsey, D. D., 
 Professors John Boreland and John Hayes, of Dickinson Col- 
 lege, and Judge John Reed, of Carlisle, were pupils of this 
 acadeniy. Returning to 
 
 Carlisle Academy, 
 
 which had been closed in 1776, we find that in April, 1781, 
 John Montgomery, Robert Miller, Samuel Postlethwaite, Dr. 
 Samuel McCoskry, William Blair and others, as trustees, asked 
 the Presbytery of Donegal for a conference concerning the in- 
 terests of this school. 
 
 They desired, First That a committee of Presbytery be 
 appointed to examine the school at least twice a year. 
 
 Second. That some of the members of the Presbytery be 
 appointed as trustees. 
 
 Third. That a charter be applied for and the plan of the 
 school enlarged. 
 
 In response of this the Presbytery commended the school to 
 
346 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial 
 
 the churches, and appointed as trustees the Revs. John Craig- 
 head, of Rocky Spring; John King, D. D., of Mercersburg ; 
 John Black, of Gettysburg : William Linn, of Big Spring, and 
 John Linn, of Sherman's Valley. This board of trustees aimed 
 only at resuscitating and chartering the existing academy, but 
 there was some dissatisfaction with Nassau Hall and the Uni- 
 versity of Pennsylvania ; the minds of many men in the east- 
 ern part of the State had turned to the founding of another 
 college, and Carlisle was deemed a good location. 
 
 . Dickinson College. 
 
 Dr. Benjamin Rush, of Philadelphia, a graduate of Notting- 
 ham Academy and Princeton College, whatever his religious 
 belief, had tested the qualities of a Presbyterian education and 
 believed in it. As a statesman he had conceived the plan of 
 locating four institutions of learning in the State — the Univer- 
 sity in Philadelphia, a college at Lancaster for the Grerman 
 citizens, a college at Carlisle, and the fourth eventually near 
 Pittsburgh. In September, 1782, he published an article en- 
 titled, "Hints for establishing a college at Carlisle." It was 
 his purpose that the college should be in the hands of the 
 Presbyterians. 
 
 He says, " in the present plentitude of the power of Presby- 
 terians let them obtain a charter for a college in Carlisle. Let 
 all the trustees, as well as the professors of the college, be 
 Presbyterians. This will be necessary in order to ^connect 
 religion and learning. In the present constitution of things, 
 religion cannot be inculcated without a system or form of some 
 kind." Dr. Rush secured the co-operation of the Hon. John 
 Dickinson, who believed with him in the union of learning 
 and religion. As stimulated by these men, the citizens of 
 Cumberland county signed and presented to the Legislature of 
 Pennsylvania a petition for a college charter. This charter 
 was granted in 1783. The legend on its corporate seal was, 
 " Pietate et Doctrina tuta Libertas.^^ 
 
 1783-1833. 
 
 This period of fifty years covers the Presbyterian history of 
 Dickinson College. At its very outset the chartered college 
 
Dickinson College. 847 
 
 was met with aroused sectarian jealousy. In May, 1783, Dr. 
 Rush issued a paper entitled, '' Reasons against founding a col- 
 lege at Carlisle," meeting the opposition with irony, in which 
 he says, "A college at Carlisle will necessarily fall into the 
 hands of the Presbyterians, who are a nnost intolerant set of 
 people, and who should not be permitted to herd together lest 
 they should awaken the jealousies of other religious societies, 
 which are at present universally in love with Presbyterian 
 manners, character and government, insomuch that in a few 
 years, if Dr. Rush and two or three hot-headed fanatics do not 
 prevent it, the whole State, and especially the Quakers and 
 Tories, will accept the Presbyterian religion." 
 
 The first plan was modified and Presbyterian control was se- 
 cured, but other religious bodies were represented in the board 
 of trustees. " The design," writes Dr. Rush, March 19th, 1783, 
 " is equally patronized by men of every political and religious 
 party in the frontier counties of Pennsylvania. The trustees 
 who have been named have been drawn equally from Consti- 
 stitutionalists and Republicans, from Old and New Lights, 
 and still further, to remove all jealousies respecting Presbyte- 
 rians, five or six trustees are taken from the English and Luth- 
 eran churches." Here was the beginning of the agitation which 
 culminated in the loss of the college to the Presbyterian 
 church in 1833. " Let all the trustees, the principal and the 
 professors be Presbyterians," was the original design of Dr. 
 Rush, and it was feasible. The compromise in obedience to 
 popular clamor, though giving a present advantage, was the 
 beginning of trouble. The Presbyterians were thus at the out- 
 set placed at the disadvantage of a majority party that must 
 bear the burdens of administration, of raising revenues, of mis- 
 takes and lack of success, while on the scattered minority there 
 rests only the obligation of friendly interest. The name of the 
 Hon. John Dickinson, a Friend, and President of the Supreme 
 Executive Council of the State, was given to the college, and he 
 was made president of the board of trustees. 
 Other Colleges. 
 
 At this time there were about three millions of people on 
 these shores. Harvard, Yale, Brown and Dartmouth colleges 
 
348 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 m New England ; Columbia, in New York ; Nassau Hall and 
 Rutgers, in New Jersey ; William and Mary, Hampden Syd- 
 ney, and the one-year-old Washington College, in Virginia ; the 
 University at Philadelphia and Dickinson in Pennsylvania ; 
 none westward lo the setting sun. Dickinson was the twelfth 
 college in the United States to receive a charter. 
 
 Choosing a Faculty. 
 The first meeting of the board of trustees after the organiza- 
 tion was held in the court house at Carlisle on the 6th of 
 April, 1784. The amounts of subscriptions in cash and in cer- 
 tificates of land were found to be £2,839 125. 6d This was 
 capable of yielding immediately £130 per year. Means were 
 devised for increasing this amount, and the Rev. Charles Nis- 
 bet, D. D., was chosen principal, and James Ross, author of a 
 Latin grammar, professor of Latin and Greek. On the 1st of 
 November, 1784. the Rev. Robert Davidson, D. D., was chosen 
 professor of history, geography, chronology, rhetoric and 
 belles-lettres. He was also about the same time chosen pastor 
 of the Presbyterian church. A Mr. Jait is spoken of as from 
 the first being employed " to teach the students to read and 
 write the English language with elegance and propriety " — a 
 very important work. 
 
 Dr. Nisbet's Administration — 1785-1804. 
 When the Rev. John Witherspoon, of Paisley, Scotland, was 
 chosen president of Nassau Hall, in 1767, he declined, recom- 
 mending the Rev. Charles Nisbet, of Montrose, then thirty -one 
 years old. Dr. Witherspoon was induced to accept, but when 
 Dickinson began to look for a principal sixteen yeai-s later its 
 friends turned at once to Dr. Nisbet, w^ho had become one of 
 the brilliant scholars of the Scotch church, and he was chosen. 
 He hesitated ; he had been an ardent friend of the colonies in 
 the revolutionary struggle and was well disposed toward the 
 work here, but his friends in Scotland sought to dissuade him. 
 Sanguine Dr. Rush saw Dickinson College with Dr. Nisbet at 
 its head as the "first literary institution in America," and was 
 untiring in his urgency. Dr. Nisbet accepted, and a little more 
 than a year after his election sailed from Greenock on the 23d 
 
College Buildings. 849 
 
 of April, 1785, reaching Philadelphia on the 9th day of Jun<\ 
 a voyage of forty-six days. He was then in his tiftieih year. In 
 Phihidelphia he was entertained by Dr. Rush " with a hospi- 
 tality which would do honor to any age or country. '* Lux- 
 ury in furniture and dress prevails more than excess in eating 
 and drinking." '' As to m}- own affairs the prospects are 
 more encouraging than I expected,'' Setting out for Carlisle, 
 he reached there on the fourth of July. The people were cele- 
 brating the anniversary of independence, and a deputation of 
 citizens accompanied by a troop of cavalry met him at Boiling 
 Springs and escorted him to the borough. 
 
 On the 5tli of July the people assembled in the Presbyterian 
 church for his inauguration. John Montgomery, Jr., welcomed 
 him on behalf of the students. Profe-sor James Ross delivered 
 an address of welcome in Latin, after which Dr. Nisbet, taking 
 for his text Acts 7 : 22, '' And Moses was learned in all the 
 wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mightv in words and in 
 deeds," his theme being, " The importance of union between 
 learning and piety," delivered his inaugural address and re- 
 ceived the keys of the college. This is said to be the only ad- 
 dress he ever allowed to be published. It was a " day of small 
 things " in the eyes of the accomplished Scotchman, who was 
 the peer of the foremost scholars of his native land and fitted 
 to grace any chair in her universities. His salary was £250 
 sterling, or twelve hundred dollars. He was chosen co- pastor 
 with Dr. Davidson of the Presbyterian church, receiving there- 
 for £60 sterling per year. In this relation he continued, 
 preaching once each SabbatlL until his death. 
 
 College Building. 
 The college was opened in a small building erected by the 
 citizens on lot 219, where the public school now is, in Liberty 
 alley, between Bedford street and the southeast corner of the 
 square. Dr. Nisbet's first home in Carlisle was at the military 
 barracks, then unoccupied by soldiers. During the war of the 
 Revolution Carlisle became an important place of rendezvous 
 for the American troops, and because located at a distance 
 from the seat of war, British prisoners were frequently sent 
 here for secure confinement. 
 
350 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 The Hessian soldiers captured at Trenton, N. J., in 1777, 
 heing held here, were set to work on government buildings, 
 and, among others, erected the ''guard house," which is still 
 standing, a solid stone strecture. Its relation to the work of 
 education now is, that it is occasionally used as a suitable place 
 for young Indians of the Training School, under the care of 
 Capt R H. Pratt, to study over their misdeeds. The spot was 
 a beautiful one, and in the residence of the military command- 
 ant Dr. Nisbet had a pleasant home, but, with his family, he 
 must pass through what was called a " seasoning " to the climate. 
 The whole family was taken down with chills and fever, the 
 good Scotch theologian always taking the heartiest shake. 
 
 Discouragements. 
 
 The demoralization of the war was on the country, wide- 
 spread poverty, prostration of commerce, general discourage- 
 ment, mutual distrust, absence of enterprise, prevailing gloom. 
 In the college, a superficial course of study, which he was un- 
 able to improve because the trustees preferred numbers to a 
 thorough course of study, and their power, he said, " was abso- 
 lute and without appeal." Sick, disappointed and disgusted, 
 Dr. Nisbet resigned on the 18th of October, 1785, and would 
 have returned to his native land and been lost to us but for a 
 trace of the old Adam in him, which would not let him sail in 
 a vessel commanded by an Irish captain. Very reluctantly 
 the trustees accepted the resignation which he persistently 
 pressed upon them. Regaining his health he, in the spring of 
 1786, consented to a re-election. He began four courses of lec- 
 tures, as follows : on logic, mental philosophy, moral philos- 
 ophy and belles-lettres. 
 
 Students. 
 During the first year the college had thirty-five students. 
 In November, 1786, there were twenty students in the college 
 classes and forty in the grammar school. There were but three 
 classes prescribed in the course — freshmen, junior and senior. 
 In 1787 Dickinson College gave to the world its first graduat- 
 ino- class, consisting of nine men : Isaiah Blair, of Cumberland 
 county : John Boyce, of Ireland, who afterward became a 
 
Theological Class. 351 
 
 minister in the Carolinas ; John Bryson, of Cumberland county, 
 who became a Presbyterian minister in Nortliunil)erland county ; 
 Robert Duncan, James Gittiugs, David McKeehan, Steele 
 Sample, afterwards a lawyer in Pittsburgh, Judge Jonathan 
 Walker and Dayid Watts, a prominent lawyer of Carlisle. 
 
 Theological Class. 
 Of the eleven members of the class of 1788, seven were can- 
 didates for the ministry. At the request of these young men 
 Dr. Nisbet consented to deliver a course of theological lectures ; 
 this course consisted of four hundred and eighteen lectures on 
 systematic theology, and twenty-two lectures on the pastoral 
 office. The first lecture was delivered October 31, 1788, and 
 the last one January 5, 1791. It was his custom to read slowly 
 from a fully written manuscript, while the students copied in 
 full. The students requested him to have his lectures printed, 
 but he refused, saying that he had drawn freely from all 
 sources and could not allow them to be given out as original. 
 There were nine in the class, among whom were two brothers 
 from near Carlisle, the Rev. Samuel Woods, of Ohio, and the 
 Rev. William Woods, of Bethel Presbyterian church, Alle- 
 ghan}^ county, Pa. 1 have seen a copy of these lectures written 
 by the latter. This course of lectures was never repeated to a 
 second class, the reason, according to Dr. Samuel Miller, was 
 that the students of that day deemed it too long and the 
 drudgery of writing too great A number of individual stu- 
 dents resorted to Dr. Nisbet for direction in their study, among 
 these was the Rev. Dr. Samuel Miller, afterwards the eminent 
 professor in Princeton Theological Seminary, and the Rev. 
 Matthew Brown, D. D., president of Jefferson College, Pa. 
 
 Aid. 
 There was a great deal of activity in the early liistory of the 
 college in trying to meet the demands. William Bingham, of 
 Philadelphia, was sent to Great Britan to get money for the 
 college, but his efforts were fruitless. Dr. Rush gave and col- 
 lected money, ministers gave out of their scanty means. In 
 April, 1786, tne Legislature gave £500 sterling and ten thou- 
 sand acres of unapjjropriated land, then worth about twenty 
 
352 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 cents per acre. In 1791, it appropriated £1,500 sterling 
 towards securing a new site and buildings. In 1798, it gave* 
 $3,000 more for the same purpose, when the present location, 
 then called ''out-lots," a tract of seven and one-third acres was 
 bought for one hundred and fifty dollars. The building now 
 called "West College was erected in 1802, but was burned when 
 nearing completion. Fortunateh' the library and })hilosophical 
 apparatus had not been taken to it. An appeal was at once 
 made to the friends of the college, and among the subscriptions 
 was one of one hundred dollars from President Thomas Jeffer- 
 son. The re-building was begun in 1803, and the edifice was 
 occupied in 1805. 
 
 Death of Dr. Nisbet. 
 
 Dr. Nisbet was not allowed to enjov these more favorable 
 conditions. About the beginning of January, 1804, he was 
 seized with a severe cold accompanied with inflammation of 
 the lungs and fever, after a short illness, with the words '' Holy, 
 Holy, Holy," on his lips, he gently fell asleep on the eighteenth 
 day of January, 1804, having just completed his sixty-eighth 
 year. His death was a sad loss to the college. During his ad- 
 ministration one hundred and seventy-seven graduates had 
 been sent forth besides his theological students, and the repu- 
 tation of the college was fully established. 
 
 Graduates. 
 Among his students were Francis Herron, D. D., of Pitts- 
 burgh ; Judges Wm. Creighton, of Ohio, and Alexander Nis- 
 bet, of Baltimore ; Gen. Callender Irvine, of the U. S. army ; 
 College presidents, the Revs. Matthew Brown, D. D., of Jef- 
 ferson College, David McConaughy, of Washington College? 
 and Robert G. Wilson, D. D., of Ohio University ; Henry L. 
 Davis, D. D.; of St. John's College, Md. ; United States Sena- 
 tors, Jesse Wharton, of Tennessee ; William Wilkins, of Penn- 
 sylvania; H. M. Ridgeley, of Delaware, and Ninian Edwards, 
 of Illinois ; Supreme Judges, James R. Black, of Delaware, 
 John Kennedy and Charles Huston, of Pennsylvania, and the 
 Hon. Roger B. Taney, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of 
 the United States. 
 
A /Student's Experienct^. 353 
 
 Professors. 
 
 Dr. Davidson continued througli Dr. Xisbet's adtninistnitioii 
 and succeeded liim as principal. James Ross remained from 
 1784 till 1792. Charles Huston, as tutor, according to Jud^^c 
 Taney, filled the chair vacated by Prof. Ross, from 1792-94 • 
 Prof. William Thomson from 1794 till 1804. 
 
 Robert Johnston was tutor in 1785-6 and professor of mathe- 
 matics and natural philosophy, 1786-7. James McCormick 
 succeeded him as professor in this chair in 1788 ,'ind j-emained 
 till 1814. The Rev. Isaac Grrier was tutor from 1788-90 ; Henry 
 Lyon Davis, 1798-4. 
 
 A Student's Experience. 
 
 A chapter in the autobiography of the Hon. Roger B. Taney, 
 who, from 1836 to 1864, was Chief Justice of the United States 
 Supreme Court, interprets to us something of the college life of 
 his day, 1792-5. His parents were Roman Catholics. His rea- 
 son for going to Dickinson College was that two or three young 
 men from his neighborhood had been students there and had 
 spoken highly of the institution. He set out with others from 
 his home in Calvert county, Maryland, in a schooner bound for 
 Baltimore, and reached that city after a voyage of one week. 
 He says, " There was no stage or public conveyance running to 
 Carlisle, and we stayed at an inn until we could find a wagon 
 not too heavily loaded to take our trunks. We went with the 
 wagon and occasionally were allowed to ride. The whole jour- 
 ney from home took us about a fortnight. We had to take in 
 specie enough money to last us till the next vacation. This 
 money was during our journey kept in the trunks, and robbery 
 was hardly thought of. I remained in college from the spring 
 of 1792 till the fall of 1795. On account of the great distance 
 I went home but twice during that time, and then walked to 
 Baltimore with a companion in two days. The building used 
 for a college was a small, shabby one in a dirty alley. There 
 was a large lot in the rear, where the students amused them- 
 selves playing bandy. After the first six months I boarded 
 with Professor McCormick. A number of other students 
 boarded there, and both Mr. and Mrs. McCormick were as kind 
 23 
 
354 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 to us as parents. The Professor gave unwearied attention to 
 our studies; he was full of patience and good nature, and 
 sometimes seemed distressed in examining a student on find- 
 ing that he was not quite so learned as the Professor himself. 
 My father had placed me under the care of Dr. Nisbet, and he 
 was a faithful guardian. I spent many a delightful evening at 
 his home. His conversation was always intended for my bene- 
 fit and instruction, though it was not made to appear so at the 
 time. Mrs. Nisbet was a very excellent and venerable lady. 
 She gave me a great deal of advice, but it was given in such 
 broad Scotch that I could understand but half of it, and could 
 only give my assent. I suppose I often said yes when no 
 would have been more fitting Dr. Nisbet's classes were warmly 
 and affectionately attached to him. He was cheerful and ani- 
 mated, full of anecdote and classical allusion, seasoned with 
 lively and playful wit. His sarcasm and wit were at times se- 
 vere and cut deep, but T never saw it used unless a student de- 
 served it. His lectures were written out and read slowly that 
 the students might copy them. In his examinations he always 
 preferred an answer in the student's own language, though it 
 might not be as accurate ; his object was to teach the student 
 to study, to think, to reason, to form an opinion. 
 
 '' In his lecture on ethics he discoursed on the law of nations. 
 He was anti-republican, had no faith in our institutions, did 
 not believe in their stability. The class was good-natured 
 about such utterances, but would not write down that part of 
 bis lecture ; against any other professor they would have re- 
 belled." 
 
 Judge Taney speaks of Dr. Davidson as very learned and 
 dignified, but he had no patience with his rhyming geography, 
 Charles Huston was professor of Latin and Grreek, and a very 
 accomplished scholar. He was studying law and resigned 
 about the time our class became seniors. He afterwards became 
 a very eminent jurist of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. 
 There were twenty or thirty students in the class of 1795. 
 Two honors were to be awarded, the valedictory and the salu- 
 tatory. In accordance with their custom, the faculty, instead 
 of awarding them, left the choice to the class. The members 
 
J)r. Davidson s Administraiion. 366 
 
 of each literary society would have been glad to have had both, 
 but the majority must rule, and the balance of power was often 
 held by those who belonged to neither societ3^ My opponent 
 in the belle-lettres society was Joshua Williams, a mature 
 scholar, who became an enjinent Presbyterian minister. I was 
 elected valedictorian by a majority of one or two votes, which 
 result I afterwards learned, was due to tlie influence of my 
 classmate, John Lyon, of Carlisle. The salutatory was given 
 to David McConaughy of the other society, afterwards a col- 
 lege president. It had been more comfortable for me to have 
 gone home after the senior examination, as students were 
 allowed to do. I had a hard task before me. The exercises 
 in our literary societies consisted mainly of select orations and 
 the discussion of questions. I was entirely unused to com- 
 mitting my thoughts to paper." And yet this boy student 
 was destined to write, for twenty-eight years, the highest legal 
 decisions in the land. " The faculty chose the subject and 
 gave to each speaker an outline of the address. The exercises 
 of commencement day were held in the Presbyterian church, 
 the faculty, the trustees and the graduating class occupving a 
 large platform about the pulpit. There was a large and intel- 
 ligent audience present. With great anxiety I awaited my 
 turn, and then spoke without any need of the prompter, but 
 with too much trepidation for pathos in the farewells." 
 
 Dr. Davidson's Administration — 180^1809. 
 
 On the death of Dr. Nisbet, the vice-principal, Dr. Kobert 
 Davidson was placed in the chair of the principal. He was a 
 judicious man and an accomplished scholar. The financial 
 condition of the college is indicated by the fact that Dr. 
 Nisbet's salary had been reduced from $1,200 to $800, and at 
 the time of his death the arrearage amounted to four or five 
 years' salary. This condition was due no doubt to the burden 
 of both building and rebuilding the college within two or three 
 years. The number of students was encouraging and increased 
 during this administration ; but the infirmaties of years were 
 upon Dr. Davidson, and he relinquished the college entirely 
 for his pastorate in 1809. He died in 1812. after twenty-eight 
 
356 Prtsbyiery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 years of service in the First church and twenty-five 3^ ears in 
 the college. On his tombstone in the old burying ground in 
 CarUsle is engraved, "A Blessed Peacemaker." 
 
 In the faculty were Professor McCormick, John Boreland, 
 professor of Greek and Latin, 1801-5 ; John Hayes of the 
 class of 1805, tutor, 1805-7, professor of Greek and Latin, 
 1807-9. 
 
 Among the forty-one graduates during this principalship were 
 Professor John Hayes, the Rev. James Linn, D. D., of Belle- 
 fonte; the Rev. David Elliott, D. D., of the Western Theo- 
 logical Seminary; Dr. Alfred Foster, of Carlisle; the Rev. L 
 N. C. Grier, D. D., of Brandy wine Manor, Pa.; Judge John 
 Reed, of Carlisle, and the Hon. James Buchanan, fifteenth 
 President of the United States. 
 
 Dr. xItwater's Administration — 1809-1815. 
 
 On the 27th of September, 1809, the Rev. Jeremiah At- 
 water, D. D., formerly president of Middlebury College, Vt., 
 was inaugurated principal. He was a graduate of Yale Col- 
 lege and a tutor there. When but twent3^-six years of age he 
 was chosen president at Middlebury and nine years afterwards 
 was chosen here. He lived in retirement after leaving this col- 
 lege and died July 28, 1858. The necessary expense of a year 
 in college at this time, say the trustees, is one hundred and 
 forty dollars. The number of students was large. Sixt^^ young 
 men were identified with the class of 1812, of whom twentj^-six 
 graduated. Among these were General Samuel Alexander and 
 James Hamilton, of Carlisle ; Professor Richard Henry Lee, of 
 Washington College, Pa., a grandson of Richard Hcnr\^ Lee, 
 of Virginia ; Hon. Robert Cooper Grier, a justice of the Su- 
 preme Court of the United States. The students formed a mil- 
 itary companv and offered themselves to the government for 
 the war of 1812, but were never ordered awa}^ from the Car- 
 lisle barracks. In 1811 Judge Thomas Cooper was chosen pro- 
 fessor of chemistry and natural philosophy. He was born in 
 London and educated at Oxford. A girondist in France, a 
 bleacher and calico printer in Manchester : in America a 
 friend of Dr. Priestly, a lawyer, a doctor and a judge, a pro- 
 
Dr. Atwater^s Administration. 357 
 
 fessor of cheiriistry and political economy, a translator of the 
 Institutes of Justinian and author of a whole emporium (jf arts 
 and sciences. In philosophy he was a materialist and in reli- 
 gion a free-thinker, and yet, with all this variety and versatil- 
 ity, the clergymen of the board of trustees were not ha[)])v. 
 
 The Hon. Andrew Carothers, who was connected with the 
 board from 181-i till 1833, and for four years its president, 
 says that at the time of Mr. Cooper's nomination there began 
 to be opposition in the board to the influence of the clergy. 
 They firmly protested against his election. His friends, how- 
 ever, prevailed, and the result was that the confidence of the 
 religious portion of the community was shaken. The clergy- 
 men retired from the board, and as to any active co-operation 
 withdrew their interest and patronage. Evidently the time had 
 come when the majority of the trustees thought that the reputa- 
 tion and work of Judge Cooper, who had been on the bench in 
 Northumberland county, was worth more to the college than 
 the influence of the ministers of religion, and their voice was 
 disregarded. The number of students was large, but, says Mr. 
 Carothers, '' discord and confusion prevailed in the administra- 
 tion of the government and discipline of the institution. The 
 morals of the youth became corrupt, and everything gave evi- 
 dent signs of a rapid tendency to ruin, as the Hon. John B. 
 Gibson, writing as the chairman of the committee of corre- 
 spondence to Dr. Mason, relative to the organization of a fac- 
 ulty, very forcibly and accurately described it. ' It is a dis- 
 astrous period in the annals of the institution, which can afford 
 little to instruct and nothing to amuse, unless it be the melan- 
 choly spectacle of an institution hastening to destruction, 
 under the accumulated evils of mal-organization, mal-adminis- 
 tration, a total relaxation of discipline and the prostration of 
 all authority.' " 
 
 The education of a ministry was a leading aim in the found- 
 ing of all our early colleges. The change that has taken place 
 at Dickinson is sufficiently indicated by the fact that while the 
 class of eleven men in 1788 gave seven ministers to the 
 church, the two hundred and sixteen enrolled as members of 
 the classes from 1811 to 1815 gave but ten ministers. 
 
358 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 Dr. Atwater resigned in 1815 and Professor Cooper about 
 the same time. Tlie other members of the faculty during this 
 administration were the veteran, James McCormick, who in 
 1811 yielded the stud}^ of natural philosoph}^ to Professor 
 Cooper and continued in the chair of mathematics till 1814. 
 
 He was succeeded by Professor Eugene Nulty. The chair 
 of Latin and Grreek was filled by the Rev. Henry R Wilson, 
 D. D., from 1809-13, afterwards by Professor Joseph Shaw, 
 1813-15. Professor Claudius Berard taught modern languages 
 in 181-1-15 ; Dr. Frederick Aigster was lecturer on chemistry, 
 1810-11 ; John McClure, of the class of 1802, and Samuel B. 
 How, afterwards principal, were tutors in 1810-11 ; Robert C. 
 Grier, of the class of 1812, in 1812-13, and James G. McNeily, 
 of the class of 1813, in 1813-15. Of the ninety-one graduates 
 of this administration, in addition to those already mentioned, 
 were Dr. William C. Chambers, of Carlisle, the father of the 
 Rtjv. Dr. Talbot W. Chambers, of New York : John D. Mahan, 
 of Carlisle ; the Rev. John Knox, D. D., of New York ; the 
 Rev. Jeremiah Chamberlain, D. D., president of Oakland Col- 
 lege, Mi^s. ; the Hon. Harmar Denn}^, of Pittsburgh ; Judge 
 Calvin Blythe, of Dauphin county, Pa. : the Rev. James S. 
 Woods, who, from 1823 to 1862, was pastor of the Presbyte- 
 rian church of Lewistown, Pa. : Hon. Peter Ihrie, of Easton, 
 and Hon. James S. Green, professor of law in Princeton Col- 
 lege. 
 
 Dr. John McKnight's Administration — 1815-1816. 
 
 The Rev. John McKnight, D. D., moderator of the General 
 Assembly of 1795, was born near Carlisle, October 1, 1754, 
 educated at Princeton, and was now in his sixty-first year. 
 His active ministry had been mainly spent as a pastor in New 
 York city. When elected principal he was in broken health 
 and living on his farm at Rocky Spring, Franklin county. 
 
 No doubt the trustees hoped that his wisdom and the power 
 of his name would save the college. Contrar}^ to his own in- 
 clinations, he yielded to the importunities of his friends and 
 accepted the principalship in 1815. But he soon found that 
 the fiscal concerns of the institution were so embarrassed as to 
 
Losses and Closing. 359 
 
 render its success or even permanency doubtful, and after a 
 little more than a year he resigned and returned to his farm. 
 The work demanded a young, vigorous and hopeful man, ready 
 for self-denial and capable of hard work. The physical 
 strength of Dr. McKnight was not sufficient for such heavy 
 burdens. Professors Nulty and Berard seem to have been the 
 only co-workers in the faculty in 1816. According to the 
 Alumni Record, lately published by the college, there were 
 eighty-one students connected with the classes to graduate in 
 1816, 17, 18 and 19. The fact that but six out of thirty- 
 seven of those on the senior class roll of 1816 graduated indi- 
 cates the great depletion of numbers. Among the graduates 
 of this year was the Hon. Ross Wilkins, of Carlisle, who from 
 1836 to 1869 was circuit judge of the United States court for 
 Michigan. In the roll of the class that would have graduated 
 in 1818 was the name of the Rev. John Winebrenner, founder 
 of the church known as the Bethel or Church of God. In the 
 roll of 1819 occurs the name of the Hon. P'rederick Watts, wlio, 
 after a useful and honorable public life, is yet one of Carlisle's 
 most highly honored citizens. 
 
 Losses and ClosinCt. 
 
 In the death of some of its earliest and most faithful and useful 
 friends the college had lately suffered severe losses. The Hon. 
 John Dickinson and Colonel John Montgomery died in 1808 ; 
 Dr. Benjamin Rush, John King, D. D., and John Creigh died 
 in 1813. 
 
 By the death of Robert Davidson, D. D., in 1812, and the 
 retirement of Professor James McCormick, in 1814, there was 
 the loss of two self-denying workers who had given their lives 
 to its interests. The troubles in the administration and the 
 financial difficulties led to the closing of the doors of the col- 
 lege on the resignation of Dr. McKnight, in 1816. They re- 
 mained closed till 1821. After the death of John Dickinson, 
 in 1808, Dr. John King, of Mercersburg, was chosen president 
 of the board of trustees, but by reason of intirmity served but 
 one year. Dr. James Armstrong, of Carlisle, was chosen and 
 served till 1824. Isaac B. Parker was secretarv from 1814-21. 
 
i)Q{) Preshi/tery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 The Re-Opening of Dickinson College in 1821. 
 
 By an act of the Legislature passed February 20, 1821, in 
 which the State acceded to an arrangement of the board of trus- 
 tees of the college, the sum of $6,000 in hand and $2,000 an- 
 nually for five years was given in lieu of eight thousand acres 
 of land and certain securities, on the sale of two thousand addi- 
 tional acres conveyed to the State by the board. By this means 
 the college was resuscitated, a faculty consisting of a principal 
 and three professors was organized and a preparatoiy school 
 established. In organizing this faculty the board reasoned that 
 by emplo3nng men of acknowledged talents, reputation and 
 erudition, and by securing their services exclusively for the 
 college, its interests would be most effectively advanced. 
 
 This required liberal salaries and it was agreed that such 
 should be given. The principal's salary was fixed at $2,000, 
 one of the professors at $1,250, the other two at $1,000 each, 
 or in such proportions as may be agreed upon. The first two 
 efforts to secure a principal were unsuccessful. The Alumni 
 Record says that the Rev. John Lind, of the class of 1802, pas- 
 tor of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian church of Hagers- 
 town, Md., once declined the principalship The third choice 
 fell on the eminent Rev. John M. Mason, D. D., of New York, 
 who accepted, and was authorized to secure suitable persons 
 to fill the vacant professorships. 
 
 Dr. John M. Mason's Administration — 1821-24. 
 Professor Heniy Vethake was first secured for the chair of 
 mathematics and natural philosophy. Professor Vethake was 
 born in Essequibo, Guiana, South America ; came to the United 
 States when four years old and was educated at Columbia Col- 
 lege, New York. He studied law and taught mathematics in 
 Columbia and Rutgers Colleges. From 1817 to 1821 he was 
 a professor in Princeton. He refused to accept the chair of- 
 fered him for a salary less than $1,500. The board, ascertain- 
 ing that his filial piety was the reason of his hesitancy, through 
 the earnest solicitations of Dr. Mason, fixed the salary at 
 $1,500, inclusive of house rent, the first quarter to be paid in 
 advance, and appropriated one hundred dollars for the trans- 
 portation of liis family. 
 
Dr. John M. Masons Administration. 361 
 
 The Rev. Mr. Stark was, on Dr. Mason's nomination, chosen 
 professor of languages at a salary of $1,000. 
 
 He accepted, but resigned before entering on his duties. 
 The Rev. John Burns, a native of Scotland, was chosen to fill 
 the place, but tendered his resignation after a few months' ser- 
 vice. 
 
