EPISCOPAL CHURCHES - 275 this date, however, flatly contradicts several official records, we may justly conclude " 1715" to be the proper date and the tradition incorrect. In 1783, Mr. Currie again took charge of the church, the ratification of the treaty between England and the United States having absolved him from his oath of office. In 1788 he was succeeded by Rev. Slaytor Clay, the first American minister, whose field of labor included also the Great Valley Church, St. James', at Perkiomen, and the Swedes' Church, near Norristown. For this reason he could not preach at Radnor oftener than two or three times each month. Among other important events occurring during his term, the church was incorporated in August, 1792, he being the first rector of the incorporated body, and John Jones and Thomas Read the first wardens. In 1818, Mr. Clay's son, John C. Clay, officiated here about once a month ; and in the same year the Rev. Samuel C. Brinkle settled near Paoli, and at the request of the congregation preached here every two weeks until Slaytor Clay's death, when he succeeded him and preached every Sunday. To enable him to do this, 'William Crosley, a wealthy member, subscribed $20, and others, animated by this generous example, also contributed, so that the rector's salary rose to nearly $400. The successors of Mr. Brinkle have been, Rev. Simon Wilmer, from December, 1832, to July, 1833; Rev. William Henry Rees, from July, 1833, to Seprember, 1838; Rev. William Peck, from October, 1838, to October, 1845; Rev. William 'W. Spear, from January, 1816, to March, 1846; Rev. Breed Batchelor, from March, 1846, to December, 1847; Rev. Thomas G. Allen, not regularly appointed ; John A. Childs, from January, 1848, to August, 1850; Rev. Henry G. Brown, from 1851 to 1855; Rev. Richardson Graham, from January, 1856, to January, 1861; Rev. Thomas G. Clemson, from August, 1861, to June, 1866; Rev. William P. Halsey, from Nov. 18, 1866, to the present. The pastoral connection between this church and St. Peter's, in the valley, was formally discontinued from April 4, 1836. The present parsonage was built in 1844. Various repairs and changes have been made to the old church, but, owing to the fortunate opposition of some of the members, the efforts of those who would have entirely modernized its appearance have been frustrated. At this church there was an old custom to sell land within the church walls, on which the purchaser would " build ye pugh ;" and thus persons could, with some appearance of justice, exclude others from a pew, for which they not only paid a rent, but which their ancestors had actually built or owned. About 1830 a new vestry-room was built, and in 1871 the present one was erected on and beyond the site of the former house. ST. JOHN'S, WEST CALN. St. John's Protestant Episcopal Church, in the village of Compassville, West Caln township, is one of the oldest parishes in Pennsylvania. The first church, which was built in 1729 by emigrants from Great Britain, was a frame building, 22 by 20 feet, and stood on a plot of ground containing one acre, it being within a few feet of the site of the present church, which is the third one built by the parish. Rev. Richard Backhouse, living at old Chester, was the curate, and conducted services at St. John's on the first Tuesday of each month for ten years, at the expiration of which time, 1739, Rev. John Blackball became the rector of the parish, and continued in that position for three years, when he moved to Lancaster, and Rev. Mr. Backhouse resumed the charge, and continued doing so until his death, which occurred in 1750. For a year the parish was without a rector, but lay services were held, and the religious zeal was kept up. In 1751, Rev. George Craig came over from England as a missionary, and he was able to officiate at St. John's at least eight Sundays a year. Notwithstanding the irregular supply of a clergyman, the parish continued to grow, and waxed strong in members, so that in 1753, twenty-four years after the parish was originated, a new and larger church was built, it being of stone, and 22 by 48 feet in size,—more than double the size of the first one. The parish was ten years in building this church. In 1769, Rev. Mr. Craig was succeeded by Rev. Thomas Barton, who was rector of this parish, as well as those at Caernarvon and Lancaster, until 1776. At that time, his health failing, he started home to England, but died on the passage. His farewell sermon was listened to by a large congregation, much affected at his leaving them. From 1776 until 1783 the pulpit was vacant, owing, no doubt, to the general confusion incident to the Revolutionary war. In 1784, Rev. J. Fred Illing, of the Lutheran Church, was made pastor of St. John's, but in 1788 the Rev. Elisha Riggs was installed as rector, and continued so until 1793, when he was succeeded by Rev. Levi Heath. In 1799, Rev. Joseph Clarkson took charge of the parish, and remained there until his death, thirty-one years afterward. In 1822 he obtained an assistant, Rev. William Augustus Muhlenberg, who, after two years' service, was succeeded by Rev. Samuel Bowman, who remained until 1827. Rev. John Baker Clemson then became assistant rector, and continued so until 1831. In that year Rev. Richard Umstead Morgan succeeded 'Rev. Joseph Clarkson as rector, and had charge of the parish for three years. In 1835, Rev. Edward Young Buchanan began his rectorship, which lasted until 1845, when there was a vacancy for a year. In 1846, Rev. Henry Tullidge assumed charge of the parish, and remained for eight years. In 1854, Rev. E. P. 'Wright became rector, and after two years was succeeded by Rev. William G. Hawkins, who, after two years, was followed by Rev. George G. Hepburn, who resigned in 1860. Rev. Henry R. Smith then became rector, and remained for ten years. He also held services at Intercourse, Parkesburg, Churchtown, and Morgantown. During his rectorship St. John's church was remodeled, and made a handsome, comfortable building. In 1872 he resigned his charge, and in 1875 was drowned while bathing at Beach Haven, N. J. For two years after his resignation St. John's had no regular clergyman, when, in 1874, Rev. Thomas Mee became rector, but left the next year. Rev. Henry Tullidge, who had been rector from 1846 to 1854, was recalled, and still remains in charge of this old and venerable parish, which, during its existence of one hundred and fifty years, has had twenty rectors. The present church building is of stone, 40 by 55 feet, and was erected in 1838. It is an imposing-looking structure from the outside, and the interior is very beautiful. During the Revolutionary war a troop of English cavalry occupied the old church building as a barracks. In the 276 - HISTORY OF CHESTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. graveyard adjoining the church several hundred persons have been buried, for, although the inclosure is quite a large one, yet it is almost an impossibility at this date to open a new grave without exhuming parts of human remains. There are many quaint and curious headstones, with skulls and cross-bones, and angels' heads and oldtime epitaphs engraved thereon. ST. PETER'S, GREAT VALLEY. In the northeastern part of East Whiteland township, near the line of Tredyffrin township, stands an ancient church, known as " St. Peter's Episcopal Church, Great Valley." In 1849, Rev. Thomas W. Winchester, the then rector of the church, wrote a sketch of its history, which, with some additions and alterations, bringing it down to the present time, is here given. The present church, it appears from the records of the vestry, was erected in 1744, and the following note is entered upon the first page of the vestry-book : "1744, Be it remembered that this year St. Peter's Church was built nnder the care of Rich. Richison, Math. Davis, Jno. Cuthbert and Morris Griffith." The next entry is as follows: " Memorand. that on the fifteenth day of April, A. D. 1747, was held a vestry at St. Peter's Church, which was the first there ever held, and the following persons were chosen vestrymen : Wm. Moore, Morris Griffith, Rich. Richison, Matthew Davis, Jno. Cuthbert, Jas. David, Jno. Hunter, Robt. Powel, Geo. Aston, Wm. Owen, Thos. Roberts, Geo. James. Wardens, Edward Pearce, Jno. Evans." On the site of the present building there once stood a log church, but so little is transmitted to the present generation that no certain information respecting it can be furnished. There appears, however, this record on the book of the vestry : " May 19, 1752.—The said vestry approve of the disposal of the old log church." The logs were sold to a member of the vestry, with which he erected a dwelling-house for a son, who raised in the same a large family of children. It is thought that the log building must have been erected some forty or fifty years before the present building was completed. At a meeting of the vestry in September, 1748, a distribution of pews was made to sundry individuals, and a subscription made to finish the church. This subscription amounted to about £140, the subscribers generally giving £5 each. One subscriber to the amount of £5 was William Currie, who held pew No. 7, and it is presumed that he was at this time a lay reader to the congregation. The following entry appears on the minutes of the vestry : "St. Peter's Church, June 3d, I 750.—At a meeting of the vestry then and there held it was ordered that Rich. Richison and Jno. Potter should agree with some joiner to build a pulpit, a reading desk and a communion table, and to floor and banister the same, and accordingly they agreed with Jno. Wayne for £12 to do and complete the same workmanlike." On Dec. 4, 1770, the vestry agreed to erect galleries along the west end and south side of the church. These galleries were superintended and directed by Robert Powell and Edward Pearce, the latter individual being also the mechanic and builder of the same. It appears that on Jan. 1, 1752, at a vestry meeting, the minister of the congregation was present. This is the first mention made of him, and the rector at that time was the Rev. William Currie, who had officiated for some time before this as lay reader. The probable time of his ordination was some time during the year 1751, he having sailed to England for the purpose of receiving his ordination. " Aug. 2, 1762.