250 - HISTORY OF CHESTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.
UPPER OCTORARA.
The Upper Octorara Church, in Sadsbury township, one mile north of Parkesburg, was organized in 1720. The prefix " Upper" was subsequently given to distinguish it from Middle Octorara, in Lancaster County, and Lower Octorara, now Lower West Nottingham.
Prior to 1724 it was supplied by Rev. David Evans and Rev. David Magill. The first regular pastor was Rev. Adam Boyd, a native of County Antrim, Ireland, who was installed Oct. 13, 1724. Previous to this date a log church building had been erected. Mr. Boyd was at that time thirty-two years of age, and ten days after his ordination was married to Jane, daughter of Rev. Thomas Craighead. His original field of labor was quite extensive, and embraced that now occupied by several congregations.
In 1741 the church was rent in twain by the " Old Side" and " New Side" controversy, and a new church organized by those of the "New Side," bearing the name of "The Second Congregation of Upper Octorara," over which the Rev. Andrew Sterling was pastor from 1747 to 1765. They worshiped in a church edifice which they erected on the farm lately of Cyrus Cooper, now belonging to David Parke, overlooking the Great Valley. During- this division Mr. Boyd continued his relations to the old church, and also ministered to the " Old Side" portion of the Brandywine Manor Church. In 1768 the divisions were healed, and the two churches of Octorara became again one. Mr. Boyd died Nov. 23, 1768, aged seventy-six years, having been pastor for a period of forty-four years. The stone covering his grave records that he was " eminent through life for modest piety, diligence in his office, prudence, equanimity, and peace." Early in his pastorate the second church edifice, built of stone, was erected. He left four sons and six daughters, and his descendants are now numerous. One of his sons, Col. Andrew Boyd, was lieutenant of the county of Chester during the Revolution.
In 1768, Rev. William Foster became pastor of the re-
UPPER OCTORARA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, ERECTED 1769, TORN
DOWN 1840.
united congregation. One of their first acts after the re-union was the enlargement, in 1769, of the old church to double its former capacity, making it substantially a new building, and also the erection of a " session-" or " study-house," as they were then called, which is still standing in a corner of the present graveyard. The church edifice which had been used by the " New Side" was sold and removed. An old graveyard still marks the spot where it stood.
Mr. Foster was pastor until his death, Sept. 30, 1780, at the age of forty-one years. He was evidently a man of very superior mind, and was much esteemed by all who knew him for his solid sense and unaffected piety. His wife was a daughter of the celebrated Rev. Samuel Blair, of Fagg's Manor, and he was a brother-in-law of Rev. John Carmichael, of Brandywine Manor. Rev. Robert Smith, D.D., of Pequea, the father of the celebrated Samuel Stanhope Smith and John Blair Smith, was an uncle of Mrs. Foster. During the Revolutionary war Mr. Foster was an ardent patriot, and so obnoxious did he become to the British by his zeal in the cause of the patriots that they planned age., expedition to capture him, but it was foiled through the vigilance of his friends. Many of his descendants have filled positions of prominence and usefulness both in church and State, among them the late Hon. Henry D. Foster, of Westmoreland Co., Pa.
Rev. Alexander Mitchell succeeded Mr. Foster in the pastorate, and served from 1785 until 1796. He was a scholar and a man of excellent mind, and social in Ms 'disposition, but as a preacher be was not popular. He died Dec. 6, 1812, at the age of eighty-one years.
The following list gives the surnames of families connected with the congregation at different times during the last century. In this list of 82 surnames about 30 are borne by members of the congregation at the present day :
Alison, Allen, Arthur, Boggs, Blelock, Boyd, Boyle, Bailey, Crawford, Cowan, Clingan, Cochran, Copeland, Dickey, Davidson, Divan, Dougherty, Filson, Fleming, Foster, Futhey, Forsyth, Fulton, Grier, Gilfillan, Gardner, Good, Glendenning, Heslip, Hope, Hamill, Henderson, Hershberger, Irwin, Kerr, Kinkead, Kyle, King, Keys, Kilpatrick, Liggett, Lockhart., Luckey, McAllister, McNeil, McClure, McPherson, McClellan, McCune, McKim, McWilliams, Mitchell, Morrison, Moody, Officer, Parke, Pinkerton, Porter, Rowan, Richmond, Ramsay, Robb, Ruth, Sharpe, Scott, Sloan, Sandford, Summeril, Stewart, Smith, Stifle, Thompson, Wilkin, Wiley, Wilson, Withrow, Wentz, Wright, Wells, Wallace, Wigton, and Young.
After 1796 the congregation was without a regular pastor until 1810, when Rev. James Latta was installed. He remained in charge until 1850, a period of forty years. The present church edifice was erected during his pastorate, in 1840, and the graveyard enlarged, covering the site of the former edifice. Mr. Latta died May 30, 1862, at the age of seventy-five years. The house in which he resided had at the time of his death been the residence of ministers of the gospel about one hundred and twenty years.
The Rev. James Latta was a man of remarkable energy and firmness in every good cause, and discharged with ability, high fidelity, and unceasing earnestness the duties of the Christian ministry over fifty-two years. About the year 1828 societies for the suppression of the vice of intemperance were formed. Mr. Latta, from the initiatory movement, was an ardent friend and advocate of the cause, and during the whole course of his ministry did all in his power for its advancement. The community in which he had his home bears upon every hand the clear and deep
traces of his life and character. None that ever crossed his threshold can forget his cordial welcome, his graceful
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHES - 251
hospitality, or his genuine kindness, and there will long linger pleasant memories of his warm and abiding friendship, and his ministries of sympathy. He was extensively known, and so highly esteemed as a faithful Christian minister that he became the centre of a very extended circle of acquaintanceship.
Since 1850 the following clergymen have been pastors of the church : Rev. James M. Crowell, from June 3, 1851, to April 14, 1857 ; Rev. Alexander Reed, from Dec. 8, 1857, to Oct. 1, 1864 ; Rev. John Jay Pomeroy, from Nov. 14, 1865, to Feb. 9, 1875 ; Rev. William B. Reed, from Nov. 3, 1875, to Oct. 2, 1878; and Rev. James A. Marshall, the present pastor, since May 29, 1879.
The church has under its charge four church edifices,-the main building on the old grounds, and buildings for afternoon and evening services and Sunday-school purposes at Sadsburyville, Highland, and Parkesburg. The present membership of the church is about 350. Sept. 14, 1870, it celebrated its sesquicentennial anniversary, on which occasion J. Smith Futhey delivered a historical discourse.
FAGG’S MANOR.
The region of country where this church is situated was largely settled by Scotch-Irish Presbyterians, and from the first the church has been a strong one. It dates from 1730, previous to which time those who organized it worshiped at Upper Octorara and New London. The church edifice is located in the northwest corner of what was called Sir John Fagg's Manor, elsewhere referred to in this volume, hence the name of the church. It was at first called New Londonderry, from the township in which it is located, but that name soon gave way to Fagg's Manor, by which it has been known ever since.
The first pastor was Rev. Samuel Blair, who came from Ireland in early youth, and was educated at the school of Rev. William Tennent, at Neshaminy, Bucks Co., a school which became widely known under the title of the " Log College." He was pastor from 1740 until his death, June 5, 1751, at the age of thirty-nine years. All accounts speak of him as a scholar and pulpit orator, and his fame has descended to this day. He established a classical school at Fagg,s Manor, where many men who afterwards became distinguished in life received their education.
Rev. John Blair, a brother, succeeded him as pastor in 1757. He continued the school which his brother had established, and in both the church and school was eminent and successful. In 1767 he became a professor in the College of New Jersey, at Princeton, and removed thither.
Among those who were leading men in the church at Fagg's Manor at this period were Job Ruston, James Cochran, John Ramsay, John Love, John Smith, John Simpson, William Boyd, David Ramsay, Moses Ross, David Simpson, David Fleming, Montgomery Kennedy, James Gilleland, John Culbertson, John Caruthers, and Stephen Cochran, Sr.