 The Rev. Alexander McClelland was, on Dr. Mason's nomi- 
 nation, chosen professor of belles-lettres, at a salarv of $l,2oO. 
 He was a native of Schenectady, New York, a graduate of 
 Union college, and at that time was pastor of a Presbyterian 
 church in New York. The Rev. Dr. A. R. VanNest, in his 
 life of the Rev. Geo. W. Bethune, D.' D., of the class of 1823, 
 says, '' the faculty was ?miall, but could scarcely have been 
 more perfect. Dr. Mason, a ripe scholar, and the most eloquent 
 pulpit orator of his countr}^ and perhaps of his age : Professor 
 Henry Vethake, a thorough mathematician ; Dr. Alexander 
 McClelland, who, as an educator of youth, w^as without a paral- 
 lel, this institution, so admirably furnished, presented great at- 
 tractions to the youth/' 
 
 A number of students of Columbia college came with Dr. 
 Mason from New^ York. The college was opened about the 
 1st of December, 1821. At the beginning of the second year 
 there were eighty-six students in the college classes and twenty - 
 eight in the preparatory school. The professor of languages 
 had been required to reside in the college building, possibly 
 this had something to do with the resignations. Professor 
 Vethake had, from the beginning, declined residing there, and 
 had taken private lodgings. Professor McClelland accepted 
 the place, Vjoarding and lodging \vith the students. The senior 
 class was under the care of the principal in the Latin and 
 Grreek classics. 
 
 Thus the inconveniences of a loss of a professor were met, 
 and the faculty was asked to nominate a man for the vacancy. 
 On the recommendation of the Rev. Dr. George Duffield, of 
 Cailisle, and Professor Joseph P. Englcs, of Philadelphia, they 
 nominated the Rev. Joseph Spencer, an Episcopal minister, 
 principal of Washington Academy, Somerset county, Md. He 
 was chosen professor of languages, with a salar}- of $1,000, and 
 
362 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 a home in the college buildings. He was also allowed to en- 
 gage with the Episcopal congregation of Carlisle in the duties 
 of the ministry, so far as such engagements would not interfere 
 witli his duties as professor. He accepted the chair August 
 12, 1822. Thus the faculty was originally organized. 
 
 A Revival of Religion. 
 
 In November, 1823, occurred tlie death of James Hall Mason 
 son of the principal, who had graduated in 1822, and was a 
 tutor in the college. As the student pall -bearers carried his 
 body from the house, his venerable father said, " Young men 
 tread lightly, ye bear a temple of the Holy Ghost," then, over- 
 come by his feelings, he dropped his head on his friend's shoul- 
 der, and said, "Dear McCartee, say something which God may 
 bless, to his young friends." The Rev. Dr. McCartee, of New 
 York, was temporarily supplying the pulpit of Dr. Duffield. 
 The scene at the graveyard was deeply impressive ; there was 
 the grand old patriarch, bowed to the ground under the weight 
 of sorrow, witb the youth of the college who felt that a brother 
 had been stricken. Dr. McCartee, who had a warm heart and 
 whom sudden emotion would often raise to the highest elo 
 quence, spoke, as by inspiration, a lesson suited to the occa- 
 sion. This address was wonderfully blessed of God ; a revival, 
 powerful and precious in its fruits, began in the college and in 
 the town. About one hundred persons professed their faith in 
 Christ, during the early part of the next year, in Dr. Duffield 's 
 church. A large number of them were students, among whom 
 were the Rev. Drs. William P. Cochran, John M. Dickey, 
 Erskine Mason and George W. Bethune. The students whose 
 parents belonged to the Episcopal, German Reformed or Luth- 
 eran churches, united themselves with those communions. 
 This revival gave acceptable, useful and highly -honored min- 
 isters to five religious denominations. 
 
 Politics. 
 
 The fact that the college received aid from the State, seems 
 to have given authority to the public to consider the institu- 
 tion as in some degree its own, upon which it might exercise 
 
The End of Dr. Mason's Work. 363 
 
 the common propensity to find fault Out of this, says Judge 
 Watts, arose the animadversions upon the discipline of the 
 college. At a public exhibition of the Union Philosophical 
 Society, two students recited pieces which they had selected, 
 the one, an oration on the character of Bonaparte, the other, 
 the oration of Gen. Harper on the death of tlie murdered Lingan. 
 This gave great offence to the editor of the Carlisle Gazette, 
 or one of his correspondents, and his columns became the 
 avenues of attack upon the college, and even the political char- 
 acter of Dr. Mason was assailed. 
 
 Prejudices were strengthened, which were calculated to af- 
 fect the minds of the members of the Legislature, on whose 
 bounty it was felt that the college depended. The board re- 
 solved " that no student shall recite any speech embracing po- 
 litical or national subjects which might have a tendency, in any 
 degree, to excite party feelings, and that the faculty' be charged 
 with enforcing this injunction." This resolution is said to 
 have produced a salutary effect. It reveals to us serious diffi- 
 culties in the way of progress, political prejudice and undue 
 sensitiveness to criticism. 
 
 The End of Dr. Mason's Work. 
 
 In 1824 Dr. Mason's health failed ; he had received a stroke 
 of paralysis which obliged him to go on crutches for the rest 
 of his life. His mind, too, was impaired. He resigned the 
 principalship and returned to New York. The only public 
 service he was ever afterwards able to render was the baptism 
 of a child of his pastor, the Rev. William D. Snodgrass, D. D. 
 He died on the 26th of December, 1829, in the sixtieth year 
 of his age. 
 
 The loss of Dr. Mason was a very serious one to the college, 
 which now had large classes. The apprehension arose that at 
 the end of five years, when the State's instalments on the sale 
 of the college lands would cease, the institution would not t)e 
 able to support itself. Parents were deterred from sending 
 their sons through the fear that they would have to send them 
 elsewhere before the end of their course. 
 
 The students became uneasy through such anticipations, 
 
364 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial 
 
 and as a consequence the numbers greatly diminished. There 
 were but forty or fifty at the beginning of the next adminis- 
 tration. 
 
 Graduates. 
 Though not without its vexations this administration was a 
 successful one. Forty-five young men were graduated. The 
 two members of the class of 1822 had been educated to the 
 senior year in Columbia College. In the class of 1823 were J. 
 Holmes Agnew, D. D., professor in Washington College, 
 Michigan University, and editor of the Knickerbocker. N. Y. ; 
 George W. Bethune, D. D., of Brooklyn ; Judge William L. 
 Helfenstein, of Dayton, Ohio; James Holmes, D. D., of Tenn.; 
 Erskine Mason, D. D., of New York ; Daniel McKin- 
 ley, D. D., of Carlisle ; John C. Morris, D. D., of Pennsylvania 
 College ; John C. Young, D. D., a moderator of the General 
 Assembly and president of Centre College, Kentucky, and An- 
 drew J. Miller, United States district judge for Wisconsin. In 
 the class of 1824 were the Rev. William Annan, editor, of 
 Pittsburgh ; Dr. Robert Bridges, of Baltimore, medical profes- 
 sor and editor : William P. Cochran, D. D., of Missouri ; John 
 M. Dickey, D. D., originator of Lincoln University ; 
 Dr. John R. Dunbar, medical professor and editor ; Charles 
 McClure and Andrew Parker, members of Congress from 
 Pennsylvania ; Samuel A. McCoskry, D. D., bishop of Michi- 
 gan, and Henry M. Watts, of Philadelphia, United States 
 Minister to Austria. After the resignation of Dr. Mason, Pro- 
 fessor Alexander McClelland was chosen principal, but de- 
 clined.. 
 
 Dr. William Weill's Administration — 1824-1829. 
 
 Dr. Neill was born in western Pennsylvania, graduated at 
 Princeton in 1803, and until 1805 was a tutor there ; was pas- 
 tor of Presbyterian churches in Cooperstown and Albany, N. 
 Y. From 1816-24 was pastor of the Sixth church of Philadel- 
 phia. In 1815 he was moderator of the General Assembly. 
 On the 9th of November, 1824, he was inaugurated as princi- 
 pal of Dickinson College. He was conscientious and faithful 
 and won the respect of his students. The faculty during his 
 
Thf Last Appropriation. 365 
 
 term of office was enlarged. In addition to Professors Vet- 
 hake, McClelland and Spencer, there were added John W. Vet- 
 hake, M. D., as lecturer on chemistry, 1826-7 ; John Knox 
 Finley, M. D., as lecturer in 1827-8, and as professor of chem- 
 istry and natural philosophy. 1828-9. Joseph Mahon, of the 
 class of 1827, was principal of the grammar school, 1826-8. 
 
 In 1825 the germ from which sprang Mercersburg Semin- 
 ary was attached to the college. The Rev. Lewis Mayer had 
 a theological class of five students. By virtue of an arrange- 
 ment made between the board of trustees of the college and 
 the German Reformed Synod, at the instance of the board Mr. 
 Mayer was made professor of history and German literature, 
 and his students allowed given privileges in the college. Pro- 
 fessor Mayer remained till 1829. This school was removed, 
 to York and had a collegiate department added to it. In 1835 
 it was removed to Mercersburg, and the next year Marshall 
 College was chartered. This seminary afterwards enjoyed the 
 distinguished services of the Rev. Drs. Frederick A. Rauch, 
 John W. Nevin and Philip Schaff. 
 
 The Last Appropriation. 
 
 In 1826 the Legislature made an appropriation to the col- 
 lege, granting $3,000 annually for seven years. With its con- 
 ditions it was a costly grant, but it restored confidence for the 
 time and the number of students increased. The causes op- 
 erating to embarrass the institution were only beginning to de- 
 velop. The law of 1826, granting an annuity for seven years 
 provided, as the conditions of its going into effect, an annual 
 report to the Legislature, and that the board of trustees should 
 accede to certain proposed changes in the charter. The orig- 
 inal law of the college, without limiting the number, provided 
 that fourteen of the forty trustees should *be clergvmen, as 
 friends and promoters of the work of education. Whether it 
 was from the excitement at that time, or from the growing dis- 
 trust of the clergy which had crept into the legislative halls, 
 or from any other cause, this feature of the charter was essen- 
 tially changed by the law of 1826. This law made it a con- 
 dition of the errant that the number of clerical members of tlie 
 
366 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 board should never exceed one-third of the whole, thus dimin. 
 ishing the number and rendering it practicable to exclude the 
 clergy entirely. The board acceded to the provision, and a com- 
 mittee was appointed to ask the resignations of several clergy- 
 men of the board, which, in due time, were offered. 
 
 The effect of this new feature in the charter, together with a 
 clause which seemed designed to guard against some supposed 
 sectarian influences, can easily be estimated. 
 
 It could not fail to embolden those who favored the exclu- 
 sion of whatever savored of religion from the college, and to 
 counteract in the minds of the youth the influence of well- 
 meant attempts of the faculty to embue them with the fear of 
 God, which is the most effective means of securing good dis- 
 cipline. The Legislature doubtless designed to promote the 
 interests of the college, but this provision in the charter, says 
 Mr. Carothers, "tended to sanction and strengthen the growing 
 prejudice against that class of our literary men who, in the 
 judgment of the enlightened framers of the original charter of 
 the college, were found, by experience, to be the zealous promot- 
 ers of the education of youth and cheerfully to give up their 
 time and attention to its objects. 
 
 An Election of Trustees. 
 
 The Hon, John B. Gribson was president and the Hon. 
 Frederick Watts secretary of the board from 1824-8. From 
 nine to fifteen of the resident members usually attended the 
 meetings. Of these seven were Episcopalians and the rest 
 Presbyterians, German Reformed and TiUtherans. On the 25th 
 of September, 1827, a meeting was held to fill eight vacancies 
 in the board. The persons nominated were John Nevin, Fred- 
 erick Watts, Dr. Samuel Agnew, Joh-i McClure, Dr. John 
 Creigh, George Chambers, Judge Thomas Burnside, Jacob 
 Cassat, William Ramsey, Charles B. Penrose, William Cole- 
 man, Edward Coleman, Samuel Hemphill, Governor J. A. 
 Shultze, Samuel Alexander and Rev. David Elliott. There 
 were eighteen members of the board present, eight of them 
 Presbyterians, two of whom did not vote the successful ticket 
 
 The result was the election of eight Presbyterians, the Rev. 
 
Senate Investigation. 367 
 
 David Elliott, John Nevin, Dr. Samuel Agiiew, John McClure, 
 Dr. John Creigh, George Chambers, Charles B. Penrose and 
 Samuel Alexander. Among those defeated were the men 
 nominated by Andrew Carothers, Dr. W. R. DeWitt, Dr. George 
 Duffield and Dr. Robert Cathcart The ery of "sectarianism" 
 was at once raised, and it was freely proclaimed that the board 
 had violated its pledge to the State. At the November meet- 
 ing, four members peremptorily offered their resigriations; 
 three of these were Episcopalians, and one, Alexander Mahcjii, 
 then President of the State Senate, a Presbyterian, who had 
 not attended the meeting, and whose great disappointment was 
 in that William Ramsey, member of Congress, who he thought 
 could be useful to the college, was not chosen. Mr. Ramsey 
 was a Presbyterian, but had been unfriendly to the college all 
 through Dr. Mason's administration. There were fifteen min- 
 isters in the board; three resignations were offered, those of 
 the Rev. Ashbel Green, D. D., of Philadelpliia. and the Rev. 
 Albert Helfenstein, of Baltimore, because of their living at a 
 distance, were accepted in December, 1826. The first annual 
 payment from the State was received January 7, 1827. 
 
 The cry of sectarianism and undue political influences in the 
 college was kept up; hints and threats of legislative inquiry 
 were circulated as rumors of the day, and tlie matter was made 
 the subject of conversation among the members of the Senate 
 at Harrisburg. 
 
 Senate Investigation. 
 
 Senator Alexander Mahon, of Carlisle, waited on Mr. Ca- 
 rothers, a member of the board, to say that it was in agitation, 
 by some members of the Legislature, to institute an inquiry 
 into the proceedings of the board, relative to the late election, 
 that the college would be placed in jeopardy, and that he had 
 persuaded the gentlemen of the Senate to suspend the proceed- 
 ings until he could have an opportunity to speak to some of 
 the trustees. He seemed to feel that the trustees would shun 
 investigation, but at a meeting held December 11, 1827, the 
 following preamble and resolutions were adopted: ''Whereas, 
 it has been represented to a member of this board, that reports 
 
368 Presbytery of Carlisle, — Centennial 
 
 tending to create a suspicion or belief that the board, or some 
 of its members, have acted unfaithfully in the discharge of 
 some of their duties, have in some way been communicated to 
 some members of the Legislature of this State, and that a dis- 
 position has been manifested by some one or more of the 
 members of the Legislature to institute an inquiry on the sub- 
 ject; 
 
 "And whereas, such suspicions are calculated to impair the 
 confidence of the Legislature and of the public in the institu- 
 tion over which the board presides, and thereby impair its use- 
 fulness, and it is believed the best way of preventing such con- 
 sequences will be to invite an inquiry into the grounds of com- 
 plaint ; 
 
 "Therefore, resolved, that tlie member of the Senate from this 
 district, and the two members of the House of Representatives 
 from this county, be respectfully requested, and they are hereby 
 requested on the part of the board, to invite an inquiry into 
 the grounds and truth of the aforesaid reports, if any motion 
 should be made on the subject, by any member of the Legisla- 
 ture, and to express the willingness and desire of the members 
 of the board to meet such investigation in any way or form in 
 which the Legislature may be pleased to direct. 
 
 "Resolved, that the secretary of the board transmit a copy of 
 the foregoing to each of the gentlemen named." 
 
 This was accordingly done, and on the 16th the Senate 
 adopted the following: 
 
 "Whereas, reports have gone abroad injurious to the reputa- 
 tion and character of the trustees and faculty of Dickinson 
 College : and whereas, it has been intimated to the Senate, that 
 an inquiry would be of advantage to the institution and com- 
 port with the wishes of the said trustees and faculty ; 
 
 "Therefore, resolved, that a committee be appointed to inquire 
 into the proceedings which have lately taken place in Dickin- 
 son College, in the borough of Carlisle, whose duty it shall be 
 to report to the Senate .whether they have complied with the 
 provisions of the General Assembly of this Commonwealth, 
 granting donations to said institution, and that said committee 
 have power to send for persons and papers." 
 
<5 Qj 
 
 ^ 
 
 ^:3 
 ^<:] 
 ^ 
 
 Cxq 
 
 ^ 
 
Report of Committee. 369 
 
 This Senate committee consisted of the lions. Alexanch'r 
 Ogle, Jesse R Burden, John Hare Powell, William H. Row- 
 land, Daniel Sturgeon. The board of trustees appointed 
 a committee, consisting of the Hons. John Reed, Andrew 
 Carothers and Jacob Ilendel, tu attend the investigation and 
 afford the Senate coniniittee every facility in the prosecution of 
 their inquiry. 
 
 Professor Alexander xMcClelland was appointed on behalf of 
 the faculty. When the committee met Alexander Mahon ap- 
 peared as counsel, but on the introduction of counsel being re- 
 fused, he came in the character of complainant The witnesses 
 examined were Benjamin Stiles, E.J. Stiles, Redmond Conyng- 
 haixi, John Shryock, Andrew Boden, Dr. George Duffield, 
 Judge John Reed. Judge Frederick Watts, Alexander Mahon, 
 Dr. W. R. DeWitt, Andrew Carothei-s, John D. Mahon and 
 Prof. McClelland. Senators Burden and Ogle, tired of an in- 
 vestigation founded on such indelinite rumors, asked to be ex- 
 cused. They were excused, and Senators Henry King and 
 Jacob M. Wise were appointed in their places. 
 
 Report. 
 
 In March, 1828, the committee reported, acquitting the board 
 oi all the allegations made in the complaint. After giving the 
 substance of the testimony they declare, '• the college has at no 
 time been in a more prosperous condition, or had fairer pros- 
 pects of being permanently useful than at present. Against 
 the faculty no charge has been made; all parties have united 
 in speaking of the gentlemen who composed it in the most re- 
 spectful terms, and your conmiittee is satisfied that they are 
 entitled to the entire confidence of tlie public." 
 
 Judge Reed, an Episcopalian, in rendering the report of the 
 board's committee to attend the investigation, says, "It is dis- 
 tinctly proved that no pre-concert existed among the Presby- 
 terians as to the election, nor any other concert except to elect 
 men of liberal minds and liberal feelings, who would take an 
 interest and an active part in conducting the affairs of the col- 
 lege. But what puts the stamp of absurdity upon the declar- 
 ation that the result of the election was ijrodueed bv a combi- 
 24 
 
370 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial 
 
 nation of Presbyterians, is the simple fact that eighteen members 
 voted at the election, of whom only seven or eight were Pres- 
 byterians or had any connection with that church, and that 
 two at least out of that number did not vote the ticket that 
 succeeded. Unless, therefore, six members could combine 
 together to outvote twelve, the supposition must be untrue. 
 The voters consisted of five different denominations ; the result 
 of this election constituted the bone and sinew of the evidence 
 against the trustees. To trace the futility of the accusation 
 farther would be disrespectful to the committee." Thus ended 
 the Senate investigation, but the agitation continued. 
 
 Troubles in Discipline. 
 
 The rules of the institution required the students from a dis- 
 tance to live in the college building. About a year after the 
 re-organization, in 1821, the number of students had so increased 
 that they could not be accommodated there ; some, too, on ac- 
 count of the supposed unhealthiness of the basement rooms, 
 abandoned them and made application, which could not be re- 
 fused, to board in town. At first the trustees, at the sugges- 
 tion of the faculty, restricted the privilege to such as would 
 board with relatives who were householders, or in with a pro- 
 fessor. This latter provision excited jealousies, which were 
 complained of from abroad. The students boarding in town 
 were supposed, by those in the bliilding, to have greater privi- 
 leges than they; a spirit of discontent prevailed. The steward's 
 table and prices were found fault with, and his patronage fell 
 off. 
 
 He complained that the privilege granted by the trustees 
 violated the spirit, if not the letter, of their contract with him. 
 Owing to these troubles the faculty, in 1825, was authorized 
 to exercise its discretion in granting students permission as 
 to boarding whether in town or in the college building, and if 
 in town, where and with whom. A steward w^as procured who 
 took the building at his own risk, and provided a table for 
 such as saw fit to board with him. This disbanding was both 
 the cause and the effect of serious trouble in discipline. The 
 cjause, in that the rule of the board i-equired the students to 
 
TJie Trastet>i and Faculty. 371 
 
 reside in the building under the care of the resident professor. 
 Modifying this rule was concession to a restless spirit, it af- 
 fected the revenues, the required visitation of the students by 
 the faculty was inoie difficult, and the })reventive discipline of 
 the college was subjected to serious embarrassment. It was an 
 effect, in that, in the necessary discipline of the college l)uild- 
 ing, the resident professor was frequently brought into collision 
 with troublesome students, reports to the faculty were charged 
 upon him ; no other professor would live in the building to share 
 his work, and he felt that he was not sufficiently supported by 
 the faculty. 
 
 Some students broke into his room and destroyed his prop- 
 erty. They threatened the steward and alarmed his family 
 with anonymous threats. The professor became apprehensive 
 of personal danger, and determined to leave the building. 
 These troubles contmued until 1828, when, in consequence of 
 not being able to procure a steward, the trustees, at the recom- 
 mendation of the faculty, determined to allow the students, 
 generally, to board in town, and have none but a janitor in the 
 building. This janitor *was objectionable, and was driven out 
 in the night. The loss of the stewardship lessened the revenues 
 by an annual sum ranging from $600 to $1,000, at a time when 
 the college needed money. 
 
 The Trustees and Faculty. 
 
 The drift of affairs during these years is indicated by the 
 action taken at different periods by the board of trustees. On 
 the 26th of March, 1827, they instituted an inquiry as to the 
 visitation of the students by the faculty, as to how often they 
 were visited, and what means were adopted to keep, them off 
 the streets at the late hours of the night. 
 
 On August 11, 1827, a committee was appointed to confer 
 with the faculty on the subject of violation of discipline, and 
 the committee was required to call on the chief burgess and 
 request his official aid in detecting students who came to town 
 during the night. In the same month the faculty -expelled 
 one student and suspended two others for riotous conduct 
 The board calljed for the facts and pa[)ers, confirmed the expul- 
 
g72 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 sion, but on their confession of repentance sent the two sus- 
 pended ones back to their classes. This action, which the 
 principal called " the mingling in practice two distinctly con- 
 stituted authorities of the college," led to a collision with the 
 faculty. September 29. 1828, the faculty was required to pre- 
 vent the students from attending dancing schools and theatres 
 during the session of college. 
 
 On February 16, 1829, a committee was appointed to ex- 
 amine the minutes of the faculty, and consult with them as to 
 the system of discipline of the past two years, inquiring as to 
 what number of students had been punished, and the grade of 
 that punishment ; also what had caused the late disposition of 
 the students, and the public to animadvert on the systems of 
 discipline. This committee submitted to the faculty a series of 
 questions as to the methods of instruction, and the duties 
 rendered by each member. 
 
 On August 1, 1829, it was resolved, ''that whereas the ex- 
 penses of the college required retrenchment, a committee be 
 appointed to report on the general state of the college, and in- 
 quire into the expediency of reducing the salaries of the mem- 
 bers of the faculty." 
 
 A Rebellion. 
 
 In January, 1829, there was a rebellion in the college which, 
 though soon quelled, was far-reaching in its result?. Dr. Neill 
 says, " we never recovered from the effects of this insurrection, 
 one of the remote influences of which was that the whole fac- 
 ulty left the college.'' It is worthy of remark here, that a 
 member of the class of 1829, was. in 1860, chairman of the 
 committee to draft South Carolina's ordinance of secession, 
 which inaugurated the rebellion of the States. As he taught 
 in Carlisle and united with the Presbyterian church, in 1831, 
 we conclude that he was not a rebellious spirit. The facts 
 were these: a member of the senior class, though not a ma- 
 triculated student, read, as an essay in Prof. McClelland's room, 
 a review of the nursery ballad "Cock Robin.'' which, in the 
 professor's judgment, "abounded more in threadbare conceits 
 than genuine attic humor.'' Without intending; to make any 
 
.1 Rehellion. 373 
 
 charge of plagiarism, in the proper sense of that term, and with 
 a view onl}^ of censuring the piece as too common -place for a 
 composition so peculiar in its kind, that if it please at all, it 
 must by strong raciness and originality, the professor observed 
 that a number of things in the essay were already familiar to 
 him, and that he had a fresh and distinct recollection of many 
 points of wit being used in other essays of the same kind. 
 When he was about to specify them the student interrupted 
 him, saying, "if you mean to charge me with plagiarism you 
 say what is not true." The keen professor continued his criti- 
 cisms, and the student his insolence, until the class was thrown 
 into confusion. The case was laid before the faculty, and the 
 student suspended. The rebellion of the students was mani- 
 fested at the evening prayers, in confusion, which the principal 
 could not control. Apparently a strong combination had been 
 formed, and the innocent could not be known from the guilty. 
 After the third day of this confusion the whole college was 
 dismissed and directed to be in their places to await the order 
 of the faculty. At an appointed hour they were assembled in 
 the chapel, and a disapproval was submitted, which each 
 student was required to sign or leave the college. This disap- 
 proval was signed, in the presence of the faculty, b}^ all except 
 seven students. These seven were suspended and peace was 
 restored. 
 
 The father of the young man with whom the trouble arose 
 appealed to the trustees, who, after hearing the whole case, de- 
 cided that it did not call for interference on their part. As the 
 occurrence had called forth a great deal of comment, Prof. Mc- 
 Clelland, in Februar}^, made a full statement of the facts to the 
 trustees, which they ordered to be put into their minutes, 
 together with a resolution expressing their high sense of his 
 distinguished usefulness, and their satisfaction with the perfect 
 propriety of his conduct in the recent transaction. As the 
 father of the young man had talked with the principal of the 
 college about the trouble in the recitation room, the principal 
 regarded the phrase "whoever be the author,'' in Prof. Mc- 
 Clelland's statement, as personal to him, and asked for an op- 
 portunity to vindicate himself before the board. A meeting 
 
374 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial 
 
 was held with all the faculty present ; the phrase was pro- 
 T^ouiiced as not personal, and the highest confidence in the 
 principal expressed. But the statements in this meeting re- 
 vealed a serious lack of harmony in the faculty. 
 
 Resignations. 
 
 At the June meeting of the board, the resignation of Judge 
 Gibson, as trustee, was received, and Andrew Carothers was 
 chosen president in his place. At the same meeting Prof. Mc- 
 Clelland gave notice of his resignation to take effect in Sep- 
 tember. He had been called to the co-pastorate with Dr. 
 Wilson of the First Presbyterian church, Philadelphia, but 
 declined. At the solicitation of the trustees his resignation 
 was withdrawn July 30. On the 1st of August, Dr. Neill 
 offered his resignation. 
 
 On the 13th of August, the report of the committee, ap- 
 pointed February 16, to inquire into the affairs of the faculty 
 was received, after which the resignation of Dr. Neill was ac- 
 cepted. A meeting was called for September 8, to elect a 
 principal. At that meeting a reduction of salaries was agreed 
 upon, and, on the recommendation of the committee appointed 
 for that purpose, Prof. McClelland was chosen principal. The 
 board met the next day to receive his answer, at which time 
 the resignation of Prof. Yethake was laid before them. The 
 committee reported that Prof. McClelland would not accept 
 the office of principal, as he was pledged to Rutgers College, 
 N. J., and the resignations of both Profs. Yethake and Mc- 
 Clelland were accepted. At the end of the college year, in 
 September, 1829, but two members of the faculty remained, 
 Profs. Finley and Spencer. Forty-nine young men were con- 
 nected with the class of 1829, of whom thirty-one graduated. 
 
 It being rumored that Prof. Spencer was about to leave the 
 college, he assured the trustees that in order to secure a suc- 
 cessor in his church, he would remain until the close of the 
 next session. Dr. Finley resigned in December. Prof. Spencer 
 was made principal pro tem.^ and a man was secured to tem- 
 porarily fill the chair of mathematics. 
 
Students. 375 
 
 Students. 
 
 During the years of Dr. Neill's administration tlie numbers 
 in the classes ranged thus: C hiss of 1825, thirty-live students, 
 twenty graduates ; 1826, fourteen, with nine graduates ; 1827, 
 thirty-two, twenty-one graduates ; 1828, forty-one, with twenty- 
 two graduates; 1829, forty-nine students, thirty-one graduates ; 
 an aggregate of one hundred and live graduates in five years. 
 Twenty-eight of these became ministers of the gospel, among 
 whom were the Rev. Drs. George A. Lyon of Erie, William 
 B. Mcllvaine of Pittsburgh, Thomas Creigh of Mercersburg, 
 Robert Davidson of Kentucky, and John M. Krebs of New 
 York. Presidents William H. Campbell, D. D., of Rutgers 
 College, Henry L. Baugher, D. D., of Pennsylvania College, 
 and Prol William M. Nevin, L.L. D., of Franklin and Mar- 
 shall. Judges James H. Graham of Carlisle, Wm. B. McClure 
 of Pittsburgh, James Burnside of Bellefonte, Daniel M. Smyser 
 of Gettysburg, P. H. Engle of St. Louis, Madison Brown and 
 John H. Price of Maryland, John A. Inglis, chancellor of 
 South Carolina, and chairman of the committee to draft the 
 ordinance of secession of that State in 1860. Dr. James C. 
 Pahner, Surgeon General of the United States Navy, Robert 
 M. McClelland, Governor of Michigan, and Secretary of the 
 Interior. Members of Congress William H. Kurtz of York, 
 James X. McLanahan of Chambersburg, and Thomas Williams 
 of Pittsburgh. Philip F. Thomas, Governor of Maryland, 
 and Secretary of the United States Treasury, belonged to class 
 of 1830. Prof. S. S. Haldeman of the University of Pennsyl- 
 vania, and Hendrick B. Wright, member of Congress from 
 Wilkes-Barre, were in the class of 1831. These with others, 
 alike efficient in their less conspicious avocations, made up the 
 noisy crowd of students of this administration. 
 
 Dr. Samuel B. How's Administration, 1830-31. 
 
 During the winter session of 1829-30, an entirely new fac- 
 ulty was organized with Dr. Samuel B. How as principal. Profs. 
 Charles D. Cleveland in the chair of languages, Alexander W. 
 McFarlane in mathematics, Henry D. Rogers in chemistry and 
 
376 * Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 natural philosophy. Dr. How was educated at the University 
 of Pennsylvania and at Princeton Seminary ; was a tutor in 
 Dickinson, 1810-11 ; a pastor in Trenton and New Brunswick, 
 N. J., Savannah, Ga., and New York city. After leaving the 
 college he was, for thirty years, pastor of the First Reformed 
 Dutch church of New Brunswick, N. J. C. D. Cleveland 
 graduated at Dartmouth College, in 1827 ; in 1861, was United 
 States Consul at Cardiff, Wales ; died in Philadelphia, in 1868. 
 A. W. McFarlane was a native of Scotland ; educated at Union 
 College and Princeton Seminary ; when called to the professor- 
 ship was a pastor in Deerfield, N. J. H. D. Kogers was born 
 in Philadelphia, in 1809 ; after leaving the college was State 
 Geologist of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. All these were 
 young men. At the time when Dr. How accepted the princi- 
 palship, but a small number of students remained. He was 
 inaugurated March 30, 1830. At this time the trustees say, 
 "a faculty not inferior .to the last one, in point of talents and 
 attainments, has been organized ; public confidence is again 
 returning ; a new and much more salutory and efficient system 
 of instruction and discipline has been devised and adopted. 
 The annual expenditures have been reduced nearly one-half ; 
 two professors are resident in the college building. The 
 students will be insulated from the place, and the college re- 
 commences its operations with fairer prospects of success than 
 it has ever had." 
 
 In May of this year the trustees issued a " Narrative of the pro- 
 ceedings of the board of trustees of Dickinson College, from 
 1821 to 1830, setting forth the true history of many events 
 which have been made the theme of public animadversion. 
 Prepared by a committee appointed by the board, and read at 
 their sessions May 14, 17, 18 and 19, and published by order 
 of the same," signed Andrew Carothers, president. Printed 
 by George Fleming, Carlisle, 1830. From this document I 
 have culled the facts which I have given. During this summer 
 the alumni association issued an address full of encouragement. 
 At the commencement in September the procession moved to 
 the church escorted by a troop of horse and several companies 
 of volunteers. A class of six students graduated ; an alumni 
 
Causes Leading to the Transfer. ^'J'J 
 
 oration was delivered by William Price, Esq., of Hagerstown, 
 and the question, would it be expedient for the United States 
 to establish a National University ? was discussed by Benjamin 
 Patton, Esq. and the Hon. John Reed. 
 
 The opening of the college year, in November 1830, was 
 not assuring. Five students were in the senior class, beyond 
 them we see little groups of from five to ten in a class among 
 whom are such promising youths as Dr. J. W. Kerr of York, 
 Drs. E. H. and Alfred Nevin of Philadelphia, and Dr. Talbot 
 W. Chambers of New York. A class of five students gradu- 
 ated in 1831 ; during that year Dr. How and Prof. Rogers re- 
 signed. Temporary adjustments were made until on the 26th 
 of March, 1832, the doors were closed. 
 
 Transfer. 
 
 On the 12th of March, 1833, the trustees were summoned to 
 consider a proposal to transfer the college to the Baltimore Con- 
 ference of the Methodist Episcopal Church. A committee with 
 plenary powers, after a week's deliberation, reached an affirm- 
 ative decision. The transfer was accomplished by the graduaj 
 resignation of the trustees then in office, and the election in 
 their stead of those appointed by the conference. 
 