—At a vestry held this day it is ordered that two stables should be built, 20 by 16, and two stoves had to accommodate the congregation, the same to be had and completed as soon as may be, the same being done under the care and inspection of Edward Pearce, David Jones, Richard Richison, and Robert Ralston, so appointed by said vestry." These two stables were soon after erected by Edward Pearce, and were of course intended to protect the horses of the members of the church from the inclement weather. These stables stood until the last tell or twenty years, when, becoming old and dilapidated, they were taken down and removed. In 1771 a wall was built along the front or west side of the graveyard by Edward Pearce, who seems to have combined the two occupations of mason and carpenter, at least as far as St. Peter's church is concerned. On the 15th day of May, 1774, the following memorandum is found entered on the vestry-book : " At a meeting of the wardens and vestry of St. Peter's Church held this day agreeable to the request of the committee of the different Episcopal Churches in the city of Philadelphia, in order to delegate a person out of our body to represent us at a general consultation held in said city on the 24th instant, when John Francis was unanimously chosen for the above purpose." This meeting in Philadelphia, it is presumed, was called for the purpose of organizing the Episcopal Church in Pennsylvania, and also to adapt the church and its services to the new state of affairs brought about by the Revolutionary war. The first title to the land on which the church stands bears the date May 30, 1774, Math. Davis granting the same to William Moore, Thomas James, Morris Griffith, Richard Richison, and John Cuthbert, these persons holding the grounds for the use of the congregation. The price or yearly rent of the ground is named in the deed at one ear of Indian corn, to be paid annually whenever legally demanded. The church was incorporated by the Legislature March 4, 1786. The names of corporators were as follows : Thomas Bull, Benjamin Thomas, Richard Richison, John Rowland, John Francis, Cromwell Pearce, Thomas Wilson, Joseph, Rowland, Richard Robinson, Joseph Evans, and Roger Little. The Rev. William Currie, the first regular rector of St. Peter's, served the church as such, in connection with the Radnor and Perkiomen Churches, until independence was declared. Feeling that he could not violate his ordination vows by refusing to pray for the king of England, he gave up the charge of the churches, but occasionally preached by request, and after Bishop White was elected chaplain to Congress again officiated in the church, and at all times performed the marriage service and administered the ordinance of baptism.* After the connection of Mr. Currie with the church had * See also biographical sketch. EPISCOPAL CHURCHES - 277 been broken, and also the infirmities of age coming upon him, the congregation were for some time without a settled pastor, its main dependence being placed upon occasional visits from clergymen performing missionary duties through the country. In the year 1788 the Rev. Slator Clay, father of Jehu C. Clay, D.D., of Philadelphia, took charge of the rectorship of St. Peter's ; he remained the rector of the church until the day of his death, some time in September of the year 1821. The character of this venerable man, which is so familiar to many who are still living, will never be forgotten by the people of St. Peter's. For about three years the church was without a settled rector, and depended, upon supplies. At the expiration of this time the Rev. Samuel C. Brinkle was called to the church, and he remained the rector for about nine or ten years. His successors were the Rev. William H. Rees, who officiated about six years ; Rev. Simon Wilmer, about six months; Mr. Rees again for a short time ; Rev. William Hilton, about four years ; Rev. William Peck, three years; Rev. William- H. Woodward, three years; Rev. William L. Suddards, of Philadelphia, three months ; and the late Rev. Thomas W. Winchester, who took charge of the congregation in the latter part of September of the year 1849. He was succeeded at his death, which occurred in February, A.D. 1858, by the Rev. Samuel Hazlehurst. Since Mr. Hazlehurst the rectors in charge have been Rev. A. E. Tortat, Rev. W. R. Stockton, Rev. De Witt C. Loup, and Rev. Thomas J. Taylor. St. Peter's may truly be called the mother of churches. St. Mary's Church, of which the Rev. Dr. Bull was so long rector, may be said to be a branch from St. Peter's. The members lived distant from the church, and as their own neighborhoods felt the need of divine service, they came together with their neighbors and erected church buildings. This was the case with St. Andrew's, West Vincent. Some of the steadiest members of old St. Peter's left it when this new congregation was organized. So was it with St. Paul's, West Whiteland, and St. Peter's, Phoenixville, and Trinity, West Chester ; and, indeed, it is not to be doubted that nearly every Episcopal church in Chester County has received or drawn some nurture from this venerable congregation, which has given until it is left impoverished for a want of a sufficient number of people to fill its courts. St. Peter's has been the recipient of several liberal bequests since its organization. Some of the money, unfortunately, was not well secured, and thus a portion of it has been lost from the pious uses which the donors intended. The old church Bible, with the prayers of the Church of England bound up with it, long in use at the church, is now in a good state of preservation, though one hundred and forty-three years old. It was published A.D. 1738. The communion set presented by Queen Anne of England is still in existence, but not now the property of the church. We subjoin here extracts from Dr. Perry's " Historical Collections of American Colonization Churches," in which mention is made of this church. " LONDON, Aug. 3, 1728. "To THE HON. SEC. P. G. F. P. : " The memorial of their lately arrived missionary from Pennsylvania in America. "I must own to you that my labors beyond my line and of traveling from place to place, to keep the people steadfast. in the faith, &c., &c. . . . to Perquiomine, which is 20 miles, and Whitemarsh, which is 12 miles, and to Great Valley, which is 30 miles (from the place of my habitation), where they have laid the foundation of a church just before I left the country, and is about 8 miles distant from Radnor. " ROBERT WEYMAN." Mr. Currie to the secretary of the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts : " RADNOR, March 31, 1760. "REV. SIR.-I must beg leave to acquaint the Secretary, that although my hearers are many in number, especially at Raduor and Great Valley, yet they are become so very careless and lukewarm, that I cannot get them to meet on an Easter Monday to choose a vestry, &c., &c. I am Rev. Sir, &c. " WILLIAM CURRIE." The oldest gravestone in St. Peter's churchyard bears the date A.D. 1709. The following dates have been taken from gravestones in the burial-ground of St.. Peter's Church: James David, d. July 24, 1746, aged 73. Roger Martin, d. July 1, 1770, aged 63 yrs. 9 mos. Moses Griffith, d. Jan. 27, 1766, aged 79. Cromwell Pearce, d. Aug. 4, 1794, aged 62. Sampson Davis, b. June 3, 1789; d. June 20, 1862. John G. Bull, b. Apr. 26, 1772; d. Apr. 13, 1846. Col. Cromwell Pearce, h. Aug. 13, 1772; d. Apr. 2, 1852. Ezekiel Bowen, d. Nov. 16, 1805, aged 72. Richard Robinson, d. Feb. 16, 1811, aged 69. Rev. John Gemmill, V.D.M., d. Dec. 14, 1814, aged 54. John Ralston, d. Sept. 1, 1825, aged 81 yrs. 10 mos. and 27 days. Nathan MacVeagh, d. Oct. 18, 1842, aged 81 yrs. 11 mos. 12 d. Rebecca, wife of Nathan MacVeagh, d. Jan. 5, 1833, aged 71 yrs. 2 mos. 26 d. George Wersler, d. May 14, 1832, aged 81 years. ST. JOHN'S (PENN TOWNSHIP). The Protestant Episcopal church at Penn Station is the fourth edifice which has been used as a place of worship by the parish, which is known ecclesiastically as " St. John's Church, New London Cross Roads." The third building, now in a dilapidated condition, stands in the old graveyard, one mile from the village of New London. The second structure is in existence as a dwelling-house, and removed from its original site. The first, erected as long ago as 17-, has disappeared entirely. As far as can be ascertained from very meagre and much torn papers, the pasters have been as follows : Revs. John Gordon, 1744 ; Israe Acrelius ; John Abram Lidenius, 1755 ; Elisha Rig;, 1791 ; George Handy, 1808 ; Jacob M. Douglass, 1824 ; George Kirke, 1829. Rev. Kirke's was a long pastorate of forty years. Since him the rectors have been Rev. J. H. Mac Elrey, Rev. J. L. Hey-singer, Rev. George Hall, Rev. Wm. Augustus White. ST. PAUL'S (WEST WHITELAND). The St. Paul's Episcopal Church, West Whiteland, was organized Feb. 23, 1828, by the election of Cromwell Pearce and Jonathan Jones as wardens, and Joseph B. Jacobs, Thomas H. Pearce, Dr. Andrew Wills, Robert Ralston, William Tredenick, Thomas H. B. Jacobs, Emmor Elton, Isaac Pawling, Joshua Hunt, and James Kenney as vestrymen. The church building was erected in the same year (the corner-stone being laid May 1, 1828), and consecrated May 28, 1829. 