In 1775 the congregation erected a new church edifice, which was their third building ; the second building had been erected about 1742.
The church was without a regular pastor from the removal of John Blair, in 1767, until Aug. 22, 1781, when John Evans Finley was installed. He married a daughter of Job Ruston, one of the leading members of the congregation. Oct. 15, 1793, he resigned and removed to Kentucky.
After Mr. Finley's removal there was a vacancy of several years. Rev. Patrick Davidson took charge in December, 1797, but he remained only one year. The church was then without a pastor until Sept. 9, 1809, when Rev. Robert White was installed, and a new career of prosperity was entered upon. His ministry continued until his death, Sept. 20, 1835. Mr. White was a man of untiring zeal and devotion, and was eminently successful as a pastor. His wife was a daughter of
Rev. Nathan Grier, of Brandywine Manor, under whom he had studied theology. Two of his sons, Robert M. White and Nathan Grier White, became clergymen.
Rev. Alfred Hamilton, D.D., succeeded Mr. White and was pastor from March, 1836, until May, 1859, when he removed to Illinois. While at Fagg's Manor he maintained an academy for young men, which he named " Blair Hall," in honor of the brothers Samuel and John Blair. Dr. Hamilton was a man of scholarly attainments and of ability as a preacher, and was eminent for his social qualities and amiable character. He was beloved by the children, and was a welcome visitor in every house. He died in Chicago in September, 1867. In 1846, during his pastorate at Fagg,s Manor, the present church edifice was erected.
The pastors of the church subsequent to Dr. Hamilton have been Revs. Justus T. Umsted, from November, 1860, to May, 1872, and Rev. William B. Noble, from October, 1872, to March, 1881.
The church has now over 400 members in full communion. On Sept. 16, 1880, it celebrated its one hundred and fiftieth anniversary, when a history of the church was read by the pastor, Rev. William B. Noble.
ROCK.
The Rock Presbyterian Church was organized in 1720. The first house of worship was in Chester County, at what is now known as the " Stone Graveyard," in Lewisville, Elk township ; the second, erected by the " New Side," in 1741, at what is called " Sharp,s Graveyard," at Fair Hill, Cecil Co., Md.; and the third in the present location in Cecil County, not far from the line of Chester County. The church was at its organization called " Elk River," and bore that and other names until about 1787, since when it has been called the " Rock." The church having been originally located in Chester County, and since near the line, it has always had many members in this county. The " Stone Graveyard" contains a large number of graves.
NEW LONDON.
The New London Church was formally constituted on the 26th of March, 1728. It was composed of the northern members of the Elk River congregation, now called the " Rock," whose meeting-house then stood at what is now known as the " Stone Graveyard," near Lewisville, in Elk township. The separation actually took place in 1726, two years earlier, when a place of worship was built and arrangements made for preaching. There were difficulties
252 - HISTORY OF CHESTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.
attending the organization, upon which we have not space to enter.
The first pastor was the Rev. Samuel Gelston, a native of Ireland, who preached to the people for a time from September, 1728, and then removed to the Highlands of New York.
The second pastor was Rev. Francis Alison, who was installed about 1736 and remained fifteen years. In 1741 he opened an academy, elsewhere referred to in this volume, which he conducted until his removal to Philadelphia in 1752, to accept a professorship in the Philadelphia College, now the University of Pennsylvania. The second church edifice was built in his time, it is believed about the year 1744, and, considering the sparseness of the population, its dimensions- 63 by 38 feet-were remarkable, and it was probably at that time the largest church in all the region. It had arched doors and windows and leaden window-sash ; its pulpit was, according to the custom of the time, in the side of the house, and its pews were of various forms and patterns and colors, according to the taste or the means of their individual constructors.
After Mr. Alison's removal there was an interregnum, which continued about twenty years. Several ineffectual attempts were made to obtain a pastor, and finally the Rev. James Wilson was installed, Oct. 15, 1771, and served until Oct. 27, 1778, when he was released at his own request. After his time the congregation were again dependent upon supplies, either stated or occasional, for the long period of thirty-one years. Among these stated supplies were Rev. Samuel Barr, Rev. Francis Hindman, and Rev. Francis Alison Latta, all of whom were called to the pastorate but declined. Mr. Latta was a man of a fine and well-cultivated mind, and during a large part of his life he employed himself as a teacher. His last years were spent at the Moscow Academy, in Sadsbury township, where he died, April 21, 1834, at the age of sixty-seven years.
The next pastor was Rev. Robert Graham, who was installed Dec. 13, 1809, and remained until his death, Nov. 5, 1835. Two of his sons, William Sloan Graham and Walter Scott Graham, were teachers and successive principals of the New London Academy. None of the descendants of Mr. Graham are now living.
The successor of Mr. Graham was the Rev. Robert Patterson DuBois, who was installed Nov. 20, 1836. Mr. DuBois is descended from a French Huguenot, who emigrated to America in 1660 for conscience' sake. His father was the Rev. Uriah DuBois, the founder and first pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Doylestown, Pa. He graduated at the University of Pennsylvania in July, 1824, and was for some years a teacher, and 'had charge of the Chester County Academy, in East Whiteland township, and then of the Doylestown Academy for several years. He was licensed to preach in October, 1835. After a pastorate of forty years, he resigned on Oct. 1, 1876, but still resides at New London.
His successor was Rev. B. F. Myers, who was pastor from April 24, 1877, to April 8, 1879. The present pastor is the Rev. David R. Workman, who was installed Oct. 23, 1879.
The present church building was erected in 1844, but extensive repairs and alterations were made in 1858-59, and again in 1869. The church has two outposts, erected for occasional services and Sunday-school operations, one at Auburn, built in 1836, and the other at Kimbleville, built in 1852.
DOE RUN.
About the year 1740, John Filson, William Hanna, Francis Boggs, James Blelock, and others, residing in East Fallowfield township and vicinity, erected a house of worship on the Strasburg road, in that township, and were organized into a congregation under the name of the " Doe Hun Presbyterian Church." The building, which was of logs, stood within the grounds of the graveyard as at present inclosed. This was about the time of the division of the Presbyterian Church into " Old Side" and " New Side," and this organization belonged to the latter body. They had supplies from the New Side Presbytery of New Castle until about the year 1747, when the Rev. Andrew Sterling became their pastor, in connection with the Second Congregation of Upper Octorara, and continued in that relation about eighteen years, when he resigned. He died in August, 1765, shortly after his resignation. About the year 1743 the celebrated George Whitefield, in the course of his visitations in this county, preached at Doe Run, and also at the New Side Church of Upper Octorara, and at Fagg,s Manor.
In 1768, Rev. William Foster became pastor of the church, in connection with that of Upper Octorara, giving Doe Run one-fourth of his time. In 1771 their second church edifice was erected. It stood between the present church and the graveyard, and was of hewn logs.
In 1785, Rev. Alexander Mitchel became pastor, and divided his time between this church and Upper Octorara, as Mr. Foster had done. His pastoral relation with the latter church was dissolved in 1796, but he continued to take charge of Doe Run until 1809, when the infirmities of age prevented further service.
The church then had supplies until Sept. 29, 1813, when Rev. Samuel Henderson became pastor, and served until Aug. 9, 1814. Rev. Elkanah Kelsey Dare succeeded, and served from May 13, 1817, until his death, Aug. 26, 1826, giving half his time, the other half being devoted to Union Church, in Lancaster County. The present house, which is of stone, was erected in 1821.