 Causes Leading to the Transfer. 
 
 The first was lack of money. The college was projected on 
 an expensive scale for that day. A less sanguine man than 
 Dr. Rush would have been satisfied with a good academy. Far 
 from any center of wealth, it must rely on the yeomanry. 
 After the death of its early friends it lost its hold on the cities. 
 In their straits, its friends appealed to the State just as other 
 academies and colleges did. The early appropriations from the 
 State were for buildings and philosophical apparatus ; the later 
 ones for running expenses. At the re-organization, in 1821, 
 the scale of expenses was greatly increased, and the ten thou- 
 sand acres of land given by the State was bartered for money to 
 meet current expenses. In 1826, this is all gone, and, in order 
 to go on, an a])propriation was appealed for. and made on con- 
 
378 Presbytery of Carlisle — CentenniaL 
 
 dition of a proposed change of the charter, and an annual re- 
 port of the affairs of the college to the Legislature, This 
 brought them into the meshes of the politicians, who sent a 
 Senate investigating committee to find out just what kind of 
 religion they had in the college. In 1830 the expenses were 
 reduced, but the appropriations will cease in 1833, and it is 
 too late. 
 
 Second. Another cause was too great catholicity. 
 
 The original petitioners to the Presbytery of Donegal, asked 
 that the school be taken under the care of Presbytery. Dr. 
 Eush and John Dickinson, who entered into the enlarged plan, 
 intended it to be a Presbyterian college. They desired to 
 place it in the hands of those, at the time, best fitted to pro- 
 mote its interests. It was the original plan that the principal 
 and professors should be Presbyterians, and, with three or four 
 exceptions, all were. The trustees in 1830, say that twc. -thirds 
 of the students in the whole history of the college were Pres- 
 byterians, yet the spirit of the college was so catholic that the 
 Presbyterianism, as such, never asserted itself in the control. 
 To the Senate committee Judge Reed and Judge Watts, Epis- 
 copalians, in reply to the charge of sectarianism, say, as 
 trustees, that they never saw any sectarianism in the control. 
 Another reply to this charge is that they attached the German 
 Reformed Seminary to the college, and made a like proposal 
 to the Lutherans. Dr. Neill says that one of the troubles of 
 discipline in his day was that without the expressed wish of 
 the parents, the students could not be required to attend a bible 
 class or chapel on the Sabbath, or any church, unless of their 
 own faith, as a consequence many attended none. The election 
 of Judge Cooper to a professorship in 1811, developed and 
 strengthened an influence unfriendly to Ohristianit}'. The act 
 of the Legislature in 1826 made it possible to exclude all 
 ministers from the board of trustees. As far as the denomina- 
 tional rights allotted to them by the founders were concerned 
 the Presbyterians had the same in 1833 that they had in 1783, 
 but these rights were waived ; they did not stand together'and 
 assert them. 
 
 Third. Another cause was in the number, the personnel, 
 
State Appropriations. 379 
 
 and the authority of the board of trustees. The Earl of 
 Leven, in seeking to dissuade Dr. Nisbet from leaving Scot- 
 land, asks this question : " How do you know whether the 
 forty members of the board of trustees, of whom you have 
 heard, will all continue of one mind, especially as they are 
 composed of all sects?" As a matter of policy the first board 
 was selected from among men of different political parties and 
 religious denominations. The result was variety at the sacri- 
 rifice of unity. The original charter forbade the principal a 
 place in the board. Dr. Nisbet fretted under their manage- 
 ment. Dr. Crooks says that Dr. Atwater resigned in 1815 be- 
 cause of difficulties with the trustees concerning discipline. 
 In Dr. Mason's day the board decided that all serious cases 
 of discipline should be referred to them. The trouble arising 
 out of this rule was aggravated in Dr. Neill's day. Judge 
 Reed testified that in 1825 the board had forty meetings. 
 They were too active. The appropriations granted in 1826 
 would cease in 1833, the patronage was gone, but the State 
 has no claim on the college, nor has any other religious de- 
 nomination. It is a trust, but the trustees do not understand 
 the philosophy of Milton's line, 
 
 " They also serve who only stand and wait." 
 
 They must c?o something, and they give it awiy. No fair 
 mind can blame the Methodist Church for accepting the gift 
 They had determined to found a college and were looking for 
 a location when Dickinson College was offered to them as a 
 gift. 
 
 They accepted it, made it strictly denominational, and })laced 
 the principal of the college at the head of the board of trus- 
 tees. It at once set out on a career of prosperity. 
 
 State Appropriations. 
 
 The amounts given by the State to the college were, as 
 nearly as I can learn : 
 
 First, in 1786, £500 steriing, and 10,000 acres of land val- 
 ued at 20 cents per acre. 
 
 Second, in 1791, £1,500 sterling, to procure a new site and 
 buildings. 
 
380 Pre.^hytery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 Third, in 1798, $3,000 for the same purpose. 
 
 Fourth, in 1806, $4,000 for procuring a philosophical appa- 
 ratus. 
 
 Fifth, in 1821, the land given by the State in 1786, was 
 returned and in lieu of it the college received $6,000 in hand 
 and $2,000 annually for five years. 
 
 Sixth, in 1826, an appropriation of $3,000 annually for 
 seven years was made. As the first of these payments was 
 made in January, 1827, and the college was closed in March, 
 1832, the presumption is that the last was not received. 
 
 These sums aggregate about $50,000. It was customary for 
 the State to make appropriations assisting colleges and acad- 
 amies to buildings and equipments. In this Dickinson shared 
 with others. If the ten thousand acres of land given in 1786 
 had, between that time and 1821, increased in value from 
 twenty cents to one dollar and sixty cents per acre, then it 
 was an even exchange and they were square with the State 
 when the appropriation of 1826 was made. This last appro- 
 priation was necessary in order to keep the college up in its 
 projected scale of expenses, but made the public feel that it 
 belonged to them, and led to the Senate investigation. Public 
 and political prejudice forbade further appropriations from the 
 State. 
 
 As far as the original control was concerned, this last one 
 was the price of the college. 
 
 Trustees of Dickinson College from 1783 to 1833. 
 
 Hon. John Dickinson, LL. D 1783—1808 
 
 Henry Hill, . . • 1783—1798 
 
 Hon. James Wilson, LL. D., 1783—1798 
 
 Hon. William Bingham, 1783—1804 
 
 Benjamin Rush, M. D 1783—1813 
 
 James Boyd 1783—1787 
 
 John McDowell, 1783—1825 
 
 Henry E. Muhlenburg, D. D., 1782—1815 
 
 Rev. Wm. Hendel, 178.3—1802 
 
 James Jacks 178.3—1802 
 
 Rev. John Black, 1783—1802 
 
 Rev. Alexander Dobbin, 1783—1809 
 
 John McKnight, D. D., 1783—1794, 1815—1820 
 
 James Ewing, 1783 — 1810 
 
Trustees of Dickinson College. ^i81 
 
 Col. Robert McPherson, 17g;{ 1799 
 
 Col. Henry Single 1783—1810 
 
 Col. Thomas Hartley, 17^3 \^[,)\ 
 
 Michael Hahu, VItK.\ 171)2 
 
 John King, D. D., 1783—1813 
 
 Robert Cooi)er, D. D., \K\ 1805 
 
 Rev. Jacob Lang 1783—1798 
 
 Kev. Samuel Waugh, 1783—1807 
 
 William Linu, D. D., 17j^3 i7f^7 
 
 Rev. John Linn, 178.3—1821 
 
 Gen. John Armstrong, 17y;{ 1794 
 
 Col. John Montgomery, 1783—1808 
 
 Stephen Duncan, 1783 1794 
 
 Hon. Thomas Smith, 17M3 1809 
 
 Colonel Robert Magaw, 1783 1790 
 
 Samuel McCoskry, M. D., 1783— I8I.5 
 
 Rev. Christopher E. Schultze, 178:i 1788 
 
 Peter Spyker, 1783—1794 
 
 John Arndt, 1783 — 1788 
 
 William Montgomery, 1783 — 1794 
 
 Hon. William Maclay, 17,s3 1796 
 
 Barnard Dougherty, 1783 1792 
 
 David Espy 1783—1795 
 
 Rev. James Sutton, 1783 — 1784 
 
 Alexander McClean, 1783 — 1788 
 
 William McCleery, 1783 — 1788 
 
 Rev. Nicholas Kurtz, 1784 — 1796 
 
 Rev. Joseph Montgomery, 1787 — 1794 
 
 James Latta, D. D 1787 — 1801 
 
 Gen. William Irvine, 1788 — 1803 
 
 Robert Johnston, 1788 — 1808 
 
 Patrick Allison, D. D., 1788 — 1788 
 
 Rev. James Snodgrass, 1788 — 1733 
 
 John Creigh, 1788—1813 
 
 Joseph Thomberg, 1789—1799 
 
 Thomas Duncan, LL. D., I790 — 1816 
 
 George Stevenson, M. D., 1792 — 1827 
 
 Col. Ephraim Blaine, 1792 — 1804 
 
 Robert Cathcart, D. D., I794 — 1833 
 
 Rev. Nathaniel R. Snowden, 1794 — 1827 
 
 Samuel Laird 1794 — 1807 
 
 Charles McClure, 1794 — 1811 
 
 James Hamilton, 1794 — 1819 
 
 Michael Ege, 1794—1815, 1824—1827 
 
 Samuel Weakley 179,5 — 1821 
 
 John Campbell, D. D 179^5 — 1820 
 
 James Armstrong, M. 1) 1796 — 1826 
 
382 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 Rev. Thomas McPherrin 1798 — 1802 
 
 James Kiddle, 1798—1833 
 
 Francis Gurney, 1'''98 — 1815 
 
 Charles Smith, LL. D., 1799—1824 
 
 Kev. David Denny 1801—1833 
 
 David Watts, 1801—1820 
 
 Joshua Williams, D. D., 1802—1821 
 
 Rev. John Young, 1802—1803 
 
 Robert Coleman, 1802—1826 
 
 David* McConaughy, D. D., 1802—1834 
 
 Hon. Hugh H. Brackenridge, 1803—1816 
 
 Francis Herron, D. D., 1803—1816 
 
 Hon. Jonathan Walker 1804—1824 
 
 Rev. Nathan Grier, 1805—1814 
 
 Jonathan Helfenstein, 1807—1826 
 
 James Duncan, 1807 — 1808 
 
 James Gustine, 1808-1820 
 
 W^illiam Alexander 1808—1814 
 
 Jacob Hendel 1803—1833 
 
 Robert Davidson, D. D., 1809—1812 
 
 William M. Brown, 1809—1827 
 
 Robert Blaine, 1811—1826 
 
 Andrew Carothers, 1814 — 1833 
 
 Rev. John Lind, 1814—1825 
 
 Rev. Francis Fringle, 1814—1828 
 
 Nathaniel Chapman, M. D., 1815—1833 
 
 Edward J. Stiles, 1815—1827 
 
 Albert Helfenstein 1815—1826 
 
 George A. Lyon, 1815—1833 
 
 John B. Gibson, LL. D., 1816—1829 
 
 Amos Ellmaker, . . . ' 1816—1821 
 
 George DutHeld, D. D., 1820—1833 
 
 Henry R. Wilson, D. D., 1820—1825 
 
 Rev. John Swartzwelder 1820—1825 
 
 Isaiah Graham, 1820—1834 
 
 John Moody, D. D 1820—1834 
 
 Isaac B. Parker, 1820—1833 
 
 Alexander Mahon 1820—1827 
 
 Joseph Knox, 1820—1827 
 
 William N. Irvine ' . 1820—1833 
 
 Jacob Alter, . . 1821—1823 
 
 Hon. Andrew Boden 1820—1827 
 
 William R. DeWitt, D. D., 1821—1834 
 
 John Reed, LL. D., 1821—1828 
 
 Rev. John S. Ebaugh, 1821—1833 
 
 William C. Chambers, M. D 1821—1833 
 
 Ashbel Green, D. D., 1823—1826 
 
Officers of Dickinson College. 383 
 
 Rev. Benjamin Keller, \9kIA 1833 
 
 John F. Grier, D. D., I.s24 1829 
 
 James Hamilton, \^2\ 1H3.3 
 
 George Lochman, D. I) Ig2r) 1826 
 
 George Metzger, 1,^25 1h33 
 
 John D, Mahon, jH^f) 1^34 
 
 Redmund Couyngham, lH2f> 1827 
 
 Benjamin Stiles ]H2G 1h27 
 
 Richard Rush, 1H26 — 1H32 
 
 David p]lliott, D. D 1827 lrt29 
 
 John Nevin. 1827—1830 
 
 Samuel Agnew, M. D., 1827 1832 
 
 John McClure 1827 — 1^33 
 
 John Creigh, 1827—1833 
 
 Hon. George Chambers, 1827 — 1834 
 
 Charles B. Penrose, 1827 — 1833 
 
 Gen. Samuel Alexander, 1827 — 1733 
 
 Samuel S. Schmucker, D. D., 1828 — 1833 
 
 Hon. Calvin Blythe, 1828—1833 
 
 Hon. Frederick Watts, 1828 — 1833 
 
 Gen. Gabriel Hiester 1828 — 1833 
 
 James Coleman, 1828 — 1833 
 
 Jacob Haldemau 1829 — 1833 
 
 Samuel Baird 1829—1833 
 
 John Paxton, M. D 1829 — 1833 
 
 Alexander Fridge 1829 — 1833 
 
 Rev. John V. E. Thorn 1829 — 1833 
 
 Uon. Alexander Nisbet 1830 — 1833 
 
 Com. Jesse D. Elliott, 1831 — 1833 
 
 The officers of the board were : Presidents — John Dickinson, 
 1783-1708; John King, 1808 : James Armstrong, 1808-1824 : 
 John B. Gibson, 1824-1829 : Andrew Carothers, 1829-1833. 
 
 Secretaries — William Linn, 1783-1784; Thomas Duncan. 
 1784-1792; Thomas Creigh, 1792-1796: James Duncan, 
 1796-1806; Alexander P. Lyon, 1806-1808; Andrew 
 Carothers, 1808-1814 ; Isaac B. Parker, 1814-1820 ; James 
 Hamilton, 1820 1824 ; Frederick Watts, 1824-1828; Samuel 
 A. McCoskry, 1828-1831 ; William M. Biddle, 1831-1833. 
 
 Treasurers— Samuel Laird, 1784-1790: Samuel Postle- 
 thwaite, 1790-1798: John Montgomery, 1798-1808; John 
 Miller, 1808-1821; Andrew McDowell, 1821-1833. The 
 secretaries and treasurers were usually not members of the 
 board during their term of service. 
 
384 Presbytery of Carlisle — Cer.tennial. 
 
 The Professors. 
 
 The professors of Dickinson College ranked among the men 
 of ability and learning of their day. Some of them were au- 
 thors ; the Latin and Greek grammars of James Boss were 
 much used. Thomas Cooper was the author of legal and lit- 
 erary works. Henry Yethake published a work on political 
 economy. Alexander McClelland, one on the canon and in- 
 terpretation of the scripture. Lewis Mayer wrote the history 
 of the German Reformed Church. Henrj^ D. Rogers published 
 numerous works on geologj' ; Charles D. Cleveland, a com- 
 pendium of Greek antiquities and other literary works. After 
 leaving Dickinson Thomas Cooper became president of Col- 
 umbia College, S. C. : Joseph Shaw, a professor in Albany, 
 N. Y. ; Claudius Berard, a professor in West Point Militar}' 
 Academy ; Henry Yethake, president of Washington College, 
 Ya., and afterwards provost of the University of Pennsylva- 
 nia ; Alexander McClelland, a professor in Rutgers College and 
 Theological Seminary, N. J. ; John W. Yethake, in Wash- 
 ington University, Baltimore ; C. D. Cleveland in the Univer- 
 sity of New York ; and Henry D. Rogers in the University of 
 Glasgow. Of the Tutors — Robert Johnson and James Mc- 
 Cormick became professors of the college, Samuel B. How its 
 principal ; Henry L. Davis became president of St John's 
 College, Md. . Charles Huston, a Justice of the State Supreme 
 Court, and Robert C. Grier, a Justice of the United States 
 Supreme Court. The longest service in the faculty was ren- 
 dered by James McCormick, from 1788 to 1814. Judging by 
 the traditions Dr. John M. Mason was the greatest preacher ; 
 Thomas Cooper was decidedly versatile ; Alexander McClel- 
 land the most brilliant ; Henry Yethake, the profoundest in 
 his department ; Dr. Davidson did most to give enduring suc- 
 cess, and yet among them all Dr. Nisbet stands unequaled in 
 profound and varied learning and in power to stimulate the 
 mind in study. 
 
 The College and the General Assembly. 
 
 The intimate relation of the college to the General Assembly 
 of the Presbyterian Church is seen in the fact that ten of its 
 
The Alumni 385 
 
 moderators, three of its stated clerks and two of its permanent 
 
 clerks were, as trustees, principals or students, connected with 
 the college. As trustees — The Kevs. Drs. Jolm King, Ashbel 
 Green, Kobert Davidson and George Duffield. J^-nicipals : 
 Rev. Drs. John McKnight, Robert Davidson and William 
 Neill. Alumni — Francis Herron. David Elliott, John M. 
 Krebs and John C. Young. Stated clerks — The Rev. Drs 
 Ashbel Green, William Neill and Erskine Mason. Permanent 
 clerks — The Rev. Drs. John M. Krebs and Robert Davidson, Jr. 
 
 The Alumni. 
 
 The Rev. Dr. Samuel Miller, in his life of Dr. Charles Nis- 
 bet says, and the remark has often been repeated, that " the 
 establishment of a Dickinson College was not then called for, 
 either by the resources of the country or by its literary wants." 
 The work done is the answer to this. It was a musion in a 
 good field. The non-establishment of the college would 
 have left Dr. Nisbet in a more comfortable home and have 
 saved him and others from sti'uggles and self-denials, while it 
 would have given a few more students to Princeton and other 
 colleges. But, like most of the institutions of to-day, its 
 patronage was mainly drawn from within a radius of one hun- 
 dred miles of ihe college. Its students were generally the sons 
 of men of very limited means ; a college near their homes 
 made their education possible. The character and influence of 
 the alumni show that the work was needed and worth more 
 than the early struggles. In the forty-two years of actual 
 work in the first fifty, four hundred and seventy-five graduates 
 were sent out, an average above eleven to a class. The iver- 
 age of the last fifty years is about seventeen. The record ives 
 the names of about five hundred others who were con need 
 with the regular classes, making a class average of twenty-th le. 
 The information concerning the earl}- students is necessarily 
 very defective, but from what is known it appears that of those 
 educated here, about one hundred and fifty became ministei-s 
 of the gospel, twenty-seven were professors of colleges or 
 academies and twelve of them })rincipals of colleges. Francis 
 Herron, D. D., David Elliott, D. D., John M. Krebs, D. D. and 
 25 
 
j86 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 John C. Young, D. D. were moderators of the General Assem- 
 bly. Seventy -five entered the medical profession, among whom 
 were authors and professors. One hundred and twenty be- 
 came law^yers, twenty-five of these were law judges, five of 
 whom sat on the State Supreme bench ; one was a justice and 
 one the Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court. 
 Three were governors of States ; three were ministers at for- 
 eign courts ; tw^enty-five were members of Congress, five of 
 whom sat in the United States Senate ; five were Cabinet offi- 
 cers ; one was President of the United States. 
 
 Other Schools. 
 
 The academies of earlier years were sources of great power. 
 Tliere many of the leading citizens received their entire educa- 
 tion, while there, in the boy from the shop or farm, were 
 awakened the desires for a more liberal education. From 
 among these came David Elliott, Charles Huston and James 
 Buchanan. These academies were tributary to the college. 
 Though they were not denominational, they were largely con- 
 trolled and liberally supported by Presbyterians. 
 
 I. The Harrisburg Academy was established in 1786 by John 
 Harris founder of Harrisburg, and others. It has educated many 
 w^ho have " won honor and been greatly esteemed, both in public 
 and in private life." In 1795 James Ross, who, from 178^ 
 1792, was in Dickinson College, became its professor. In 1809 
 it was chartered and received a grant of money from the Leg- 
 islature. The first building was erected on Market street. In 
 1846 the present property was obtained. Professor Alfred 
 Armstrong had charge from 1881-1846. Professor Jacon F. 
 Seller, an elder of the Pine Street church has been in charge 
 since 1860. The school has had unvarying prosperity under 
 his management. This is its centennial year. 
 
 II. The York County Academy was founded in 1787 by the 
 Episcopal Church. In 1799 it was given as a public scnool to 
 York county and has been rendering good service ever since. 
 The Rev. Robert Oathcart. D. D., who, for fifty years was pastor 
 of the Presbyterian church of York, was for forty-five years 
 president of the board of trustees of this academy. 
 
Other Schools. 887 
 
 III. Til 1796 Col. Benjamin Chambers, of Chambersburg, set 
 apart two lots for an academy, wliich was cliartered August 23, 
 1797. Under this charter the academy was opened during the 
 same year with Professor James Ross as principal. He seems to 
 have had a fondness for writing Latin and opening schools. In 
 1800 the Rev. David Denny,pastor of the Falling Springs church 
 became principal. It was successively in charge of the Rev. 
 D. Y. McLean, D. D., afterwards president of Lafayette College, 
 Samuel W. Crawford, D. D., who, in 1830, was called to a 
 chair in the University of Pennsylvania, James F. Kennedy, 
 D. D., J. II. Sohumaker, Ph. D. It has had a career of great 
 usefulness. During the civil war the academy building was 
 used as a hospital, and when the town was raided and burned 
 by the Confederates, in 1864, it was destroyed. An enlarged 
 building was completed in 1868. Professor M. R. Alexander 
 has been principal since the resignation of Dr. Schumaker in 
 1883. 
 
 IV. Prior to the establishment of this academy there was 
 grammar school in Chambersburg, as well as at Hagerstown 
 and Shippensburg ; concerning these we have no informa- 
 tion except that in 1786 the Presbytery appointed com- 
 mittees to examine the grammar schools at Hagerstown and 
 Shippensburg. The Shippensburg committee were the Revs. 
 Robert Cooper, John Craighead and Samuel Waugh. When 
 dyspeptic, perhaps, Dr. Nisbet, in 1786, speaks of an academy 
 at York and a grammar school at Hagerstown, " which already 
 surpass Dickinson College in popularity." 
 
 Y. In 1803 an academy was established in Northumberland, 
 mainly through the efforts of the celebrated Dr. Joseph Priestly. 
 After his death in 180-i the Rev. Isaac Grier, of the Presby- 
 terian church, was principal for eight years. 
 
 Yl. In 1807 David McConaughy, D. D., pastor at Gettysburg, 
 established there a grammar school to prepare young men for col- 
 lege. After five years he relinquished it in favor of the Gettys- 
 burg Academy, which had been founded in 1810, the Legisla 
 ture having appropriated two thousand dollars therefor. 
 Samuel D. Ramsey, a graduate of Dickinson College, was the 
 first teacher. Aboutthe year 1820 Dr. McConaughy was prin- 
 
388 • Presbytery of Carlisle — CentenniaL 
 
 cipal. In 1826 the Lutheran Seminary was founded in Gettys- 
 burg. In 1827 tlie academy building was occupied by the Rev. 
 Dr. S. S. Schmucker as a preparatory school, and when, in 
 1829, the building was sold for debt, he bought it It was 
 called the Gettysburg Gymnasium and in 1832 was chartered as 
 Pennsylvania College. 
 
 YII. One of the most efficient schools of its day was 
 the Hopewell Academy near Newburg, Cumberland county, 
 opened in 1810 by Professor John Cooper who was its only 
 teacher and continued in the work until failing health 
 obliged him to relinquish it in 1832. Prof. Cooper was a son 
 of Robert Cooper, D. D., pastor of Middle Spring church. He 
 was a graduate of the class of 1798, of Dickinson College ; he 
 removed to Peoria, Ilh, in 1839, and died there in 1848. The 
 school was taught in a log house on his farm ; the pupils 
 boarded with the principal, or at adjacent farm houses, or 
 came from their own homes, some of them many miles away. 
 It was opened as a classical school, and Latin and Greek were 
 the principal branches of study, though some of the pupils 
 studied mathematics. Prof. Cooper was peculiarly adapted to 
 his work, and the school attained to great popularity and 
 power. From among the youths that were known to the 
 neighbors as '' Cooper's Latin Scholars," came Alexander 
 Sharpe, D. D., of Newville, Prof. John Kennedy, of Jefferson 
 College, John W. McCullough, D. D., of Wilmington, Del, 
 the Revs. McKnight, James and Moses Williamson, Judge 
 William B. McClure, of Pittsburgh, Charles McClure, member 
 of Congress, Henry M. Watts, Minister to Austria, Bishop 
 Samuel A. McCoskrj^, of Michigan, Commodore Gabriel 
 O'Brien, of the United States Navy, Edward H. and Alfred 
 Nevin, D. D., and Isaac G. Strain, of the United States Navy, 
 explorer of the Isthmus of Darien. 
 
 The violin and flute, checkers, quoits and fishing were the 
 innocent recreations of these young men who were destined to 
 "shine in councils and in camps to dare.'" 
 
 YIII. The Bedford, Pa., Academy was incorporated March 
 20, 1810. Its management was vested in eight trustees, whose 
 successors were chosen by the county. The Rev. James 
 
Schools of Theolofjy. 3^9 
 
 Wilson, Jeremiali Chamberlain, D. D., afterwards president of 
 Oakland College, Miss., and the Rev. Adam Boyd, were suc- 
 cessively principals. Tlie school became very celebrated, at- 
 tracting a large patronage from the southern counties of this 
 State and from Maryland. 
 
 Schools of Theology. 
 
 Every minister's study was a seminary to the candidates for 
 the pastoral office, and there nearly all the early American 
 ministers were theologically educated. 
 
 I. The Rev. Alexander Dobbin taught eight students of his 
 academy in Hebrew and theology. 
 
 II. The Rev. Charles Nisbet, D. D., gave one full course of 
 lectures to a class of nine students, and afterwards assisted and 
 directed individual students in their studies. Among these 
 was Samuel Miller, D. D., of Princeton Seminary, who says, 
 " I regard very few of the months of my life as having been 
 so pleasantly and profitably spent." 
 
 III. The Mercersburg Seminary of the Reformed Cluii-ch, 
 for many years presided over by the learned John W. Nevin, 
 D. D., was, in its beginning, attached to Dickinson College. 
 It was proposed that in consideration of the Synod's selecting 
 Carlisle as the site of the seminary, the board would elect the 
 principal of it, the Rev. Lewis Mayer, Professor of History and 
 German Literature, giving him a seat and authority in tlie fac- 
 ulty, pay the rent of his house, allow the students of the semi- 
 nary to attend the lectures, and make use of the librar}- of the 
 college free of expense ; and further, that accommodations for 
 the lectures for the principal of the seminary should be afforded 
 in the college edifice, until such time as the Synod might deem 
 it proper to erect a building of their own, when the board en- 
 gaged to convey a portion of ground one hundred feet square, 
 in an eligible portion of the campus, for that purpose and with- 
 out charge. This arrangement was made in 1825. 
 
 "This event," says Dr. Gerhart, "marked the most important 
 epoch in the history of the German Reformed Church. It in- 
 troduced a new element of power, wdiich revived its energies, 
 developed its resources, restored its theology, established its 
 
890 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial 
 
 character, extended its influence, and supplied it with able and 
 efficient ministers." The combination existed till 1829, when 
 it ceased, at the request of Prof. Mayer, in accordance with the 
 wishes of the Synod. The seminary was removed to York 
 and afterwards to Mercersburg. 
 
 lY. When in 1888 the Greneral Assembly of the Presbyterian 
 Church had decided to establish a theological seminary, the con- 
 test for location was between Chambersburg, Pa. and Princeton, 
 N. J. Many reasons were urged in favor of Chambersburg, one 
 given b}^ Dr. John McKnight was that "at Princeton it would 
 become the great ruling head and motive power of the General 
 Assembly." But Princeton was chosen. 
 
 Y. The Lutheran Seminary, in Gettysburg, was founded in 
 1826. 
 
 School Books. 
 
 The books used in the schools of this valley during the 
 latter part of the last century and the beginning of this one, 
 were : — The New England Primer, printed on blue paper ; the 
 Westminster Shorter Catechism : Dillworth's, Webster's, Cobb's 
 and Brierly's spelling books; DaboU's, Dil worth's, Pike's and 
 Rose's arithmetics ; Morse's and Smiley 's Geographies ; Murray's 
 English Reader; Murray's Sequel to the English Reader; 
 Murray's Introduction to the English Grammar ; Murray's and 
 Kirkham's grammars. Lindley Murray was a native of 
 Dauphin county, and Samuel Kirkham taught for a time in 
 Northumberland Pa. 
 
 1833 to the Present. 
 
 Amid all our regrets, we can but rejoice that the college was 
 given to the vigorous, aggressive and thorough]}" evangelical 
 Methodist Episcopal Church. That church was then just 
 arousing itself to the educational work. Their zeal, determi- 
 nation and practical wisdom gave new life to the college. The 
 brilliant John P. Durbin, D. D., was chosen principal. After 
 twelve years of service he was succeeded by the learned 
 Robert Emory, D. D. The principals since have been Bishop 
 Jesse T. Peck, the Rev. Drs. Charles Collins, Henry M. John- 
 son, R. L. Dashiell, and, since 1872, the Rev. James A. Mc- 
 
New Colleges. 391 
 
 Cauley, D. D. About eight hundred and fifty graduates have 
 been sent out since 1833, among whom were two of the prin- 
 cipals and seventeen of the professors of the college, two bishops 
 and about three hundred ministers. Many of the alumni have 
 become eminent in the church or the State. The college now 
 has eight professors and about one hundred and thirty students. 
 As to buildings and finances it has never been so well equipped 
 as now. The Presbyterians have always been well repre- 
 sented in its classes. Among the alumni, since 1833, appear 
 the names of Thomas Y. Moore, D. D., of Richmond, Va., a 
 moderator of the Southern General Assembly, Clement K 
 Babb, D. D., of California, author and editor, and Prof. Spencer 
 F. Baird, of the Smithsonian Institute. In the renewed finan- 
 cial prosperity of these later years, large sums of money have 
 been contributed by Presbyterians. The most munificent gift 
 it has received is that of Mrs. Helen B. Bosler, a member of 
 the Second Presbyterian church of Carlisle, who, in 1884, at an 
 expense of $70,000, erected Library Hall, as a memorial of her 
 husband, the late James W. Bosler. 
 
 Colleges Patronized. 
 
 The spirit that gives and receives a liberal education, has 
 always characterized the Presbyterians of these valleys, and they 
 have been well represented not only in Dickinson, but in Mar- 
 shall, Franklin, Pennsylvania, Lafayette, Princeton, Yale and 
 Harvard Colleges, and the Universities of Pennsylvania and of 
 Yirginia. While the Dickinson alumni, Drs. David Elliott, 
 Matthew Brown and David McConaughy, of Jefferson and 
 Washington Colleges, attracted some of the choicest of our 
 young men to the west of the Alleghanies. 
 
 New Colleges. 
 
 A very marked change in the whole situation took place 
 about the time of the transfer of the college. With a different 
 administration, Dickinson has a material change of patronage. 
 Lafayette College (Presbyterian) at Easton, and Pennsylvania 
 college ('Lutheran) at Gettysburg were chartered in 1832. The 
 German Reformed Clmrch was preparing for Marshall college 
 
392 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 at Mercersburg which was chartered in 1836. The adoption of 
 the common school law in 1834, opens a new era in the work 
 of education. 
 
 The Growth of the Public School. 
 
 The first plan of government formed by William Penn in 
 1682, made provision for establishing schools, and the next 
 year the first one in the Province was opened in Philadelphia, 
 in which all children and servants might be taught, providing 
 for the free instruction of the poor. The charter of this school, 
 when renewed in 1711, extended its privileges and rights so 
 as to form what was in fact, the first public school in Pennsyl- 
 vania. The Provincial government never attempted any 
 general systems of schools. 
 
 In April, 1776, the Legislature set apart 60,000 acres of 
 land for endowing public schools in different parts of the State. 
 The Constitution of 1790, provided for the establishment of 
 schools throughout the State, in such manner as that the poor 
 might be taught gratis. In accordance with this provision the 
 Legislature of 1802 passed an act directing the guardians and 
 overseers of the poor to ascertain the names of all those 
 children whose parents or guardians they shall judge to be 
 unable to give them necessary education, notify them that pro- 
 vision has been made for their education, and send them to any 
 school in the neighborhood. For the payment of tuition a tax 
 was to be levied and collected in the same manner as the poor, 
 or road tax. This act was to continue in force for three years, 
 and no longer. In 1809 an act was passed called "An act to 
 provide for the education of the poor gratis.'' It required the 
 assessors to secure from the parents the names of all children 
 between the ages of five and twelve years whose parents are 
 unable to pay for their schooling, and to present their names to 
 the teacher of the district. It made it the duty of the teacher 
 to instruct all such children who came, and to present his 
 account for tuition and stationery to the commissioners of the 
 county for payment. This law was no doubt the best that was 
 practicable at that time, but it was stigmatized as the " pauper 
 act." Among the poor were many of the coming men and 
 
Academies. 393 
 
 women of influence. The law of 1809 remained substantially 
 the school law of the State until the passage of the act of 
 April 1, 1834, entitled " An act to establisli a general system of 
 education by common schools." This, with such amendments 
 as have since been made, constitutes the school law of the 
 State to-day. 
 