278 - HISTORY OF CHESTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. The congregation was gathered through the efforts of Rev. Samuel C. Brinckle, of St. David's Church, Radnor, and he had as rectors or ministers in charge the following clergymen : R. N. Morgan, from May 31, 1829, to Dec. 16, 1832 ; Cyrus H. Jacobs, from Dec. 16, 1832, to Jan. 1, 1836 ; William Hilton, from July 24, 1836, to July 26, 1841 ; William Henry Rees, from November, 1841, to April 1, 1844; William H. Woodward, from Aug. 18, 1844, to Sept. 30, 1847; William L. Suddards, from Jan. 1, 1848, to May 1, 1848 ; H. Hastings Weld, during the summer of 1848 ; Thomas W. Winchester, from Sept. 16, 1848, to Oct. 1, 1854; Thomas L. Green, from April 1, 1855, to Dec. 25, 1857 ; Samuel Hazlehurst, from Jan. 1, 1858, to April 1, 1864; Joseph W. Cook, from July 1, 1864, to Jan. 1, 1868 ; A. Emelius Tortat, from April 12, 1868, to Oct. 1, 1871; Robert F. Innes, from Dec. 18, 1872, to October, 1875 ; G. Livingston Bishop, from June 4, 1876, to Feb. 26, 1879 ; De Witt C. Loup, for a short period, and Thomas J. Taylor, the present rector (1881). During a part of this period the church was united with St. Peter's, Great Valley, in one charge, and it is so united at the present time. HOLY TRINITY, WEST CHESTER. The Church of the Holy Trinity was organized on the 23d day of November, 1835. The first vestrymen were Cromwell Pearce, Lewis Brinton, John Solomon, George W. Pearce, Anthony Bolmar, James A. Kee* John H. Brinton, John Hunter. The first meeting was held the next day after their election, when they chose their first pastor, Rev. George W. Cole. Mr. Cole's successors have been Revs. Edwin W. Wiltbank, Richard Newton, Rt. Rev. G. T. Bedell, and Revs. John B. Clemson, Lewis P. Balch, William Newton, John Bolton. The charter was obtained from the Supreme Court, bears date the 28th day of April, 1838, and is signed by the Hon. John B. Gibson, chief justice, and his associate judges. The first church edifice was erected on the north side of Gay, east of New Street, in pursuance of a resolution of the vestry, passed April 9, 1838. Previous to this date there was no Episcopal edifice in West Chester, and those who held to that faith had held services in the court-house. It is said that the meeting which decided to build a church was called by the Rev. Levi Bull. The first edifice is still owned by the parish, and used as a chapel and Sunday-school room. Among the vestrymen of the church for many years was Dr. William Darlington, the distinguished botanist, who continued an active member to the period of his death. In 1838 there were 18 communicants, and the Sunday-school numbered 6 teachers and 32 scholars. The cornerstone of the new edifice was laid July 3, 1868, by the Rev. Henry J. Morton, assisted by the Rev. J. Bolton, rector, and others. On the occasion an historical address was read by Addison May, Esq. The officers of .the church at that time were : Rector, Rev. John Bolton; wardens, Lewis Brinton, James H. Bull; vestrymen, Lewis Brinton, James H. Bull; Henry Buckwalter, John T. Worthington, Wayne MacVeagh, Eugene Paulin, William W. Jefferis, Cadwallader C. Sellers, Charles S. Bradford, Jos. B. Dillingham, Albert Entriken, Addison May ; treasurer of the church, Chas. S. Bradford; secretary of the vestry, Addison May; building committee, Rev. John Bolton, Lewis Brinton, James H. Bull, Addison May ; treasurer of the building committee, Addison May ; architect and designer, Rev. John Bolton ; contractor, Bently Worth; chief mason, Strode Batton ; sexton of the church, Jeremiah Caine. In 1863 the present rector, Rev. John Bolton, was called, and since his rectorship he has confirmed about 300 persons, and the total number of names appearing on the church records of members is 430, a large number of whom have removed to other parishes, principally Philadelphia. The present number of communicants is 160. The Sunday-school numbers 135 scholars and 23 teachers. The officers in 1881 are : Rector, Rev. John Bolton ; wardens, William W. Jefferis, Charles S. Bradford; vestrymen, W. W. Jefferis, J. Hunter Worrall, George M. Rupert, Dr. Wm. B.. Brinton, George Achelis, Charles M. Grimm, Dr. Joseph T. Rothrock, Thomas H. White, Henry Norris, Charles S. Bradford, Jr., Reuben Fithian, J. W. Nivin. ST. PETER'S, PHOENIXVILLE. This church was organized in the summer of 1838, the members holding services in the school-house near " the Knoll." The corner-stone of the present church edifice was laid by the Rt. Rev. Bishop Onderdonk, D:D., on Easter Sunday (April 25th), 1840. The lot of ground was presented by Messrs. Reeves, Buck & Co. The church, however, was not finished until December, 1852, when it was consecrated by the Rt. Rev. Bishop Alonzo Potter, D.D., LL.D. Though small, yet it was over twelve years in being built. The first clergyman sent as a missionary by " the Society for the Advancement of Christianity in Pennsylvania" was the Rev. Henry F. E. Whitesides, in the fall or winter of 1838. He resigned in the course of the year 1839. In December, 1849, the Rev. Oliver A. Shaw took charge of the church, in connection with St. Gabriel's, Morlattin, Berks Co., and Christ Church, Pottstown. He resigned in October, 1842. The Rev. Marmaduke Hirst was the next rector, continuing in charge until the year 1845. The Rev. I. P. Nash followed, resigning his charge in 1851, leaving only 18 communicants. The Rev. Samuel Durburow was elected in September, 1851, and continued in charge until the spring of 1855. In September the Rev. George Alexander Crooke, D.D., DD.L., was elected rector, continuing in charge about eight months. The Rev. T. W. Winchester commenced his labors as rector June 5, 1856, and continued in charge until February, 1858, about one year and eight months, when he died. The present rector, the Rev. W. R. Stockton, was elected Aug. 15, 1858; vestrymen (1881), William H. Reeves, A. B. Emery, John Detwiler, Gen. B. F. Fisher, Harry R. Griffen, James W. Pennypacker, S. R. McShea, Ellis B. Reeves, William Quick. Within the few last years the church has been greatly improved and beautified, the walls having been frescoed in oil colors, stained glass put in all the windows, a new and large memorial window placed in rear of chancel, and the church rendered very attractive in appearance.. The grounds have been graded, terraced, and planted METHODIST CHURCHES.- 279 with shade-trees. A large and commodious rectory has been built with all the modern conveniences. The communicants now number 150, and every pew in the church is rented. A new and handsome organ was purchased April, 1879. ST. JAMES', DOWNINGTOWN. The records of this parish show that the services of the Episcopal Church were held in Downingtown in November, 1842, the Rev. G. T. Bedell (the present Bishop of Ohio), then rector of the church of the Holy Trinity, West Chester, officiating. The attendance was so encouraging that he advised the formation of a' parish, and on November 6th, after divine service, Rev. Mr. Bedell explained the customs and government of the Episcopal Church, and at his suggestion a committee was appointed to report the names of 12 gentlemen to act as vestrymen. After a few moments' consultation, the following were nominated And elected as vestrymen : Messrs. John D. Steele, John F. Parke, J. B. Moorehead, Gideon Taylor, Charles Pusey, Allen W. Wills, Dr. Andrew Wills, John McKinley, J. Dutton Steele, Joshua Hunt, John Hunter (of West Chester), and Dr. J. Stuart Leech. Services were held for some time at the house of Dr. Andrew Wills, afterwards in the Masonic Hall, now St. James' rectory. June 20, 1843, the corner-stone of the present church building was laid. It was finished, and consecrated by Bishop H. W. Onderdonk October 26th of the same year. The church was enlarged in 1864. Rev. Mr. Bedell, of West Chester, was invited by the vestry to take charge of the congregation, in connection with his work at West Chester, which he declined. The Missionary society of St. James' Church, Philadelphia, offered to contribute $400 for two years towards the sup. port of a resident minister. The offer was accepted, and as a mark of respect and gratitude to that society, it was resolved to name this parish " St. James." The Rev. William Augustus White, of Boston, was called as the first rector. He entered upon his duties in November, 1842, and resigned in 1845. The other rectors have been : The Rev. Samuel Hazlehurst, October, 1845, to May, 1847; Rev. H. Hastings Weld, June, 1847, to July, 1854; Rev. Wm. P. Ray and Rev. P. Browne Morrison, 1856 to 1858; Rev. John B. Henry, 1858 to 186:3; Rev. Benj. A. Rogers, 1863 to 1866; Rev. Jesse Y. Burk, 1866 to 1870; Rev. Wm. White Montgomery, for about one year, and was succeeded by Rev. Rob't F. Innes in July, 1871; he resigned, October, 1880, and was succeeded by the present rector, the Rev. W. G. Ware. During the rectorship of Rev. Mr. Weld the building known as Masonic Hall was purchased, and, with some alterations, was converted into a rectory at a cost of $1600. In 1864 the chapel was enlarged and beautified. During the rectorship of Rev. Innes a parish building was erected for Sunday-school and other purposes, and an addition made to the rectory. There are connected with the church two Sunday-schools, which are successful in their work. The property of the church is valuable and in good repair. CHURCH OF THE TRINITY, COATESVILLE. The services of the Protestant Episcopal Church seem to have been celebrated for the first time in this town, Sunday, Aug. 21, 1859, in a school-house which stood on the site of the present Baptist church,. the Rev. Mr. Henry, of Downingtown, officiating. How often these services were repeated is not known, but they do not appear to have been attended with any permanent results. It was not till many years afterwards that the attempt was renewed to introduce the worship of this church. In the fall of the year 1868, a parish having been organized, the Rev. George G. Field became the first resident pastor, and still continues to be ; and regular services were commenced, the congregation worshiping in a public hall. Horace A. Beale and Nathaniel P. Hobart were the first wardens ; and of the vestry, Messrs. Benjamin Miller, Charles Pennock, William Scott, John Speakman, John Stone, Dr. James Scott, Reese Welsh. In the summer of 1871, a lot of ground on the Main Street. having been given by Mr. Benjamin Miller, a small, inexpensive, but convenient frame chapel was finished and consecrated, to be replaced at some future time by a more imposing and substantial structure. It was speedily cleared of debt, and the sittings were free. The present vestry is composed of II. A. Beale, Newton H. Stone, wardens; W. Scott, Benjamin Miller, Jr., John Speakman, George Henson, Amos Scott, William Pennock, Dr. William R. Blakeslee. ST. MARY'S, WARWICK. St. Mary's Episcopal Church, in the village of St. Mary's, Warwick township, was founded early in this century by the Rev. Levi Bull, D.D., of which he was rector for more than forty years. He was the oldest Episcopal minister in the diocese of Pennsylvania, and through almost his entire ministry he was a resident of Chester County. The house of worship was built in 1806, and rebuilt and enlarged in 1843. The late John Starrett., of Warwick township, Chester County (father of Mr. Thomas K. Starrett, proprietor of Warwick Furnace Farm), left by will the sum of $1000 for the purpose of remodeling and repairing St. Mary's church, and this sum was applied as intended by the donor in the summer of 1880. It was repainted, repaired inside, supplied with a slate roof, had a large vestibule constructed, etc. This is a vast improvement to the church edifice, both inside and out. St. Mark's Episcopal Church, in Honeybrook township, was organized in the year 1835. METHODIST CHURCHES.