The succeeding pastors have been Rev: Alexander G. Morrison, from April 24, 1828, to Oct. 6,, 1857, part of the time in connection with Union Church, Lancaster County, and part with Coatesville ; Rev. John Wynne Martin, D.D., from April 13, 1858, to Oct. 19, 1860 ; Rev. John P. Clarke, from June, 1865, to April, 1868 ; Rev. Thomas Thompson, M.D., from April 26, 1872, to June 22, 1876, and Rev. Robert E. Flickinger since June 5, 1879.
UNIONVILLE.
The Unionville Presbyterian Church was organized about 1829, and a church building erected, which has since then been used for public worship. The congregation is small, and at present without a pastor.
DOE RUN VALLEY.
The Doe Run Valley Presbyterian Church was incorporated Oct. 22, 1849, and a church building erected in
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHES - 253
the village of Doe Run, which is used for public worship in connection with the Doe Run Church.
BRANDYWINE MANOR.
This church, ecclesiastically known as Forks of Brandywine, but called in common parlance Brandywine Manor, constituted in early times a part of what is now Upper Octorara. It was originally under the care of Rev. Adam Boyd, but was organized as a separate congregation in 1735, at which time a house of worship had been erected.
The first pastor of the separate congregation was Rev. Samuel Black, who was installed Nov. 10, 1736, and was pastor until May, 1741. In the latter year occurred the schism in the Presbyterian Church which divided it into " Old Side" and " New Side," and this church became divided, and a second house of worship was erected by those of the " New Side." Rev. Adam Boyd ministered to those of the " Old Side" from the separation until the settlement of Rev. William Dean, which was about 1743. Mr. Dean died July 9, 1748.
The churches were reunited in 1760, and called Rev. John Carmichael to be their pastor. He was installed April 21, 1761, and in the same year a new house of worship was erected. He was pastor until his death, Nov. 15, 1785. He was an eloquent man in his day, of ardent feelings, and what he did he did with his might.
The patent for the church property from the proprietaries was made to Matthew Robinson and John Smith the younger, May 6, 1786, and they on the 18th of the same month conveyed it to Rev. John Carmichael, John Culbertson, James Moore, William Denny, Samuel McKinley, and Francis Gardner, " in trust for a site for a house of public worship, and for a burying-place for the congregation of people called Presbyterians," etc. The church was incorporated Sept. 1, 1786. The first trustees under the charter were Samuel Culbertson, John Culbertson, Nathaniel Porter, Robert Smith, David Denny, Robert Lockhart, James Dunwoody, James McClure, and William Anderson.
The successor of Mr. Carmichael was Rev. Nathan Grier, who was pastor from Aug. 22, 1787, until his death, March 30, 1814. (See biographical sketches of Mr. Carmichael and Mr. Grier, in this volume.) He was succeeded by his son, Rev. John Nathan Caldwell Grier, who was pastor from Nov. 24, 1814, until April 14, 1869,-nearly fifty-five years,-when, by reason of his age and infirmities, he resigned. The pastorates of father and son together extended over a period of eighty-two years.
The church building erected in 1761 was accidentally burned, and was rebuilt in 1786, and roofed anew in 1827. In 1839 the house, with the exception of the walls and roof, was rebuilt and remodeled.
The church during this period gave of her strength to new churches of like faith and order, and Honeybrook, Coatesville, Fairview, and Downingtown were originally largely composed of members who went out from her fold. In 1835, after an extensive revival of religion, the number of members was nearly 700.
Dr. J. N. C. Grier graduated at Dickinson College, Sept. 27, 1809. In college he had as a classmate James Buchanan, afterwards President of the United States. He was a man of great force of' character, and this gave him a very strong influence in the community, and secured him a prominent and leading position among his brethren. In 1837, when the temperance reformation commenced its onward movement, Dr. Grier espoused the cause, and brought to its advocacy in his neighborhood all the courage, positiveness, and determination of his character, and naturally lost for himself and congregation the support and friendship of many who conscientiously held different opinions.
The pastors succeeding Rev. J. N. C. Grier have been Rev. William W. Heberton, from Oct. 28, 1869, to April 8, 1873, and the present pastor, Rev. John McColl, who was installed July 24, 1873, but who had occupied the pulpit from May 11th of that year. In 1875 the old church building was torn down, and in that and the succeeding year a new one was erected, which is the finest and most complete and convenient church edifice of the Presbyterian Church in the county. It is Gothic in all its details, and has eight memorial windows. It was dedicated Dec. 14, 1876. The building committee were William Templeton, John Ralston, and Baxter B. McClure. The location of Brandywine Manor is on very high ground, and commands a view of the country for many miles around. The graveyard, which had become well filled, has been during the present year (1881) considerably enlarged.
A full and complete history of this church has been written by Mr. James McClune, which it is proposed shortly to publish, and to which the reader is referred for fuller information.
OXFORD.
The early dwellers at Oxford seem for a time to have worshiped in the churches of Elk River, New London, Nottingham, Fagg's Manor, or Upper Octorara, but as early as 1725 or 1730 they erected a house of worship for themselves on ground taken up for that purpose and still held by the congregation.
In 1753 the church was organized, in connection with the Associate Presbyterian Synod of Edinburgh, and was one of the first churches of that branch of Presbyterians in the colonies. For a proper understanding of this history, it is necessary at this point to look backward for a little and ()lance at the causes which led to the introduction of a new denomination into the colonies, and the organization of this church in connection with that denomination. In the year 1733, Ebenezer Erskine, Alexander Moncrieff, William Wilson, and James Fisher protested against certain acts of the General Assembly of Scotland, seceded from that body, and formed, with their adherents, the Associate Presbytery of Edinburgh. Their opinions gained favor with the people both in Scotland and Ireland, so that in a short time one Presbytery was " too strait" for them, and they formed the Associate Synod of Edinburgh. In this country there were some in full sympathy with this movement, and in 1750 a petition signed by a " respectable number from the Province of Pennsylvania," asking for the " dispensation of' the gospel ordinances among them," was sent to the Synod of Edinburgh. In answer to this petition, the Synod, in 1753, sent two ministers,-Rev. Alexander Gellatley and
254 - HISTORY OF CHESTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.
Rev. Andrew Arnot. The latter had a pastoral charge in Midholm, Scotland, and returned thither after two years. Mr. Gellatley remained in this country. These two missionaries proceeded without delay to the people who had called for their aid. According to the authority committed to them, they constituted themselves a Presbytery, under the title of the " Associate Presbytery of Pennsylvania," subordinate to the Associate Synod of Edinburgh. The principal settlements of the adherents to this body were found at Octorara and Oxford. From the two churches which were organized there Mr. Gellatley received a call to become their pastor. He accepted, and made these points the centre of his labors for about five years. He then resigned the charge of the Oxford Church, and remained at Octorara till the time of his death. He died in 1761, at Octorara, and was buried there in the churchyard (now Middle Octorara Church, United Presbyterians).
The second house of worship at Oxford was probably erected during the pastorate of Mr. Gellatley ; it was built of hewn logs. We have no means of knowing the growth or strength of the congregation during Mr. Gellatley's ministry, but may infer that they increased in number and financial ability from the fact that at the end of five years they were able, in connection with Pencador, Del., to assume the support of a pastor. In 1760 the following persons constituted the session of the church : Samuel Jackson, John Hawthorne, John Fulton, William Ramsey, James Wherry, and William Ross.
Rev. Matthew Henderson, the next pastor, came from Scotland in 1758. He settled at Oxford, preached also at Pencador, and did missionary work at other points within the compass of his ability. He remained in this field till the summer of 1775, when he removed to the western part of the State.