 Contrast. 
 
 There is a striking contrast between the school work of 1776 
 and that of 1876. The appropriation of 60,000 acres of land 
 by the Legislature in 1776 revealed their disposition to encour- 
 age the work, but it effected no present results. The schools 
 were simply neighborhood affairs, and depended upon the dis- 
 position of the people. 
 
 In 1876 the State had school property worth twenty-five and 
 a half million dollars, and was expending eight and a half 
 million dollars for maintaining schools, one million of which, 
 under the provisions of the Constitution of 1873, comes directly 
 from the State Treasury. 
 
 Academies. 
 
 An account has already been given of those Academies 
 which were founded prior to 1811. 
 
 I. In 1820 an academy building was erected on the lot 
 adjoining the Presbyterian church of Mercersburg. The only 
 account we have of the work done there, is that in 1827 the 
 Rev. Robert Kennedy was its professor. Among his pupils 
 were the late Thomas H. Elliott, M. D., of Allegheny Pa., and 
 the Rev. James I. Brownson D. D., of Washington Pa. During 
 the first year, after the removal of the Reformed Seminary to 
 Mercersburg, its classes were taught in that building. It lias 
 lonsr since been torn down. 
 
 II. In 1832 Professor Joseph Casey, a graduate of the 
 University of Glasgow, opened and taught a classical school of 
 high order in Newville. The academy work in this place, 
 though in different organizations, was done successively by 
 Professor R. D. French, beginning in 1843, Mr. Kilbum, in 
 1846, James Huston, in 1849, and William R. Linn, in 1852. 
 
894 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial 
 
 The Rev. Robert McCacbren was associated with Professor 
 Linn, and tbe scbool was known as tbe Big Spring Academy. 
 It was closed on tbe breaking out of tbe Civil War. 
 
 IIL In 1851 tbe Rev. I. N. Hays, pastor of tbe Great 
 Conewago cburcb, establisbed at Hunterstown, Adams county, 
 an "Englisb and Classical Academy." A two-story building 
 was erected, and tbe scbool was opened witb Jobn H. Clarke 
 as principal. It bad a useful existence of a few years and 
 tben was discontinued. 
 
 IV. New Bloomfield, Perry county, bas bad a flourishing 
 academy for many years under tbe care successively of Revs. 
 Jobn Edgar, Pb. D., and William H. Scbuyler, Pb. D. 
 
 V. Tbe Rev. Samuel C. Alexander, pastor of tbe Upper 
 Patb cburcb, establisbed and taugbt for a time an academy 
 at Dry Run, Franklin county. 
 
 YL Welsb Run. 
 
 An academy bas for many years been doing good work 
 under tbe shadow of tbe Robert Kennedy Memorial cburcb, at 
 Welsh Run, Franklin county. 
 
 The decline of the Classical Academy is often regretted, but 
 tbe explanation is found in our excellent system of graded 
 schools, ending in the high scbool, sustained at tbe expense of 
 the public. 
 
 Colleges for Young Women. 
 
 Where did they educate the young women ? We do not 
 know, though we are certain that in all necessary attainments, 
 the women were equal, if not superior, to tbe men. Tbe 
 pendulum has swung to the opposite extreme, and now we 
 have colleges only for the young women. 
 
 Wilson College, Chambersburg. 
 
 At the meeting of Presbytery held at Greencastle, April 15, 
 1868, the following preamble and resolution, touching the 
 matter of female education, were adopted : "In view of the vast 
 importance of providing tbe means for the thorough education 
 of the children of the cburcb. Resolved, that the Committee on 
 Education be directed to take into consideration the expediency 
 
Wilson College, Ch<imher.s//t/iy. 395 
 
 of establishing a Presbyterian Female College within ot-.r 
 bounds, and to devise the means for establishing the same, the 
 committee to report at the June meeting." 
 
 In compliance with the foregoing instruction, the Rev. Tryon 
 Edwards, D. D., chairman of Presbytery's Committee on Edu- 
 cation, made a report to Presbytery the 10th of June, 1«6>>. 
 which was adopted. Section 1st reads : " We recommend the 
 establishment, within the bounds of our Presbytery^, of a fe- 
 male college, affording the very highest advantages of edu- 
 cation, its location to be decided by the board of trustees in 
 view of the subscriptions made for its establishment in different 
 places." Sections 2d, 3d and 4th relate to the election and 
 perpetuation of the board of trustees, and efforts to secure the 
 endowment of the institution. 
 
 Section 5th defines the relation of the college to the Pres- 
 bytery, and reads as follows : " That the board report annually 
 with regard to its doings to the Presbytery, and that the Pres. 
 bytery shall have the right annually to appoint such persons 
 as they think best, to visit the institution and consult with its 
 trustees as to its best interests and its course of instruction." 
 Article 6th recommends the institution to congregations and 
 individuals for financial aid and patronage. 
 
 Conditioned upon the location of the college, liberal sub- 
 scriptions were made in several of the towns in the Presbytery. 
 Among these was Chambersburg. Miss Sarah Wilson, resid- 
 ing near St. Thomas, seven miles from (Chambersburg, made a 
 donation of $30,000 in favor of Chambersburg. This decided 
 the location of the college. Col. Thomas A. Scott, whose 
 native place was Loudon, fourteen miles west of Chambers- 
 burg, added $20,000, and by the liberality of other friends the 
 fund was increased to one hundred thousand dollars. It was 
 chartered March 24, 1869, as Wilson College, " to promote the 
 education of young women in literature, science and the arts." 
 The elegant mansion and grounds of Col. Alexander K. Mc- 
 Clure, in the suburbs of Chambersburg, were bought; exten- 
 sive additions to the original building have been made, until 
 it is capable of accommodating 80 pupils. Physical, relitrious 
 and missionary training, as well as mental, are special objects 
 in the course. The librar}^ has two tliousand volumes. 
 
896 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 The following, in the order given, have served as presidents 
 of the college: Rev. Tryon Edwards, D. D., Rev. W.T. Wjlie, 
 Rev. Thomas H. Robinson, D. D., pro tern., Rev. John C. Cald- 
 well, D. D., and, since 1883, the Rev. John Edgar, Ph. D. Like 
 nearly all new literary institutions, Wilson College has had its 
 fluctuations, and has passed through some dark days. But 
 under the management of Dr. Edgar, with his able corps of 
 professors and instructors, it has enjoyed renewed prosperity. 
 The number of students in its classes reaches well-nigh 200. 
 To secure full accommodations it has been found necessary to 
 rent two large residences in the neighborhood. The summer 
 of 1889 is witnessing the completion of the east wing of the 
 college. The Moderator of Presbytery is ex offico^ a member 
 of the board of trustees. 
 
 Metzger Institute, Carlisle. 
 
 The Hon. George Metzger, who for fifty years was a trustee 
 of the Second Presbyterian church of Carlisle, died January 
 10, 1879, in the ninety -seventh year of his age. 
 
 By his last will and testament he gave property and money, 
 amounting to about $90,000, to found, in Carlisle, a college for 
 young ladies, "wherein to have taught the useful and orna- 
 mental branches of education.'' The board of trustees named 
 by Mr. Metzger was in due time organized, with the Hon, 
 Robert M. Henderson, an elder of the First Presbyterian church 
 of Carlisle, as president. On the 14th of October, 1882, the 
 institution was incorporated • as Metzger Institute. The con- 
 tract for the new building, to cost about $30,000, was let Oc- 
 tober 30, 1880, and in October, 1881, the school was opened 
 with about seventy pupils and an excellent corps of instructors. 
 Miss Harriett L. Dexter, principal. The college has a good 
 financial basis, new and excellent equipments, a good patron- 
 age, and gives promise of becoming one of the enduring insti- 
 tutions of Central Pennsylvania. 
 
 Indian Industrial School at Carlisle. 
 
 As a work of national interest and importance, it is proper 
 that I should refer to this institution. 
 
Indian Industrial School. 397 
 
 The superintendent, Capt. Richard H. Pratt, is a member of 
 the Second church of Carlisle. He is a native of New York; 
 served through the civil war as an officer of an Indiana regi- 
 ment, and is now a captain of the Tenth United States Cavalry. 
 He was with that regiment under Gens. Sheridan and Custer, 
 in the war with the Arrappahoe, Cheyenne, Comanche and 
 Kiowa Indians, in Kansas and Indian Territory, in 1868-9. 
 In 1876, while in charge of Indian prisoners at Fort Marion, 
 Fla., he concluded that these active men, whom he had hunted 
 and fought on the western plains, could be educated and their 
 labor utilized. His experiment in teaching them was satis- 
 factory, and, determining to establish an Indian school, he ap- 
 plied to Congress for the use of the unoccupied barracks at 
 Carlisle for that purpose. By an act dated June 17, 1879, 
 Congress granted his request. The school was o|)ened in Oc- 
 tober, 1879. with about one hundred and fifty pupils, eighty- 
 four of them were Sioux from the Rosebud and Pine Ridge 
 agencies, Dakota; fifty were brought from the Arrappahoes, 
 Cheyennes, Comanches, Kiowas, Pawnees and Poncas of 
 Indian Territory, and eight from the Green Bay and Sisseton 
 agencies. A large number of these pupils were the children 
 of chiefs of the various tribes. With an excellent corps of as- 
 sistants, Capt. Pratt has ably and skilfully managed the work 
 and exerted a wide influence in meeting the difficulties of the 
 Indian problem. 
 
 Congress grants an annual appropriation, and has greatly 
 improved the buildings, having erected the chapel, the hospital, 
 the quarters for small boys, the new school building, and the 
 large building, which includes the laundry, the large dining- 
 room, the girl's industrial sewing-rooms, the room for special 
 lessons in cooking, and other necessary apartments. 
 
 By the liberality of benevolent friends of the work, the im- 
 mense dormitory for large boys and the gymnasium have been 
 built, the girls' dormitory has been enlarged and greatly im- 
 proved, a farm for industrial education has been secured at a 
 cost of $20,000, the apparatus for heating all the buildings 
 with steam, and many otlier im]irovements have been added. 
 In all these improvements the Indian boys have shown a great 
 
398 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 interest, doing much of the work, and at one time actually con- 
 tributing about $1,500 in money toward the erection of the 
 large boys' dormitory. 
 
 The schools are graded and the studies range from the alpha- 
 bet to the science of government. The girls are taught in 
 needle work and housekeeping. The boys have their choice 
 of trades or farming, and give the half of each day to work. 
 Two papers. The Bed Man and the Indian Helper^ are published, 
 the printers' work on which is done by the pupils. Special at- 
 tention is given to religious mstruction. In addition to the 
 Bible study, regular chapel services, Sabbath afternoon sermon 
 and prayer meetings, the pupils are, as far as practicable, dis- 
 tributed among the churches and Sabbath schools of the town. 
 
 A lyceum is conducted in which instruction is given on 
 practical subjects, and in which the young men discuss ques- 
 tions that concern them, in their own way. Amongst others 
 they have very gravely considered the proposition, " Should 
 the Indian be exterminated ? " According to the seventh 
 annual report for 1886, the number of tribes represented in the 
 school was 40 ; number of boys, 414 ; number of girls, 228 ; 
 total, 642. 
 
 Reverence and Duty. 
 
 Let us honor the memories of the sturdy pioneers of these 
 valleys, who, in their cabin life, demanded and appreciated edu- 
 cated men, and did what they could to educate their own chil- 
 dren. Out of their scanty means they gave money, and of 
 their few books formed libraries. They builded better than 
 they knew. The boundaries of their work cannot be known. 
 One hundred years have changed all the old lines, but they 
 have widened as the waves widen. 
 
 The spirit which founded the Log College was the ruling 
 one, and multiplied classical schools for raising up a ministry 
 to meet the pressing demands of the times. 
 
 In the pulpit, at the bar, in the chair of the professor, and 
 in literature, in legislative halls, on the judicial bench, and in 
 the chair of the executive, their sons have done honor to the 
 worthy fathers who sacrificed to educate them. 
 
m 
 
 mi' 
 
 Mary Perry, John Menaul, and Ben. Thomas, Pueblos, from New 
 Mexico, as they entered the Indian School, Carlisle, Pa. 
 
 [Fronj Photo] 
 
John Menaul, :Marv Perry and lien. Thomas, Pueblos, from New 
 ^[exico, after three y^'ars's training at the Indian School, Carlisle, Pa 
 
 [From riioto.] 
 
Reverence and Duty. 399 
 
 We look upon the modern Italian in our streets, but do not 
 admire him — yet is he a son of the soldier of Roman story. 
 In the far east the dwellers in the old homes of the race live 
 among the scenes of the great events of history, sacred and 
 secular, and yet they will need neither poet to sing, nor historian 
 to record their deeds. The young scion of an illustrious an- 
 cestry often by his boast incites you to ask — and has it come 
 to this? 
 
 While we have a just pride in the work of the past, are we 
 doing present duty ? Our fathers labored, and we have entered 
 into their labors. Our work differs from theirs, but is alike 
 important. Let there be no retrograde movement. Let us 
 hear the solemn inspiring voices from out the past — learn the 
 lessons, and, as those who understand their times, meet the de- 
 mands upon us. 
 

A. MEMORIAL. 
 
 The Amelia S. hm Libeaby. 
 
 MOUNT HOLLY SPRINGS. PENNSYLVANIA. 
 By Rev. Geo. Norcross. D. D. 
 
" Till I come, give attendance to reading." — i 
 Timothy, iv : 13. 
 

 
 
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TJie Amelia S. Givin Library. 403 
 
 A FREE LIBRARY. 
 
 iT is a pleasant task for the historians of Presb3rteri- 
 anism in this region to show how the promise to 
 the church has been verified that "instead of thy 
 fathers shall be thy children.'' Rev. John Steel 
 was one of the most conspicious figures in the early history of 
 the Cumberland Valley. In a most emphatic way he belonged 
 to "the church militant," as he often preached with his rifle 
 beside him in the pulpit. He did not hesitate to accept, from 
 the colonial authorities, a commission as captain, to lead his 
 people against the savage foe, and when the war of the Revo- 
 lution came, though well advanced in life, he was one of the 
 most decided and active among the patriot leaders of the people. 
 He passed to his reward during the great struggle, but his 
 name will always be held in grateful remembrance by the 
 people of this region, where he is still mentioned as the " Rev. 
 Captain Steel'' 
 
 Some of his descendants have removed to other parts of tne 
 country, but his last lineal representative of the younger gen- 
 eration, in this region, is Miss Amelia Steel Givin, whose large- 
 hearted beneficence has lately been made conspicious by the 
 gift of a free library to her native place, Mt. Holly Springs, Pa. 
 The building, which is "a perfect gem," is built of brown- 
 stone. It is sixty-five feet long by thirty feet wide, with a 
 clear story of twenty feet in height. The whole interior finish 
 is of solid oak executed in the most artistic manner. The en- 
 trance is through a low-arched porch, as seen in the illustra- 
 rion. From the reception room access is gained on the right 
 
404 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 to two reading-rooms, on the left to the library proper. Oppo- 
 site the entrance is a large handsome brick and brownstone 
 mantel with an open fire-place, and on the upper part of the 
 mantel is a bronze tablet bearing the inscription : 
 
 THE 
 
 LIBRARY. 
 
 1889. 
 
 The style of architecture adopted is the Romanesque as fol- 
 lowed by Richardson of Boston, the designer of many of the 
 best library buildings in the country. The building is heated 
 by steam and lighted by electricity, The library itself has 
 been selected with great care, and embraces a wide range of 
 literature for such a popular institution. The trustees are 
 Samuel Givin, Amelia S. Givin, C. Rose Mullin, Charles H. 
 Mullin, Jas. A. Steese, A. Mansfield, Wm. B. Vink, Theo. 
 Swigert, R. M. Earley, S. P. Goodyear, S. P. Hefkin and B. 
 D. Shelly. 
 
 Miss Givin is the daughter of the late Robert Givin, Esq., 
 of Carlisle, who for many years was president of the Mt. Holly 
 Paper Company, and a niece of Major Samuel Givin, who is now 
 president of that corporation. She had already shown her 
 taste and public spirit in the very thorough renovation of the 
 Second Presbyterian Church, Carlisle, of which she is a mem- 
 ber, so that the public was not surprised when it was announced 
 that she had determined to give the people of her native place 
 a free public library. 
 
 On Thursday evening, Januar}' 2, 1890, the library was in- 
 augurated and formally transferred to the trustees selected by 
 Miss Givin for its future management. The services were held 
 in the M. E. Church, Mr. (^harles H. Mullin presiding. After 
 prayer by the Rev. E. L. Mapes, pastor of the First Presby- 
 terian Church, Carlisle, the writer of this sketch, who had been 
 
The Amelia S. Oivin Library. 405 
 
 requested by Miss Givin to make the inaugural address, was 
 introduced and spoke as follows : 
 
 T have been invited to say a few words in keeping witli this 
 happy occasion. I need hardly tell you that I have also been 
 carefully charged to refrain from all that complimentary allusion 
 which so naturally occurs to every speaker who has the honor 
 to voice the public sentiment at such a time as this. Many 
 things, which I would like to say, and which you wcnild be 
 glad to have me say, must go unsaid, because the presiding 
 genius of all this thoughtful beneficence is not even willing 
 that "her works" should "praise her in the gates." But an 
 old proverb says, ''He that builds by the wayside has many 
 judges" ; and this work has been done so near the wayside of 
 our common life in this valley that it has not escaped the critical 
 inspection of the "judges.'' I do not mean that it has been 
 subjected to unfriendly criticism : that has surely been dis- 
 armed : but, I only mean to say, that for some things to escape 
 the infliction of compliment is impossible. 
 
 This is an occasion of no ordinary interest to this community. 
 The church and the school house are now grandly supplemented 
 by the library. These three institutions are open confessions 
 that man is not merely an animal. He neither lives nor dies 
 like the brutes that perish. He has mental and spiritual needs 
 which cannot be supplied from the field, the garden and the 
 orchard. Much as he prizes flocks and herds, gold and silver 
 and precious stones, even these cannot take the place of com- 
 munion with the master minds of earth living and dead, who 
 welcome him to their society in the alcoves of a great library. 
 
 From this point of view a library is a w^onderful thing. 
 Here are gathered the best thoughts of the brightest minds 
 that ever lived. It is as though a palace had been built is 
 which to entertain the deathless spirits of earth's immortals, 
 who else would congregate in parts remote, and never bless us 
 with the benediction of their presence, or the lessons of their 
 wisdom. 
 
 Addison says: — "Books are the legacies that a great genius 
 leaves to mankind, which are delivered down from generation 
 Surely then it is a pious act to gather up these 
 
406 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 precious legacies and so administer upon them as to make them 
 a common inheritance for the rich and poor alike. Bj such a 
 provident forethought thej not only serve the present age but 
 become a treasury of blessing for the future. 
 
 But, perhaps, some one may say this is too high an ideal, or 
 too sentimental a view to take of the public Town Library. 
 Only a few will come here to read Plato and Aristotle, or even 
 Homer and Hesiod, Horace and Virgil. Many who read, and 
 who are to-dav rejoicing in the opening of this treasure house 
 of books will feel constrained to make their choice, 
 
 " Not from the grand old Masters, 
 Not from the bards sublime. 
 Whose distant footsteps echo, 
 Through the corridors of time," 
 
 but from the works of those more genial spirits who seem 
 nearer to us in time and thought, to whose message they can 
 give a more ready and cordial welcome because they deal with 
 the living issues of to-day. 
 
 Mr. Emerson long ago suggested that ''the colleges, whilst 
 they provide us with libraries, furnish no professors of books ; 
 and I think no chair is so much wanted." Of late years the 
 librarian in many colleges is expected to be a kind of professor 
 of books and reading, and I doubt not that the time is not far 
 distant when even such public libraries as this will be presided 
 over by one, whether man or woman, abundantly able to be a 
 guide to all the treasures shut up in these cases. 
 
 But, as we can hardly expect such a royal provision yet in 
 this beautiful shrine of literature, will you bear with some 
 o-eneral suggestions on books and reading from one who dearly 
 loves his book and his library and who from childhood could 
 truly say, — " give me a nook and a book, and let the proud 
 world spin round." 
 
 Let us consider, then, what is the purpose of a library ? We 
 know the purposes for which churches and school houses are 
 built, but what end do we expect to accomplish by founding a 
 library? Well, we may say, in a word, it is intended to be a 
 magazine of books, a repository of literary productions, a treas- 
 ury where we may find the highest and the best of human 
 
The Amelia S. Oivin Library. 407 
 
 thought and expression fitly shrined and set "like apples of 
 gold in pictures of silver." The public library is intended to 
 be like an arsenal of arms ; it is a place where the people may 
 find the literary equipments for the campaign of life. In other 
 words, men need a supply of books because they need to read 
 And this suggests the object of, reading. I think we may 
 safely say that people read for three purposes, viz : Amuse- 
 ment^ Instruction and Culture. 
 I. People read for Amusement. 
 
 I mention the least important first, though I would not 
 underestimate this function of books. We need relaxation. 
 As a people we are overworked. Many of the most successful 
 men are living in such a strain of mental excitement as ends in 
 all the horrors of insanity and suicide. When Mr. Lincoln 
 was upbraided with levity during our unhappy civil war, be- 
 cause he sometimes pointed an argument with a joke, his face 
 settled back into its wonted look of sadness, and he replied, 
 *If I did not relax with a joke occasionally I should die." 
 
 When we consider how hard and prosaic the lives of most 
 of us must be in this work-day world, we can but rejoice that 
 many a hard worker finds rest and relief in the perusal of a 
 page on which the laughable side of life is reflected. My 
 opinion may not be thought exactly orthodox, or in keeping 
 with my profession, but I will here confess that I have no little 
 sympathy with the boy, who, after watching for some time the 
 antics of a monkey, turned to his father with the startling 
 question, "Papa, don't you think God laughed when he made 
 the monkey?'' And, by the way, the boy's thought was not 
 so unscriptural after all, for even the Bible represents the Al- 
 mighty as laughing — laughing derisively at the folly of the 
 fool who would not be warned as to the end of his coui-se. 
 
 It is a fact, therefore, not to be overlooked that Grod has 
 made man capable of laughter. It is man's prerogative to 
 laugh. Not one of the brutes can perform the act Why then 
 should we deprive the children of men of their God-given dis- 
 tinction ? It was only when Solomon got badly confused in 
 the cloud lands of ske])tical notions, that he exclaimed, "I said 
 of laughter it is mad, and of mirth what doeth it? " While he 
 
408 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 kept his faith in God he was in a much more healthy frame of 
 mind, and I doubt not indulged in his joke like other wise 
 men. 
 
 A love of reading is also a great defense against the listless- 
 ness of old age. It is said that an old card player once re- 
 buked a young man who refused to learn the game of whist, 
 by saying, " My dear sir, you are laying up for yourself a mis- 
 erable old age." Surely if this is an argument for cards, it is 
 an infinitely better one for books and reading, for I hold with 
 Addison who said, " Cards were invented to amuse })eople who 
 are too stupid to talk." It is far better to rely upon books 
 than cards for protection against the weariness of old age. 
 
 But it is not every soul that enjoys the relaxation of a broad 
 laugh. Some take life more quietly, and yet they wish to be 
 amused. They wish to be taken out of themselves, they wish 
 for a little to forget their own troubles, and lose sight of the 
 petty things of life that so constantly confront them. Now 
 that is not bad in itself, and it is a kindly act to help them, and 
 this I take it is a legitimate use of fiction. I am inclined to 
 think that the most of people could do better if they would, 
 but, taking men and women as they are, they might be worse 
 employed part of the time than in reading pure fiction. I con- 
 fess I never find much time for it myself, but I have no right 
 to make my tastes the rule for other people, and 1 am free to 
 say that if I could empty the bar-rooms and fill the reading- 
 rooms, even though men read fiction, I would regard it as a 
 clear gain to themselves, to their families and to society. 
 
 Then we must remember that there is almost an infinite 
 variety in works of fiction. As the French say, " There is 
 fiction and there is fiction." There is no apology for feading 
 low and vile fiction. But I am confident it never will be found 
 on the shelves of this library. Mr. Carlyle has well said, " I 
 conceive that books are like men's souls — divided into sheep 
 and goats." Nowhere is this remark more applicable than in 
 the department of fiction, and the less we have to do with the 
 " goats " the better. 
 
 It is well when people can find their amusement on the pure 
 white pages of a clean book, and I rejoice to think that the 
 
The Amelia S. Givin Library. 409 
 
 number of such \a increasing every day, but thrice happy is 
 the man who can find his amusement in the book tliat was 
 written for instruction. 
 
 II. Thoughtful studious people read for Instruction. 
 
 It is impossible to indicate in a few words the whole 
 provinces of literature which have for their end this purpose 
 of instruction. The conception is as wide as the material 
 worlds and deep as the spiritual universe. It involves all that 
 can be known of God, and all that can be learned of bis works. 
 What libraries it w^ould take to tell what man has thought and 
 done in the past history of the world. Long ago Bacon said, 
 " Histories make men wise." They ought to do it, for what is 
 wisdom but the general result of a wide experience? It can- 
 not be doubted tliat the race has learned much as the ages have 
 rolled away and this wisdom is all garnered somewhere in books. 
 What has not thus been garnered is lost to the world. 
 
 Books are the records of thought. It matters not whether 
 they are written on the parchment of the ancients, or printed 
 on the creamy and luxurious page of the moderns, whether 
 they are graved on the clay tablets of buried Nineveh, or 
 scratched on the frail papyrus leaf of Memphis and of Thebes, 
 if they bring to us the thought of other minds, if they reveal 
 to us the hopes and the fears, the habits and the customs, the 
 loves and the hates, the ambitions and the conflicts of other 
 men, we welcome them as we do travelers who come to us with 
 the story of distant climes. 
 
 How little of the world's history can be found anywhere 
 else than in books. A few unimportant inscriptions are yet 
 found graven in the rocky monuments of Mesopotamia, a few 
 insignificant hieroglyphics may be found in the royal tombs of 
 Egypt, a few reluctant secrets vaay be dug from the ruins of 
 ancient Troy by the pick and spade of the antiquarian Schlie- 
 mann, but how trifling are these when compared with the 
 treasures of the past that have come to us in a single book like 
 Herodotus. 
 
 Books are faithful repositories in which the history of the 
 past is secure. Memory is but short lived, lasting at best only 
 for a generation, while tradition has been well compared to a 
 
410 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial 
 
 meteor, which, if it once falls, cannot be rekindled, but books 
 may be awhile neglected or forgotten, and yet, when they are 
 opened again, they again impart their instruction. 
 
 But if this is true of history if is equally true of science. 
 How little can one man discover or verify for himselL But no 
 great discovery, since the days of Bacon, has escaped the care- 
 ful record of experimenting scientists. The very mistakes of 
 the past have been recorded that they may not be repeated, 
 and every great discovery is now carefully and minutely reg- 
 istered in the common-place books of all scientific men. 
 Whether the sign be observed in the heavens above, the earth 
 beneath, or the waters under the earth, it is little thought of 
 until it is made a matter of record in the books of science to be 
 verified by every one who cares to repeat the experiment. 
 
 If now we turn from history and science to the greatest sub- 
 ject which has ever engaged human thought, it is still true that 
 we do not escape from the influence and authority of a book. 
 The principles of our holy religion are learned from what, by 
 way of emphasis, we call the Bible, or '' The Book." It is said 
 that the Mahometans have a certain respect for Judaism and 
 Christianity, which they do not entertain for other religions, 
 because they, like their own Islam, are "religions of a book." 
 
 The saying of Chillingworth has often been repeated, "The 
 Bible is the religion of Protestants."" And in the very nature 
 of the case the Bible as the original source of Revelation must 
 be the court of final appeal in all cases of conscience. The 
 Bible is, therefore, the most wonderful book in the world, not 
 only because of its divine authority, but because of its intrinsic 
 worth. It is the true fountain head of modern literature. If 
 you remove from any library the books which it has inspired 
 or called forth you will ^mpty most of its shelves, and rob its 
 alcoves of living interest. 
 
 Whether, therefore, we consider the history of what man has 
 done in this world, or the scientific principles on which God 
 has constructed the universe, or meditate on the Revelation 
 which God has made of Himself and His will in the Holy 
 Oracles, we can not dispense with the instruction of books, we 
 cannot escape from the need of a library. 
 
2' he Amelia S. Oivin Library. 4:11 
 
 III. But there is an object in reading whicli is not involved 
 either in the thought of amusement or instruction. This ])ur- 
 pose may be expressed by the word Culture 
 
 No one questions that daily intercourse with the j)ure and 
 the retined is in itself a polite education. P]ven the manners 
 of a servant will reflect the air of refinement to which he has 
 been accustomed in a great house. The early apostles of our Lord 
 were not highly educated men, but their very manners revealed 
 the fact that "they had been with Jesus." When Moses came 
 down from the Mount after forty days of communion with the 
 Lord Jehovah his very face shone with the beauty of holiness. 
 Artists are ready to sacrifice everything that they may go to 
 Rome and breathe the air which invests that shrine of the fine 
 arts. These facts are only hints of a general law that prevails 
 in the province of human culture. It is chiefly through good 
 books that we enjoy intercourse with superior minds. In the 
 best books great men talk to us, give us their most precious, 
 thoughts, correct our mistakes, inspire us with noble purposes, 
 and pour their souls into ours. 
 
 Channins^ has well said : — " Books are the true levelers. 
 They give to all, who will faithfully use them, the society, the 
 spiritual presence, of the best and greatest of our race. No 
 matter how poor I am, no matter though the prosperous of 
 my own time will not enter my obscure dwelling. If the 
 sacred writers will enter and take up their abode under my 
 roof, if Milton will cross my threshold to sing to me of para- 
 dise, and Shakespeare to open to me the worlds of imagination 
 and the workings of the human heart, and Franklin to enrich 
 me with his practical wisdom, I shall not pine for want of 
 intellectual companionship, and I may become a cultured man. 
 though excluded from what is called the best society in the 
 place where I live." 
 
 To the beneficent and gracious spirit of our holy religion 
 reinforced by the softening and humanizing influences of 
 culture I look for the wise and gentle solution of all those 
 irritating questions which in our times have arisen between 
 capital and labor. Think for a moment what an inheritance 
 such a gem of art as this new library building with its treasures 
 
412 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 of wisdom more precious than rubies would be to an ingenious 
 voung laborer who is nobly solicitous to make the most pos- 
 sible of himself. What a boon it would have been to Benjamin 
 Franklin, or Hugh Miller, or Abraham Lincoln. For such a 
 man the only fear would be that such a delightful place as this 
 might become a temptation, and prove to him like the pleasant 
 arbor where Bunyan's Christian lost his roll. But though G-od 
 has shown in his providence that the strongest and the manliest 
 men may be developed without the help of such lu:5^uries as 
 fine libraries, yet these men themselves would have been the 
 last to have undervalued the opportunity of their culture. It 
 is pleasant to think that some such young immortals may be 
 here to-night, and eagerly waiting to slake their thirst for 
 knowledge at this precious fountain. 
 
 But to all such let me give one hint of advice. Whether 
 we seek relief from the worries of life, or serious instruction 
 for its duties, or the generous culture of all our mental and 
 spiritual powers, there ^is one general rule which may direct us 
 in all our reading and that is, read only the best authors. 
 
 It is by no means true that all reading is equally profitable. 
 The editor of one of our great city dailies has recently admitted 
 that the common newspaper makes no part of literature, and 
 that if it were so edited as to be a part of literature it would 
 cease to be a good newspaper. Some of us, who do not belong 
 to the craft, have thought as much for a long time ; but the 
 fear of being offensive has constrained us to keep silence. 
 However, the admission is significant, and we may at least 
 make this inference that according to this great editor if we are 
 ambitious to be familiar with literature we must read something 
 more than the daily newspaper. We shall not be apt to neglect 
 the great dailies ; but we must read something more. 
 
 Life is too short to spend much time in reading that which 
 will neither make us wiser nor better. Carlyle has well said 
 the "first grand necessity in reading is to be vigilantly, con- 
 scientiously select.'' 
 
 We should feel in choosing books as we do in choosing 
 companions that it is of more consequence to know which to 
 avoid than which to choose, and all r^ust admit that it is folly 
 
The Amelia S. Givin Lihrary. 4l;-{ 
 
 to spend ray time on a tenth-rate author when I might be ac- 
 quainting myself with one of tlie great masters. 
 
 But my theme is endless, and I must see to it that my treat- 
 ment of it is not quite so prolonged. 1 must remember that 
 others are to follow me, who are far more capable of interest- 
 ing you than I am, and therefore, I must cut short my little 
 meditation on l)ooks, a subject which is so dear to my heart 
 that I am in danger of forgetting myself and you in its con- 
 templation. 
 
 Let me hasten to say, then, that, on behalf of Miss Givin, 
 I have now the honor of making this public presentation of 
 this beautiful building and the treasures which it enshrines to 
 the board who have undertaken to discharge this trust for the 
 benefit of this community. 
 