* Isaac Rollins was probably the first Methodist preacher. that the people of Chester County heard. He is first alluded to in the journal of Rev. Francis Asbury. The first quarterly meeting after Asbury's appointment as assistant by Mr. Wesley was held at Joseph Presbury's, Harford Co., Md., Wednesday, Dec. 24, 1772. In answer to the question, " How are the preachers stationed—Bro. K. [King], Bro. W. [Webster], and I. R. [Isaac Rollins]—on the other side of the bay ?" (This, the Eastern Shore, embracing the work in Kent and Cecil Counties, Md.) While he was laboring on the Eastern Shore of Mary- * By Rev. Geo. W. Lybrand. 280 - HISTORY OF CHESTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. land, he went up into Chester County, Pa., where he broke up some new ground. Methodism entered Chester County at its south end, in Marlborough township, and traveled up north through its centre, from which it radiated east and west. Here Isaac Rollins was useful. He penetrated the county to its centre early in 1773, and established several preaching-places. Shortly after Rollins had introduced Methodism into the county, Rev. Francis Asbury paid his first visit. I copy from his journal :* "Monday, March 21, 1773.—Being a rainy day I set out from Newport, New Castle county, Delaware, late for Marlborough; there was, notwithstanding, a large congregation waiting. Though unwell, I gave them an exhortation at night, and I. R. [Isaac Rollins] preached. He has been of some use to the people here. "Tuesday, 22.—My mind was serene, and I felt a nearness to God —a determination to live to Him alone. Went to T. E.'s [Thomas Ellis'] and felt much life while preaehing to a large eompany there, but was afflicted with a violent pain in the head. "Wednesday, 23.—Many great people attended the preaching at W.'s [Woodward's, on the Brandywine] and we had a comfortable time. Rode thence to S. H.'s [Samuel Hooper's]. Many Quakers were present, and it was a moving season. I then went about twenty miles through wet weather and bad roads to Mr. T.'s [Tussey's]. This was in Delaware." Rollins was thrown from a mettlesome horse, not far from the Yellow Springs, Chester Co., Pa., and died on the spot. This was in 1783. Near the Little Eagle, Uwchlan township, Chester Co., Pa., is a fenceless lot, on which are a few graves. Some ancient Methodists are buried here, and here it is most likely a grave was made for Isaac Rollins. (So says tradition.) On this lot stood Benson's chapel. In 1774 the name of the circuit was Chester. It embraced Chester County, which up to 1789 embraced Delaware County. There were appointments for preaching in Marlborough, at Thomas Ellis', at Woodward's, on the Brandywine, west of West Chester, at Samuel Hooper's, probably in Goshen, and in the course of the year in Uwchlan and Coventry. The preachers that followed Rollins and Asbury were Daniel Ruff and William Watters. This was in 1774. Watters, at the Conference of 1774, was appointed to Trenton circuit., where he labored, with the exception of one quarter, when he changed with Daniel Ruff and preached in the Chester Circuit. While here he was useful in healing a division in the young society in Goshen, Chester Co. Abraham Rollin, from Patapsco Neck, in Maryland, who had a wish to be a traveling preacher, but, on account of his extreme roughness and ranting, could not obtain the sanction of the Methodists, in the summer of this year came into Chester Circuit, and having made a party in this society, endeavored to settle himself upon them as their minister. He had influenced some of the most wealthy of the society, George Smith in particular. They were holding their secret meetings to carry out their plans. Mrs. Smith had had a dream, in which she saw Mr. Watters before her eyes,—beheld him as one sent to deliver them from imposition ; and as soon as she saw him she recognized him as the person she had seen in her dream. The result was A. Rollin * Asbury's Journal, vol. i. p. 45. was dismissed, and Mr. Smith, his wife, and two daughters, with the rest that had broken off from the Valley or Grove society, returned to it. The pastors since have been : 1775, Richard Webster; 1776, no appointment; 1777, Robert Lindsay; 1778, no appointment; 1779, Joseph Cromwell; 1780 (Chester included in Philadelphia, the name of Chester does not appear), John Cooper, George Mair; 1781 (the circuit, embracing all the work in this section, is called Pennsylvania), William Glendenning, Samuel Rowe, Isaac Rollins; 1782, William Glendenning, John Coleman ; 1783 (Chester), Reuben Ellis, John Hagerty, Thomas Haskins ; 1784 (called Philadelphia), Le Roy Cole, Joseph Cromwell, Jeremiah Lambert; 1785, Ira Ellis, James Thomas, Thomas Vasey (elder); 1786, Henry Ogburn, Peter Moriarty, Caleb Boyer (elder) ; 1787, Samuel Dudley, William Thomas, Elders John Hagerty and William Gill ; 1788 (this year the work was arranged into three appointments, —Philadelphia, Chester, and Bristol), Philadelphia, Lemuel Green ; Chester, Robert Cann, John Milburn ; Bristol, William Dougherty ; Elder Richard Whatcoat. 1789 (Chester), William Dougherty, James Campbell, Elders Henry Willis and Lemuel Green; 1790, Sylvester Hutchinson, John Cooper, Elder Richard Whatcoat; 1791, John McClaskey, Isaac Robinson, Simon Miller, Elder Lemuel Green; 1792, Joseph Lovell, Joseph Wainwright, Elder John McClaskey ; 1793, Robert Cloud, William Hunter ; Wilmington, Evan Rogers (who after six months is to change with Robert Cloud), Elder Freeborn Garrett-son. 1794 (this year Chester Circuit was divided; the new circuit called Lancaster, from Lancaster County, Pa. Chester memhers: whites, 200; colored, 19; Lancaster: whites, 256; eolored 4), preachers : Chester, William Early, James Smith; Lancaster, Isaac Robinson, Elisha Pelham, Elder Valentine Cook. My impression is that the Rev. Matthew Magee was also sent in 1794 to Chester. In the "Minutes" of this year, among those admitted on trial, appears the name of Matthew McGee. his name does not appear among those stationed. As Bishop Asbury did not publish the Minutes to the fall, the inference is his death led him to leave out his name. Asbury refers to him in his journal : " McGee died of the malignant fever (the yellow fever)." † His remains are interred in the burial-ground of the Grove Methodist Episcopal Church. The following is the inscription on his tombstone: "Rev. Matthew Magee, died Sept., 1794, in the 33d year of his age. " Long did he walk in wisdom's shining ways, A pattern of sweet innocence and grace, A faithful preacher of the holy word, An humble follower of his gracious Lord." 1795 (Chester and Lancaster united), John Jarrell, Thomas F. Sargent, John Robinson, Elder John Merrick ; 1796 (Chester), Thomas Bell, Samuel Welsh; 1797, Chester, William Colbert ; Strasburg. ‡ William Penn Chandler; 1798 (Strasburg and Chester), William P. Chandler, Daniel Higby ; 1799 (Chester and Strasburg), William Colbert, Edward Larkins, Robert Bonham. The " Minutes of the Conferences" have, in addition, James Herron. Herron was not on the circuit; at the request of Joseph Jewell, he accompanied him to the work in Canada, with the consent of Bishop Asbury. My impression also is that Robert Bonham, who was a supernumerary, was not on the circuit. He died in the month of June, 1800, in Baltimore, Md. Thomas Ware was elder from 1796 to 1799. In 1797 the name presiding elder occurred for the first time. 1800 (Strasburg and Chester), Srephen Timmons, Richard Sneath, Thomas Jones; 1800-1, Joseph Everett, presiding elder. In 1801 the districts are named Chester and Strasburg, in the Philadelphia Distriet ; preachers, William Hunter, Stephen Timmons, Robert McCoy. 1802 (Strasburg and Chester), William Hunter, John Bethel; presiding elder, Thomas Ware. 1803 (Strasburg and Chester), Anning Owen, William Brandon ; district called Chesapeake, Christopher Spry, presiding elder. 1804 (Chester : the field the same; only the name of Chester is given), "William Minter, Joseph Ogburn, Joseph Stephens; presiding elder, William Colbert. 1805, William Hunter, David James, James Moore; 1806, John Walker, William Early ; 1807, Daniel Ireland, Peter Beaver. For 1805-7 the presiding elder was Solomon Sharp. 1808, Asa Smith, John Bethel, Thomas Miller; presiding elder, W. P. Chandler. 1809, John Walker, Thomas † Vol. ii. 331. ‡ The new name given to Lancaster Circuit in 1796; both of these circuits were united this year. METHODIST CHURCHES - 281 Miller; 1810, Richard. Sneath, John Fox ; 1811, Richard Sneath, James Laws; 1812, Thomas Dunn, William S. Fisher. In 1809 the district was called Schuylkill. For 1809-12 William Hunter was presiding elder. 1813, William S. Fisher, John Fernon, Joseph Samson; 1814 (Chester and Wilmington), George Sheets, Thomas Miller, Samuel P. Levis (George Sheets and Thomas Miller to change once a month). For 1813-14 the presiding elder was Henry Boehm. 1815, Asa Smith, Joseph Samson; 1816, William Torbert, Charles Reed. In 1815 the presiding elder was Robert R. Roberts. 1816, R. R. Roberts reappointed presiding elder, but his ordination as bishop of the M. E. Church, in May, 1816, made a vacancy, which was filled by Daniel Hitt, one of the recent book agents. 1817, William Hunter, William Torbert; 1818, John Goforth, Samuel Budd (part of the year Samuel P. Levis, to relieve. John. Goforth); 1819, John Robertson, Phineas Price. For 1817-19 the presiding elder was Daniel Hitt. 1820, William Leonard, Thomas Davis; 1821, David Bartine, Thomas Davis; 1822, William Hunter, David Bartine, John Talley; 1823, Thomas Miller, William Allen, For 1820-23 the presiding elder was James Bateman. 1824, Henry Boehm, John Woolson ; 1825, H. Boehm, Levin M. Prettyman; 1826, Jacob Gruber, Samuel Grace, J Talley (sup.