After the resignation of Mr. Henderson the congregation was supplied by Rev. John Smith. There was no regular pastor till 1796, when Rev. Ebenezer Dickey was ordained and installed in that office. Previous to this event a union between the Associate Presbytery of Pennsylvania and the Reformed Presbytery (composed of Presbyterians usually styled Covenanters) was proposed, and in 1782 was finally consummated. By this union the Oxford Church became a component part of the Associate Reformed Church, and remained in that connection for forty years. In consequence of this change several members withdrew from the church fellowship, and this agitation, together with that which pertained to the whole country after the events of the Revolutionary war, brought a time of trial and depression to the congregation. Of the particular obstacles to progress and the efforts to contend against them we know little definitely, as the church records from June, 1775, to May, 1839, are lost. Dr. Ebenezer Dickey’s pastorate extended over a period of thirty-five years. He was an active and efficient pastor, an instructive preacher, and a wise and good man. The church evidently grew and prospered under his care. The third house of worship built by the congregation was finished during the early part of his ministry. In 1811 there were 72 families in the congregation. The descendants of these compose a large part of the present congregation, nearly all of the old names having some representatives. During Dr. Dickey's pastorate a union was ratified between part of the Associate Reformed Synod and the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, and the pastor and congregation of Oxford were brought under the care of the General Assembly. This ecclesiastical connection remains until the present time. A minority, however, withdrew, and formed themselves into what is now the United Presbyterian Church of Oxford.
Dr. Dickey was succeeded by his son, Rev. John Miller Dickey, who entered the pastorate in May, 1832, and remained in it till 1856. It is worthy of note that this church was ministered to by these two men, father and son, for nearly sixty years. The son was beloved of the people, and seemed to be one of the prophets who had honor in his own country. He was a man of earnest piety, intense philanthropy, and lovely Christian spirit ; he gained a strong hold upon the affections of the people, and received great love and esteem as long as he lived. Shortly after he became pastor the fourth church building was erected. It was of brick, more commodious, and with better appointments than the former ones. The ruling elders at the time of Mr. Dickey's installation were John Dickey, Samuel Dickey, John Hudders, James Ramsey, Arthur Andrews, James Wilson, Esq., and Robert Murdagh. In 1839, Samuel J. Dickey, Samuel Ross, Joseph Wiley, and Ebenezer J. Dickey were added to the board of elders.
During Dr. John Miller Dickey's pastorate, extending through a period of 24 years, there were added to the church 410 persons. After his resignation he made his home, for the most part, among the people of his former charge. His death occurred in 1878.
After Dr. Dickey,s resignation the congregation was supplied for a short time by Rev. James D. Reardon. In September, 1856, a call was extended to Rev. Caspar W. Hodge he accepted, was duly installed, and remained till the summer of 1860, when he accepted a professor,s chair in Princeton Theological Seminary. From November, 1860, until the summer of 1862, Rev. William R. Bingham served as pastor. Rev. F. B. Hodge was ordained and installed pastor in the spring of 1863. He remained till the fall of 1868, when he resigned to take charge of the church in Wilkesbarre. During his pastorate 175 persons were received into the church. In this period a new church was erected upon the site of the old one. The sum of $35,000 was expended upon this building. The labors of James R. Ramsey, who was treasurer of the board of trustees and an active member of the building committee, are worthy of special notice.
In January, 1870, a little more than a year after the removal of Mr. Hodge, the congregation extended a call to Rev. Orr Lawson, then of Sunbury, Pa. This call was accepted, and his labors began in March of the same year. During the next year a fine bell was purchased and placed in the belfry, and after a little time material improvements were made in the basement of the church. The debt resting upon the church was then, by earnest and persistent effort, lifted. In 1871 the following ruling elders were elected and ordained : Alexander McCormick, James R. Crosby, John F. Dickey, and DeWitt C. Carhart.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHES - 255
During Mr. Lawson's ministry 365 persons have been received into the church. The present membership is about 450. This number represents a large proportion of the population, and naturally gives to the church a controlling influence in the community. Having the advantage and the prestige of an old and established church, this one has had much to do with moulding the opinions and habits of the community.
NOTTINGHAM.
The Nottingham Presbyterian Church (formerly Upper West Nottingham) dates from 1802. It was composed of members of Lower West Nottingham Church, in Cecil Co., Md., residing in Chester County, who, on the change of location of that church, about 1800, rendering their attendance there inconvenient, withdrew and organized the "Upper West Nottingham" Church. A church building was erected in 1802, which was enlarged in 1810.
Dr. Samuel Magraw, pastor of Lower West Nottingham, was also pastor of this church until 1821. It was then supplied until 1826, when it was connected with the church in Oxford under one pastoral charge, and so continued until the close of Mr. Bingham's pastorate. (See Oxford Church.),
It then became a separate charge, and has had as regular pastors Rev. William F. P. Noble, from November, 1862, to July, 1863 ; Rev. Robert Gamble, from November, 1864, to April, 1867, part of the time as a supply ; and Rev. S. M. Pierce, from November, 1867, to November, 1868. From then to Dec. 3, 1872, they had supplies. At the latter date the present pastor, Rev. Lindley C. Rutter, Jr., was installed.
In 1878-79 a new church building was erected at Nottingham Station, and the old one is about to be torn down and the ground included in a cemetery. The name of the church has recently been changed to " Nottingham."
OXFORD UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
In the sketch of the Oxford Presbyterian Church it is stated that that church, which was formerly in connection with the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, came, with its pastor, Rev. Ebenezer Dickey, into the Presbyterian Church on the union of the Associate Reformed with the Presbyterian body, in the year 1822. Some of the members of the Oxford Church, however, refused to acquiesce in the union, and organized a new Associate Reformed church, to which the name of " East Nottingham" was given. This church, in connection with Octorara Church, in Lancaster County, of the same faith and order, called Rev. William Easton to be their pastor, and he was installed June 7, 1827. The East Nottingham congregation erected a small brick church between Oxford and New London, where the congregation worshiped until Dec. 14, 1851, when a new building was erected in the borough of Oxford, -that being deemed a better location,-part of the materials of the old being used in its construction. On April 4, 1862, the house in Oxford was ready for occupancy, and has since then been used by the congregation. Mr. Easton continued in the pastorate until May 1, 1854, when he resigned. On the removal of the church its name was changed to Oxford. It is now, since the union between the Associate Reformed and Reformed Presbyterian Churches into a body called the United Presbyterian Church, a member of that body.
Since Mr. Easton the successive pastors of the church have been Revs. James H. Andrew, from Feb. 20, 1855 ; E. T. Jeffers, from July 2, 1865 ; George A. B. Robinson, from April 20, 1873 ; and Robert T. Wiley, from May 6, 1877. The church is now (1881) vacant.
WEST CHESTER.
The First Presbyterian Church of West Chester was organized Jan. 11, 1834. Measures looking to that result were commenced in April, 1831, when the Presbytery sent Rev. William A. Stevens to cultivate the field. From the year 1790 there had been preaching from time to time by ministers of that faith, but there was no regular organization. Mr. Stevens entered upon his labors, a congregation was gathered, and a house of worship erected on the corner of Miner and Darlington streets, the corner-stone of which was laid on July 3, 1832, and which was formally opened for public worship in January, 1834.
Mr. Stevens became the first pastor, but died Oct. 3, 1834. He possessed talents of a high order, and was very popular. His life was blameless, courageous, and devoted to his high calling, and his death was a great blow to the infant church.
The next pastor was Rev. James J. Graff, who was installed April 29, 1836. On the division of the Presbyterian Church at large into the " Old School" and " New School" bodies, this church became connected with the latter, and so continued until the reunion in 1870. Mr. Graff resigned in April, 1840.
The succeeding pastors have been Rev. John Crowell, from June 5, 1840, to July 17, 1850 ; Rev. William E. Moore, from Oct. 30, 1850, to April 9, 1872 ; and Rev. Benjamin T. Jomes, from Jan. 15, 1873, to the present time.
In 1860-61 the church building was enlarged by the addition of 25 feet, giving 40 additional pews, and at the same time the whole was painted, frescoed, and refurnished. In 1871 the church was further improved and granite steps laid in front ; and in 1874 the position of the pulpit was changed, the columns which stood on either side of it taken out, the organ placed behind it, stained glass put in the windows, and the entire church re-pewed.