 When this noble thought was first conceived, our friend 
 intended not only to make her native place the recipient of a 
 gift which would keep green the memory of her worthy family, 
 but also to make a beneficent provision for the mental and 
 moral improvement of those who faithfully serve the manu- 
 facturing company with which her family has been so long 
 identified. It is certainly true that had it not been for these 
 two relations of birth and of property this building with its 
 precious treasures would never have become a material reality 
 in this place. 
 
 But while this is true, there is something diffusive and far- 
 reaching in a kind thought ; it is very apt to blossom out in 
 gracious deeds. It is like that wondrous " quality of mercy," 
 which is " not strained " and, which 
 
 Is twice blessed. 
 
 It blesseth him that gives, and him that takes." 
 and so I am authorized to say that every one in Mt. Holly 
 Springs is invited to-night to accept an interest in this public 
 institution, and to feel that it is for the use of all who appreciate 
 the pleasure and the profit of a good library at their very 
 doors. 
 
 In the name of your friend, the fair donor, who has so wisely 
 and liberally provided for the literary needs of your people, I 
 now confide to your keeping, as the president of the board of 
 
414 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 trustees, the keys of "The Amelia S. Givin Library." [Here 
 the keys were handed to Major Samuel Givin.] 
 
 May the gift be accepted in the friendly and grateful spirit 
 which has prompted it. May this institution ever be like the 
 the sweet waters of a pure fountain springing up in the midst 
 of this wilderness world and bringing refreshments to every 
 one who stoops to drink of its precious waters. Then will the 
 fair donor be as abundantly rewarded even here in time as her 
 most grateful and loyal friend could wish to-day. 
 
 The Reply. 
 
 The reply in acceptance was briefly made by the President 
 of the meeting, Mr. Charles H. Mullin. He spoke as follows : 
 
 " On behalf of the trustees, employes of the Mt. Holly 
 Paper Company, and the citizens of the town, I thank you 
 and through you, Miss Givin, for this elegant building and 
 its contents which you have just presented to us. We shall 
 feel a pride in its possession, and justly so, for none of our 
 sister towns with more pretentions have anything to compare 
 with it. 
 
 1 remarked to a friend a few days ago that it was well worth 
 to our town all it cost, even if the town had to pay for it, not 
 only in the enhanced value it gives to all other property, but 
 in a higher sense, in the advantages it ofiers for improvement 
 in knowledge and culture, not to the young only, but to all of 
 us. And we have it given to us without even the asking. 
 
 In commendation of the generous donor who makes this 
 magnificent gift to her native town, I will not here speak 
 (because I've been told not to), though for the name it renders 
 practically imperishable here, I might say many kind things, 
 but we propose to show our appreciation not so much by 
 public proclamation as by the use we will make of it. Miss 
 Givin will live to see the wisdom of her generosity. I have 
 only to add, thank you, we accept." 
 
 At the conclusion of this address Governor Beaver was in- 
 troduced and was received with applause. He playfully 
 alluded to the fact that he had not, like the orator of the even- 
 ing, been lectured in advance as to what he should not say, 
 
The Amelia Givin Library. 415 
 
 and therefore he proposed to say as many kind tilings as lie 
 could about the fair donor, Miss Givin, for she deserved them 
 all. The Governor then painted in eloquent terms the far- 
 reaching influence of such a generous act as founding this free 
 library had been. He predicted that her example would stim- 
 ulate many others to similar works of beneficence, that among 
 the people of her native place this institution would be her 
 perpetual monument, while it would forever keep green the 
 memory of her family in this region. 
 
 Rev. Dr. Reed, president of Dickinson College was the next 
 speaker. He spoke in his easy felicitous way of the blessing 
 that a single book might be to a community, giving some early 
 reminiscences in his own life to illustrate and enforce his posi- 
 tion. If a single book might be such a boon to a little town, 
 how much more such a magnificent collection as to-night was 
 opened to the people of this place. He exhorted the people 
 to show^ their appreciation of this gift by using it gratefully. 
 
 Hon. Charles W. Stone, Secretary of the Commonwealth, 
 was next introduced, and spoke in glowing terms of the ad- 
 vantages of a public library in every town. He expressed the 
 wish that this private act of beneficence might prompt the 
 people of Pennsylvania to adopt the public library system 
 found in some other states. He believed it was next to the 
 common school in importance. He suggested that the Gov- 
 ernor should put this recommendation into his next message 
 to the ' Legislature, to which Governor Beaver smilingly as- 
 sented. 
 
 The exercises closed wnth a very hcipp}^ address by M. W. 
 McAlarney Esq., of the Harrisburg Telegraph. He was intro- 
 duced as the representative of the press, and he very appro- 
 priately chose for the theme of his remarks, " the power of a 
 printed word." 
 
 After the exercises in the church Miss Givin held a public 
 reception in the new library building, and a throng of friends 
 pressed around her with the heartiest congratulations, and 
 many thought, as they looked at her radiant and happy face, 
 never more beautiful, how true the Master s saying is, " It is 
 more blessed to give than to receive." 
 
TABULATED HTATE5IENT 
 
 NAMES AND RP:LATI0NS 
 
 MINISTERS AND LICENTIATES 
 
 IN THE I'KKSHYTKKIKS 
 
 Donegal (Old), Carlisle and Harrisbur^. 
 
 TABLE I— DONEGAL. 
 II— CARLISLE. 
 Ill— HARKISBURG. 
 
 By KEY. WM. A. WEST. 
 
 27 
 

TABULATED STATEMENT. 
 
 Ministers and Lickntiatp^ 
 
 Preshi^teries of Donegal^ Carlisle and I/arr/.sbarg. 
 
 UK tables which follow contain, it is thought, the 
 names of all who have at any time sustained the 
 relation of ordained ministers or licentiates to the 
 l^resbvteries of Donegal (old), Carlisle and Harris- 
 burg. In order to economize space and make these tables pos- 
 sible on pages the size of those in this volume, the numbers 
 of the months are' used instead of the NAMES. Thus, 6, 9, 1875, 
 for June 9, 1875. 
 
 The reasons for giving the table of the old Donegal Presby- 
 tery (of 1732-1786) with that of the Presbytery of Carlisle 
 are: 1st. When the Presbytery of Carlisle was erected in 1786 
 it was com]:»osed exclusively of mmisters who had belonged to 
 the Presbytery of Donegal. This holds true even of the two 
 men (Messrs. John Elder and Robert McMordie) who at that 
 time came directly from the Second Presbytery of Philadelphia. 
 They had belonged to the Presbytery of Donegal and had been 
 placed in the Second Presbytery of Philadelphia by Synod 
 purely as a peace measure in the times of unhappy dissension 
 and strife, which existed in our bounds for many years after 
 the reunion of the "Old Side" and "New Side" element.* in 
 175y. Their homes and their fields of labor had all along 
 been in the bounds of the then Presbytery of Donegal and the 
 present Presbytery of Carlisle. 2d. At the time of its erection 
 the Presbytery of Carlisle covered the main part of the territory 
 in Pennsylvania that had been covered by the Presbytery of 
 
42<> Prt^-sbijtf^ry of Carlisle — Ccnitnniai 
 
 Don .'gal, as well as portions of Maryland and Virginia which 
 had belonged to it. 3d. It was then, and ever after, the recog- 
 nized successor of the . Presbyterj^ of Donegal, and from its 
 very first meeting it took up the unfinished business and carried 
 forward the unfinished work of the Presbytery of Donegal. 
 
 The reason for inserting in this volume a like table relating 
 to the Presbytery of Harrisburg is to be found in the fact, that 
 at the time of the reunion — which had been so warmly advo- 
 cated and so cordially entered into by the Presbyteries of 
 Carlisle and Harrisburg — the General Assembly declared the 
 Presbyter\- of Carlisle to be the successor of the Presbytery of 
 Harrisburg, and directed that the records of the latter should 
 be deposited with the former. 
 
 On the line occupied by the name or on those immediately be- 
 neath, unoccupied by other names, and in the columns appro- 
 priately marked at the top of the page, will be found just 
 what relations and at what times each individual sustained to 
 the Presbytery, and how he came to sustain those relations — 
 whether by licensure or by having been received as a licentiate ; 
 whether by ordination or having been received as an ordained 
 minister; if a pastor, over what church or churches, when he 
 became so, and when he ceased to be ; if dismissed, the name 
 of the Presbytery or other eccleiastical body to which dismissed, 
 and if he died in the Presbytery, the date of his death. 
 
 As a rule, the beginning of pastorates is made to date at 
 time of installation. The names found in columns headed 
 "received" and "dismissed," are those of Presbyteries or 
 other ecclesiastical bodies. 
 
 These statistics have been derived almost exclusively from 
 the written records of the Presbyteries of Donegal, Carlisle and 
 Harrisburg; in some instances from the printed records of the 
 Synods of Philadelphia and of New York and Philadelphia and 
 from the minutes of the General Assembly. In no pase has 
 second-hand authorit}* been accepted where the original was 
 accessible. Though they have been collected and arranged at 
 the expense of no small amount of labor, and in the exercise of 
 as nmch care as a busy pastor could bestow amid interruptions 
 such as will suggest themselves to the minds of thoughtful 
 
TahnhUed State, ntuL 421 
 
 persons, there will, no doubt, be found errors in thcin — ''sins 
 of omission and of commission,' ' but especially of emission. 
 
 Where this proves to be the case, we ask considerate forbear- 
 ance and invite correction, in order to future accuracy. 
 
 The table for the I'resbytery of Harrisburg has been kindly 
 prepared by the venerable Dr. Wing, who, for many yejirs, 
 was stated clerk of that body. 
 
 At our solicitation the careful eye of Dr. J. A. Murray 
 scanned the list of D. D.s, LL. D.s and Ph. D.s in the Presl)y- 
 teries of Donegal and Carlisle. This gives us the greater 
 reason to hope that, on the principle of '* lionor to whom honor 
 is due, " they will all be found correct. 
 
 Since the above was penned concerning Drs. Wing and 
 Murray, and while the work is passing through the press, both 
 these servants of the Master, greatly beloved and Idgldy es- 
 teemed by all their brethren, have been called to their rest. 
 
422 
 
 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 TABLE I. — Presbytery of Donegal (Old), 
 
 Names. 
 
 Licensed. 
 
 Licentiates 
 Received. 
 
 Licentiates 
 Dismissed. 
 
 Ordained. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Alexander Diivid 
 
 
 10. ti, 1737?. N. Castle. 
 
 
 10. 18. 1738, 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Bertram, William 
 
 
 
 
 
 Black. Samuel 
 
 
 11, 18. 1735. N. Castle, 
 
 
 11. 10. 1736, 
 
 Bell. HamllU.n 
 
 
 10.27. 1741, N. Castle. 
 
 
 11, 11. 1742. 
 
 Beard. .John 
 
 
 
 
 
 t Bay. Andrew 
 
 
 
 
 
 tBalch. Hezeklah Jas. . D. D 
 
 4.20.1768, 
 
 
 
 11. 16. 1769, 
 
 Black. John 
 
 10.14.1773. 
 
 
 
 8. 16, 1775. 
 
 Bard. David 
 
 10.11,1776. 
 
 
 
 8. 16, 1779. 
 
 Balch. Stephen B.. D. D.. 
 
 «, 17, 1779. 
 
 
 
 6. 19, 1782, 
 
 Boyd. William 
 
 10.17.1782. 
 
 
 4.15.1784,N.Br'nswk. 
 
 
 SCreaghead. Thomas. . . 
 
 
 
 
 
 Creaghead. Alexander. . 
 
 10. U;, 1734, 
 
 
 
 11. 19. 173.5, 
 
 Caven, Samuel, 
 
 
 10.6,1737. Ireland, 
 
 
 11. 16, 1739, 
 
 Craig. John 
 
 8.30.1738 
 
 
 
 9. 3. 1740, 
 
 Cooper. Robert. D. D. . . 
 
 2.22. 17»i.'i. 
 
 
 
 11. 21. 1765. 
 
 Craighead. John 
 
 
 5, 2!, 1767, N. Castle, 
 
 
 4. IS. 1768. 
 
 DufBeld. George. 1). D. . . 
 
 
 
 
 
 Dougal Samuel 
 
 
 (". *>! ITT'i V faatlo 
 
 4. 10. 1781. N. Castle. 
 
 10. 11. 1775, 
 
 Dunlap. James. D. D. . . 
 
 4.17.177S. 
 
 
 Davidson. Robert. D. D.. 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 Blder. John 
 
 
 10, 6. 1737. N. Castle. 
 
 12. 22, 1738. 
 
 Edmeston. William. . . . 
 
 11.5,1762, 
 
 10.12,1763.Lewistown. 
 
 (temporary). 
 
 
 • By Synod. 
 
 t Mr. Bay, as a member of the North Side Presbytery, of New Castle, organized the churches 
 of Lower Marsh Creek find Round Hill in 1748 Continuing his connection with that Presby- 
 tery he was pastor of these churches until 1758. In 1760 he became pastor of the church at 
 Deer Creek(Churchville),Md.. and in 1765. Synod set him and hischurch offto the newly-formed 
 Presbytery of Carlisle, which had an existence of onlv one year. May 29, 1766. he and his 
 church were restored to the Presbytery of New Castle by Synod. 
 
Tabulated Statement 
 
 \'l^ 
 
 Ministers and Licentiates. 
 
 Ministers 
 Received. 
 
 10.11,lT32.N.C*8tle 
 l0.11,n32.N.C'8tle 
 
 6. 23. 1761. Phila. 
 5,23.1765. N.C'Htle 
 
 12.20.1774. Orange 
 
 9.6,173.3, N. Castle, 
 
 Pastorates. 
 
 DoneKiil. 1726 to 7, 16. 1740 
 
 Pequae, 10. 18. 1738- 
 
 Upper Octurani. 10, 13. 1724— . . 
 
 I'axton. 11, 15. 1732. to 9. 16. 1736. 
 Dt'rry, 11, 15, 1732. to 5. 3. 1746, . 
 
 Forks of Brandy wine, 11,10, 1736^ to 7. 2. 1741 
 
 Conewago, 5, 12, 1742. to 4, 4, 1747. 
 
 Sent to labor in Virginia. 11. 10. 1747. . . . 
 
 Dunegal. 11. il, 1T42. to 3. 8. 1744 
 
 First churcli West Nottinghjiiii. 10. 3. 176!^— 
 1748 to 1758 
 
 L. Marsh Creek. 
 Round Hill, 
 
 Rock River & Poplar Tent. N.C. . 11. 16. 1769 
 Toms Creek, 10, 17. 1775. to 10. 20. 1779. . 
 
 Upper Marsh Creek. 8. 16. 1775— 
 
 Great Cove. P. E. . 10. 21. 1778. to 10.21, 1779 
 5lnnSX°«.Va..t^-12.1780.to 4.^3. 1782. 
 Bedford, summer of 1786— 
 
 Ministers 
 Dismissed. 
 
 Deceased 
 
 6. 1. 1741. withdrew. 
 5.24. \''M, N. Castle ■ 
 
 5.;i0, 17,')8. Hanover. 
 
 3. 8. 1744, suspended. 
 5.24.1745, deposed,* 
 
 .5.25. 17<»,N. Castle* 
 
 5.29, 17f,6, N. Castle. 
 
 5.24,1770, Orang.' 
 4,10.1782, Hanover 
 
 5,22, 1786, Carlisle. 
 
 12. 1786. Carlisle. 
 
 Georgetown. D.(".. ( ,. 
 Frederick. Md.. f ' 
 
 Pequae. 10, 31, 1733, to 9, 19, 1736. 
 Big Spring, 10, 13. 1738. to 4, — . 1739, 
 
 Middle Octorara, 11, 19. 1735. 
 
 1-11.16, 1739. to 7,2, 1741, 
 
 Falling Spring. 
 E. Conocochegue. 
 
 Lower Pennsborough.8.5. 1749. to 11.9, 1760. 
 
 S. River, Virginia. 9. 3. 1740. to 11. -.1754. 
 !1 Shenadore. 9, 3, 1740— 
 
 Middle Spring, 11. 21. 1765- 
 Kocky Spring, 4, 13, 17*;8— 
 
 4,20.1759. N.C'stle, BigSprlng, 9. 19, 1759. to 4. 14. 1769. 
 Carlisle. 9, 19, 1759, to 9, 9, 1772. 
 Monaghan, 11. 15, 1769, to 9, 9, 1772. . . . 
 
 Path Valley* Upper and Lower), 10. 11. 1775— 
 Upper Tuscarora, 10. 11. 1775, to 11. 9. 1778. 
 
 4,12.1785, Phila.. 2. Carlisle 1st, 4. 27. 178.5- 
 
 Paxton, 12. 22. 1738. 
 Derry u>ld side). 1746, 
 
 5,22.1786, Baltlm're' 
 
 12. 11, 1740, suspend- 
 ed and withdrew. 
 
 4, . .173». 
 
 5.30.1758. Hanover. 
 5.r2. 178*;. Carlisle.* 
 5.22. 17W;, Carlisle.* 
 
 9, 10. 1772. Phila. , 2d. 
 5,22, 178«;. Carlisle.' 
 
 11.9,1760. 
 
 5.22. 1786, Carlisle. 
 5,25,1768. Phila. 2d.' 
 
 tHezektah. slmpb , tlu' nam** gi-nerally given; sonietlnies James, simply. 
 JSo spelled by Thomas and Alt'.vaniler (see fac-slmile). But .l«)hn. t lie grandson of 
 Thomas, spelled his name Craiglu-ail 
 i Augusta and Tinkling Spring. Va 
 
424 Presbytery of Carlisle — Ceiitennial 
 
 TABLi^ I. — Presbytery of Donegal (Old.) 
 
 Names. 
 
 Licensed. 
 
 Licentiates 
 Received. 
 
 Licentiates 
 Dismissed. 
 
 Ordained. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Hiiutiuaii. John 
 
 7.2.1741. 
 
 
 
 11. 11. 1742, 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 »; 17 1779 
 
 
 
 6. 20. 1781, 
 
 Johnston. James 
 
 Kin«. John. D. D 
 
 10.17.1782. 
 
 4.12.17f.9. I'hila. 2d, 
 
 
 
 8, 19. 1784, 
 8. 29. 1769. 
 
 Lyon. James 
 
 Long. James, 
 
 
 
 ti 17 1740 N Castle 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Name dis.af trio. 1766. 
 
 
 Linn.Wm.Adolphus, . . . 
 
 4.12.1775. 
 12.4.1776. 
 
 
 
 6. 17, 1778. 
 
 Linn. William. 
 
 
 
 
 
 McDowell. Alexander. . . 
 
 McMordie. Robert 
 
 7.80.1740. 
 
 
 
 10. 28. 1741, 
 1753, 
 
 Mapaw. Samuel 
 
 4.16.1773. 
 
 11.12. 17H1. Philad.. 
 
 
 
 MoPherrin. Thomas. . . . 
 
 
 
 8. 17, 1774, 
 
 MiKniyht.John.D.D.. . . 
 McConnell. James 
 
 4.12.1775, 
 ♦. 12. 1775. 
 
 
 ' 
 
 12. 4. 1776. 
 
 McMillan. John.D.D.. . . 
 
 
 
 C 1Q 177fi 
 
 Martin. .Innxes. . . . 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 ' By Synod. 
 
 t Footes Sketches of Va.. Second Series. 
 
 J See Samuel Gelston. Records Pres. Ch. 1735 and 1736. 
 
Tabulated Statement 
 
 425 
 
 Ministers and Licentiatp> 
 
 Ministers 
 Received. 
 
 4.13.173fi.N.C'8tleJ 
 
 Sent as an Kv 
 
 ;). N.Ca.stU' 
 
 ti.2<.». 17f.;^.NCstk', 
 
 12.3. 1772. London- 
 derry. Ireland. . 
 
 10.18.1780.Phila.l. 
 
 ,17.1777. Phila.l, 
 
 I 12, 21. 1774. Gar- 
 lach, Ireland. 
 
 4.10. 177(;.UeKurry 
 
 A<'cepted calls t<> 
 
 Va.. 11. 11. 1742. 
 
 I Kock Klsh & ( ,. 
 /Mtn. Plain. ( '• 
 
 Ministers 
 Dismissed. 
 
 Deceased 
 
 4.7. 1737 (at lance), 
 went to Va.t 
 
 Name dlsap'r.>< from 
 roll & records I74« 
 
 Opekon. ', 17W. t<> 4. 17. 1772. .| 
 
 Cedar Creek. Va. . \ 
 
 Little Brittain. «. 21. 17th 
 
 5.22. 17Wi. Hiiltmre.' 
 
 (ireat ConewaKo. i;.20. 1781- . . . . 
 E. vSc \V. KisliJicnqiiillas. 8. lit. 1784. 
 Upper W.Conococheague.8.29. 1769. 
 Alexander. Va. fall of 1780 
 
 Jhrewsbry. [s.S.&P.E.4.1.!.-«.S. to8. 13. Y.!. 
 
 FallinK Spring. ', — n^-- 
 E.ConococheaKue. \ ' 
 
 10.13. 1773. susp'nd'd 
 12, 3.177C, deposed. 
 
 5.22. 178«. Carlisle.* 
 .5,22. 178«;. Carll.Mle.* 
 5.22. 1786. Carlisle.' 
 5.22. 1786. Baltmre* 
 9.2:^.1742. name drp 
 
 .22. 1786. Carlisle. 
 
 Upper. 
 
 Centre. >«. 17.17 
 
 Limestone Ridge. 
 
 Big Spring. 10.3,1777. to 8. 19. 1784. . . 
 
 U. Marsh Creek. 1753 to 4. 28.1761. 
 Hanover. 11,23.1762 
 
 .1762. to 7. -.1763. 
 
 1764to 10. . •»)6 
 
 Lancaster. S. S 
 
 New Castle. (.« c 
 
 Cbri.^tiana Bridge. (** 
 
 By permission <»f New Castle Presb 
 
 L. W. Conococheague ' r i- i7'-i_ 
 
 E . Conococheague. NewSlde ("•"•'"* 
 Jeriisalem(Hager8tn),8. 17.1774.to6. 17. 1779 
 
 burg)}-l 
 
 Bedford. 
 
 Frankstown(Hollidav8burg) M2.26. 1774. to 
 
 Harts Log( Alexandria). \ 10.12.1775. 
 
 Donegal. ( .. , ,77,. 
 
 Mt..Toy. (f'-*'"''- 
 
 Elk Branch. Va. .12.4.1776. to 10. 16. 1782. 
 
 L. Marsh Creek, ( ,, ,.j i-qj 
 
 Tom's Creek. j H- 1^- !'«•<- 
 
 Frontier Mis. work under Pres.1775 to 1777. 
 
 5.22. 178«i. Carlisle.* 
 
 8.19. 1784. Lewisfn. 
 5,.30.174;i.N.Ca8tle." 
 
 Chartiers. ( 
 
 Pigeon Creek. (" 
 
 Fall of 1776 
 
 5 6.18.1777. Assso-i 
 clatePres.of Pa.' L Marsh Creek. 4.29. 1779.S.S.1 year. 
 I PIney Creek. 11. 9, 1780 
 
 5.25.1768.Phila.5 
 
 Namedis.fr'mRec. 
 5.22. 1786. Carlisle.' 
 
 5.22.1786. N.Caetle* 
 
 5.22. 1786. Carlisle.' 
 5. 22. 178«>. l^xlngt" n» 
 6.20. 1781. Redstone* 
 
 5.22. 1786. Carlisle.* 
 
 I As a correspondent member 
 { Records Pres. Ch. p. 478. 
 
426 
 
 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 TALLP] I. — Presbytery of Donegal (Olu). 
 
 XAMBS. 
 
 Licensed. 
 
 Licentiates 
 Received. 
 
 Licentiates 
 Dismissed. 
 
 Ordained. 
 
 ItTocrlll T-Tn<rh 
 
 
 
 
 
 Morrison. Hugh 
 
 Orr Williiim 
 
 
 4.1I.lT8«.Koote.lre. 
 
 5. 22, 178t;, Carlisle.* 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Sanckey. Richard 
 
 Smith. Sampson 
 
 Smith. Kobert, 1). D. . . . 
 
 10,27.1736. 
 
 4.3.1750. Ireland, . 
 
 
 8. .31. 1738, 
 4. -, 1752, 
 
 Steel John 
 
 
 
 
 
 Siemens. John 
 
 5.11.1763. 
 
 
 
 
 10, 31. 1765, 
 
 Stephens, Matthew. . . . 
 
 
 
 
 
 Thomson. John 
 
 . . . 
 
 
 
 
 Thomson. Samuel 
 
 
 11. 17. 1737. Ireland. 
 4 5 1748 
 
 
 11, 14. 1739, 
 11, 23. 1748 
 
 Thompson. Amo8.+ . . . 
 
 
 
 
 
 Thorn. William 
 
 Vanee, Hugh 
 
 Waugh. Samuel 
 
 Woods, Matthew 
 
 Wilson. Samuel 
 
 10.10.1771. 
 10.13.1769. 
 
 12.4.1776. 
 
 10.20.1780. 
 4.14.1785. 
 
 f ■ ■ 
 
 5. 22, 1786. Carlisle.* 
 
 12. 3. 1772. 
 8. 21. 1771. 
 
 4. 12, 1781, 
 
 6, 19, 1782, 
 
 • Br Synod. 
 
 t Mr. Thompson was living in Virginia when assigned by Synod to the Presbytery of Donegal. 
 Though a number of times called, he appears never to have been settled as a pastor. His name 
 
Tabulated StatemeiU. 
 
 427 
 
 Ministers and Licentiates. 
 
 Ministers 
 Received. 
 
 10.15.1777.Phlla. 
 
 Ministers 
 Dismissed. 
 
 Dick's Gap. P. E. . 10, 15. 1777. to 10.20. 1779. 
 
 L.Tuscarora, ( ,, .>. ,-.,,, ^ .^, ., . 
 
 CedarSprlnK. (^'•^*-^"^- .V2-2. Kh... Carlisle. 
 
 10. ll.l":«.N.(r8tle| NottinKham. | 
 
 12.10.173.'>.N.C'8tle| 
 5. I7.1759.N.C'8tle» 
 
 10. 11. 1770 Lon- 
 donderry, Ire'd, 
 
 6.5. 1759. N. Castle. 
 — 1752. N. Castle. 
 
 L.Octorara. \ 
 Nottingham. 10. lH.n:Ht;. i^ 
 
 Derry. J 
 Faxtoii. Vn. sUU 
 Mt.Joy. \ 
 
 Prior to 17.S2 to9.5.17S5. 
 
 173«. wlthdrw.Pres. 
 withholding cert. 
 
 1740. to 10. 2, 
 
 PIney Creek.6.25?. 1771. to 4, ll.r 
 Uanover.8.31.17;i8. to (5.6. 1759. 
 
 Chestnut Level. 1752. . . 
 Principal of an academy. 
 
 Leacock. 3.26.1751. to 10.30. 1759. 
 Pequea. 3,20,1751— 
 
 1739 
 
 .SpK. 17.19 
 
 1775. . . 1 
 
 10.2.177r> 
 
 7t; : 
 
 9.2<J. 1777. 
 
 . I t;. 6. 1759. Hanover. 
 . I 5,25.17»i8.N.Ca8tle* 
 
 5.2*.t.l7f.7. N. Castle' 
 
 E.ConococheaKue. ( 
 
 1752 to 175«. 
 
 U. W.Conocheague, \ 
 
 W. Pennsboro( Carlisle )sprln« 1759. to 8.— '79 5.25.17rt8. Phlla.2d. 
 
 B.Pennsboro (Silver Spring), 1764. to 1775 
 
 L. Marsh Ck. .10.31.1765. to 12.21,1774. 
 
 Cha'nc'eS [n.l^lTSS- 5.22.178.). Baitimo. 
 
 ,1763.N.Cstle " Then paator at Chanceford & Slate Ridge. 
 
 10.19, 1784. Letter- 
 kenny, Ireland. 
 
 Derry & Wayne on Juniata. 4. 13. 1785. called 5,22. 1786. Carlisle. 
 
 10. ll,1732.N.C'8tle Chestnut Level. 1732. to 8, 1.1744, 
 
 1767,N.Brun9wck* 
 
 E. PennsborouKh,ll.l4,l739. to 3. 26, 1745. 
 
 W.Penn8borough.ll.l4.17o9. to 11.14.1749. 
 
 Great Conewago, 1750, to 4. 14. 1779 15.22, 1786. Carlisle.' 
 
 Donegal. 11.23.1748- | 5.26.1768. Phlla.2d.' 
 
 Alexandria. Va. . 12,3. 1772, t 
 
 Tuscoraro. I « .,, ,-,, 
 
 Back Creek. Va. . ,-»-^'-»'''- 
 
 Mnnt"??ry''""*'^' I summer. 1782- 
 Monaghiin, \ 
 
 Hanover, 6. 19. 1782. to9.13.17H4. . . 
 
 5.22. 1TH6. Carlisle.' 
 15.22. 1TH<;, Cjirilsle.' 
 
 disappears from the Records of Presbytery and Synod after 1786. until 1802. when It appears on 
 the roll of the Presbytery of Winchester. 
 
^2b Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial 
 
 TABLE II. 
 Presbytery of Carlisle — Ministers and Licentiates. 
 
 Wlieii the Presbytery of Carlisle was erected on the 22d of 
 May. 1786, by the Synod of New York and Philadelphia, the 
 number of members of the old PresVjyter}^ of Donegal assigned 
 to other Presbyteries was small. Four, viz : Messrs. Siemens, 
 Hunt, Stephen B. Balch and Keith, were to cast in their lot 
 with the new Presbytery of Baltimore, which was to meet for 
 the first time in Baltimore the last Tuesday of October, 1786 ; 
 and Mr. McFarquhar was directed to find a home in the 
 mother Presbytery of New Castle. Those assigned to the Pres- 
 bytery of Carlisle were the Rev. Messrs. Samuel Thomson, John 
 Hoge, Hugh Magill, Robert <.>ooper, James Martin, James Lang, 
 John Craighead, John King, Hugh Vance, Thomas McPherrin, 
 John McKnight, Dr. Robert Davidson, John Black, Samuel Dou- 
 gal, John Linn, David Bard, Samuel Waugh, Joseph Henderson, 
 Matthew Stephens and James Johnston ; and from the Second, 
 Presbytery of Philadelphia, John Elder and Robert McMordie. 
 These were all settled pastors excepting three, viz: Messrs. 
 Thomson, Hoge and McMordie. Mr. Thomson was far ad- 
 vanced in life, and had ceased from the active labors of the 
 ministry. He died in less than six months after the organiza- 
 tion of the Presbytery. From the time of hia release from the 
 pastoral charge of Tuscarora, Opekon and Cedar Creek, Va., 
 in 1772, Mr. Hoge had been, and was still, engaged performing 
 evangelistic work, for which he was peculiarly adapted. Mr. 
 McMordie was never settled as a pastor after the disbanding of 
 the Army of the Revolution, and his discharge from the chap- 
 laincy of tne First Pennsylvania Brigade. Having returned to 
 the field of his first labors in the ministry, he was living retired 
 near G-cttysburg at the time of Presbytery's organization ; and 
 ten \'ears later his remains were laid to rest along side those of 
 former parishioners, in " Black's graveyard." 
 
 In addition to the above named ministers there were also 
 
Tabulated Stattiiwid. 429 
 
 two licontiiites from the Presbytery of Donegal viz: Samuel 
 Wilson, licensed on the i-itli of April, 178o, and IIu<2-h Mor- 
 rison, received as a licentiate from the l^rcshvtcrv of Hoote, 
 Ireland, the 11th of April, i7.s6. 
 
 Just as the names of these })ersons and their relations to the 
 Presbytery of Donegal prior to this time are found in the table 
 of that f^resbytery by the initial letter of their names, so their 
 relations to the Presbytery of Carlisle subsequent to this will be 
 found in the following table. These tables supplement each other, 
 e. g., take Robert Cooper. In the table of the Presbytery of 
 Donegal we find him licensed February 22, 1765. ordained 
 November 21, 1765, installed pastor of Middle Sjjring church 
 the same day and transferred (by the action of Synod) to the 
 Presbytery of Carlisle May 22, 1786. Tlien turning to his name 
 in the table of the Presbytery of Carlisle, we find this record : 
 Received from the Presbytery of Donegal Octoljcr 17, 17S6: 
 pastoral relation at Middle Spring dissolved A])ril 12. 17!»7; 
 died April 5, 1805. • 
 
480 
 
 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 TABLE II. — Presbytery of Carlisle. 
 
 NAMES. 
 
 Licensed. 
 
 Licentiates 
 Received. 
 
 Licentiates 
 Dismissed. 
 
 Ordained. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Aflair. James 
 
 10.9.1801. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 AKriew. .J<ihn 11.. I>. I).. . 
 
 JL.l^n^n Willinrri 
 
 4.11.1827. 
 
 
 
 10,30. 1827. Redstone. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Artliiir UichHrd 
 
 
 
 
 
 Arider.sdn. Matthew. . . . 
 
 6.11.1878, 
 
 
 
 C. 12, 1878. 
 
 
 ■••■■■ 
 
 
 
 
 Bard, David 
 
 
 
 
 
 Bryson. .Tohn 
 
 Bovd. John. 
 