*); 1827, Jacob Gruber, William Cooper. For 1824-27 the presiding elder was Joseph Lybrand. In 1825 the district was called Philadelphia. 1828, Thomas Miller, Eliphalet Reed; 1829, Edward Page, Daniel Fidler, Robert Lutton (sup.); 1830, Edward Page, Thomas McCarroll, John Talley (sup.). For 1828-30, William Thatcher was presiding elder. 1831, William Ryder, Nathaniel Chew, John Talley (sup.); 1832, William Ryder, James B. Ayars, John Talley (sup.). In 1831-32, M. Force was the presiding elder. 1833, James B. Ayars, John Edwards, Robert E. Morrison, John Talley (sup.). In 1833, District South Philadelphia, the presiding elder was Lawrence McCombs. In 1834, Chester Circuit underwent a change; a new circuit was formed, called Radnor, which embraced, as a part of it, the appointments Grove, Downingtown, Salem, and Charlestown. Radnor Circuit, 1834, David Best, Richard W. Thomas ; 1835, R. W. Thomas, John Perry; 1836, William Cooper, Jesse Ford. For 1834-36 the presiding elder was John Potts. 1837, W. Cooper, James Hand ; 1838, James B. Ayars, Charles W. Jackson ; 1839, J. B. Ayars, Frederiek Gram ; 1840, Henry G. King, James Neill. For 1837-40 the presiding elder was Solomon Higgins. 1841, H. G. King, Levin M. Prettyman ; 1842, George Lacey, Christopher J. Crouch. In 1843, Grove Circuit was formed from Radnor, which embraced Grove, St. John's, Salem, and Charlestown. Grove: 1843, Thomas Sumption, Thomas C. Murphey ; 1844, T. Sumption, James R. Anderson. For 1841-44 the presiding elder was James Smith. 1845, David Dailey, John W. Mecaskey ; 1846, David Dailey, George W. Lybrand; 1847, the "Minutes" have it John Lednum, one to be supplied. A change was made after Conference, and Henry S. Atmore was brought from Chatham and placed in charge. J: Addison Whitaker was, brought from Nottingham Circuit as junior preacher, and William Major was sent to Nottingham under the presiding elder. The circuit on the Wilmington District, 1845-47, Daniel Lambdin presiding elder ; 1848, H. S. Atmore, local preachers assisting him; 1849, James Harmer, Stearns Pattersou ; 1850, James Harmer, William C. Robinson ; † 1851, Joseph H. Wythes, John H. Boyd. For 1848-51, James Smith was presiding elder ; 1852, J. H. Wythes, John J. Jones. 1853 (Grove Circuit reduced agaiu ; Salem, Charlestown, and Valley Forge associated with Phoenixville, Grove with Downingtown and St. John's), Joshua H. Turner ; 1854, Joseph Carlisle. Reading District: 1852-54, John D. Curtis was presiding elder; 1855, J. Carlisle ; 1856-57, Daniel L. Patterson ; 1858, William H. Burrell. For 185558 the presiding elder was James Cunningham. 1859 (Grove and Downingtown), W. H. Burrell; 1860-61, John Shields; 1862, George W. Lybrand. For 1859-62 the presiding elder was Thomas J. Thompson; 1863-64, Vaughan Smith ; 1865-66, Jerome Lindamuth. For 1863-66 the presiding elder was William L. Gray. In 1867, Grove separated from Downingtown. 1868, L. B. Hughes. For 1867-68 the presiding elder was Joseph Castle. 1869-70, Stephen Townsend. 1869-70, South Philadelphia District, William L. Gray pre- * " Sup." stands for "supernumerary,"--one who renders partial service. † Harmer died Sept. 8,1850, and W. C. Robinson placed in charge. - 36 - siding elder. 1871-72, Samuel G. Hare. For 1871-72, W. C. Robinson was the presiding elder. 1873-75, John E. Kessler; 1876-78, William H Fries ; 1879-80, John R. Bailey ; 1881, William Rink. 1873, Chester District, William McCombs presiding elder ; 1877-80, Susquehanna District, George Cummins presiding elder; 1881, West Philadelphia District, Jacob Dickerson presiding elder. BENSON'S CHAPEL. It is probable that Rev. Joseph Pihnore, one of Rev. John Wesley's first missionaries to America, preached in Uwchlan township in 1772. In 1774 the preachers made an appointment in Uwchlan, where a society was raised up near the Little Eagle tavern, where Benson's chapel was built in 1781. There was a society at this place, for Ben jamin Abbott preached at Benson's in 1780. This meeting was the parent of Batten's or Hopewell Church. The offspring lives, but the parent is no more. The lot on which the church stood is still in possession of the Methodists, on which are a few graves. Some ancient Methodists are buried here, and here most likely a grave was made for Isaac Rollins, the first Methodist preacher that the people heard. GROVE (WEST WHITELAND TOWNSHIP). In 1774 a society was formed in Goshen. This was afterwards called the Valley meeting, and now is known as the Grove. This is the oldest society in Chester County, having continued from its first formation, while several that once were have ceased to exist. When this society was formed, some of the land-holders of the region belonged to it. This gave it permanency. Among the number was Mr. George Hoffman, who, it is said, was the first Methodist in Chester County. He joined under Richard Webster, was a member of society fifty years, and died Dec. 30, 1829, aged ninety-six years. He was one of the founders of the first meeting-house. Its size was 30 by 40 feet, with three doors,-north, south, and west front, an end gallery on the west, and a tub pulpit on the east. The society for a few years worshiped in a school-house which stood a little west of the present church. It was in this school-house that the Rev. Benjamin Abbott preached in 1780. This house, known as the " old stone chapel," was built in 1783. Sept. 11, 1784, Mr. George Hoffman and Eve, his wife, executed a deed transferring one acre of ground, on part of which the chapel had been already built, to the Methodist society, for the consideration of five shillings lawful money. February, 1813, a deed was given by John Boyer and Elizabeth, his wife, conveying to the trustees of the meeting-house 70 square perches of land, designed to make it more convenient to gain access to the meeting-house. In 1844, under the pastoral charge of' Revs. Thomas Sumption and James R. Anderson, the present church was built. In 1851 one-half acre was purchased and added to the graveyard, in 1866 two acres more of Eli Pyle. April 27, 1868, church was legally incorporated. In 1868 the cemetery was laid off in lots. It is one of the most beautiful of our cemeteries. ‡ SMITH-SHOP. This was located a short distance from the Boot tavern. It became a preaching-place in 1834. It was fixed up for ‡ In the cemetery of this church is buried Rev. Matthew Magee, who died of yellow fever, September, 1794, aged thirty-three years. 282 - HISTORY OF CHESTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. meetings by John S. Inskip,-slab seats, tanned floor, but powerful times. It belonged to his father, and it was some time before his father would consent to have it fitted up for meetings. It was not a separate charge, but connected with the Grove. John S. Inskip was "admitted on trial" in the Philadelphia Conference in 1836. He is still an active worker in the ministry, preaching no longer at the place. WEST CHESTER. First Methodist preaching in West Chester was by Rev. William Hunter, February, 1810, in the old court-house. (Hunter this year was presiding elder on the Schuylkill District. He died in Coventry, Chester Co., Pa., Sept. 27, 1833.) First class formed in 1815 ; supplied with preaching from Chester Circuit. First church built in 1816, on Gay Street east of Darlington. New church erected in 1840-42, corner of Market and Darlington, present site. This building was remodeled, etc., under the pastorate of Rev. John B. McCullough, at an expense of $8000. Preachers.-From 1810 to 1827, West Chester supplied with preaching from Chester Circuit, with a few exceptions. 1823-24, West Chester and Coventry, William Hunter (sup.). It would appear from the stewards' book of Chester Cireuit that they were still con, nected with the circuit. The receipts for the year 1823, $32; for 1824, three quarters, $24.25. In .1.827, West Chester was set apart from the circuit, and was left to be supplied by the presiding elder, Rev. Joseph Lybrand, who appointed Whitefield Hughes. In 1828 the first return of members, 95 whites; preacher appointed, Daniel Parrish ; 1839, Jesse Thompson ; 1830-31 (West Chester and Marshallton), Levi Scott; 1832, Thomas Sovereign, Levi Scott (sup.); 1833, Josiah F. Canfield; 1834, James H. McFarland; 1835, Bartholomew Weed; .1836-37, John Lednum; 1838, Dallas D. Lore; 1839-40, William Urie ; 1841, Matthew Sorin ; 1842-43, John Nicholson. (This beloved pastor died during his pastorate, at the residence of his father-in-law, Mr. John Wilmer, in Philadelphia, Oct. 11,1843, in the 37th year of his age. Rev. Thomas Muller filled the vacancy.) 1844, Elijah Muller ; 1845:46, David E. Gardner. (Again this church is bereaved in the death of a pastor. This event occurred in West Chester, November, 1846. David W. Kollock, a local elder from Philadelphia, filled out the term of D. E. Gardner.) 1847-48, David Shields; 1849-50, James L. Houston ; 1851-52, Alfred Cookman; .1853-54, Charles Karsner; 1855-56, Peter J. Cox ; 1857-58, Michael D. Kurtz ; 1859-60, James M. McCarter ; 1861-62, James R. Anderson; 1863-65, Curtis F. Turner ; 1866-68, John B. McCullough; 1869-71, William Major; 1872-74, Wesley C. Best; 1875-76, George Cummins; 1877-79, Sylvester N. Chew ; 1880-81, Robert J. Carson. PHOENIXVILLE. Methodism was introduced into this town by Rev. Samuel P. Levis, a local preacher, in 1826. (Levis was a traveling preacher from 1811 to 1818. In the latter year he located.) The first class, of 12, was formed in 1826, only one member of which (Mrs. Nickles, now in her eighty-second year) remains. The first congregations met to hear preaching in a paint-shop, which still stands, and is the property of the Phoenixville Iron Company. The first church was built in 1828, and the present one in 1854, during the pastorate of the late Rev. C. J. Crouch. Preachers.