July 23, 1876, the church celebrated its forty-third anniversary, on which occasion Rev. William E. Moore, a former pastor, then of Columbus, Ohio, read an elaborate and interesting history of the church.
The church has outposts at Goshenville, in East Goshen township, and Harmony Hill, in East Bradford township, at both of which places neat and commodious houses of worship have been erected.
The membership is now 455, ranking second of the Presbyterian Churches of the county, Oxford being the largest and Fagg's Manor the third.
DILWORTHTOWN.
This church was gathered through the efforts of the Presbyterian Church in West Chester. A church building was erected in 1877, and a church organized in April, 1878.
256 - HISTORY OF CHESTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.
Rev. Hector Alexander McLean was pastor from Sept. 9, 1878, to Feb. 24, 1881, and Rev. Joel S. Gilfillan, his successor, was chosen in April, 1881.
COATESVILLE.
In the spring of 1831 an effort was made to erect a house of worship in the village of Coatesville. The school-house, in which all denominations were accustomed to hold religious services, had become too small for the accommodation of the congregations that usually met for public worship, and no one sect felt itself strong enough to undertake the erection of a suitable building exclusively for religious purposes. A public meeting of the citizens of Coatesville and vicinity who felt an interest in the enterprise was held in the school-house, which then occupied the ground on which the Baptist church now stands, and it was agreed that a united effort be made to secure a lot, and to erect thereon such a building as would meet the wants of the people for public religious services. Ezekiel Rambo, Joseph Miller, George P. Lauer, Solomon Lukens, and Joseph Gardner were appointed a committee to solicit subscriptions for the purpose above named. According to the terms of subscription, the building to be erected was to be used in common by preachers in good standing belonging to the Presbyterian, Baptist, Friends, Episcopal, and Methodist denominations. The ground on which the Presbyterian church now stands was secured, and the first building erected upon it was finished in the spring of 1832. The property was deeded to Thomas H. Gardner, Jesse Coates, M.D., and Benjamin I. Miller, for the use and benefit of the subscribers.
The subscribers, according to public notice, met on May 12, 1832, and adopted a constitution of twelve articles, which speak well for their religious sentiments and orthodoxy. The " meeting-house," as it was called, was not to be used by every one calling himself a minister, for Article VIII. of the constitution says,—
"No stranger shall be allowed the use of the meeting-house unless one or more of the trustees shall have good testimony that he is an aurhorized minister in good standing, belonging to one of the above-named Christian denominations."
A number of the subscribers believed in a free gospel, and in their constitution ample provision was made for carrying out practically their belief, as Article IX. says,—
"No minister shall receive a stated salary for preaching in this meeting-house, nor shall any collections be taken up in it for any purpose, except to defray the incidental. expenses pertaining to the house."
At a meeting of the subscribers, held Sept. 23, 1838, the above clause was stricken from the constitution by a majority of more than two-thirds.
The subscribers found their plan of a union meetinghouse to be impracticable, and concluded to dispose of the property. An act of Assembly was passed June 23, 1842, authorizing the trustees to sell it to the Presbyterians, provided they repaid, within one year from the passage of the act, such of the original subscriptions as should be called for within six months. This was done, and on Sept. 20, 1843, the property was conveyed to the Presbyterian Church of Coatesville.
The Presbyterian congregation in 1849 took down the old building and erected another, 43 by 55 feet. A bell was placed thereon Oct. 24, 1856. In 1866-67 the building was enlarged to its present size. Since then other improvements have been made at considerable expense. In October, 1870, a dwelling-house, No. 223 Chestnut Street, was purchased as a residence for the pastor. In 1877 a neat stone chapel was erected by the congregation at Rock Run for Sabbath-school and other religious purposes. At the present time (1881) the church owes no debt, and owns property worth $20,000.
The meeting-house was one of the preaching-places of the Rev. Alexander G. Morrison, who was pastor of the Doe Run and Union Churches. Through his labors the Presbyterian cause advanced so that application was made to the Presbytery of New Castle as early as Dec. 5, 1832, for the organization of a Presbyterian Church in Coatesville. A committee was appointed, who met and organized the church, Sept. 4, 1833. The church began its career with 21 members. Last year (1880) it reported a membership of 287.
The first pastor of the church was the Rev. Alexander Gamble Morrison. He was born in Coleraine, Lancaster Co., Sept. 13, 1798. Until he was about twenty-one years of age he assisted his father in the work of a farmer and miller. His studies preparatory to the ministry were commenced in the vicinity of his own home, and completed in the Theological Seminary of Princeton, N. J. He was licensed to preach April 5, 1826, by the Presbytery of New Castle. April 24, 1828, he accepted a call from the Doe Run Church, and was ordained and installed the pastor of that congregation, and in November of the same year was installed pastor of the Union Presbyterian Church of Lancaster County. These two churches are about eighteen miles apart, and for about six years Mr. Morrison sustained the relation of pastor to them both. Once at least in every two weeks, and oftener as duty called, the long miles between these two points were regularly traveled twice over. Through storm and sunshine, mud and dust, cold and heat, rain, snow, and frost, he kept his appointments. Besides preaching in these churches regularly, he also had stated appointments in school-houses within the bounds of these congregations. As a result of his labors the Coatesville Church was gathered and organized. At a meeting of Presbytery, held April 1, 1834, a call from the Coatesville Church, asking for the ministerial services of Mr. Morrison for one-half of his time, was placed in his hands and accepted by him. He then resigned the pastoral charge of the Union Church, and was installed pastor of the Coatesville Church, April 23, 1834. For twenty-three years he continued to serve these two churches. On April 14, 1857, an application was made to Mr. Morrison, through the Presbytery, from the Coatesville Church for his entire time. Presbytery granted the request at its next meeting, in October following. The pastoral relation which had existed between him and the Doe Run Church was then dissolved, and he continued to be the pastor of Coatesville Church until his death. Under his ministry the congregation increased in size, and in every way the church prospered. When his health began to fail the congrega-
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHES - 257
tion, on June 19, 1867, voted him a rest of six months, supplied the pulpit, and paid him his regular salary. Finding that his usual health did not return to him, and not wishing to stand in the way of the prosperity of the church, he offered his resignation to the congregation, Sept. 28, 1867. But, to the great credit of the people, instead of accepting his resignation, they unanimously decided to request him to continue to be their pastor, released from all work, and agreed to get a younger man as an associate pastor, and to pay Mr. Morrison a salary of $300 as long as he lived. Mr. Morrison accepted the offer, and the congre, gation fulfilled its promise to the letter. This lie lived and died among the people wmembershad served as a minister for nearly thirty-three years. His death took place Oct. 27, 1870. At his own request, he was buried in Fairview Cemetery, and his was the first body laid in that silent city of the dead.
Rev. James Roberts, the second pastor, was born in Montrose, Scotland. He came to this country when a boy. He graduated at Lafayette College in the class of 1865, and at Princeton Theological Seminary in May, 1868. He was licensed to preach by the Presbytery of' New Castle, April, 1867. DuMoorethe season of' rest given to Mr. Morrison he was invited, while yet in Princeton Seminary, to supply the pulpit of the Coatesville Church. He accepted the invitation, and preached for the congregation for the first time Oct. 6, 1867. He was called to the pastorate of the church Jan. 15, 1868, and entered upon his labors at the close of his seminary course, May 9, 1868. He was ordained and installed May 28, 1868. For twelve years he has been stated clerk of the Presbytery, and is now permanent clerk of the Synod of Philadelphia. During his ministry the church has enjoyed a good degree of prosperity in all its departments of' Christian work. He has received into the church 397. members, baptized 113 children and 43 adults, and united in marriage 123 couples. Though by no means the oldest minister, he enjoys the honor of being the oldest settled Presbyterian pastor in the counties of Chester and Delaware.