 10.8.1789. 
 
 
 
 12.22.1790, 
 
 12.21 17fl1 
 
 
 
 4.9.1794, 
 
 Brown. Mat w. D. D. . LL. D 10. 3. 1799. 
 Brady. Joseph 10.8.1801. 
 
 
 10.6.1801.Huntingd'n. 
 
 10.3.1804, 
 
 Bell. Samuel 4.9,1806. 
 
 Boyd. Alexander 
 
 4.13.1808. N. Castle, 
 4.13.1808, N. Castle. 
 
 4.l2.1826.N.Bruns-k 
 10.2.1832.N.Bruns'k 
 
 11.17 1839N.Brun8'k 
 
 9. 27. 1808, New Castle. 
 
 9.29.1808. 
 
 Buchanan. James 
 
 Baber. James 
 
 Brackenridge. James G.. . 
 
 Bradley. William 
 
 Bradbury. Elbridge. . . . 
 
 
 
 10.3.18:^8. 
 
 10, .'). 1847. Iowa. 
 4 13 1841 Redstone 
 
 9.29.1808, 
 
 9.28.1826. 
 10.4.1832. 
 
 11 18 18.39 
 
 Brownson. James 1..D.D.. 
 
 10.6.1840. 
 
 
 
 BoKprs. John M 
 
 
 10, 1. M44. Donegal 
 
 
 4,9.1845. 
 
 Blark. James 
 
 
 
 
 Brown. R. A 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 t Dauphin. 
 
l^abii La te< I /SlaO^nie/i L 
 
 •^31 
 
 Ministers and Licentiates. 
 
 Ministers 
 Received 
 
 10. 4. 1797. Mona- 
 Khnn. Ireland. . 
 
 4.10.1810.AddLs.)n 
 A«8oclatn or Vt. 
 
 11.28. 18:r2.Wa.sh'tn 
 
 11. 18. \^Vi. Relief 
 Syn.. Scotland. 
 
 4.9. 1850. Stubenv'l 
 10.7.1873. Osajre. . 
 4.'.l.l873.HuntVdn 
 
 2.2. 1875 Westmst'i 
 
 Derrv "" 1 '"• ^'^- ''•^- '""•^' ^'' ''• '^' ^^^• 
 
 I'res. DU^klnHon Col. 1809 to 1815. 
 
 Falling Spring. 5. 2.1840. to 4. 13.1841. 
 .18«;i to 18C.2 
 
 MonaKhan, 
 PeterNl)\ir^'. 
 
 Upper Path Va 
 Mlller.stuwn. / 
 Newport. (' 
 
 12. 1«. 1886, C. Fear. 
 10.17.178(!.DoneK'l 
 10.17.1786.Doneg'l 
 
 * Bii.'k V:ill('V.2.19.1S7;). to f,. 14. 187i;. 
 
 ( \Vartnn1sl)iirK.2. 19. 1875. to 10.20. 187t;. 
 
 (iri'cii Hill. 
 
 Wells Valley. \ 
 
 Fayetteville. S.S. 12.23. 1877. to 3.2ti. 1882. 
 
 S.S. 10.-.187I;. to4.1. 187 
 
 UarrisburK, Elder St. . 12. 1«. 188«- 
 
 U. MarsbCk. (Getty8bg)8. IC. 1775*. to 4. 10. '94 
 
 Bedford, summer 1786, to 10.0. 1789. . . 
 
 Cliillsquaque. / - 
 Warrior Run. f 
 
 i. 1791- 
 
 Falllng Waters, Va. . \ 
 
 4.9.1794 U>4. 1(). 1801 
 
 MlnlHters 
 Dl.smlHsed, 
 
 10.3. 17iW. Albany 
 
 Deeeased 
 
 9.25.181tiAHm..or('i. 
 10.7.1H:i4 Wlliulni^tii 
 
 4.13. lK42Iluntn»;<lii. 
 6. 10. 18.51. Ohio. 
 
 10.20. 1882. Huntufdn. 
 4.l4.1880.Phila.Cen 
 
 10.9. 1800. Redstone. 
 :5.20. 1794HuntKdn. 
 {o.20.1794.1Iuiilt{dn. 
 
 2.:W.1888. 
 
 4.13.1803.N.Bruns'k 
 
 4.8.1851. Wlnchstr 
 10.5.1858. Chlcagt), 
 
 Mouth of Juniata. / 
 
 Sherman's Creek. MO.3.1804. lo 4.24. 182 
 
 Middle Kidge, \ 
 
 Bedfonl. 11.8.1K08. to 9.2f.. l.si.' 
 
 ( TTa^^ls^u^^^ 1.12. lHO<t. to 9. 2f.. 1815. 
 "/tMiilill.- Tax-ton, 1.12. 1809. to 4.10.1811. 
 <;rc('ii.:..stU>. ( 
 Waynesboro 
 
 autumn. 1818. to 4. 12. 18;H9 
 
 Hancock&vlcin. FiVan. . 9. 28. 182(!. to 10. 27. 
 ShellsburK. Evan. . 10.4. 1832. to 10.4. 18:W. 
 
 Bedford. 11.1H.1H39. to 4.13.1841. 
 
 Derry. 
 
 summer 184.'i 
 
 UagersUiwu. 10. 17. 1858, to 10.2. 1861. 
 
 10.8. I8IT. IMillji 
 
 10. 1. I839Lo«anHp'rt 
 10.27. lK2*.t Winchstr. 
 
 10. 21. 1841. North- 
 umberland. 
 
 10.3. 1.S4S. Coshocton 
 
 10.5. 18.59. Wlnchstr. 
 4. 15. 1863. Donegal. 
 
 * See Table of Presbytery of Donegal 
 X By General Assembly. 
 
432 
 
 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 TABLE II. — Presbytery of Carlisle. 
 
 Names 
 
 Licensed. 
 
 Licentiates 
 Received. 
 
 Licentiates 
 Di.smissed. 
 
 Ordained. 
 
 Beatty. William T. . D. D. . 
 
 .') 15 l.sCil Zanesville 
 
 5,lfi,1861, 
 
 
 
 * 
 
 
 BlLss. .John C..D.D 
 
 It'ilri.r VTiniltl 
 
 
 4 IS l8t>3 Pliil Cen 5 13 18fJ3, 
 
 . . . . i 
 
 Biiulley. Matthew V.. . . 
 
 Burns. Charles E 
 
 Haih'V Malachi C 
 
 4. 10. l.S7:{. 
 H.14.187r.. 
 
 
 4.14.1874. Pittsburgh. 
 10.3. 187t;. Newton. 
 
 
 Bonner, George M 
 
 Barnes. W.Smith 
 
 4,9.1884, 
 
 10,19, 1877. Troy. . 
 
 
 11.1.1877. 
 
 10.7,1884,Phila.North 
 
 ! 
 
 
 Barbor John P 
 
 
 
 
 Barr John C 
 
 
 
 
 Burchfleld. William M.. 
 
 
 
 
 
 Cooper. Robert, D.I).. . . 
 
 
 
 - 
 
 , 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Caldwell. Joseph 
 
 Cuthoart. Robert. D.D.. . 
 
 Culbertson. James 
 
 Chamberlain. Jerem'.D.D. 
 CreiKh. Thomas. D.D.. . . 
 
 4.10.1811. 
 4.10.1817. 
 4.18,1831. 
 
 4 17 1835 
 
 10, 17.1787,Roote,Ir. 4.13. 1791. Lexington. 
 
 4.9. ;79.^.Phila.. 
 
 ; 
 4.1.i. 1812. Lancaster. 
 
 t 
 
 
 10,2.1793. 
 
 10. 2«. 1819. 
 11.17,1831. 
 
 Cummins. Ciiarles P . 
 
 
 
 4. 13.183«;. 
 
 Clark. David I) D D 
 
 4 13 18S7 
 
 
 
 4 12 1838 
 
 Clarlt. Albert B 
 
 Cook. Isaac M 
 
 4.14.1841. 
 4.13 1843, 
 8 2 1843 
 
 
 10.18.184l.Blairsville 
 4.9. 1844. Ohio. 
 
 
 Culbertson. M. Simp. . D.D. 
 
 i 
 
 1 
 
 5 29 1844 
 
 Cross. John 
 
 
 
 
 
 Clark. Joseph 
 
 6 11 1851 
 
 
 
 
 
 t; 3 18.52 
 
 CraiK. William B 
 
 Cramer. John K 
 
 6,13.1855, 
 
 1 
 4.9,18.T»:. Winchestr 
 
 ti. 17. 1857. 
 5.7.1856. 
 
 Clark, John H 
 
 
 
 11. 17. lS.i7.0hio. . . i 
 
 11.18.1857. 
 
 
 
 
 • See Table of Presb. of Donegal. 
 
Tabulated Statemeiil. 
 
 433 
 
 Ministers and Licentiates. 
 
 MlnlHters 
 Received. 
 
 (5. 12. 1S«J1. Omaha. 
 
 4. 10. 1872. Vadkin. 
 
 6,20. "S.ShenanKo 
 
 1.2.1885. Maiimee, 
 
 n.S).85.VVestmsti 
 
 with the church ct 
 
 Muna(;han. . . 
 
 6, 10. "87. HuiitiiKdii 
 6.1(5. '87, Huntnudn 
 
 10, 17. 1786. Donegal 
 10. 17. 1786. Donegal 
 
 10,1851.Blairsvle 
 
 lO.Xi. I87".i. Blaii!<vl 
 
 \ Greencnstle.5.16.1861. to 4. 15. 18»5a. 
 ■| Waynesboro". 6. 20. 1861. to 4. 15, 186;i, 
 
 2<1 Cli. Carlisle.. ").l;{,18»"h!. to 10. 18. 18»;7. . . 
 Harri!<l)iirg. Elder St. . 4. 14. 1872. to 4. 14. 1875 
 
 Mlddletown. 7.2. 1878. to 4. l.H. 1881. . . . 
 Harrisburg. Wider 8t. , 1 1. 1. 1877. to 4, 1 1. 
 
 Dauphin. 1.15, 1885 — 
 
 Monaghan. to 10.6. 1886. 
 
 Petersburg. S.S.. to 1884 
 
 I Monaghan.7.12.1887 - 
 ( Petersburg. 5. 18. 1888 - 
 
 Lanriisburg. i 
 
 Centre, 1 - o- lo 
 
 Upper. |.-..18 
 
 ButTalo. I 
 
 Middle Spring. 11.21. 1765,* to 4.12.1797 
 Uocliy Spring. 4. la. 1768. * to 4. 9, 17yy. 
 
 Vork, 10.2. 1793. to 4. 11. 1887 
 
 *Kound Hill. 10.2. 1793. t<i 10.28.1834. 
 
 Bedford, fall of 1819. to 12. 12. 1822 
 
 ir Mercersburg. 
 
 v.. W. Conococheagiie. 
 11.17,1831. to 4. 21. 1880. 
 
 Cickin9on.4.13.1836. to4.9. 1844 
 
 Waynesboro'. P. K.. 7. 7. 1846. to 1.26.1847. 
 
 Schellsburg, .summer of 1838 to 14. 4. 1843. 
 \ Lower Marsh Ck. .6. 16. 1843. to 5.7. 1856, 
 '( Way nesboro'.S.S. 6. 14,1848, to -. 1853. 
 
 Missionary to Nlngpo. China. 1845 
 
 Mlddletown. 6. 26. 1851 
 
 Failing Spring. 6. 3. 1852. to 10.7. 1857. . . . 
 
 Bloorafleld. j 
 
 Shermans Ck.. -il, 17. 1857. to 6. 11.18»)7. 
 
 Mouth of .lunlata. \ 
 
 Welsh Uun.Pa . ( 
 Williamsport.Md.. i' 
 
 7.185«J.to4.13, 1859. 
 
 MlnixterN 
 Dlsmls8Cd. 
 
 4.16,18«W.N.Brun»-k 
 10. 1.18«;i. Potomac. 
 10. 18. I8»;7. Newark. 
 4.10. lH77.Knojt. 
 
 10.3.1882 Redstone. 
 4, 8. 1884. St. Louis 
 
 4. 13.1887. Kmporia. 
 
 4. 15. / witlidrew to 
 1840. i'Pres.ofUbg 
 
 12. 12. 1822.Tran8ylv. 
 
 4.5.1805 
 4.20.1799 
 
 4.9. 1844. Iowa. 
 1.26. 1847. Clarion. 
 
 5.7.1856. Huntlngd'n 
 
 1854. Ningpo. China. 
 
 1851. 
 
 6.9.1873. Biairsville. 
 
 10.8. 18«r2.Baltimre. 
 
 Landisburg. / 
 
 Centre, -11. 18. 1857. to *;..». |862 10.5. 1S«;4. Huntg<lii 
 
 Upper. \ 
 
 t Afterward.s Hopewell. 
 
 26 
 
434 
 
 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 TABLE II. — Presbytery of Carlisle. 
 
 Names. 
 
 Licensed. 
 
 Licentiates Licentiates 
 Received. Dismissed. 
 
 Ordained. 
 
 
 
 
 
 Chalf ant. George W.. . . 
 Cain. George K 
 
 
 
 4,10.1861. Saltsb'rg 
 
 
 6 20,1861. 
 
 11.19.1861, 
 
 
 .... 
 
 4, 14. 1863. Newton. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Crawford, J . Agnew, D.D.. 
 
 
 
 
 
 Cole. Jacob H 
 
 Cassat, David W 
 
 4. 10. 1872. 
 
 10, 19. 1870, N. Castle. 
 
 10. 6, 1874. name drop'd 
 2,12.1874, Pittsburgh. 
 
 • 
 
 Caldwell John C. .D.I). . . 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 10. tj. 1791. 
 
 
 
 4.9,1794, 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Duffield, George. Jr. . D. D. . 
 
 4.18.1831. 
 
 4,10.1816.Phila.. . 
 
 
 9.25,1816, 
 
 De Witt. William K. . D. D. . 
 
 4,13.1819,NewYork. 
 
 
 10.26,1819, 
 
 Davidson. Robert. D.D.. . 
 Dickey. John 
 
 
 1.18, 18.32. W.Lexingtn 
 
 
 Dickerson. Jonathan. . . 
 
 
 ' 
 
 
 
 Davie. J. T.Marshall. . . 
 
 
 
 
 
 Davis. Thomas K 
 
 6.13.1849 
 
 
 
 10.2,1850, 
 
 • Dun lap. Robert W 
 
 
 
 
 Dinsmore. William H.. . . 
 
 
 4. 10. 1861. Phila.. . 
 
 
 11.19,1861, 
 
 Donaldson. James 
 
 Connelly. Samuel J 
 
 4.10.1861.Bdnbg.Sct 
 
 4. 9. 1862. North River. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 ' Mr. Dunlap accepted a call to Hagerstown October 22.1851. but was not installed until the 
 spring of 1853. 
 
Tabulated Staipmeyit. 
 
 436 
 
 Ministers and Lickxtiates. 
 
 Ministers 
 Received. 
 
 K. 14,1860. Newton. 
 
 6.3,18»>2. Fiilmyra. Millerstowii. 
 Buffalo. 
 Newport. S.JJ 
 .Millerst<.)wn, 
 
 HarrlshurK, IMne St. .!).2. IHCO. to 11.12. IWW. 
 
 MechanlcsbiirK.r..20. IW.l.to 4. l.'>. 18«;.S. 
 Chap.84th KeK.F. V..4. ir).18»W. . . . 
 
 4. 11.18C.5. Baltimr. 
 
 r.9. 18<i;,Nortliern 
 Reformed. Pres. 
 
 - S. S.f.. 3. 18»;2. to 7. 10. 18»M. 
 
 .4.is.i8<;3.tos.f,. iK<i;. 
 
 ' 8.0.1867, to 12.lt;. 18(;8. . 
 
 Newport. \ 
 GettysburK.C.Li. 18t:.-),to 5. If,. 186' 
 
 KallinKSprlnK.7.10. 18<!7.to 12.31.1886. 
 Falling Spring. P. Emer. . 12. 31. 1886 — 
 
 4.H. ■73Crawford.sv (Jettyshur/r. 1 1. 16. 1S73. to .i. 11, 187.5. . . . 
 10. 7. '74. North'brdj (^hanibersburg. Central. 10.22. 1874. to 8. • 
 10. 23. 1879. N.York [ Harrisburg. Pine St. . 11. 11. 1879 - 
 10. 10. l.s,S3. Cl.irion. : Bu Jalo, 1 
 
 BuJalo, 
 Centre. 
 Upper. 
 
 Landisburg. S 
 
 6. 10. l.'«4.to 4.1i;. 188.'). 
 
 10. 17. 1786. Donegal U. & L. Path Valley. 10. 11. 177.=). +to 10.4. 1790 
 
 10. 17. 1786. Donegal, 1st Cli. Carlisle. 4. 27. 1785. tto 12. 13. 1812. . . 
 
 ITpper Path Valley. / , ,, ,-.,,, ,,, „ , 
 
 Lower Path Valley, j ^••'- 1'-'-»- t'» '0.9. 1800 
 , Falling Spring. 11. 24. 1800. to 4.11. 18;i8. . . . 
 
 lO.S.lsOO.N. Castle Tom's Creek. 10. 21 1800. K „ o.- i^i,. 
 I Piney Creek. -, 1801 f '" •'• ^''- '^'"• 
 
 12,2:i.l8;i4.N.C'8tle 
 
 1st Church. Carlisle. 9.25. 1816. to 3. 23. l.s;{5. 
 Harrisburg( Market Sq.). 11, 12, 1819— . . . 
 
 Bloomfleld. | 
 
 Landisburg. Vwinter of 18:^4-.t to 10. 4. 18.54. 
 
 Buffalo, \ 
 
 18;^9 RPflforri .* Williamsport. Md. . S 
 .iw.*. Bed lord. I ^ Hanc-oi-k. Md..S.S.. 1 
 
 18:^8. to 1842 
 1841. to 1842. . , 
 
 MlDistert* 
 Dismissed. 
 
 7.5.18«54. Phlla.2d. 
 10.6. 18«a.St.('lalrH^ 
 
 4.14. I8ti9. Palmyra. 
 .5. 16. 1867. Ohio. 
 
 10.6.1875.Huntngdn 
 8.7.18;«.Chester. 
 
 8. 17.1875.Blalr8ville 
 
 9.28. IH14. BaltluKire 
 
 3.2:^.18;{5. Phila. 2d. 
 
 4.15. 1840. withdrew 
 to Pres.of Hbg. 
 
 10. .'». 1840, N. Castle 
 
 \ lIagerstown.il. 7. 1S40. to 4. 13. 1842. 
 / (ireeiieastle.il. 7. 1840. to 4.9.1845. 
 
 ' Fayettevllle.S.S.. 1849 to 1850. 
 
 Bedford. 11. 10. 1,H.50. (.,,. ,„ ^f^,^^ 
 
 .schellsburg. 11. 17. 18,50. f '" ''• '''• '***'• 
 
 l4.18o9.Stockt<m' Middletown.ll.lO. 1859.to4.9. 18«;2. . . 
 
 10.22. Ihol. Baltimr I Hagerstown. Md. . snring. 1853 to 1.17.18;V; 
 ' Silver Spring. 11.19. lH»;i.t.. 4.12. 18415. . . 
 
 10.20. •4''.N.Bruns'k 
 
 10.25. 18,55. Callfor". 
 7.5.18«v4. Richland. 
 
 Deceaned 
 
 10.4.1790 
 12.13.1812 
 
 12. 16. 1845 
 
 4. 10. 1h»"m;. Ln/.erne. 
 
 4, 13. 18«U. N . Castle . Hancr.ck. .Vt< 
 
 Removed to Cov-| 
 ingtun. Ky.. 1866.1 
 
 1 
 1868 
 
 t See Table of Presl,.(.f l»..negal. 
 
436 
 
 Presbytery of Carlisle — Cenlennial. 
 
 TABLE II. — Presbytery of Carlisle. 
 
 Names. 
 
 Licensed. 
 
 Licentates 
 Received. 
 
 Licentiates 
 Dismissed. 
 
 Ordained. 
 
 Donal(lM<iii..lame8U.. . . 
 
 
 10 4 1864, Saltsburg. 
 
 
 10.5.1864 
 
 
 
 
 Diiwru'v Williiiiu W 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Diivenport. Isaac W.. . . 
 
 
 10 22. 1875. Chester. 
 
 
 11 7 1875 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Devor. William M 
 
 Dunfjin. George S 
 
 IJ*)bl)iii Thomas 
 
 «. 10. 1884. 
 ti. 21. 1888. 
 
 
 8, 17. 1885. Wooster. 
 
 6.21.1888. 
 
 Elder John 
 
 
 
 
 
 Elliott. David. I). D..LL.D. 
 
 9.26.1811, 
 
 6.8. 1852. N.Bruns'k. 
 
 
 10.7,1812. 
 9. 1. 18.'>2. 
 
 Eells.W W.. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Erskiiie Ebenezer 1) I) 
 
 
 
 
 
 Edif.ir John Ph I) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Eckles.Mervin J 
 
 Erskine.J.S.E 
 
 Fullerton. Matthew L.. . . 
 
 Fine, Lamberts 
 
 6.15.1881. 
 (i. 25. 1889. 
 
 4. 12. 1825, N.York 2d 
 4. 1M858. Philad 
 
 6. LS. 1882. Baltimore. 
 
 9.28.1825. 
 5 19 1858 
 
 Kitzjferald.James I).. . . 
 Finney. Henry G 
 
 6.15.1859. 
 4,9.1862. 
 
 5.15,1861. N. Castle. 
 
 4.11.1860.St.Clairsv'l. 
 
 ".,27.1861. 
 
 Ferriday.VV. Calvin, . . . 
 
 
 
 9 17 1862 
 
 Ferrier. Edwal 
 
 
 
 
 
 Fleming. Joseph H 
 
 
 
 
 
 Foulk.John S 
 
 
 
 
 
 FergiKson. Thoma.sJ.. . . 
 
 
 
 
 
 GritT, Isaac 
 
 12.21. 1791 
 
 
 
 4 9 17')4 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Mr. Emerson has been :it>r<.:i.1 t in France, England and Germany) since 18KX 
 
Tabulated Statement. 
 
 43: 
 
 Ministers and Licentiates. 
 
 Ministers 
 Uecelved. 
 
 fi. I-j.'TO.Steuhen.sv 
 4.I0. 1875 WliK'hstr 
 1.2S.'7f.. BlnKhiulii 
 
 fi. ll.l878.Pittsbjr»i 
 
 4.9,1884. Synod of 
 Susq. ( Lutheran 
 
 10.3.'88.St.Lawrni 
 10.17.1786.Phlla.2 
 
 fi. 12.'55.Londond'r 
 
 4. 9. 18G7. N. Lon- 
 don Consoclaton 
 
 4. IH. 1870. Chicago 
 10.4.1870,Westm8t 
 
 10. 22."80.Northum 
 
 10.2. '6«.St.Clairsv 
 lb.'3,'l^'.NorthuIn 
 
 10.4.1871. Hudson. 
 
 10.7.1873.Northuni 
 
 10. 7. 1874. Zlon 
 Cla-ssls ( Refomid ) 
 
 2. ll."7'.t.ShennnKo 
 
 Pine Creek. 1 , „ 
 LycomlnK. V?,^, 
 GreatLsiand. \ ''^1 
 
 Schen8burK.r2.7.18il4- 
 Mlllerstown. » 
 
 Ministers 
 DlHralHxed. 
 
 Newport. 
 
 KSf.'.) to 1S70. 
 
 Pa.vton.4.29. 1875. to 9. 18. 1877. 
 Dujieannon.lO. 18. 1877. to 10.fi. 1880 
 
 (iettysburK. 1.28. 187fi — 
 
 HarrlsburK. Elder St. . 11.7. 1875. to H. 1.1877. 
 
 Landlsburg. P. E. ( ,„ .. ,0-0 ,,, , 1, iwho 
 Sherniansdale. S. S. . \ '"••*• ^^'^- ^" ■*• '''• ''^**" 
 
 Dickinson. P. E.. 4. ".1.1884. to 10. •;. 1885. . . 
 
 Dickinson. fi.21. 1888- 
 
 Upper Path Valley. 10.24. 1888. 
 
 Paxton and Derry. 12.22.1738.+ to 4. l.S. IT'.tl. 
 
 Mercersburg. 10.7.1812. to 10.27.182".). . . . 
 
 \ Greencastle. 9. 1 . 1852. to 8.14. 18tK). 
 ■/ Waynesboro". 4. 13. 1859. to H. 14. 18«0. 
 
 2d Church Carlisle. fi. 12.1855. t«) 4.9. 18fi2. . 
 
 Hager»towii.4.20. 18fi7 - 
 
 BiK Spring. 4. 14. 1870 — 
 
 Bloomtleld.ll.9.1870.to9.l4.188;i. 
 Pres. Wilson College. 9. 14. 1883. 
 
 McConnellsburg. / 
 
 Green Hill. - .17. 1880. to .12.1884. 
 
 Wells Valley. \ 
 
 Deceased 
 
 10.1. IW* 
 
 Hagerstown. 
 Greencastle.2d. 
 
 9.28. 1825. to. 9.17. 18;«. 
 
 Falling Spring. 5. 19. 1858. to fi. 15. 1869. 
 Cumberliind.Md..l0.7.18«8— . . . . 
 
 Gettysburg, fi. 27. 18fil. to fi. 7. 1864. 
 St. Thomas. '111 laee 
 
 Rocky Spring. »'l-l-i»»»- 
 
 Chap. 121.st Reg. P. V. . 4. 17. 18'!2. 
 Mi(ldletowu.5. - .1803. to 7.5. IstU. 
 
 Prof. Penna. College 
 
 Gettysburg. S.S..—. 1867. to 18(Kt. 
 
 Robert Kennedy. Memor. ( Welsh R\n 
 31.1873 
 
 10.4. 1871. San Franco 
 11.9. 18K5. Baltimore. 
 
 ' 3. 1.1877. Newark. 
 4.l4.i.s.H0.Huntlngdn 
 
 10.fi. l.sh5.Huntingdn 
 
 1 10. 27. 1829 Washngtn 
 
 fi. 7. 1864. Ohio. I 
 
 By Reunion, in 1*870.' 
 Baltimore. 
 
 2.12,1884.Huntlngdn 
 
 10.3. I8<».(;eneva. 
 
 By Reunion in 1870. 
 
 Baltimore. 
 4.13,18fi9. Pbilad.2d 
 
 4. 13. 1869. Phila. 2d. 
 4.10. IH73.],ehigh. 
 
 4.2. 1875. BalUniore. 
 
 Silver Spring. 2.23.1879 
 
 i5.2U. ITM.Huutlngdn 
 
 See Table i>f Presbytery <.f Donegal 
 
^S6 
 
 Presbyter 1/ of Carlisle — Centenriial 
 
 TABLE IL — Presbytery of Carlisle. 
 
 Names. 
 
 Licensed. 
 
 Licentiates 
 Received. 
 
 Licentiates 
 Dismissed. 
 
 Ordained. 
 
 Graham.. lames 
 
 Graham, Robert 
 
 11,27,1800. 
 4. 14. 1808, 
 
 4,12,1814, N. Castle, 
 
 4, 10, 1804. Redstone. 
 4. 12. 1809. N. Castle. 
 
 9.28.1814. 
 
 Galloway,. John S 
 
 Graham, William A 
 
 Grier. Laverty 
 
 Gordon. J.Smith 
 
 Grier David 
 
 4,15.18;«). 
 
 -•..2.1847. 
 
 4,11,1849. 
 t!,l7.1857. 
 
 
 
 
 4,1.S. 1831, Lanruster. 
 10, 1.1850, Clarion. 
 
 12.12.18.51. 
 " 6.17.18.58. 
 
 Geddes VV. Nevin, Ph.D.. 
 
 fi. 27. 1861. 
 
 
 
 5, .5. 1871. 
 
 Gallaudet S.H.8 
 
 
 
 
 
 Green, Oliver M 
 
 «. 1.5. 1870. 
 
 
 
 10,3.1872. 
 
 Gibson Robert P. . . 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 George Samuel C 
 
 
 
 
 
 Gilland..] W 
 
 Garver, .lames, C 
 
 
 10, 23, 1880, E. Pa. 
 Cla88is{Ref'dCh.) 
 
 
 6.14.1881. 
 
 Gordon, James A 
 
 Groff, John H 
 
 4.9.1884. 
 11.9.1885. 
 
 
 
 6, 10. 1885. 
 6.8,1886, 
 
 Given, Joshua H 
 
 Hose (or HogK), John, . . 
 
 t;.2:). 1889. 
 
 
 
 
 Henderson, Joseph, . . . 
 
 
 
 
 
 Herron, Francis; D. 1). . . . 
 
 10.4.1797. 
 
 
 
 4.9.1800, 
 
 Hayes. John 
 
 4.14.1808. 
 
 
 
 
 
 How, Samuel B..1>.I)., . 
 
 
 
 
 
 Hall.Baynard 
 
 
 
 
 
 Harper. James. D.I) 
 
 
 
 
 
 Hall. William McClay. . . 
 
 
 
 
 
 Heberton. Alexander, . . 
 
 
 
 
 
 Howell, John (i 
 
 Hershey. Andrew M.. . . 
 
 
 i 
 4.1H,1848.N.Brun8ki 11,6, 1844, Redstone, 
 
 
 Hanson. Hezeklah 
 
 10,4.1848. 
 
 
 
 
 8.22,1849, 
 
Tabulated StatemenL 
 
 439 
 
 Ministers and Licentiates. 
 
 Ministers 
 Received. 
 
 10.3. 18t». Erie. 
 
 10,4.1864.Baltimre 
 
 4,14.1881. 
 6.11.1872, 
 4. 13. 1875. 
 
 •Japan, 
 Holston. 
 Slam. . 
 
 10.9.1883, Washngt 
 
 10,17. 1786. Donegal 
 10. 17.1786.D<)nexal 
 
 10, 28. 1820. Phila. 
 
 10.30.18:«. Vlncens 
 
 4.1.5.1840 Baltinire 
 
 7.21.1841. HarrisbK 
 4.8.1845. Huntlngd 
 
 10.20, 1842. N. Cast! 
 10,20. '4«;,Ka8kaHkl 
 
 Pastorates. 
 
 Tom's Creek, ( 
 Plney Creek. \ 
 
 fall. 1814 to 12.28.1866. 
 
 Upper Path Valley. 12. 12. 1851. to 4. 13. 1853, 
 Wllllam»port, Md. , P. K . . 4. 13, 1864. toti. 12, '55 
 
 Lower Path Valley. / ,. ,. ,ucq 
 Burnt Cabins j-»>. i.-ism - 
 
 I)i(!kin.son.l0.30.1860,to6.7.1864 
 
 Waynesboro- . 5. C. 1871 . to 10. 4. 1871 . 
 
 Prof. Math, Hanover Col. . Ind. 1872 to 1876 
 
 I'rin. Classical Sch. , Willlamsport, 1881 to '85 
 
 Dickinson. 10, 25. 1864. to 7. 25. 1866. 
 Missionary to .Japan 
 
 Silver Sprinjr, 11.21. 1872. to 10. 6, 1875. 
 Kj>c?yTprrn..['l--^^-l«^^-^2.10.18e 
 
 Duncannon.6.l4.1881.to4.10. 1884. . . 
 
 Steelton 1st.. 
 Middletown S. S 
 Mlddletown. P. . 4.23. 1889 
 
 6.8.1886 
 
 (;reat ConewaKo.6.20, 1781 * to 5,21,1795, 
 Rocky Spring. 4. 10. 1800. to 4.9.1811. . . 
 
 i;iSS"^-[^-'-^>«^to4.12.18l4. 
 
 Pres. Dickinson College 
 
 Bedford. S. S. . 10, .30. 1833. to 4.11. 18;i9. . 
 Shippen8bur«..'').9.1840.to4,13,187(J. . . 
 
 Bedford, sprlnK. 1845. to 10, 6. 1847. 
 Bedford.4.15. 1843. to 10. 1.1844. . . 
 
 Ministers 
 Dismissed. 
 
 12.28. 18(;5 
 
 6. 12.'55. Kastrn Shor 
 
 H,7. 1864. Clobber. Ire 
 
 4. 25. 18«>6. name drp 
 10. 7. 1874.. Japan 
 
 10.23. 1879. Erie. 
 
 6.16.1887. PIttsb'Kh. 
 
 4.10. 1884. Northum 
 6. 10.1884.HiintnKdn 
 4, 13. 18H6. Kalamazo' 
 
 5,20.1794. HuntlRd'n 
 4. 11. 1798. Redstone. 
 4. 10. 1811, Redstone. 
 
 6,27.1832. N.Brunskj 
 clas8ls(Ref. Dtch. )1 
 4.11.1839.N.Brunsk 
 
 9.4.1815 
 
 14.1876 
 
 6.21.1842. WashnKtn' 
 9.29, 1849. II untngdn 
 
 10,8, 1845. laieeme. 
 
 4.9.1850. Baltimore. 
 
 Mouth of .Juniata. S.S. 4,11.1849.10 2.5.18.54. 
 Millerstown.S..8.— .1851.to2.5.l8.>». j 
 
 slre"rma^ns Creel" f P- .2.5.1854. to 7. 8. 1866. | 4,15.1857, Schuyler. 
 