-From the information gathered, we place the appointment with Lancaster Circuit in 1828 : Samuel Grace, David Best, John Lednum; 1829 (a new circuit, called Reading), David Best, Manlove Hazel, Joseph Carey (sup.); 1830 (Waynesburg), John Lednum, Daniel Fidler, Joseph Carey (sup.); 1831-32, George Woolley, Jacob Gruber ; 1833 (in Chester Circuit), James B. Ayres, John Edwards, Robert E. Morrison, John Talley (sup.); 1834 (in Radnor Circuit), David Best, Richard W. Thomas; 1835, R. W. Thomas, John Perry ; 1836, W. Cooper, Jesse Ford ; 1837, W. Cooper, James Hand; 1838, Phoenixville to be supplied (members reported at the Conference of 1839,123 whites) ; 1839-40, David Shields; 1841, William W. McMichael ; 1842-43, Thomas S. Johnson ; 1844, Isaac R. Merrill ; 1845, Joseph H. Wythes ; 1846-47, Nicholas Ridgeley ; 1848-49, Henry R. Calloway ; 1850, James Y. Ashton ; 1851-52, Stearns Patterson ; 1853 (Salem, Charlestown, and Valley Forge associated with Phoenixville and made a circuit), Christopher J. Crouch, John F. Meredith ; 1854, C. J. Crouch, one to be supplied ; '1855, Samuel R. Gillingham, Wesley Reynolds ; 1856, S. R. Gillingham, Charles W. Ayars; 1857, John Shields, Horace A. Cleveland; 1858, John Shield, George D. Miles; 1859-60 (Phoenixville a station), Allen John; 1861-62, William Major; 1863-64, Jeremiah Pastorfield; 1865, Allen John ; 1866-67, James Flannery ; 1868-70, George Heacock ; 1871-73, Henry R. Calloway; 1874-76, John Dyson ; 1877-78, Henry E. Gilroy ; 1879-81, Goldsmith D. Carrow. ANDERSON'S, NEAR VALLEY FORGE. In 1780, Rev. George Muir, who was the junior preacher on the Philadelphia Circuit (John Cooper being the senior, preacher), received Mr. Isaac Anderson and his companion, Mrs. Mary Lane Anderson, into the Methodist society, and there was preaching in their house, and sometimes in their school-house. A society was raised up which at one time numbered 40 members; but as no chapel was built in this, neighborhood, in the change of times this society, which was near the Valley Forge, was dissolved. In the treasurer's book for Chester and Strasburg Circuits for 1802, under date of August 7th, the names of the classes are reported with collections. Among these Anderson's returns $2. In the steward's book for Chester Circuit, June 22, 1805, the class is still in existence. The latest return from the class of money was Nov. 26, 1824. As soon as a class was organized at Daniel McCurdy's, in the valley, the class at Anderson's was discontinued; this was in 1825. Bishop Asbury visited the home of Isaac Anderson in 1812. I give the record of the visit made : "Sabbath, April, 1812, I preached at old Isaac Anderson's. Our friend has been in fellowship with us thirty-two years, and has been honored by missions from his county and district to the Legislature and to Congress. His family of children are pleasing. Twice only have I ever visited this neighborhood."* Rev. Henry Boehm, his traveling companion, refers to this visit : "The next Sabbath Mr. Asbury preached near Valley Forge, at Isaac Anderson's, Esq. He had been a Methodist for over thirty years; was several times a member of the State Legislature, and was honored with a seat in Congress." Rev. William Cooper, who traveled Chester Circuit from the spring of 1827 till the spring of 1828, refers to this locality. Rev. Jacob Gruber was the preacher in charge: "We preached at Pennypacker's school-house, near Valley Forge; put up with Matthias Pennypacker ; his wife was Rev. James Rush Anderson's aunt. Her father and mother, Isaac and Mary Lane Anderson, were both living. The old gentleman told me he was post-boy for Gen. Washington when encamped at Valley Forge." Isaac Anderson was a local preacher among the Methodists. Mrs. Mary L. Anderson sojourned with the Methodists as a very consistent Christian for sixty-seven years, and died at the house of her son, Joseph Everett Ander'son, in her eighty-fifth year. Her grandson, the Rev. James Rush Anderson, M.D., deceased, was an honored * Journal, vol. iii. 326. METHODIST CHURCHES - 283 member of the Philadelphia Conference. He died in Manayunk, Philadelphia, Pa., Nov. 8, 1863.* LAUREL (WEST BRADFORD TOWNSHIP). The first Methodist in this locality was William Ball, at whose house a class met before the erection of the church. My impression is he had been a Methodist in Ireland, if not a local preacher; He was a member of the Valley M. E. Church (now called the Grove) prior to moving in this locality. The class-book of the class led by Daniel Meredith had this record in the neat penmanship of Rev. W. P. Chandler : " 1797, William Ball, local preacher," also in 1798. In that class-book his name is recorded in 1797,— " William Ball, Margaret Ball." Opposite these names, in the early part of 1798, " moved." Record of 1798, one of the trustees of the Valley M. E. Church. It is probable at this time he moved to the neighborhood of Laurel. The stewards' book for Chester Circuit for 1805, under the date of June 22, 1805, credits class at Ball's, money received, $1.82. Meetings for prayer were also held at the house of Mr. Mills, father of John and Sarah Mills (afterwards Burton, wife of Joseph Burton), before the house was built. Mr. Mills was an Episcopalian, but in the absence of a regular house of worship opened his own doors for religious service. The first definite knowledge we have concerning the itinerants' labors here is that Richard Sneath preached in Hugh Birney's, now Thomas Rice's, barn, on the property adjoining the church. The general minutes supply the date thereof. Father Sneath was on Chester Circuit first in 1800, with Stephen Timmons and Thomas Jones as colleagues. His next appointment to this circuit was in 1810-11. The year 1810 he had John Fox for his colleague, and in 1811 James Laws. This was about the time when the services were held, as above mentioned. Meetings were also held in the house occupied by William Birney, now owned by Mr. James H. Steen, and also in the house of a man named Brown, now occupied by Mrs. Alban 'Williams. In the year 1811 the ground was surveyed, the draught bearing date Nov. 9, 1811. The deed is dated April 10, 1812, and was made between Hugh and Elizabeth Birney of the one part, and Thomas Batten, William Birney, William Haines, William McCarroll, and Alexander Evans of the other part, trustees ; for the sum of $1 was conveyed 58 perches of ground, for the use of the M. E. Church. The church was built, doubtless, the following rear. Moses Keech, who furnished the lime, puts it in 1813. The appointment was called Highberney at first. In the recording steward's book of Chester Circuit, under the date of June 4, 1814, a return of quarterage, $4.75. June 8, 1815, in the same book, called Laurel, the same appointment. John McCarroll, father of Rev. Thomas McCarroll, was the first class-leader at Laurel after the society had been revived. ROMANSVILLE (WEST BRADFORD TOWNSHIP). It would appear that the first ground owned by the Methodists in Chester County for religious uses was in this locality. In the year 1811 the graveyard at Romans- * I acknowledge my indebtedness in the preparation of this article to "Rise of Methodism," by Lednum. ville was conveyed to the M. E. Church, for the especial use thereof.. The following from the deed will suffice to explain : "This Indenture, made March 9, 1811, between Richard Webster, minister of the Gospel, of Harford Co., Maryland, of the one part, and Isaac James, William Haines, William Birney, and Hugh Birney, of Pennsylvania, and Samuel Wood, of Delaware, of the other part. Whereas Robert Thornton, deceased, in his lifetime conveyed a piece of ground situated in West Bradford township, Chester County, Pa., unto Richard Webster, Isaac Rawling [Rollin], and John King, ministers of the Gospel, all of the State of Maryland, in behalf of the people called Methodists, said Indenture bearing date March 1.2, 17,73. Now this Indenture witnesseth that Richard Webster, in consideration of the sum of 20 cents, in hand paid, have given, granted, etc., and by these presents doth give, grant, etc., unto the above-named trustees, and their successors, for the uses and purposes of the M. E. Church, the above mentioned lot of ground." One provision of the deed has not been carried out, namely, the erection of a suitable place for the worship of Almighty God. This conveyance was given before the meeting of the first Annual Conference of Methodist preachers ; this was not till July 14, 1773. The ministers of the gospel to whom the conveyance was made—Richard Webster, Isaac Rawling (Rollins), and John King, have each of them a history. It is probable that Isaac Rollins was the first Meth, odist preacher in Chester County, followed by Richard Webster. Rollins penetrated the county to its centre early in .1773, and established several preaching-places. But it would appear that possibly John King preceded them. About the year 1822 Laurel was a tolerably strong appointment. In this year. Ruth Boyes (then Connor) joined the church at Laurel. This was followed by the conversion of her .father, Solomon Connor. The conversion of Solomon Connor was brought about through the conversion of his daughters, Ruth and Orpha. Solomon Connor died Aug. 21, -1854, and sleeps in the Methodist graveyard at Romansville. The leading members of the church from the beginning have been the Birneys, Browns, John and Sarah Mills (Burton), Mary Carney, Mary Rice, and her daughter Catharine, Thomas McCarron, his father, mother, and two sisters, Isaac Scott, John Quimby, the Taylor, Connor, and McCorkle families, descendants of which are still among us in the persons of Hayes, George W., and Hannah Connor, the third generation of Methodists in succession. The society has undergone many changes. At one period it was seriously weakened by the removal of' the leader, with two, thirds of the class, to the West, and never regained its strength. A preacher of great note went out from this society, Rev. Thomas McCarroll, the fruit of the ministry of Rev. Alban Hooke. He was " admitted on trial" in the Philadelphia Conference in 1829, and died May 9, 1860, in Newark, N. J. In February, 1826, Bishop George visited the neighborhood of Laurel. He and Rev. Joseph Lybrand, then presiding elder of the Philadelphia District, Were on their way to the last quarterly meeting for the year on Chester Circuit, to be held at the Bethel appointment, in New Castle Co., Del. They came to Solomon Conner's and put up, intending to remain during the night. Word was at once sent to the neighbors that the bishop would preach at Laurel in the evening. A good congregation gathered to hear and see a live bishop. Both of these honored ministers died years ago : Rev. Bishop Enoch 284 - HISTORY OF CHESTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. George, at. Staunton, Va., Aug. 23, 1828. Rev. Joseph Lybrand died in Philadelphia, Pa., April 24, 1844. In 1850 the membership at Laurel was reduced to nine persons. The pastors were Revs. henry Sanderson and Joseph S. Cook. During the two years of Rev. T. S. Cook's pastorate 20 joined the church. In 1868, Rev. John C. Gregg enlarged and improved the church at a cost of $500. An additional piece of ground, containing 124 square perches, was secured, and a deed .made March 22, 1871, between James H. Steen and his wife Elizabeth, of the one part, and W. E. Myers, Aquilla Thomas, John Lilley, John W. Wilson, Hayes Connor, Moses Woodward, and George W. Kennedy, trustees, for the use and benefit of the church. Pastors.