HONEYBROOK.
The Honeybrook Presbyterian Church was formed by members of Brandywine Manor. The latter congregation having in 1835 become very large, it was resolved to erect a new church in the village of Waynesburg, and thus lessen the size of the mother-church, while-accommodating the community residing in and near the new location. A church edifice was erected in that year, and the congregation organized Nov. 28, 1835.
The first pastor was Rev. William W. Latta, who, after preaching there one yearNantmstated supply, was installed May 9, 1837. The church was incorporated by actof Assembly, April 16, 1840. A new edifice, in a different location from the first, was erected in 1851. Mr. Latta resigned in 1858 and, removed to Philadelphia, where he hai since been engaged in teaching. He was succeeded by Rev. John C. Thom; who was pastor from May 19, 1859, to September, 1865, when he removed to St. Louis to take charge of a church there, but he died Nov. 28, 1865, before the day fixed for his installation. Mr. Thom was a
- 33 -
man of intense earnestness and of sterling qualities, and he was very popular with the people. His biography has been published.
The succeeding pastors have been Rev. J. H. Young, from 1866 to Feb. 7, 1869,—a more than ordinary sermonizer, proverbial for his readiness of speech, quick-wittedness, promptness at retort, and keen satire ; Rev. William A. Ferguson, from Oct. 29, 1869, to Oct. 3, 1871; and Rev. W. W. Totheroh, from Oct. 31, 1872, to the present time.
In 1874 the church edifice was greatly improved, making it one of the most commodious churches in the county. The present membership is 275.
FAIRVIEW (FORMERLY WEST NANTMEAL).
The West Nantmeal Presbyterian Church dates from 1839. Those constituting it had been members of the Brandywine Manor Church, and many of them residing at a distance from that church, it was deemed in that year a fitting time to effect a new organization. The first building was erected on land given by James Todd, and the church was organized Jan. 1, 1840, by the New School Presbytery, called the Third Presbytery of Philadelphia, with which it formed a connection.
Among those who were prominent at the inception of the enterprise were John McClure, Joseph McClure, William E. Lewis, James MoOre, Thomas Brown, James Todd, Richard Walker, Daniel Henderson, Sr., Samuel and William Henderson.
The first pastor was Rev. Alexander Porter, who served from May, 1840, to May, 1845. He was succeeded by Rev. William H. McCarer, who was in charge until 1849. During his pastorate a parsonage, with several acres of ground, was purchased.
He was succeeded by Rpros-rriah B. Hotchkin, D.D., whose pastorate extended from June, 1850, to October, 1858. Dr. Hotchkin was a man whose mild and winning ways were well adapted to arouse and retain the affections of the people. In literary labors he was abundant. He was for many years associate editor of the American Presbyterian., a constaHONEYBROOKtor to other journals, and the . influence he exerted with his pen was considerable. A col.- lection of hymns which he compiled for the use of the soldiers in the late war reached a circulation of more than 60,000 copies. On :leaving West Nantmeal he became pastor of the Marple Church, in Delaware County, and died in October, 1878.
After an intermission of one year, Rev. David C. Meeker became pastor, and sustained that relation from October, 1860, to October, 1868. He was followed by Rev. Ambrose Nelson Hollifield, who was pastor from October, 1869, to January, 1876.
In 1870 several acres of ground were purchased adjoining the church and laid out for a cemetery. The name of the church was in the same year changed from West Nanteal to Fhasview. It had been originally named after the township in which it . was located, West Nantmeal, but that township had afterwards been divided, and the church falling into the new division of Wallace, it was deemed best to change its name, and that of Fairview, suggested by its
258 - HISTORY OF CHESTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.
location on high ground, commanding an extensive view of rich and rolling country, was adopted. In 1861 the old church edifice was torn down and the present beautiful and commodious one erected.
The present pastor, Rev. William Boyd, Jr., was installed in June, 1876.
EAST WHITELAND.
This church, at Frazer, was organized in 1839, and incorporated May 21, 1840. The leading men in the movement were Dr. Stephen Harris, Thomas Hutchinson, Robert Hutchinson, Joseph Smith, John Todd, and Josiah Harman The church was in connection with the Third Presbytery of Philadelphia until the Presbytery of Chester was constituted, in 1870. Its pastors have been Revs. D. H. Emerson, Mr. Barton, J. McKim Duncan, W. S. Drysdale, George Foote, Mr. Jones, John McLeod, A. M. Stewart, Thomas J. Aiken, John C. Clyde, from Oct. 2, 1872, to June 24, 1879, and William C. Stull, installed Oct. 28, 1879. The first church building was erected about 1837, and a few years thereafter a parsonage was also secured. The second and present church edifice, which is a very tasteful structure, was erected in 1877.
PHOENIXVILLE.
The First Presbyterian Church of Phoenixville was organized in 1846. It has had as pastors Revs. John Thomas, Joseph F. Jennison, Joseph W. Porter, and George H. S. Campbell, the latter froth Nov. 14, 1876, to Nov. 17, 1880.
ATGLEN.
The Presbyterian Church of Penningtonville (now Atglen) was gathered through the efforts of Rev. James Latta after he ceased to be pastor of Upper Octorara, and over which he was installed as pastor Nov. 11, 1852. He maintained that relation until April 9, 1861, when, on account of increasing years, it was dissolved. Mr. Latta died May 30, 1862.
The succeeding pastors have been Rev. J. William Edie, from July 29, 1862, to Aug. 27, 1868 ; Rev. W. F. P. Noble, from May 13,1869, to April 10, 1872 ; Rev. William R. Halbert, from Oct. 30, 1872, to Sept. 22, 1878, and Rev. Calvin D. Wilson, the present pastor, since May 11, 1880. -
Mr. Edie died Sept. 10, 1874, at Ebensburg, and Mr. Halbert May 8, 1881, at Carlisle, Pa.
DOWNINGTOWN.
The First Presbyterian Church of Downingtown was organized June 9, 1859, and was in connection with the New School branch of the Presbyterian Church. In 1860 a house of worship was erected on Lancaster Avenue, west of the bridge. Among those prominent in the movement were John Baugh and Gustav Heins. After a time dissensions arose in the congregation, and it was dissolved and the church edifice sold.
The Central Pennsylvania Church of Downingtown was organized July 17, 1861, by the Presbytery of New Castle, in connection with the Old School branch of the church.
It was first ministered to by Rev. John L. Withrow, now pastor of the Park Congregational Church, Boston, who, while a student in Princeton Theological Seminary, preached to this church in the summer of 1861.
The first regular pastor was Rev. Matthew Newkirk, Jr., who was installed April 21, 1862, although he had been preaching there from the preceding month of September. He was released Dec. 8, 1868, to take charge of a church in Philadelphia. During his pastorate the church edifice was erected on Lancaster Avenue, in 1863-64.
Rev. John Rea was pastor from May 6, 1869, to April 8, 1872, and was succeeded by the present pastor, Rev. Francis J. Collier, who was installed Oct. 9, 1872. The present membership is 155.
BERWYN.
The Trinity Presbyterian Church of Reeseville (now Berwyn) was incorporated April 29, 1862, and the church edifice, a neat Gothic structure, was dedicated .Dec. 30, 1862. The first trustees under the charter were Peter Burns, Sr., Joseph C. Smith, Alexander Wilson, William Clark, Peter Burns, Jr., Charles Thompson, Abel Reese, P. Williams, Joseph Williams, Joseph Evans, John Gowdy, Davis Taylor, John Lamey, Robert Neely, and Eber Beaumont.
The pastors have been Revs. John McLeod, A. M. Stewart, Thomas J. Aiken, Willard M. Rice, D.D., Dr. Hartman. The present pastor is Rev. Algernon Marcellus, who has been in charge since Oct. 17, 1879, and the ruling elders are James T. Doran and Frank II. Stauffer.