 See Table of Presbytery of DnneRal 
 
440 
 
 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial 
 
 TABLE IL— Presbytery of Carlisle. 
 
 Namks. 
 
 Licensed. 
 
 Licentiates Licentiates 
 Received. Dismissed. 
 
 Ordained. 
 
 Hays. Isaac N.D.D.. . . 
 
 
 10. 1.1850. Ohio. 
 
 
 10.10.1850 
 
 
 
 
 Hepburn. Andrew I). . D.D. 
 Hillm-m W <; 
 
 1. 1.3. 1857. 
 
 
 5. 25.18r>S. Lexinjrton. 
 
 
 
 4 12. 18K6. 
 
 
 4. 11. IStiT. Warren. 
 
 
 
 
 10, S.lStiS.AUeph'ny 
 
 
 7. ,S. 1869. . 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 4, 9. 1884. 
 
 
 
 6. 10. 1885. 
 
 
 
 4. 13. 1887. Peoria. 
 
 
 5. 19. 1887. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Uenkell. Wm. E 
 
 Hill, .lohn W 
 
 4. 10, 1889. 
 4, 10, 1889. 
 
 
 4. 10 18S9. N. River. 
 
 4. 11, 1889. 
 
 Irvine .lames K 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 11. 6. 1844. 
 
 
 
 
 
 Johnston. John 
 
 
 
 
 
 Jones, Daniel 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Johnsuui. William B. . . . 
 
 Johnston. Mervin K 
 
 Johnston. Robert 
 
 10. 4. 1843. 
 
 8,22.1849. Steubenv'l 
 
 Name disappears j 
 after April. 1848. , 
 
 8. 22. 1849. 
 
 Johnson. Samuel L 
 
 6, 16, 1869. 
 
 
 6. 30. 1870. Allegheny 
 
 
 Kin*:. John. I). D 
 
 
 
 
 Kennedy. Kobert 
 
 Kellar. Isji.io 
 
 10. 7 1818 
 
 10. 7. 1801. N. Castle 
 
 
 4. 13. 1803. 
 10 2t> 1819 
 
 Kennedy. John H 
 
 Krebs. John M.. D. I). . . 
 Knox, James 
 
 10. .3. 1822. 
 10,28.1829. 
 10.28,1829. 
 
 
 
 6, 9. 1825. Philad. 
 
 9. 19 1832. N. Castle. 
 
 10. 29. 1830, 
 
Tahdated StatemeTit. 
 
 441 
 
 Ministers and Licentiates. 
 
 MinisterH 
 Received. 
 
 PHsKiratex. 
 
 Mlnlstera 
 DtsmlBsed. 
 
 Deceaited 
 
 GreatConewago.l0.10.1850,to«.13.1864. 
 
 I Middle SprliiK.f..i:5.1W>4. to 11.20. 18fM. I 
 
 ChHiiilierHl)iiiK.rentral.l2. II. I.si«.t<i5.r).'T4.' 5..'). 1874.Topeka. 
 lO.ti. 1S75, Topeka. State Normal Scl I. SlilppenHl)urK. Prln..; fl. 17.1878. AllcKheny 
 
 11.17.1S5'2,Kber»!7.r Hitr Spring. 11. is. iKjVi. to 10. S. IH«;2. 
 
 10. s. 1H«2. Pou>ma<:. 
 
 4, 10. 18f.»-,. Richland Silver Sprinjr. 5. :il. 18«;t;. to r>. II. 18»!7. 
 
 Barton & Lonocoiiilnp. V. K.. C. 11. 18<!7. 
 
 t<. 10. 8. iaf,8 
 
 . I 11.20.1WW. Baltlm-re 
 
 GettyhlnirK. 
 
 8. I8t;<.». to 10. 20. 1871. 
 
 10.27.18»ii».IluntKn Buffalo. 11. 22. 1869. t.. 10. .!. 1872. 
 
 I Upper. 11. 23. 1869. f . , ,- ,, ,„- 
 
 , Mlllerstown. 7. 3. 1871. ( ^'' "'• "• "*' 
 
 4.14.18S1. Chester 
 
 4.9 1884. W. Jersey' Greencastle. 4. 2<.<. 1884— 
 
 i McConnellsbiirjr. / 
 
 I Green Hill. - C. 10. 1885- 
 
 Wells Valley. \ 
 
 Falling Spring. .•). 19. 1887- 
 
 «. 16. 1887. HuDtgrdn IJarrisburn. 7th St. . 7. 5. 1887— 
 
 10.— ,1829. Huntgn 
 (by Syn). ... X. Buffalo, f 
 Ijiverpool. » 
 
 to 9. 21. 18:^. 
 
 6. 11. 1872. Platte. 
 
 . I'.t. 1H««; 
 
 .24.1881 
 
 6. 25. 1889. Neb. City. 
 
 4.S.]S:^4.Koote. Ireldi 
 
 ' Schellsburg. fall 1844, to 4. i:;. 1847 6.2. 1852. Coshocton. ' 
 
 10,17.1786,Donegar East and West Kishaeoqulllas. 8. 19. 1784»-|5.20. 1794. Unntlngdn 
 
 .1.26. 1787. Phlla. 
 
 4, 13, 1790, N. Castle 
 
 Shaver's Creek. 11. 14, 1787. to 10. 
 
 Harts Log. 11. 14. 1787- 
 
 Huntingdon. 4. 13. 1790- 
 
 ,20.17'.t4. Huntlngdn 
 
 2d Church. Orlisle. 8. 22. 1849- < . 
 
 4. 9. 18.50. Steuben vl I G^tysburg. •;. 4. IKW. t<. 10, :;. 18.t5. 
 
 10. 3. 1856. Peoria. 
 
 10, 17. 1786. Donegal 
 
 U. W. Conococheague (Mert-ersburg 1.8.2*.). ; 
 1769. to 9. 25. 1811. • 
 
 E. Conococheague, ( ,., ,^,., . „ ,q, . 
 L.W.O.nococheague C^- '»• '>^'^- to4.9.181«.. 
 Cumberland, Md., S. S., 1816 to 1825. ' 
 
 L. W. Conococheague. S. S.. 1825 to 1843. . 4.15. 1840. withdrew; 
 
 to Pres. Harriaburg 
 McConnellsburg. S. S.. 1827tol8;«. 
 Rocky Spring. S. S.. 1836 to 1840. ' 
 
 McConnellsburg. fall. 1819. u> 4. 13. 1824. . , 4. 17.18:^5. Sangamon' 
 
 •See Presbytery I>oneguJ. 
 
442 
 
 Presbytery of Carlisle— Centennial. 
 
 TABLE II. — Presbytery of Carlisle. 
 
 Names. 
 
 Licensed. 
 
 Licentiates 
 Received. 
 
 Licentiates 
 Dismissed. 
 
 Ordained. 
 
 Kennedy. James K. D. O. . 
 
 7. 8. 184t>. 
 
 
 4, 11. 1848. Luzerne, 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Kerr. William C. A 
 
 Kelso. Alexander P 
 
 4. 12. 1866, 
 6. 10. 1868. 
 
 4 9 1873 Blairsville 
 
 10. 18. 1867. Phila. 2d. 
 
 8. 11.186U . 
 5 1 1873 
 
 KlefTer. W. T. Linn. . . . 
 
 4. 14. 1875. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Laird. Francis 
 
 4. 13. 1797. 
 
 
 4 10 1800 Redstone 
 
 
 Linn. James, D. D 
 
 9. 28. 1808, 
 
 
 9 27 1809 Huntingdon 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Lyon. (Jeorge A.. D.D.. . 
 Lyon. John 
 
 4. 9. 1828. 
 10. 4. 1843. 
 
 
 
 4. 14. 1829. Erie. 
 11..^. 1844. St. Louis. 
 
 
 Love. William 
 
 
 10 7 1845 Baltimore 
 
 
 Lillie. James. D.I) 
 
 
 
 7.7.1846, Winchester. 
 
 
 lAMtan. William LI 
 
 Lane. Cornelius R.. D.D. . 
 Ph. D 
 
 6, 16, 1869, 
 
 
 »;. 21. 1871. Washn. City 
 
 
 Lauphlin. J. llood 
 
 Lindsey. Kdwin J 
 
 McMordie. Robert 
 
 4. 9. 1879. 
 4. 11, 1888. 
 
 
 6. 25. 1889. Ft. Dodge. 
 
 4.13.1881. . 
 
 McPherren. Thomas. . . . 
 
 
 
 
 
 MrKniKht. John. D.D... . 
 
 
 
 
 
 Martin. James 
 
 
 
 
 
 Magill. HuRh 
 
 
 
 
 
 Morrison. Hugh 
 
 
 10.17.1886. Donegal. 
 
 
 
 5.13.1788. . 
 
Tabulated Statement. 
 
 443 
 
 Ministers and Licentiates. 
 
 Ministers 
 Recelyed. 
 
 10. 1.1850. Luzerne, 
 
 10.20. 1864. Ohif 
 
 10.9.18ft8.Baltlmre 
 10. IT. 1T8«>. Donegal 
 10. lT.178H,D<:»neKal 
 
 4, l4.1824.Champln 
 
 Fayetteville. S. S. . 1847 to 1848. 
 Fayettevllle. S. S.. Kail of 18M) to 1854. 
 Prin ChambersbK Acad. 1H51 to 1855. 
 Dickinson. 5, 17 1855. to 4. IS. 1859. 
 Kavettevllle. S. S.. I%4 to 1874. 
 Prof. Wil.son Col. . 18*10 to 187tt. 
 Fayetteville S. S., 1882— 
 
 MechanicsburK. 10. 4. 18»')5. to 4. 14. 1868. 
 
 Missionary to India 
 
 McConnellabuTK. / 
 
 Green Hill. - 5. 1. 187H. t-> 10. 6. 187,5. 
 
 Wells Valley. \ 
 
 Mercersburg. 10. 30. 188:< 
 
 ( Falling Spring 1767* to 11. 4. 179.3. . . 
 / East Conococheague. 18«*)7* to 11.26. 1800 
 
 Upper. / 
 
 Centre. 
 
 Lime Stone Ridge \ 
 
 Mlnintera 
 Dismissed. 
 
 Deceased 
 
 6. 10. 18«W.Blair8vine 
 
 8.11. 1H69. Lodlana, 
 India. 
 
 6. \:\. IS76. Kittanning 
 
 i;.17.1778.»to8.30. 1820. 
 
 .7.184«,Classlsof 
 Ulster (Ref.D. ). 
 
 10. 23. 1874. Wash- 
 ington City. . . 
 
 10. 20. 1871. Lacka- 
 wanna. .... 
 
 10.17 
 10.17 
 
 10.17 
 4.10. 
 
 ,1786 
 . 1786 
 
 .1786 
 1810. 
 
 Phi la 2d 
 Donegal 
 
 . Donegal 
 N Vork. 
 
 10. 17. 178«;. Donegal 
 
 10. 17. 1786. Donegal 
 
 Hagerstown. P. ^: . . 10. 7. 1845. to 7. 7. 1846. 
 
 2d Church Carlisle, 
 
 1846. til 10.19.1848. 
 
 MlUerstown. / 
 Newport. \ 
 Presb. Missionary. 9. 1.188<;. to 1.15. 
 
 4.27.1876. to 6. 8. 1886. 
 
 4. 14.1802. suspended 
 4. 10. 1804. deposed. 
 
 4.11.1826.Huntngdn 
 
 2. 13. 1849. Newton. 
 
 1.1.5.1889. N. Castle. 
 
 Prof. Math. . Wilson Col. . 1871 to 1876. 
 Missionary to China 
 
 10.5.1881. Shantung 
 
 5.17. 1774. 'to 10.2. 1799. 
 
 22. 1796 
 4. 1802 
 
 -11.12.178:^.»to9.8.17 
 
 10.7.1789. New York; 
 
 E.Conecocheague. i 
 L. W.Conocochgue. i" 
 
 L. Marsh Creek. ( 
 
 Tom.s Creek. l" 
 
 Rocky Spring. S. S.. 9.24.1811. to 1815. i I 
 
 Pres. Dickinson Col. . 1815. to 1816 10.21.1823 
 
 Piney Cieek. 11. 9. 1780. ♦-4. 15. 1789. I 
 
 E. & W. Penn's Valley. 1 I 
 
 Warrior Mark. v summer. 178*)— '5.20. I7'.>4. Huntlngdn 
 
 Ualf Moon. \ 
 
 Dicks Gap P. E. 1777 to 1779. 
 
 Lower Tuscarora 
 
 Cedar Spring. 
 
 11. 24. i; 
 
 Northumberland. J 
 Sunburv - II. II 
 
 Buffalo Valley i ^ 
 
 5.20. 1794. riuntlngdn 
 
 i 
 
 6.20. 1794. UuntinKdn 
 
 •See table of Presbytery of Donegal 
 
444 
 
 Presbytsry of Carlisle. — Centennial. 
 
 TABLE II.— Presbytery of Carlisle. 
 
 Names. 
 
 Licensed. 
 
 Licentiates 
 Received. 
 
 Licentiates 
 Dismissed. 
 
 Ordained. 
 
 McClean. James 
 
 10. 6. 1791. 
 
 
 10. 7. 1801, Redstone. 
 
 
 Mahon. Samuel 
 
 12.21. 17'.»1. 
 
 12', 3*. 1793, Redstone. 
 
 10. 3. 1792. Redstone. 
 4. 15, 1795. sur. license. 
 
 
 McConaujjhey, David. D. 
 I*..LL.D 
 
 McOinley.Amos A.. I). D. . 
 
 
 4 °i 17'.»9 N Castle 
 
 
 10. 8. 1800. 
 
 10.9. IhUl. 
 
 
 
 4. 13. 1803. 
 
 Moodey.John.D.D 
 
 McKnlpht. John. Jr. . D. D. . 
 
 10. y, 1801. 
 
 
 
 10. 5. 1803. 
 
 9.26.1811. 
 
 
 
 
 9. 25. 1816. 
 
 
 4.10.1817. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 McKeehan. Alex.. M. D.. 
 
 4. 12. 182«. 
 
 
 
 4. 13. 1830, 
 
 McKinley. Daniel. D.D.. . 
 
 9.29.182t;. 
 
 
 
 10. 30. 1827. 
 
 Mcllwaine. Isaac 
 
 4.11.1827, 
 
 
 4.11.1828.N.Brun8w'k 
 
 
 McCullough.Jno.W.,D.D. 
 
 4.9.1828, 
 
 
 4.14.1829. Baltimore. 
 
 
 McLean. Daniel V..D. D. . 
 
 10,28.1829, 
 
 
 9.21. 1830. Miami. 
 
 
 McCachran Robert. 
 
 
 
 
 
 Mahon. Joseph 
 
 4,1.3,1831. 
 
 
 10.28.18;^.N.Brun8'k 
 
 
 
 McFarlane Alexander. 
 
 
 
 
 
 orMcFarland. 
 
 
 
 
 
 McKee. Joseph B 
 
 10.8.1835, 
 
 
 
 4. 12, 1838, 
 
 McCandlish, William. . . 
 
 10, 5, 1837, 
 
 
 10.2.1838.Wooster. 
 
 
 McKinney, Edmund D. . . 
 
 10, .0.1837, 
 
 
 10. 1 1839. Erie. . . 
 
 
 McDonald. Samuel H.. . . 
 
 
 
 
 
 McGill. A . T. . D. D. . LL. D. . 
 
 
 
 
 
 Morris, George 
 
 
 11, 17 1839. Phila.. 
 
 
 11. 18. 1839. 
 
 Murray. Joseph A., D. D.. 
 
 
 10. 18. 1841. Ohio. . . 
 
 
 4. 13. 1842. 
 
 Moore. Thomas V.. D. D. . 
 
 
 6.21,1842. W.Jersev. 
 
 
 6. 21. 1842. 
 
 McClean. Oliver, O., D.D. . 
 
 4.10.1844. 
 
 
 
 11. 6. 1844. 
 
 McPherson. Robert. . . . 
 
 4.10.184;). 
 4.15.I84ti. 
 
 
 10. 20. 1846. Ohio. . . 
 
 
 McClay, Charles B 
 
 
 
 McCalla. William J. 1. . . 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tabulated Statement. 
 Ministers and Licentiates 
 
 urj 
 
 MlDiBtera 
 BecelTed. 
 
 Paatoraten. 
 
 10. H, 1S00.U>3. 15.'32, 
 
 17.180;>.U>4.'.t. 
 
 10, 2. 1822. N.York, 
 
 10. 22. 1852. Ohio, 
 
 10,29. laiO.N.Cstle 
 4.U.'68.N.Brun8k 
 10. 28. 1830. Phi hi.. 
 
 10. 1«. 1841, Krie. . 
 
 10, 25, 37. N Brunsk 
 10,31.'38A8.Pr.Ch 
 
 4, 13. 
 
 Upper Marsh Creek. ( 
 Great Cunewa»<o, \ 
 
 Upper Path Valley, i 
 Lower Path Valley, l" 
 
 Mi.i<lleSpriuK.10.:).1803.to4.l4.l8r>4. . . . 
 
 I Rocky Spring. 11. 13. ISlti. to 1.20, 18;i»;. 
 
 /St. Thomas, , 1824 . to 1 . 20, 183t; 
 
 / Fayetteville.S.S., .18;i0.to WitJ. 
 
 Mi.sHlonary in .S. W. Pa. and on Ohio river, 
 
 Pr(»f. ill Dickinson College 
 
 Ministers 
 Dismissed . 
 
 3. 15, Wn. Wa.shngrtn 
 
 Deceased 
 
 5.1.1856 
 lO.fJ, 1857 
 
 1.20, lH;i»;, Lewes. 
 
 Bedford, fall of 1827 to 9. 28. 1831 . 
 
 2d Ch. Carlisle. 8. 7, 1833. to7, 31. 18:{8. 
 AKt. lJ(l.F<)r.MiH.,7.31.18;i8,t() 1,S41. 
 Failing Sprin«. 11.5. 1841, to lU.2.18rjO. 
 Agt, Ba, Home Mis- . 1852 to 1855. . . . 
 
 BiK SprtuK. 4. 13. ia31 . to 10. 8. 1861 , 
 
 i'n.f. Math.. Dickinson (\)lleKe.l8;iO to 18;«. 
 
 ^S:\''-^-^-''-''^''-^^'^ 
 
 MonaKhan and Petersburg. S.S. . 1841. 
 For. Mia. . Choctaw Nation. 1844 to 1850, . . 
 
 Cumberland,Md.,S.S..18;i7 U) 1842 
 
 2d Ch. Carlisle. 12, 29, 1838, to 12,29.1841, . . 
 
 SilverSprlnK,l,24,1840,to8,l4.18«» 
 
 9,27. 1831. N.Brunsk 
 4.10. i8;«. HuntMKrtn 
 
 10. 2. 1850. Ohio. 
 
 2. 15. 1886 
 
 11. 2. 1884 
 
 4, 11, 1848. Pbila. 
 
 PeTerfc.;-^-l^^-l«^2,tolO.«,1858. 
 
 PetersburR. S. S. , 18t;9 to 187G. 
 Sheriuansdale. S. S. . 1874 to 187t;. 
 MonaKhan. P. Emer. .2. ltJ.1889 to 11.27. 18) 
 
 2d Ch.Carli8le.»>.21.l842.t<> 10.7.1845. 
 Greencastle.lO.lo, 184.'>.to lO.ti. 1847. . . . 
 
 Dickln.Mon.ll.ti.l844.t.> ll.iiO. 1852. 
 Middletown, P. E. . 11. M. 1852, to 4, 14, la-'vl, 
 
 ( Landl8burK.6,11.18»>9.to5,14,187t;. 
 
 )Centre,5, 11,18«9. to»i,15.1881. 
 
 Buffalo, S.S.. 1877 to 1881 10.3.1882. Plttsbgh. 
 
 Mouth of JuniaUi, 11.12. 1.S47. to 10.3.1848. . 8.22, 1849. Hocklnif. 
 
 I 
 Fayettevllle.S.S..4,ll,1848.to fall of 1848. \ 
 Bedford. ( 
 
 12, 18, 18;«. O.xfor<l 
 10. 1.18;i9. Kedaume. 
 
 1859. Cincinnati. 
 4,l4,184i'>,Uuntngdn 
 ♦>. 21. 1842. Ohio. 
 5.1t;.18«>l. Richland 
 
 lO.ti. 1S47. K.Hanovr 
 
 . |r4.l4.1854.IIuntngdn 
 
 S.''oll8burn. 
 
 S.S. fall of 1848 to 9.29.18491 9. 29. 1849. Phil 
 
44 1) 
 
 Presbytery of Carlisle. — Centenrnal 
 
 TABLE II.— Presbytery of Carlisle. 
 
 NAMES. 
 
 , , „ . 1 Licentiates 
 Licensed.] Received. 
 
 1 
 
 Licentiates 
 Dismissed. 
 
 Ordained. 
 
 Motzer. Daniel | 
 
 Mitchell. Audrew D. . 
 
 McCune. John W 
 
 Mahim.. lames C | 
 
 McCune. Robert I. 
 
 
 
 j 
 
 5. 28, 1849 
 
 6.11.1851. 
 fi.3.1852. 
 
 G IH IStSS 
 
 Q oa li^iQ Doneifal \ 
 
 1 
 
 4.10,1850, 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 4.8.i85»;.Miami. . . 
 
 1 
 
 4. 14. 1852. Mercer. 
 
 4. 15. 1854. Miami. 
 11, 18. 1857, Peoria. 
 
 4.8.18.56. E.Alabama, 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 4 18 18H4. New York. 
 
 
 6,7,1864, 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 Mitchell. Samuel S..D.D.. 
 
 1 10.4. 18«4.N.Brun8ic 
 
 
 11.16,1864 
 
 
 
 Morrison. .1 . M 
 
 McAtee. William A 
 
 McComb. P. Hathaway K. . 
 McKee William B 
 
 1 in IRCT X r!n<»tiP 
 
 4. 13. 1869. U.Missouri. 
 
 
 
 
 10. 18.'6T.Tranfylva' 
 6 9 1868 Miami. 
 
 1870. Washington city 
 (by Gen.Assem. ) 
 
 12.16,1868. 
 
 
 
 
 Miller xt H 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 Vfo^lrpr D.-iviriC 
 
 
 
 
 McCurdy. Oliver B 
 
 McClean. Robert F 
 
 Macfle. Daniel 
 
 ti. 15, 1870. 
 6.21.1871, 
 
 
 10. 1. 1872. W. Jersey. 
 
 
 
 10,3,1872. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 McCarrell. William A. . 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 6 14 1876 
 
 
 
 6.19.1877. 
 4.13 1881 
 
 Mateer. Robert Me. . . . 
 
 6 9 1880 
 
 
 
 McCarrell. Thomas C. . . . 
 McDannold, William G. . . 
 
 6.15,1881. 
 
 7.20.1880.Wa(^hint:tn 
 
 
 7.21.1880. 
 11.1 1881. 
 
 Mendenhall. Harlan G. . . 
 
 
 
 
 
 Miller Lawrence 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 7.1ft.l884.Lackaw'na 
 
 1 
 
 7,16,1884. 
 
 
 
 
 Nisbet. Charles. I>. 1>.. 
 
 
 
 
 
 •Neill. VVilliaiii, U. D 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tabulated Statement. 
 
 447 
 
 Ministers and Licentiates. 
 
 Ministers 
 Uecelved. 
 
 4.1a. 1875,0. Hluffa, 
 lO.S.lStK) Redstone 
 
 4.i:<.lW4.F^hllii. 
 
 <■). 12.18ti»;. Dane. 
 
 10,8. 1868. Huntnxd 
 6, ;W. 1870 Redstone 
 r..:«),1870.Harri8bK 
 12,22,'85.W.Jer8'y 
 
 2.2,187r>. Washntrn 
 5, II, 1875, St. Louis 
 5. 11. 1875, Erie. . 
 
 •>.l4,1881.Pltt8bK. 
 
 4,10. 1888, Hudson. 
 
 4.10.1787. Brechin. 
 Scotlnnil, . . . 
 
 4.12. 182,'). l'hil:i 
 
 I'asto rates. 
 
 Post Chap..Kl Pass Del Norte. N.M. 
 
 Eerr'';."'r^-'0- 1830. t..2, 12.1874. 
 
 Middietown. S.S.,187t;. 
 
 Chap. I'. S. Army. I87t! to :>. 2i;. 1882 
 
 St.Tliomas. S. S. . 1875. 
 Fayc'ttevUle. S. S. . 1875 to 1877. 
 
 Barton. » 
 
 JjonaconinK- ( 
 
 s.s..(;. 7.ist;4.to 10. 
 
 !. IKCC. 
 
 BiK Spring. •;. 7. ISC.4. to 10. 7. 18<">8. . . . 
 liarrtsburn. I'ine St. . II. 15. 1S(>4. to 2. 2, 
 
 Ministers 
 Dismissed. 
 
 4.8. 1861. Zanesvllle. 
 
 4.8. 18(;2. Baltimore. 
 10.2.18(M;.Lond'nd ry 
 10.7.18tW.Miami. 
 
 McConnellsburK, / 
 
 Green Hill. VC. i:{. 18C.»;. to 4. 15. 1S»;5. 
 
 Wells Valley. \ 
 
 Prin.Sprinjr Run Acad. . 18t;7 to Ihti'J. 
 
 Harrl.sburK. 7th St..S.S. . 18«7 to 18(i'j. 
 
 BloomHeld.l2,l»;, 1868,to4.12. 1870 
 
 Sliver Spring. 11. i:i.l8»». to 10.5. 1870. . . . 
 
 State Ijlbarian 
 
 Dauphin.4.l4.18(;9.» to 4.14.1880 
 
 Duncannon. 1.1. 188<i — 
 
 Waynesboro. 10. 2;i. 1872. to 4. 13. 187(5. 
 
 McConnellsburK, J 
 
 Green Hill. )-5.23,1878.to t>,9,1880. 
 
 Wells Valley. \ 
 
 Dauphin, t;. 18, 1880, to 4,28,1884. 
 
 ( Bloomfleld.5.24.1884~ 
 
 ■/ Shermansdale, 8,14,1884— 
 
 Middl€'town.2. 17.I875.to2.1.l87f, 
 
 Willlamsp. .rt Md. . S. S. . .-.. I . IhCC. to5. 1 . 18<;7. 
 
 ShlppensbuiK.5. II. I.S75 - 
 
 Waynesljoro'. H. 19. 1877. to (1.22.1880 
 
 Missionary to China 
 
 Way nesboro' . 7. 21 . 1880 - 
 
 Middietown. II. 1. 1881. to 4. 10. 1884 
 
 MercersburK.ti. D;. lS81.to2.15.188;^ 
 
 HarrisburK. KIder St. . 7. 15. 1884. to 12.22. 1885 
 
 1st Church.Carllsle.fi. 10. 1888- 
 
 Pre8.Dlckins..n College. 1785 to 1. 1'.l. 1804. 
 Carlisle. Co-pust<ir. 1787 t<i 1.19.1804. 
 
 <W. 1 2.25. 18t;y. Potomac. 
 4.lt;. ]8t;8,HuntinKdn 
 
 4.12.1870, Schuyler. 
 10.20. 1871. Newton. 
 4. 10. 1878. Pittsburgh 
 «.8.1880,Philad. 
 
 2. l,187t;,Phila.Cen. 
 
 t;.-22. 1880. Baltlm're 
 
 Deceased 
 
 m College. 1824 U) 
 
 10.5. 1881. Shantung. 
 China. 
 
 10.7.18&4.Kbenezer, 
 4. 11. 188;}. Chester. 
 10.4.18.S7. Knox 
 
 9.21. law. Phllad. 
 
 See Table of Presbytery of Harrlslnirg 
 
448 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 TABLE 11. — Presbytery of Carlisle. 
 
 NAMES. 
 
 Licensed. 
 
 Licentiates 
 Received. 
 
 Licentiates 
 Dismissed. 
 
 Ordained. 
 
 Nlblock. John 
 
 
 
 
 Nevin.J.\V..I).D..LL.l). . 
 
 10.2.1828. 
 
 
 9.21. 1830. Ohio. 
 
 
 Nelson. Alexander K.. . . j 
 
 4.11.1837. N. Castle. 1 
 
 1 
 
 . .5.3.1837. 
 
 V .,.;., V If .•.:>. 1 1» l» II I> 1 \'\ IRdfl 
 
 
 10 5. 1840. N. Castle 
 
 
 Niceolls.S. J..D.D..LL.D 
 
 
 10. 3. 1860. Redstone. 
 
 
 11.20,1860. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Ogden. Isaac A 
 
 9. 27. 1815. 
 
 
 10. 7. 1817. Phila. 
 
 
 01iuHtead..]aiue8M..J).l) 
 
 4. 12. 1825. Troy. . 
 
 
 6. 9. 1825. . . 
 
 Orr. Thomas X.. D.l).. . . 
 
 0. ;i. 1862. 
 
 
 4.14.1863.AlleK'nyCity 
 
 
 Osier. J. T 
 
 
 
 
 
 Paxlun. Wllliaiu. D.D.. . 
 
 
 
 6.7.1792. Newcastle 
 
 
 10.3.1792. . 
 
 I'orter, Samuel I 
 
 4.9, 1811. Redstone.: 
 
 9.26. 1811, . 
 
 Peebles. John 4.14. 1824. 
 
 
 4. 12. 1825. Huntingdon 
 
 
 Patterson. Matthew B 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Proctor, .lohn O 
 
 4. 18. 1843. 
 
 
 
 
 4.25.1844. . 
 
 Paxton. W. M. . D. D. . LL. D 
 
 6. 1. 1847. 
 
 
 
 10.4.1848. . 
 
 Paxton. James Wilson. . . 
 Patterson. William D.. . 
 
 4. 14. 1853 
 
 f. IT 1S.=W 
 
 10. 7. 1857. license sur- 
 
 rendered( ill health ) 
 
 
 Ponieroy. John Jay. D.l).. 4. 10. 18t)l. 
 
 
 10.2. 1861. Lewes, . 
 
 
 Prideaux. William 
 
 
 
 
 Pomeroy. Stephen W.. . . 6. 7. 1865, 
 
 
 
 11,6,1868. . 
 
 Patterson. Isaac M 
 
 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
Tabulated Statement. 
 
 449 
 
 Ministers and Licentiates. 
 
 Ministers 
 Received. 
 
 9.28, 182«, Nurthuiii 
 
 4. 14. 1852. Mercers- 
 b'g,Cla»sis(Ref. 
 
 4. i;i. 18(;'.>. Warren. 
 4.12, 1870. Iri'land 
 
 Middle Kidue. / 
 
 Sherman's Oeclt. ,-11,21. 
 Mouth uf Juniata. \ 
 
 Ministers 
 Dismissed. 
 
 I Deceased 
 
 Centre, i - .. 
 Upper. \ 
 St. Thomas. ( , 
 Rocky Spriny. t'"' 
 
 J. i8;;T.to 4. If). 1840. 
 
 (0.1840. to 4. 10. 18?;^. 
 
 FallinKSprinK,ll.20.18t)0.toll,lti.l8f,4. 
 2tl Church. Carlisle. ft. 27. i8fi9 - 
 
 10. 4. 18f.5, I'hlla. 
 Cent. 
 
 I'pper. 
 Centre. 
 Landisburg. ; 
 Buffalo. 
 
 fi. 9. 182.5. to4.1I.I8H2 
 
 10.22. 18.^2. Donegal. ; 
 
 ll.ir,. 18<)4.St.Loiil8.' 
 
 Hancock. i 
 
 Warlonlsburg. VS. S. . 10. — . l)^<:.'i. to 10. 
 
 Buck Valley, \ 
 
 \ Toms Creek. 10.3, 1792. t<. lO.T). 17%. . . , 
 ") I.. Marsh Creek.. 10. S, 1T'.I2. to 10. 1'.t. 1841. 
 
 Cumberland. Md. . fa 
 
 9,27.18Hl.Northum 
 
 10. 1. 18;i9. Ohi( 
 
 4.8.18«>2. Winchest 
 
 4.1.'). 18(W. Lewes. 
 4.8.1884. Elizabeth 
 
 .11. lS(il. Ch. of 
 the Messiah. 
 
 10. lS.18C.t;. Balfnir 
 
 \ Middle Ridge. 11. -.1831, to 1841 
 
 -< Mouth of .luniata, 11,— ,1831, to 10,1.1844. 
 / Sherman's Creek. 11. — . 1831, to 4. 13. 1853. 
 
 Newburg. ( 
 Roxl)Ury. ( 
 Mill('rst«>wn. | 
 
 10.2.5.1839. to 4. 13. 1843. 
 
 summer 184t; tot'., 10. 18.51, 
 
 BufTalo 
 Upper. 
 
 Williamsport. 
 Hancock. Md. . 
 
 ^l"":!:/""; ^;.i3.i8.;2.to.;.7. i8«f 
 
 .29. 1844. to 4.13. 18M . 
 
 i'etersl)urg. \ 
 (rrecncastlc. 10.4. 1.S48. 
 
 . 185(J. 
 
 Monaghan. / 
 Petersburg, f 
 
 l'.K..('.. I.i. 18<'.0. t<.4.lO. l.sill. 
 