-For the list of the preachers from 1799 till 1833, see history of the Grove M. E. Church. In the year 1833 a new circuit was formed, called Soudersburg, which embraced Laurel, having Thomas Miller and William Ryder as circuit preachers; 1834, John Lednum, Robert E. Morrison, Thomas Sumption part of the year; 1835, J. Lednum, John Edwards; 1836, J. Edwards, John A. Watson ; 1837, Robert Anderson, Dallas D. Lore; 1838, Enos It Williams, John A. Boyle ; 1839, E. R. Williams, Amos Griner, D. Best (sup.) ; 1840, Brandywine Circuit formed, and Laurel in it, having David E. Gardiner and Charles Wilson as pastors. Pastors from 1841 till 1859, see history of Marshallton M. E. Church; 1859, with Kennet Sqnare; 1860, with Guthrieville Circuit, Thomas Newman ; 1861, T. Newman, who left his work, whereupon Bishop Scott appointed John A. Watson to take his place; 1862-63, Nehemiah W. Bennum; 1864, John C. Gregg; 1865, James Carroll ; 1866, Alfred A. Fisher. In 1867, Laurel and Marshallton were joined under the pastorate of J. Pastorfield, but Laurel was left idle that year.; 1868, joined with Guthrieville Circuit, John C. Gregg; 1869, Wilmer Coffman; 1870, W. Coffman, George A. Wolfe; 1871, this year Laurel and Washington a separate charge, J. W. Knapp ; in 1872, Laurel, with Marshallton and Washington, Frederick Illman; 1873, F. Illman; 1874-75, Thomas Montgomery; 1876-77, John O'Neill; 1878-79, William W. Wisegarver; 1880-81, John T. Gray. In the preparation of this sketch, indebted to Rev. W. W. Wisegarver. SPRINGFIELD. In 1798, Revs. William Penn Chandler and Daniel Higby visited Springfield, and preached in the houses now occupied by Robert Sheeler and Jacob Clingman, Springfield at this time forming part of Strasburg and Chester Circuit. Three years were spent in preaching and exhorting sinners to repent, but no society was formed until the year 1801, when Elijah Bull was appointed to take 'charge of the class, under the pastoral charge of Rev. William Hunter. The regular preaching services were held in the above dwelling-houses alternately until 1816, when the first M. E. church was built, under the pastoral charge of Revs. 'David Best and Thomas Miller, then on Lancaster Circuit. It was located in Springfield, West Nantmeal township, and cost $800. In the year 1868 the present building was erected, under the pastoral charge of Revs. Joseph S. Lame and John Dyson, Joseph S. Lame preacher in charge for 1867, till the spring of 1868, and John Dyson till the spring of 1869. It was built on the same street as the old one, just opposite; cost, $10,000. The parsonage was built in 1879; valued at $1450. The name of the circuit in which Springfield is embraced has been changed six times, as fbllows: Strasburg and Chester Circuit, Chester Circuit, Lancaster Circuit, Reading Circuit, Waynesburg Circuit, Springfield Circuit. There is a cemetery connected with the church. The following itinerant ministers are buried in it : Rev: William Hunter, who died in Coventry, Chester Co., Pa., Sept. 27, 1833, 'aged 79 years; Rev. William Hunter Bull, who died in Springfield, Chester Co., Pa., July 19, 1836, aged 29 years. Also in the same cemetery the remains of Rev. George Hunter. The following have entered the itinerant ministry from Springfield : Samuel W. Kurtz, John Dyson, Levi B. Hughes, Jacob S. Hughes, Coleman Hoffman, Isaac G. Fosnocht, John W. Wright, Jacob Slichter, E. L. Rughes, of the United Brethren Church. Springfield has had the following Ideal preachers from their midst : Jacob Jameson, Jonathan Bull, Alexander McGowen, George Hunter, W. H. Bull, Samuel Jones, Christian Arnold, L. B. Smith, John Smith, Caleb L. Hughes. The following have been the pastors from the beginning: Strasburg and Chester Circuit.-1798, William P. Chandler, Daniel Rigby; 1799, William Colbert, Edward Larkins, James Herron, Robert Bonham (sup.). (Herron, though appointed, was not on the circuit; at the request of Joseph Jewell, he accompanied him to the work in Canada, with the consent of Bishop Asbury. My impression also that Robert Bonham, who was a supernumerary, was not on the circuit. He died in the month of June, 1800, in Baltimore, Md.) 1800, Stephen Timmons, Richard Sneath, Thomas Jones ; 1801, William Hunter, S. Timmons, Robert McCoy ; 1802, W. Hunter, John Bethel ; 1803, Arming Owen, William Brandon ; 1804, William Hunter, 'Joseph Osburn, Joseph Stephens; 1805, W. Hunter, David James, James Moore; 1806, John Walker, William Early; 1807, Daniel Ireland, Peter Beaver; 1808, Asa Smith, John Bethel, Thomas Miller. (The " Minutes" have William Finney as the third preacher. He failed to come, and Thomas Miller sent as a supply by the presiding elder.) 1809 (Lancaster), James Smith, Thomas Burch ; 1810 (Chester), Richard Sneath, John Fox ; 1811, R. Sneath, James Laws; 1812 (Lancaster), William Torbert, John Fernon ;* 1813, R. Sneath, W. Torbert, and Joseph Samson. ("Minutes" have it Thomas Everard, sup., instead of Samson.) 1814, Asa Smith, James Mitchell, J. Samson ; 1815, Thomas Miller, Phinehas Price; 1816, David Best, Thomas Miller; 1817, Robert Burch, John Woolson ; 1818, R. Burch, Phinehas Price, W. Hunter (sup.) ; 1819, William Leonard, John Talley, W. Hunter (sup.); 1820, W. Hunter (sup.), John Woolson, William Ross; 1821, J. Woolson, Henry G. King; 1822, Henry Boehm, Joseph Holdick ; 1823, H. Boehm, Wesley W. Wallace; 1824, Jacob Gruber, Thomas Miller, James Moore; 1825, Thomas Neal, George Wiltshire. (Springfield and Reading, William Hunter (sup.). 1826, Thomas Neal, Pharaoh A. Ogden. (Springfield, William Hunter (sup.). 1827, Samuel. Grace, George G. Cookman ; 1828, S. Grace, David Best, John Lednum ; 1829 (Reading Circuit), David Best, Manlove Hazel, Joseph Carey (sup.); 1830 (Waynesburg Circuit), John Lednum, Daniel Fidler, Joseph Carey (sup.); 1831-32, George Woolley, Jacob Gruber ; 1833, David Best, Richard W. Thomas; 1834, Thomas Miller, John Spear ; 1835, William Torbert, Allen Jonn, D. Best (sup.), John S. Inskip ; 1836 (Springfield), William Torbert, A. John, D. Best (sup.); 1837, John Edwards, Henry Sutton, D. Best (sup.); 1838, J. Edwards, H. Sutton, D. Best (sup.), John A. Watson; 1839-40, Jonas Bissey, Thomas Sumption ; 1841, James Hand, William L. Gray ; 1842, James B. Ayars, Arthur W. Milby ; 1843, J. B. Ayars, Peter J. Cox ; 1844, James Hand, George D. Bowen, J. A. Watson (sup.); 1845, Richard M. Greenbank, Samuel Pancoast ; 1846, R. M. Greenbank, Henry B. Mauger ; 1847, John Edwards, John Walsh ; 1848, John Edwards, Samuel R. Gillingham ; 1849-50, Enos R. Williams, John Cummins; 1851, Eliphalet Reed, Peter Hallowell, John Dyson (under presiding elder) ; 1852, Joseph Carlisle, Abraham Freed, John T. Gracey, E. Reed (sup.); 1853, A. Freed, Joseph Dare (under the presiding elder); 1854, Joshua H. Turner, Henry H. Bodine; 1855, J. H. Turner, Jerome Lindamuth; 1856, Lewis C. Pettit, William T. * The "Minutes" have Lancaster and Lancastertown, James Saunders, James Mitchell, William Torbert; private record as I have given it. METHODIST CHURCHES - 285 Magee; 1857, L. C. Pettit, William Smith ; 1858, Elijah Miller, William J. O'Neill (under the presiding elder); 1859, John Shields, John E. Elliott; 1860-61, Valentine Gray ; 1862, John A. Watson; 1863, William M. Ridgway ; 1864, W. M. Ridgway, James F. McClelland ; 1865, Charles J. Little, T. E. Stevens (under the presiding elder); 1866, Joseph S. Lane, John T. Swindells (under the presiding elder); 1867, Joseph S. Lane, Thomas C. Pearson ; 1868, John Dyson, John W. Knapp; 1869-70, John Dyson, William K. MacNeal (the latter under the presiding elder); 1871-73, Benjamin T. String; 1874-75, Adam L. Wilson; 1876, A. L. Wilson, James I. Boswell ; 1877-78, Samuel Howell; 1879-81, Maris Graves. T he presiding elders from 1798 to 1881 have been : Thomas Ware, Joseph Everett, Thomas Ware, Christopher Spry, William Colbert, Solomon Sharp, William P. Chandler, William Hunter, Henry Boehm, Robert R. Roberts, Daniel Hitt, James Bateman, Joseph Lybrand, William Thacher, Manning Force, Lawrence Mc. Combs, John Potts, Solomon Higgins, James Smith, Levi Scott, Igratius T. Cooper, Thomas J. Thompson, John D. Curtis, James Cnnningham, T. J. Thompson, William L. Gray, Joseph Castle, William H. Elliott, William McCombs, Curtis F. Turner, George Cummins, Jacob Dickerson. HOPEWELL was originally known as Batten's meeting-house. From reliable data, a society in this locality prior to 1805. The second building occupied as a church was erected about 1823. In 1827, Rev. William Cooper traveled Chester Circuit ; he writes,- " The church was new ; superseded another, which was a log church; Daniel Myers, local preacher; James Parker, exhorter." In the records in 1828 appears the name of the church as Hopewell. The third church was built in 1842, during the pastorate of Revs. Allen John and George S. Quigley, who traveled Brandywine Circuit, of which Hopewell was an appointment. The present edifice was built in 1867, Rev. John C. Gregg being the pastor at the time. A burial-ground is connected with the church. The pastors from 1805 to 1881 as follows: From 1805 to 1829, see history of Grove M. E. Church ; 1829 till 1840, an appointment on Waynesburg and Springfield Circuits, see history of Waynesburg M. E. Church ; 1840 till 1857, see history of Coatesville M. E. Church ; 1857 till 1880, see history of Hibernia M. E. Church ; 1881, a charge by itself, John W. Geiger. COATESVILLE. In the winter of 1817 preaching was introduced into Coatesville by Rev. A. Hooke. Meeting was held in the school-house ; opposition to its introduction. The class having been organized and meeting in the school-house, they received word " that a secret. society could not meet in it." This was in the winter of 1818. In the recording steward's book of Chester Circuit, under date of June 6, 1819, there is a record of $3.30 having been received from Coatesville. From the same record, it appears that money was received from Coatesville at each quarterly meeting until the one held in June, 1821, when " Coatesville" is crossed out, and " Washington" entered in its place. It is probable a society formed at Washington, and there being no place of meeting in Coatesville, the society or class which had met here was merged into Washington. During the year 1824, Revs. Jacob Gruber and Thomas Miller traveled Lancaster Circuit, and preached at the house of Obadiah Robinson, on the farm of the late Joseph Long, adjoining the borough on the northwest, and here a class of eight persons was formed, with 0. Robinson as leader, which position he filled .acceptably for a number of years. 