KENNET SQUARE.
The Presbyterian Church of Kennet Square was organized Nov. 1, 1862, and Rev. John S. Gilmor became its first pastor. He had been preaching there for five months previously. He was installed May 15, 1863. Ile continued in that relation until April 9, 1872. His successor, Rev. James Frazer, the present pastor, was ordained and installed May 22, 1872.
AVONDALE, TOUGHKENAMON, AND LONDONGROVE.
The Presbyterian Church of Avondale was organized Dec. 9, 1870. Rev. John S. Gilmor, of Kennet Square, was stated supply until the spring of 1872, when Rev. James Frazer was, May 22, 1872, installed as. pastor, in connection with the church in Kennet Square. This relation with Avondale was dissolved April 9, 1873, soon after which Rev. William R. Bingham became stated supply, and still sustains that relation. The church building was dedicated Jan. 17, 1874. The present bench of elders is composed of Dr. R. B. Ewing, Joseph T. Phillips, and Ziba Lamborn. Membership, 141.
A Presbyterian chapel was erected in Toughkenamon in 1877, and a building at Londongrove, which belonged to the Episcopalians, was purchased and repaired and fitted up as a Presbyterian chapel in 1878.
There is also a Presbyterian Church at Lincoln University, known as the Ashmun Church, which was organized in 1867, and a church in Oxford, called the Second Presbyterian Church of Oxford, organized in 1874.
BAPTIST CHURCHES - 259
BAPTIST CHURCHES.
The first BaptistChurch in Pennsylvania was established at Cold Spring in 1684, with Rev. Thomas Dungan, from Rhode Island, as pastor, but it was dissolved in 1702.
Elias Keach, son of the noted Benjamin Keach, of London, arrived in this country, " a very wild spark," about the year 1686. On his landing he dressed in black and wore a band,, in order to pass for a minister. The project succeeded to his wishes, and many people resorted to hear the young London divine. He performed well enough till he had advanced pretty far in the sermon, then, stopping short, looked like a man astonished. The .audience concluded he had been seized with a sudden disorder, but on being asked what was the matter he confessed the imposture, with tears in his eyes and much trembling. Great was his distress, and from this time he dated his conversion. Hearing of Baptist minister at Cold Spring, he repaired to him to seek counsel and comfort, and by him was baptized and ordained. In 1688 he organized the Pennypack or Lower Dublin Church, which still exists, the oldest in the State. Mr. Keach returned to England in 1692.
The Baptist Churches of Chester County, with the dates when they were constituted, and classified according to their Associations, are as follows :
Philadelphia Association.— Great Valley, 17I1; Brandywine, 1715; Hephzibah, 1810; Goshen, 1827; Bethesda, 1827 ; Glen Run, 1832.
Central Union Association.—Vincent, 1771; Beulah, 1823; Phoenixville, 1830; Windsor, 1833; West Chester, 1834; East Nantineal, 1841; East Brandywine, 1843; Pughtown, 1856; Coatesville, 1867.
North Philadelphia .Association.—Willistown, 1833; West Cain, 1842; Lawrenceville, 1858; Berean, 1878.
Other Churches.—London Tract, 1780 ; Oxford, recognized May 12, 1881; Green Valley, A branch of Hephzibah.
Brief historical sketches of the above churches are here given.
GREAT VALLEY.
About the years 1701 and 1702 several families from Wales arrived and settled in the east end of the valley, one of which was James Davis, a member of the Baptist Church of Rydwilim, in Carmarthenshire. Near to bin], in Radnor, lived Richard Miles and wife, who had been baptized by William Beckingham in Upper Providence. These two families met together, and invited ministers from other parts to preach at their houses, by which means several were baptized, particularly William Thomas Hugh, Arthur Edwards, William Davis, Margaret Davis, Joan Miles, Jane Miles, Margaret Phillips, Margaret Evans. In 1710, Rev. Hugh Davis, an ordained minister, William Rees, Alexander Owen, John Evans, and Margaret, his wife, arrived and settled in the same neighborhood. Thus strengthened, they began to think of forming themselves into a church. Previous to this they were supplied by the minister of the Welsh Tract (New Castle County) Church, of which they were cOnsidered a branch. April 22, 1711, they were constituted a church, and chose Hugh Davis to be their minister, and Alexander Owen and William Rees to be elders. Owen also officiated as deacon till February, 1712, when Griffith Jones arrived from Rydwilim, in Wales, and was appointed to that station. They continued to meet, mostly at the house of Richard Miles, in Radnor, until 1722, by which time they had increased so that it became necessary
to have more room. In 1722 a log house was built in Tredyffrin, 28 feet square, which in 1770 contained galleries and a stove. The situation was pleasant, being on rising ground by the highway, and near a small brook called Hunt yr Ewig. A part of the ground was given by William George, and the rest, upon which the building stood, was purchased by the church from David Jones.
Rev. Morgan Edwards, in his " Materials towards a History of the American Baptists," 1770, from which this is largely taken, says that at that time a branch church was located at Yellow Springs, where was a house 30 by 20 feet on a lot of four acres, the gift of Mr. Cox ; also a school-house and a stable. About ninety-two families belonged to the two branches, of whom ninety-nine persons were baptized, viz. :
John Davis, minister, James Davis, elder, Samuel Jones and John Williams, deacons, Samson Davis, David Thomas, Thomas Nicholas, Joseph Nicholas, George George, Thomas Davis, Rev. Thomas Davis, Edward Powell, Nathan Powell, David Cornog, Abraham Cornog, Thomas Cornog, Daniel Cornog, Evan Thomas, Griffith Thomas, William Griffiths, John Edwards, Lewis Morgan, Edward Jones, Isaac Adams, Eiijah Davis, David Thomas, Owen Thomas, William Grono, John Thomas, Thomas Morris, William Gordon, David Jenkins, Philip .Jenkins, Philip Lewis, Enoch Lewis, Joseph Philips, David Philips, John Philips, James John, William Wells, David Davis, Sarah Evans, Mary Davis, Hannah Jones, Mary Williams, Catharine Jones, Elizabeth Nicholas, Mary Nicholas, Hannah Davis, Mary Evans, Ann Walters, Catharine George, Hannah George, Mary Davis, Mary Pugh, Mary Davis, Mary Powel, Elizabeth Stevens, Margaret James, Catharine Cornog, Jane Cornog, Mary Thomas, Elizabeth Thomas, Sarah Cornog, Martha Lewis, Jane Davis, Sarah Mather, Mary Davis, Margaret — , Sarah Edwards, Martha Edwards, Edith Adams, Alce Adams, Elizabeth Davis, Catharine Roberts, Lettice Thomas, Margaret Grono, Mary Lloyd, Lettice James, Lettice Davis, Hannah Morr s, Sarah Gordon, Joan Davis, Margaret Jenkins, Jane Jenkins, Ann Lewis, Elizabeth Martin, Mary Philips, Margaret Philips, Mary Williams, Emma Vaughn, Margaret Smith, Hannah Wells, Mary Davis, Elizabeth Davis, Elizabeth Jones, Catharine Bartholomew.
The first minister, Rev. Hugh Davis, was born in 1665, in Cardiganshire, baptized and ordained at Rydwilim. After his arrival he served this church until his death, Oct. 13, 1753.
His successor, Rev. John Davis, was born Nov.1, 1702, in Llanfernach parish, county of Pembroke, and arrived in America July 27, 1713 ; called to the ministry in 1722 ; ordained Nov. 16, 1732 ; took part of the ministry with Hugh Davis, and had sole care of the church after 1753 until 1775, yet continued pastor till his death in 1778. He married Abigail Miles, by whom he had a son Samson, who married into the same family.
Nov. 8, 1760, the heirs of Mary James, in accordance with her verbal will, gave the church a folio copy of the Bible.