 Chap.. 3d Pa. Res. & 19.Sth Reg..P. V.. I8«2. 
 
 to citise of war 
 
 Chambersburg Central. 4. 10. l.S,H4 to 12. 1. '89. 
 
 Schellsburg. r..29. 18»;2. to 10.23.18«'.3 . . 
 
 Harrisl.urg.7tli St. , 18«'.l>. to 18t;7. 
 .M.-C.mu-llsburg. / 
 
 (Jrc.ii Hill. Vll.t;. 18«-.8. to4. 12. 1871. 
 
 Wells Valley. \ 
 
 Kmniettstiurg. ( ■ , .• ici-j- 
 
 Piney Creek t "' ''' '^'''' 
 
 r.. 3. 1870. New Castlei 
 (by Gen. A.sseni. )| 
 
 10.30. 18:U. Huntingi 
 
 4, 14, 18«'.8, Raritar 
 
 4.1«;. 1S45 
 1. 3. 1813 
 
 4,13, 1854, N<.rthum"d, 
 
 t;, 10. 1851. Cedar. 
 
 4.13.1853. Winche.sfrj 
 H.7. I8f.5. Richland.; 
 
 12. 5. 1.8r>0. (»bio. I 
 
 11.24.1861 
 
 10,4. 18«".5. New (^a-Htle! 
 
 10,4, 181.4, Huntingdn 
 
 4. 12. 1871. Huntingdn 
 
 3. 1870, Bait. iGen. 
 As. ) 
 
 29 
 
430 
 
 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 TABLE 11. — Presbytery of Carlisle. 
 
 Names. 
 
 Licensed. 
 
 Licentiates 
 Received. 
 
 Licentiates 
 Dismissed. 
 
 Ordained. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 9. 21.1830. N. Castle. 
 
 
 4.12.1831. . 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Rogers, .lames Linn. . . . 
 
 Uiinkin. William A 
 
 Kaffensperger. K. B 
 
 Kea. (ieor^'eS 
 
 Kussell. NVatsoti 
 
 Reeves. Henry. I'll. !>.. . 
 Randolph, .l.-l. 1) 
 
 •;. 18. 1849. 
 t;. 4. 1850. 
 r,. 11. 18.il. 
 
 .;. 1.-!. 18«0. 
 
 
 ti. 10. IS.'il. Donegal. 
 10.7. 18.51. Donegal. 
 10. 0. 19.i2, Sidney. 
 
 
 
 10. 7. 18.57. Donegal. 
 4, 13 18()4 Raritan 
 
 
 
 
 10,4.18t;4.Washlngtn 
 
 4.11.186.'i.Phila..2d. 
 
 
 12. «. 1864. 
 
 Kex. Henry 1. 
 
 Rathbuii 1) 1. 
 
 
 «.6.18fi5.. . 
 
 
 
 
 
 Rankin. A. T 
 
 
 
 
 Roliinson. Thos. H..1).D. ,i . . . . 
 
 
 
 
 Richardson, David K.. . . j 
 
 
 
 
 Robinson George 
 
 
 
 
 Itiiikt-r. llenrv. 
 
 
 
 
 
 Robinson, Edwin P 
 
 Stephens. Matthew 
 
 f.. 11.1879. 
 
 
 4. 14. 188.5. Buffalo. 
 
 
 Snodgrass. James 
 
 <■> 9 17<il 
 
 10. ItJ. 1787. Phila.. 
 
 
 5. 13. 1788. 
 
 Speer. \Villiani 
 
 
 
 10 8 1794 
 
 Snowdfii. Nathaniel K.. . 
 
 4.9. 18()«i, 
 
 4. 10. 1793. Phila 
 
 
 10. 2. 1793. 
 
 Sharon. .lames R. . . 
 
 
 
 
 4. 15, 1807. 
 
 Snodgrass. \Vm. 1)..]).!).. 
 Smith, .lamex. . . . 
 
 1U.T.1818. 
 4. 12. 1820. 
 10. 2. 18:«. 
 
 
 I). 29. 1819. Fayetteville 
 9.27.182;'). Philadel. 
 
 
 Shanm. .lames C 
 
 
 10. 3, 18H3. Susqueha'na 
 
 
 1 
 Shearer. Krederlek A.. . . | 4. 12. 1889. 
 
 Steel. Robert 1 8. 2. 1843. 
 
 Symmes. John H 
 
 
 10.1.18H9. Richland. 
 4.9. 184.5. Peoria. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tahnlakd Statement. 
 
 451 
 
 Ministers and Licentiates. 
 
 MinUters 
 Received. 
 
 2.2. lS7o. Baltimore 
 
 MInititers 
 DlsmiHNed. 
 
 I>efea8ed 
 
 Harrist.urv. Pine St.. 2.28. 187.^. tot;. 2U. 1K7«. |(;.20. IKTS. \Va^'h.City 
 
 . 4.14. IS41 H.'JiviT. 
 
 i^i^s:^;:.. :f»"'^^^'-'<"o>'«^" 
 
 12. lb. lh;^2. N Cu8tle Upper^ J , j,,. ^^,_ t„ j.,. .,^,_ is;^^. 
 
 10.22. l>s;il.N<)ith'iii 
 
 lO..".. 1«.tS. Newton. 
 
 10.7.18t».St. Loui!- 
 
 g-y;-[s.s..io.22.,H.,. 
 
 .4.1.5. ]Kr>4. 
 
 1.. Path Valley. ( 
 Burnt Cabin.K. t 
 
 I*. l<;..lU.:i.lH,V..tol0.7. ls.=i' 
 Prin. Kosedalc Kein. Seiii. . (^iiauibersbiiru. 
 
 Landi.sburtr. / 
 
 Centre. - 12.t;.18<"Hl. to f.. 12. 18(;7. . 
 
 I'pper. i 
 
 Middletown. C. t;. 18(;5. to :>. h. 1874. . . 
 
 HYostburp. P. K. . 10. 7. IStK. to 4. 12. 1S70. . 
 
 1K.S:.. N<'w<-ahtle 
 
 10. :i. 1856. deposed. 
 
 4.i:i.lSf.'.).N(.rtlnini| Mechanicsburjr. (!. l.i. 18t;'.»— 
 fj. lo. 18»;«>. Buffalc 
 
 f..30.1S70.Harrisbtr 
 4.i:i.ls70. Maumee 
 
 10. 2.S. 1874. Wes 
 inin.ster. . . 
 
 4. i:vl.s7.'i. Newton, 
 
 10. 17. )78»;. Donegal 
 
 tfjonaconing. 7. Hi. 18H9 — . 
 ■/ Barton. 7.14.1869— 
 
 4. 8. 1846. Troy. 
 
 Harrisbnrg. Mar.Sq. . 12. 1. 1856. ■ 
 
 Middle SprlnK.o.f!. 1870. to 11.21. 1871. 
 Greencastle. 2. 10,1872. to 8. 20. 1S77. 
 
 Duncannon. 4. 14. 1875. to. 
 Chap. U. S. army. 1877— 
 
 Difkinson. 5.27. 1875. t<. 4. 12. 1882. 
 
 Derry and Wayne 
 On the .Tnuiata. 
 
 Hanover. 5. V.\. 1788. to 7. 2. 184f,. . . 
 FallinK Spring. 10.8. 17'.t4. to 4. 12. 17'.»7. . 
 
 ti. 12. lHf.7. Baltimore. 
 
 10.7.1874. Phil. North 
 4. 12. 1.870. Baltimore 
 
 ,S. 1870. Bait. (<ian. 
 Assem). 
 
 4.14.1885. Allejrhpny 
 
 20. 1877 
 
 ingdn' 
 
 \ Paxton & Derry. 10. 2. 1798. U) 4.13. 179(!. 
 / HarrisburjJT. 10.2.I793.to().25.1805. . . 
 
 1 10. 5. 1797. Tran.syl-: 
 , vania. i 
 
 ,1805. Redstone. 
 
 Paxton. / 
 Derry 
 
 .5,29.1807. to 4. 18. 1843 
 
 4. 1.'-.1S43 
 
 Cumberland (Md. I. spring. 1846 to 4. 9. 1802. 10. 1. 18«;7. Phlla. 2d. 
 Chap, in the army. 18fi2- 
 
 •See table of Presbytery of HarriKhurg 
 
452 
 
 Presbytery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 TABLE II. — Presbyteky of Carlisle. 
 
 Names. 
 
 Iiiceased. 
 
 Licentiates 
 Received. 
 
 Licentiate.s 
 Dismissed. 
 
 4.8. IS.'il. Northumb'ld 
 
 Ordained. 
 
 12. 9. 1866, 
 
 SinioiitoM. \Vm..I).I).. . . 
 Strain. .Ic.hii H 
 
 6. l;i. 1849. 
 
 
 10.7. 1856, Chartiers. 
 (As. Ref. ) 
 
 
 
 
 Siiiioritoii Ashb^lG 
 
 4. 14. 1858, 
 
 
 
 4. 14. 1859. 
 
 ytitt. WilJiiini C 
 
 Sibbctt VVilliam U 
 
 4.1.5. 1863. Potomac. 
 
 ' 5. 13. 1863, 
 
 
 
 
 1866.Phila. Central 
 
 10.2.1866. Rock Kiver. 
 
 Scheiick VfldlsonV C D D 
 
 
 
 
 Smith '^aniuel B 
 
 
 
 i , 
 
 Siuith. George (i 
 
 
 
 10. 8, 1868. 
 
 8. 19. 1868. Alleghny 
 City 
 
 
 8. 19 1868. 
 6. 15. 1870. 
 
 Seller. Galen W 
 
 
 
 
 Sterrett David 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 • 1 
 
 
 
 
 
 Schuyler. William H.. . . 
 
 4. 14. 1886. 
 
 
 10.5. 1887. Huntingdon 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 TriiiihleJoseiJli 
 
 10. 8. 1823. 
 
 
 4. 13. 1824. Sabine. 
 
 
 Thompson, Alexander S. . 
 Thtiin.son William . 
 
 
 10.18.1866.N.Brunsk 
 
 6. 12. 1867. Allegheny! 
 
 Tavj.ir William W 
 
 
 
 , 
 
 Titus. Albert C 
 
 
 7. 9. 1872 
 
 
 7. 9. 1872. 
 
 Tniupkins V P j 
 
 
 
 Tol>v William u ! 
 
 
 
 
 TaylMi-. Robert LI ' 4. 11. 1888. 
 
 A'aiice llii^h 1 
 
 
 4. 9. 1889. Hudson. j 
 
 
 
 . .1 
 
 Van Lear. Matthew. . . . ('.,1.^.1860. 
 
 
 6.11.1861. W.Lexingtnj 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 1 
 
Tabulated Statement. 
 
 -t53 
 
 Ministers and Licentiates. 
 
 Ministers 
 Received. 
 
 10. 7. 1856. Erie. 
 
 10. ;i. m>r>. Marion, 
 
 10.2. 18tit). Missouri 
 
 10,;!, ISiU;. Kasltns- 
 iiia. 
 
 Pastorates. 
 
 BuSr''"!'2-«->86«.to4,U.l«.«J. 
 
 Bertford. II. 10. ISiVi. to .'■).22. 18&;. . 
 
 Missionary to Bra/il 
 
 Hanrerstown. 5. 21. LS(W, to 10.2.1866. . . 
 Krostbnrg. Md.. I>.M.. 18«W to 10. 18. 18»1 
 HarrisbR. 7thSt. . S. S. . spring, mUMo 10. 2. \m\\ 
 Bedford. 11, S, 1866, to 2. 11, 18tW. 
 
 .Ministers 
 l>isrnlHHed. 
 
 lU.H.1860.UiintlDKdni 
 6. 12. \m\. St. Paul! 
 
 8.20, 18«k;, RloJanelro 
 
 8,A, 
 •«, 14. 18J-.8. Newu.n 
 
 Doceaaed 
 
 10. IS. 1867. W. VJr. 
 
 4.1:h,1870. Mohawk 
 
 6,3,1870, Hunting- 
 don (by G. A. ) 
 10, 4. 1871, Syracuse 
 
 11.1, 1877, Huntngn 
 
 1, 2, 188:'). Cayuga, 
 
 10, 17. 178t;. Donegal 
 4.9.1828. Phila.. . 
 
 \ViIlianj«port. -Md. . 8. IH. I8«i8- 
 
 Missionary to India 
 
 Harrisburg. Pine St.,f,. M. 1H70, 
 
 2, II.IWW. Phila. 2d. 
 
 16,3,1870, Bait. (<;en. 
 i .As.) 
 
 . ' . 1873, Kolapoor, 
 
 I India. 
 12. 1874.12.12,1874. Kalain/o<i 
 
 Greencastle. 12. 13. 1877. to 4. 11.1883. 
 HarrlBburg. Mar. Square. 1 . 2. 18W)— 
 
 1(1..".. 1870. rinntingdn 
 
 4.1!.lHKH.Clarii>n 
 
 4.8.1828. Northunib. 
 
 lO.o. 1847,Baltimrel HagersU)wn.ll.U.1847.to 11..'). 18.T0 1 1.. i. 1850. Phila. 2d. 
 
 6.9, 1868, Luzerne. Duncannon. / .. ,. ,r,i:<i . .. lo io-i 
 , Shermansdale. c'-i^ '««>• to 9. 12. 18..{. 
 
 4. 10. 1872. Phila 
 Central. 
 
 4, 9. 1873, E. Pa. 
 
 Synod (Luth. ) 
 4. 15. 1885, U. B.Ch. 
 4.13.1886.olassisof 
 
 St. Joseph. . . 
 
 Shippensburg. 6. 12, 1872, to 6. 1 1 , 1874. 
 Newport, 7,9. 1872. to 4. 14. 1875. . 
 
 jlO.7. 1874, Phila. 
 !4.12. 1876,N Bruns'k 
 
 10.8. 1873. Morris and 
 
 Orange. 
 10.7. Ih85. classls of 
 
 St. ,lo8eph (Ref. ) 
 4. 10. 1887. St. Paul. 
 
 6. 23. 1879 
 
 14. 1872 
 
 4.2^»,1787 
 
 K). 17. 178»;. Doneg'l Tu.scarora . ' w oi i~i ... i-> ji i-m '• 
 
 I BackCreek.Va.. (■'^•^'•'"'- ^" ^^- -^^ ''•"• 
 
 10. 16, 18.')»;. Baltiuir: (iettysburg. 12. 7. l8.Vi.to6. 15. 18;')9 12. 2S. lN')',t. Harltan 
 
 12, .SI. 1791 
 
 4. 13, 1W.9, Washng Lower Marsh Creek. 
 Great Conewago. 
 
 4,12.1876. Vlncens 
 10, 17, 1786. Doneg'l 
 
 , 1S69 
 Isl Ch. Carlisle. 4.. 30, lK7t;.to 12,2. IK8»; 
 
 12,2. 1886. Chest*' 
 
 LSar^^^'t--^''^^-^''-^'-'^'^ • '••^■'«^ 
 
 • Table of Presbytery of Donegal. 
 
454 
 
 Presbytery of Carlisle. — Centennial. 
 
 TABLE 11. — Presbytery of Carlisle. 
 
 Names. 
 
 Licensed. 
 
 Licentiates* 1 Licentiates 
 Received. 1 Dismissed. 
 
 Ordained. 
 
 Wilson. Samuel 
 
 Wiley. David. ....... 
 
 IU.4.1797, 
 lO.y.1801. 
 
 11.2.1820. 
 10.8,1822, 
 G. 9. 1825. 
 
 10. 17. 1786. Donegal 
 
 4.10. 1793, N. Castle. 
 
 '.20.17.87. 
 4.9.1794. 
 
 10.2.1799. 
 
 Wilson. Ueary U.. D. D., 
 
 Williamson. James. . . . 
 Williamson. Alexander. . 
 Williamson McKnlKlit. 
 
 
 10.5. 1802, Huntingdon 
 
 10.2,1822.8usquehan'a 
 10.27. 1S24. Salem. 
 
 
 
 10,30. 1827. 
 
 Williamson. Moses. . . . 
 Watson, James C. D. D.. 
 
 Wils..]i, Henry K..Jr. D.D. 
 
 Wallace. Benj. J. . D. D. . 
 
 4,9.1828. 
 
 10. 4. 1832. 
 10,4.1832 
 
 10.2. 1832. Phllad.. . 
 
 10.28.1830. Phllad. 
 2. 25. 1833. Erie. 
 
 10.4.1832. 
 10. 16, 1832, 
 
 White. Nathan Grier. . . 
 
 
 4.8. 1834, N. Castle . 
 
 6.11.1834. 
 
 Wyncoop. Richard. . . . 
 
 
 
 
 Wyeth. Charles A 
 
 10. t>. 1840, 
 4.8.1851. 
 
 i.b.isei'Memphl's; 
 4, 13, 1843. N. Yorkist 
 
 4. 13. 1841. Northumbid 
 
 
 
 6.15.1870. 
 
 Wall. Bloomfleld 
 
 
 4.14.1843. 
 
 Wilson, David A., D. D. , 
 
 
 4.9. 18.51. 
 
 Williams. Lewis W 
 
 
 
 
 
 West, William A 
 
 4,14.1852. 
 
 
 
 t 
 
 
 6 2 18.53 
 
 Weils. Robert R 
 
 
 
 
 White, John W 
 
 Warner. John R 
 
 |l0.25.1855.BlalrsvMe 
 
 1 
 
 12.25.1855. 
 
 Williams Daniel 
 
 1 
 
 
 WUhelra.JohnC. 
 
 ; ! 
 
 5. 16. 18«1. 
 
 1 12 1865 
 
 Wherry. John 
 
 10.2.1861. 
 
 3.16.1864. 
 
 Wlghtman. Jas.W.. D. D.. 
 
 
 
 6.8.1864, 
 
 10.6. 1863. Ohio. 
 
 11.12.1863. 
 
 Wltherow.B. Howard. . . 
 
 
 6.8. 1864. N.Brunsw'k. 
 
 
Tubulated Statement. 
 
 455 
 
 Ministers and Licentiates. 
 
 Ministers 
 Received. 
 
 Pastorates. 
 
 Ministers 
 Dismissed. 
 
 4.11.18IO.Uullt^^'• 
 
 4.12.1826.PhHa.2. 
 10.2fi. 1824.Susque• 
 
 BlgSp^In^^.e.20.1787.U)3.4. 1799. 
 1794 ... 
 
 Uerry "" 1' ^^■'■^- '"•'^' '^•' ''• •'"• ''^^' • 
 BiKyprinK.4. 14. 1802. U)4. 14. 1829. 
 
 I Cedar Creek, i 
 Spring Creek, i 
 
 1810 to 1815. 
 
 I'rof. Dickinson Col. 
 Walnut Bottom, Ev. . ( 
 SiiverSpring.il. 21, 1815.to 11.25.1823. . 
 Shippensburg, 1823 to 10. 2. 1839 
 
 Silver Spring. 11.24. lK24.t(.4. 12. 18;H8. . . 
 
 I)ic-kin.s(.n.ll.28. 1827,U. 10.30.1834. 
 
 .20. IT'.H. lliintlngfln 
 
 11.25, 1823, 1'hlla. 2d. 
 ;4.12.1842,Phllad.2d. 
 
 10,31.18;«.N(>rthml 
 
 4, 17. 18:^5. Hiintngdn 
 
 Gettysburg. 
 Great Conewag<j 
 
 10.4. 1832. to 8.22.1849. ; 8,22. 1849. Karltan. 
 
 Missionary to Cherokee Indians. 1832 
 Missionary to India. 1838 - 
 
 6. 11.18;i4. Bedford 
 
 4.11.18«50.W.Afric' 
 10.22. -51. Huntngd 
 
 I McConnellsburg. (5.11.1834. / 
 I Wells Valley, tj, 11. 1834. -to ~.h. 1864. 
 
 (ireen Ilill. 9. 12.1835. \ 
 
 Hagerstown. C. 25. 1834. to 4. II. 1838. . . 
 
 ! Uarrisburg.Ttli St..t;.2t;. 1870. to ti. 12. 1 
 
 j Cumberland. Md. . 7. 7. 1843. to 4.8. 1845, 
 
 Missionary to Liberia. Africa. 1851. . 
 
 4,13. 1842. Kiirrukha- 
 bad. 
 
 ,5. I8ti4. Huntingdn 
 
 Withdrew to Asso. 
 Ref. Pres.of N.Y. 
 
 4,8.1845. Vlncennes. 
 
 5,30. 1867. W.Africa 
 4,n,18«0. Potosl. 
 
 LowerPath Val.. ( P. E. & P. . 10.23. 1851, to 
 Burnt Cabins. . \ 4.10. 1^55. 
 Landisburg. / 
 
 Centre, ^s. 17. 1855.to 5.7. 185T 
 
 Upper, \ 
 
 Upper Path Valley. 6,2. 1853. to 2. 1. 1873. 
 Harrisburg. Westminster, fi. 9. 1874 — 
 
 6. 13. 1854. Newton. I Shippensburg. teacher 
 
 I Middletown. 12.25. 1855. to 4.13. 1858. 
 
 4. 15. 18.57. Baltimore 
 
 5. 18. 18.58. Uuntngdn 
 
 4. 14. 1858. Big Spg. 
 (Asso. Ref. ). . 
 
 6. l4,1869.Redst'ne 
 
 G^^t'conewago^^'"' I" '■ ^■'- ^»^- '" ••• '- '"' • ! "• •2- 1^*'' • '^^^ ^^'•"'"• 
 Schellsburg, P. K. .«. 14 18.59. to 4. 11. 18C.0. 1 6, 16, 1869.N. Lisbon. 
 
 Chap. 45th Reg. U.S. Army 
 
 Missionary to China 
 
 Green Castle, i ,, ,., ,q^.., ,,. ,,> . ,u_f, 
 Waynesboro', f !»• 1^- 18*.^- 1" 10. o. 1870. 
 Vice Pres. Wilson College. 1870 tu 1872, 
 
 5. 11.75,Westm8tr 
 
 10. 5. 1869. Huntngdn 
 3. If., tu Shanghai, C 
 
 10.18.1872, PIttabgh, 
 
466 
 
 Presbytery of Carlisle. — Centennial. 
 
 TABLE II.— -Presbytery of Carlisle. 
 
 Names. 
 
 Liceimed. 
 
 Licentiates 
 Received. 
 
 Licentiates 
 Dismissed. 
 
 Ordained. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Wilson llt)beit K 
 
 
 
 
 
 Wing Coiiway P 1) 1> 
 
 
 
 
 
 Wylie, Samuel S 
 
 Wylie William T 
 
 
 
 
 tj, 11.1872. 
 
 
 
 
 Wagner, Milton X 
 
 WlillamHon, Alberts. . . 
 
 4, 15, 188.5, 
 
 6 lG,1887,Elizab'tli . 
 
 12,2,18.Sf,.Uiiialia. 
 
 6,16,1887. 
 
Tabulated Statement 
 
 457 
 
 Ministers and Licentiates. 
 
 Ministers 
 Received. 
 
 10. 18, 1866. Big SpR 
 
 (N.P.) 
 
 10.7. 18tW Ke(1."<tone 
 (i.30. 1870.Uarrisbg 
 
 «. IS. 1876.Huntn^d 
 
 MinlHters 
 Dismissed. 
 
 Dickinson. 5. 17. 18fi7. to 4. \h, 1874. 
 Buck Valley. ( ^ ^ ,q_,- ,^,- 
 
 Bedford. P. K..Ch.tran8fer'd to Muiftingdn 
 
 Ist Ch. Carlisle. 10. 15, 1848. • to 10. 22. 1875. 
 l8t Ch. Carlisle. P. Emer, 4.11.1887 to 5. 7. '89 
 
 Middle iSpring.t;. 11. 1872- 
 
 Pres. Wilson College 
 
 4.|.i. 1881.Blairsvllle 
 
 5. 22. 18G9, Hunting- 
 don (by Assem.) 
 
 4..S. 1879. Butler. 
 
 Paxton.P. . ' 
 Derry.S.S.. (" 
 
 Deceased 
 
 1889 
 
 Table of Presbytery of Uarrisburg. 
 
458 
 
 Presbytery of Carlisle. — Centennial. 
 
 TABLE III. — Presbytery of Harrisburg. 
 
 NAMES. 
 
 Licensed. 
 
 Licentiates 
 Received. 
 
 Licentiates 
 Dismissed. 
 
 Ordained. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Robert Kfiiiiedv 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 lieni 1 Wallace I) I) . 
 
 
 
 
 Wllltiiiu M Hall 
 
 
 
 
 WilliHni T Sprole 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 WIlliMiii Tracy 1> I) . 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 William R Dewltt, D.D.. . 
 
 
 
 
 laiut'H W Phillips 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 11.26.1840. 
 
 
 
 4.27.1842, 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 J. Gardner Davis 
 
 
 5.ti. 1848. N.York 3d. 
 
 10, 24. 1848, Brooklyn. 
 
 
 Samuel Shaeffer 
 
 
 
 
 
 Ellis J. Newlin 
 
 
 5. 18,1844, Wllmingtd 
 
 
 10.29,1844 
 
 Joseph Vance. .... 
 
 
 
 
 Daniel H. Emerson, . . . 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 Jeremiah Miller 
 
 
 
 
 
 William Sterling 
 
 
 
 
 
 Jdlin Sailor 
 
 Charles F. Diver 
 
 4.10.1847. 
 
 
 1,18, 1848, Penna. 
 
 
 Conwav r. WinK. D.D. , . . 
 
 
 
 
 
 Georpe McCartney 
 
 George R. Moore 
 
 1.18.1848. 
 
 
 10.12,41),DtchRef.Cls 
 
 
 James G.Craifrhead, . . . 
 
 
 
 ■ 
 
 Brown Emerson 
 
 
 
 
 Thomas H. Robinson. D. D. 
 
 
 10.17,18.')4.Ohlo. 
 
 
 
 
 1.21,1855. 
 
 James Dl<-ksoii 
 
 John W.Davis 
 
 10.17,18r)4,I'hila.4th 
 
 
 1.21.1855, 
 
 Charles J. Hut<<hins. . . . 
 
 
 10. 12. 18.%, Erie. . . 
 
 
 10,1:1,1855, 
 
 Leeds K.Berrldjje 
 
 
 
 Francis Hendricks 
 
 
 1 ' 
 
 Robert C. Allison 
 
 4.13.1858. 
 
 
 6.3.1860. 
 
 Thomas Street 
 
 
 
 
 1 ■ • • 
 
 * Kroiii I'r«>sbytery of Carlisle. 
 
 + From .id Presbytery of Philadelphia. 
 
 X From Presbytery of Ohio. 
 
Tabulated Statement 
 
 459 
 
 Ministers and Licentiates. 
 
 Ministers 
 Received. 
 
 3. a. 1840, Synod of Pa . * 
 a. S. 1840. Synod of Pii.* 
 :;. H. 1840. Synod of ru . t 
 ;h.;5. 1840. Synod of Pa.t 
 ;<.:i. 1640. Synod of I'a.' 
 3.;{.1840. Synod of Pa, 
 ;{. 4. 1840. Synod of Pa.' 
 .'>. in. lS4(t. Winchester 
 
 <.t.:((l. 1M'.J. Venn't A«so. 
 lO.-.'ti. ls4-.>.)*hila.Hd 
 
 PasUjrates, 
 
 Y(»rk. H.S.1840.to'.t.2,184J 
 
 (^irlisle l8t.;!.H. lH40.to 10.2S.1843. 
 Mls8i(jnary. 0.3.1840- 
 
 HarrisburK. Mkt. Sq..Il. 12. 1819, II to 12. 
 
 23. 18ti8. 
 Mount .loy. 5. 19. 1840. to 4. 14. 1841. 
 Williamsport, 2d, 5. KJ. 1841. to 4, 10. 1847, 
 
 Sec. of Seaman's Kiiend Society 
 
 10.2:). 1H43. Phila.Sd. 
 .'i.lS.1844.Phllad..3d. 
 
 Northumberland. ;"). 18. 1845. to 9. 14. 1847. 
 
 Carlisle Ist. 10,29.1844.to (J.30.184; 
 
 5. 18, 1844, Newark. . . 
 .5.1»;,184ti.Philad.3d. . 
 .'). lti,184t!. Montrose. . 
 <. 11. 1S47. Pittsl)uruh. 
 
 York. .".. 17. 184t;. to fi. 8, IBS:'). 
 Sec. of Sab. Asso. . ;".. Ifi. 184<;, 
 Williiinisport 2d.9.14.l847. 
 
 C. 13.1848.Philad.3d. 
 
 10. 13. 1848. N.Alabama Carlisle 1st. 10.1.'i.l848 ■ 
 
 10.17. 1848. Phllad. 3d. 
 10. 14. 1850. N.York 4th, 
 
 S. S. at Dauphin 
 
 Northumberland. 4. 13. I8.')l. to 2.22.18.^4. 
 18. 18.54. U> 4.24, 185t), 
 
 r. 18. '.")4. Andover Asso Northumberland. 
 
 I 
 Harri8bur>r. Market Sq.. 1.21. 1855 
 
 ^IlnlBters 
 Dismissed. 
 
 9.2. 1845. Wllminirtn 
 
 10.»!.1841. 
 
 10.23. '43. Dst. of Col. 
 
 (;.29.l870.Wstch8tr«I 
 
 Deceased 
 
 10.19,1849 
 10.31.1843 
 
 4.10. 1847. OtseKO. 
 ft.lC. 1846. Detroit. 
 
 4.15. 18»')5. N.Y.and 
 
 Brooklyn Asso. 
 10.14,1850, Donegal, 
 
 10.'24.1851.1>hilad..3d 
 4. 11. 1851. Montrose. 
 1.18. 1848. Hanover. 
 9.2. 1845. Erie. 
 10.12.1855.Wllmgtn 
 (•..29.'70. Phila.Cen"! 
 t;,29.1870.N'thrabdn 
 
 I0.l4.18:.0.Erle. 
 6.29.1870. Carlisle. ^r 
 
 4. 10. 1860. I'ittsburKl 
 l.'i0.18.V).Troy. 
 
 4,10. 18t'0. Pittsburg. 
 4.13.1859. N.York 4. 
 10.20.56. Frnkln.As. 
 6,29.1870. Carlisle. H 
 
 10.12.185.5. Pittsbgh. I 
 4.15.1868.N<.rthmbd 
 
 Northunilicrland, 5. 30. l8tW. to 10, 16. 1867 
 
 Chapbiin and S.S. at Dauphin \. 
 
 I vork. 10. 13. 1856, U) 4, 12. 1858 I 10. 17. '60. Milwaukee 
 
 10.21,1856, Wllminjrfn I 10, 18, 1862. Phila.3d. 
 
 10. 19. 18.57. Huron 'lO. 17.'61. Wilmlngtn 
 
 2,8, 1860, Phllad. 3d. 
 
 Professor in Agri. College. 
 York, 2, 8, 1860. to 4, 21. 18»i4, 
 
 4.10.18<il.Meadvine. 
 I 4.21.1664.N.Y.3d. 
 
 5 From Reformed Classis of PhiladPlphia. 
 I See Presbytery of Carlisle. 
 \ By Synod. 
 
460 
 
 Preshytjery of Carlisle — Centennial. 
 
 TABLE III. — Presbytery of Harrisburg. 
 
 NAMES. 
 
 Licensed. 
 
 Licentiates 
 Received. 
 
 Licentiates 
 Dismissed. 
 
 Ordained. 
 
 
 ■■ 
 
 
 
 
 Alexander D. Moore. . . . 
 Hiram Baker 
 
 7 'i 186:^ 
 
 10 1« IStiO. N. Y.;sd. 
 
 
 10.21. 18«K). 
 
 
 
 5.12.1867. 
 
 
 
 
 
 J.Lotshaw Landis 
 
 John E.IiOng 
 
 
 
 5, 4. 1870. Wellsboro'. 
 
 
 
 4. IS. 18ti4. N. Y. Mi. 
 
 
 9. 4. 1864. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 ' 
 
 
 
 
 
Tabul/ited Statement. 
 
 461 
 
 Ministers and Licentiates. 
 
 Ministers 
 Received. 
 
 Pastorates. 
 
 MInlftera 
 OLsnilflsed. 
 
 Deceariud 
 
 4.10,1860.PiirlUin A880 
 
 Hublerebg k 8pg Mlll«.6..'?,'tiO. to 4.0.T,1 
 Northumberland. 11,5. 18»W - 
 
 .'j.4.1870.<)reKon. 
 
 •5.29.1870. Northum- 
 berland.* 
 
 f). 4. 1870. Catawba. 
 
 
 10, ll.lKtil.N.BrutiHwk 
 
 
 
 
 
 5.4. 1870. Cortland. 
 6,29.1870.We8tm8tr» 
 6,29. 1870, Carlisle.* 
 
 
 4. i:).18(;5, Niagara, . . 
 11.5.18(».Phllad.H<l. . 
 
 Y()rk,4,l«.l8t;r) - . . . 
 Dauphin, 4, 14,1869- 
 
 
 By Synod. 
 
0035519991 
 
 938. ei 
 
 C194 
 V. 1 
 
 ^.^;^t--e^rian_cl^ 
 
 The cenf.»nr.-t ^n .. 
 
 ffii?''"'