In 1775, Rev. David Jones moved into the neighborhood and became assistant to Pastor Davis, but during the Revolution he was absent most of the time as chaplain in the army. The church suffered from the ravages of the British army in 1777, as has been mentioned.
A number of gifts and legacies were bestowed upon this church, of which Mr. Edwards mentions fifteen in 1770, as follows :
William George, £150, one-third of which was appropriated to Vincent Church; Thomas Rees, £50; John Philips, £50; Edward
260 - HISTORY OF CHESTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.
Matthews, £16; Richard Owen, £5; William Morgan, £4; Thomas Jenkins, £20.; Sarah Miles, £5; Griffith Jenkins, £5; Griffith Philips, £5; John David Rees, £10; William Rees, £10; Hugh
towards supporting the school-house, £50; Owen Philips, £20; Henry Davis, a plantation of fifty acres, with a good house and outhouses thereon.
To these may be added a legacy of £150 from Benjamin Bartholomew, of Chester, in 1784.
A history of the church was prepared in 1872 by Rev. William M. Whitehead, from which we obtain further particulars.
In 1820 it was resolved " that in future the women shall be entitled to a vote on all questions that may arise in the church." In 1805 the new meeting-house, and in 1816 and 1823 the parsonage-house and barn, were respectively built. Its pastors were accustomed to itinerate through somewhat distant neighborhoods to gather together God's people and preach to them and others the Word. Rev. David Jones went for this and other purposes even to Ohio, and Rev. Thomas Brown went on a missionary tour into the centre of the State. In August, 1821, the pastor, 'Rev. Thomas Roberts, with Isaac Cleaver, John Farrier, Elizabeth Roberts, Elizabeth Jones, and Rachel Cleaver, were dismissed to form a mission to the Cherokee Indians ,in Tennessee. The next day (Sabbath). Evan Jones was baptized, and also. went with the mission.. His son, Rev. John B. Jones, born on the mission-field, became a translator and revisor of the Scriptures into the Cherokee language. The planting of churches, around them is another 'evidence of their missionary character, of which the following is a list :
1. The Seventh-Day Baptist, at French Creek, 1726.
2. Vincent Baptist, Chester County, 1771.
3. Phoenixcille Baptist, Chester County, 1830.
4. Norristown Baptist, Montgomery County, 1832.
5. West Chester Baptist, Chester County., 1834.
6. Willistown- Baptist,. Chester County, 1833.
7. Radnor. Baptist, Delaware County, 1841.,
The first election of trustees under the charter occurred in January, 1800, and the following named were chosen : Daniel Cornog, Isaac Abraham, James Abraham, Jonathan Philips, and Horatio G. Jones. Its members -promptly enrolled themselves among the patriots of the Revolution, and in 1812 its venerable pastor, Rev. David Jones, girded on his regimentals and went forth to hurl back the invading foe. Likewise in 1861 the church sent forth its .pastor, with most of its young men, to battle for the: preservation of the Union.
The following is a list of the pastors of Great. Valley Baptist Church:
1, Hugh Davis, 1711-53; 2, John Davis, 1732-78; 3, David Jones, 1775-76, 1792-1820; 4, John Davis, 1775-76; 5, Thomas Jones, 1776 -83; 6, Nicholas Cox, 1783; 7, John Boggs, 1791-1801; 8, Jenkin David, 1795-98; 9, Thomas Roberts, 1814-21; 10, Thomas J. Kitts, 1822; 11, John S. Jenkins, 1823-27; 12, Thomas Brown, 1828-31; 13, Leonard Fletcher, 1832-40; 14, Charles B. Keyes, 1841-45; 15, James F. Brown, 1846-54; 16, George Spratt, 1S54-58; 17, :William M. Whitehead, 1858-61; 18, James E. -Wilson, 1863-65; 19, B. C. Morse, 1867-70; 20, James H. Hyatt, 1870.
The licentiates of the church have been :
John Davis (licensed and afterwards ,ordained), Nov. 16, 1732; Richard Gardiner, April 24, 1824; Thomas Brown, April 2, 1832 ; Charles Barrie, March 23, 1839 ; William B. Bingham, John Clinger, Manassa McCIees, E. D. Fendall, Thomas Kutchen, Nathan. Stetson, Thomas Keene, Jan. 5, 1835; David Phillips, Oct. 25, 1840.
The ruling elders and deacons of the church have been as follows :
Ruling Elders.-April 22, 1711, Alexander Owen, William Rees; 1724, John Davis; Oct. 23, 1760, James Davis;. Jan. 22, 1803, Isaac Abraham.
Deacons.--April 22, 1711, Alexander Owen ; February, 1712, Griffith John ; 1735, Thomas John; Oct. 23, 1760, Samuel -John; June 27, 1789, Enoch Jones, Jonathan Phillips, Isaac Abraham ; July 27, 1793, John Gwin ; August, 1820, John Pugh, Jr., John Easburn ; Feb. 22, 1823, Edward Siter ; Nov. 23, 1832, Daniel Abraham, Phineas Phillips, Samuel King, Samuel D. Phillips; March 27, 1841, John Garber, Jonathan Jones, Henry Kaufman, Sr., Thomas Jones; Jan. 14, 1847, Isaac Richards, Hiram Cleaver ; Sept. 24, 1863, Charles Beaver, S. P. Abraham ; Dec. 24, 1863, Mordecai D. Carnog; Aug. 19, 1869, Samuel Priest, Henry Kaufman, Jr.
BRANDYWINE.
The following is from an ancient manuscript book in the possession of Robert Frame, Esq., of Birmingham, page 2:
" Whereas, that formerly a congregation of believers, baptized upon profession of their faith in the county of Chester, in the province of Pennsylvania, about the year 1692, among whom Thomas Martin administered Baptism, likewise Wm Beekingham administered borh Baptism and the Lord's Supper, until about the year 1701, when several oceasions occurred, that our congregational estate was dissolved -that we could no longer bear up our Church polity : Being dispersd, without the face of a church for many years. In the year 1715 upon the frequent coming of our beloved brother, Abel Morgan among us, to preach upon week days-Upon proposal for our associating together in church relation and Estate, it was concluded to have consultation about it, and finding such as were baptizd persons dispersed in the parts adjacent, very inclinable thereunto-notice being given to all such as were concerns to meet at the house of John Powell of Providence in the above said county, having got to our assistance, Brother. Morgan of Philada, Bro. James James, and bro : Jos Eaton, from the Welsh-traet (New Castle, Del.), we proceeded in the manner following : It being the 14th day of the month vulgarly called June 1715, the first part of the day was spent in fasting and prayer, to implore the blessing and aid of God upon our proceedings: Having our satisfaction in each other's grace, we further signified our resolution to join together, to carry on the worship of Gad and the ordinances of the gospel, according to the holy scriptures ;-and to further the edification of one another; and to walk in the order of the gospel : Then we did unanymously resign up our Souls to God, by a token of lifting up our hand to be his people and servants; in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, and then to one another by the will of God : declaring our uniting together in a church relation to each other to be governed by the word of God, taking upon us the title of a Baptized Church of Jesus Christ, holding and maintaining the same principles and practices as the other Baptized Churches in the provinces of Pennsylvania, and New Jersey in America; whereupon we were owned as a Sister church to the aforesaid churches, being of the same faith and Gospel order, by the above named Brethern."
The names of the persons engaged in this congregational settlement were as follows :
"Edmund Butcher
John Powell
Richard Buffington
John Beekingham
Joseph Powell
David Roberts
Jeremiah Collett he being Baptized May 4th 1715.
Elizabeth wife of John Powell
Margery Martin
Hannah wife of John Beekingham
Hannah Hunter
Mary Robinett
Mary Powell
Joan, wife of Jos. Powell."
On the first page of the old book from which the above was copied the entries of baptisms are commenced, of which the following are specimens :
BAPTIST CHURCHES. - 261