0. Robinson afterwards moved to the old stone house on Mount Airy farm, north of Kenworthy's factory, and here for several years prayer and class-meetings were held, a part of the time 0. Robinson and wife being the only members in the neighborhood.* During the summer of 1830 a camp-meeting was held at Friendship, in Highland township, and a number of residents of what is now known as Rock Run were converted, and afterwards joined the church. During the following autumn or winter an old school-house with a clay floor, since converted into a dwelling-house, and still standing between the road and Greenwood's race, below the heart of the dam, was secured, and preaching services were held every alternate Saturday night, and here the class met. The society increased in numbers, and meetings were occasionally held in what was then known as the Union meeting-house, now occupied as the Presbyterian church. During the year 1839, the school-house becoming too small, the building which had been used as a blacksmith-shop, and afterwards converted into a dwelling-house, was secured. This building was popularly known as the " turtle-shell," and was occupied as a church until May, 1845, when the first Methodist church within the present limits of Coatesville borough was dedicated to the worship of God by Rev. William Urie. The church stood on the lot at the northeast corner of Main and Church Streets, the lots for the church and burying-ground being donated by James Yearsley, a minister of the Society of Friends. In 1856 a new church was built. Preachers. -I have no reliable data who were the preachers prior to 1840. Assuming this to be one of the appointments on Brandywine Circuit, the following are the preachers from 1840 to 1856: 1840, David E.. Gardner, Charles Wilson ; 1841, Henry Sutton, Wesley Henderson ; 1842, Allen John, George S. Quigley ; 1843, A. John, Henry S. Atmore; 1844, James Harmer, George W. Lybrand; 1845, J. Harmer, Stearns Patterson; 1846, John Bayne, William Robb; 1847, John Bayne, Jacob Dickerson; 1848, Joseph Carlisle; 1849, Josep.h Carlisle, Joseph S. Cook; 1850, Henry. Sanderson, Joseph S. Cook ; 1851, H. Sanderson, T. B. Miller; 1852, John Shields, Abel Howard; 1853, J. Shields, James N. King; 1854, George .W. Lybrand, E. S. Wells (six months), Edward T. Kenney (six months); 1855, G. W. Lybrand, E. T. Kenney ; 1856, T. S. Thomas, .A. M. Wiggins; 1857, Coatesville made a station. The pastors from 1857 till 1881 as follows : 1857, T. S. Thomas; 1858-59, William J. Paxson; 1860-61, William Rink ; 1862, Isaac R. Merrill; 1863-64, Sylvester N. Chew ; 1865, Wilmer Coffman ; 1866-68, William S. Pugh; 1869, Wesley C. Johnson ; 1870-72, Johu E. Kessler ; 1873-75, Silas B. Best; 1876, Reuben Owen; 1877-79, Charles C. McLean ; 1880-81, Samuel W. Gehrett. ANDREWS It seems probable that Methodism was introduced into that locality by the Revs. Thomas Miller and Eliphalet Reed. In 1828, T. Miller and E. Reed traveled Chester Circuit ; meetings held at first at Henry Andrews' house, afterwards in a school-house near Andrews'. Prior to this Rev. Joseph Holdich, who traveled Lancaster Circuit in * From the spring of 1827 till the spring of 1828 Chester Circuit was traveled by Rev. William Cooper as junior preacher. He preached in the village of Coatesville, in a school-house; put up with Adley McGill, nephew of Adley McGill, father-in-law of Rev. A. Hooke. 286 - HISTORY OF CHESTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 1822, and Rev. Thomas McCanoll, who entered the Philadelphia Conference in 1829, preached in the house of Jacob Gibson, before Miller and Reed came into this field of labor. Andrews, prior to or about the time of the preaching of -Miller and Reed, was converted, his house made a preaching place, and a class formed. In 1831 the meeting-house was built. A lot of one acre was given by Henry Andrews on one corner of his farm to build the church on, for which no deed was given until July 20, 1833. The church was sold in 1856 to James Smith, and made into a dwelling-house. The graveyard was reserved, and is still used as a burying-place. The pastors from 1831 till 1856 are as follows : 1831 (Strasburg and Columbia Circuit), Thomas Miller, Eliphalet Reed, R.. W. Thomas; 1832, T. Miller, E. Reed, John Edwards, Robert E. Morrison (five months); 1833 (Soudersburg Circuit), T. Miller, W. Ryder; 1834, John Lednum, R. E. Morrison, Thomas Sumption (part of the year); 1835, John Lednum, John Edwards; 1836, John Edwards, John A. Watson; 1837, 'Robert Anderson, Dallas D. Lore; 1838, Enos R. Williams, John A. Boyle; 1839, E. R. Williams, Amos Griner; 1840, Samuel Grace, Thomas S. Johnson ; 1841, S. Grace, John D. Long, D. Best (sup.); 1842, Gasway Oram, John C. Owens; 1513, G. Oram, G. D. ̊arrow ; 1844, William K. Goentner, David Titus; 1845, W. K. Goentner, Henry Sanderson ; 1846, Allen John, John A. Whitaker; 1847, Allen John; 1848, James Harmer, Allen John (sup.); 1849, John Bayne, Geo. W. Brindle; 1850, J. Bayne, John Thompson ; 1851, William L. Gray, John J. Jones; 1852, Samuel G. Hare, Francis B. Harvey; 1853, J. G. Hare, John O'Neill; 1854, Thomas Newman, James L. Killgore; 1855, Thomas Newman, Abel Howard; 1856, John B. Dennison. ELK RIDGE (EAST NOTTINGHAM TOWNSHIP). Methodism was introduced into the locality in 1825, and in that year a class-meeting was held in the house of Abraham Buckalew. The church was finished in 1832. Its cost was $1300. A graveyard attached to the church. Preachers.-1830 (connected with Port Deposit Circuit), George Woolley, William Bloomer ; 1831, Thomas McCarroll, Robert E. Kemp; 1832, Thomas McCarroll, J. B. Hagany; 1833, Jacob Gruber, John Spear ; 1834, Levi Storks, Edward Kennard. John Goforth was supernumerary on the circuit from 1830-34, George Woolley for 1833. 1835 (with Northeast Circuit), P. E. Coombe, C. J. Crouch, G. Woolley (sup.); 1836 (with West Nottingham), W. Ryder, C. J. Crouch; 1837-38 (Nottingham), Samuel Grace, John S. Inskip ; 1S39, W. Torbert, M. 1). Kurtz; 1840, W. Torbert, Charles Schock. Geo. Woolley (sup.) on the circuit from 1836 to 1840. 1841, William C. Thomas, H. S. Atmore; 1842, Edward Kennard, James M. McCarter; 1843, George Barton, D. L. Patterson. Thomas Miller (sup.) for 1842-43. 1844, G. Barton, Abraham Freed; 1845, Eliphalet. Reed, Henry B. Manger; 1846, Leeds K. Berridge, Thomas Miller; 1847, John D. .Long, J. A. Whitaker. Whitaker changed to the Grove Circuit, and William Major sent by the presiding elder to fill his place. 1848, C. Shock, IV. Robb; 1849, C. Schack ; 1850, Jonas Bissey ; 1851 (Oxford Circuit), Jonas Bissey, John Thompson. The death of J. Bissey led to John Thompson being placed in charge, and F. B. Harvey to assist. 1852, John F. Boone, Reuben Owen; 1853, John Cummins, A. Howard; 1854, John Cummins, John Dyson ; 1855, John Edwards ; 1856, T. B. Miller, E. T. Kenney; 1857, T. B. Miller, H. H. Bodine; 1858, John B.. Dennion, John France. " Minutes" have John France. After Conference, France was sent to Brandywiue village; N. B. Durell supplied his place. 1859, J. B. Dennison, T. F. Plummer; 1860-61 (New London and Elk Ridge), John France; 1862, Henry S. Thompson; 1863, C. J. Crouch; 1864, G. L. Schaffer; 1865, H. H. Bodine; 1866-67, W. P. Howell; 1868 (Oxford made a separate charge, and the remaining appointments added to New London and Elk Ridge, making a circuit), H. B. Manger, Levi B. Hoffman ; 1869-70, John C. Gregg, J. C. Wood; 1871, John Shields, Robert C. Wood, F. B. Harvey. A change was made : R. C. Wood sent to Kennet Square, and Thomas M. Jackson changed' from Safe. Harbor to New London. 1872, J. Shields, F. B. Harvey, A. H. Maryott; 1873, John Shields; 1874-75, George W. Lybrand ; 1876-77, Thomas Montgomery; 1878-79, Matthias Barnhill; 1880-81, Alden W. Quimby. FLINT HILL (FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP). The first church was built prior to 1829. The early class-meetings were held in Daugherty's paper-mill, and the first class-leader was Joseph Jones. The church was destroyed by fire in 1850, and was rebuilt in 1861, at a cost of about $2000. A graveyard attached. Since 1869 it has formed part of New London Circuit. For pastors see history of New London M. E. Church. MARSHALLTON (WEST BRADFORD TOWNSHIP). Rev. Alban Hooke, a local preacher, belonging to the society then called Batten's, now Hopewell, was the first Methodist preacher in this locality. He had three appointments in this neighbOrhood, viz. : Moses P. Hiddleson's barn, in a pine grove on Isaac Carpenter's property, and in a chestnut grove on the bank immediately west of Maris Woodward's dwelling. Subsequently two other local preachers associated with him in this work,-the Revs. Adley Magill and John Miles. The first preaching-place in Marshallton was an old wheelwright-shop on Dr. Parish's lot, and there the first class was formed (as near as can be gathered) in 1828. Report says that both local and itinerant ministers preached occasionally in Joseph Burton's house. Also the Rev. William Hodgson preached occasionally in the dwelling-house of Daniel Davis, located near the Bradford Friends' meeting-house. The church was built in 1829. There is a graveyard attached to the church. Preachers : the supply came from West Chester. In 1827 West Chester became a separate charge, taken from Chester Circuit. 1830, appears in the appointments West Chester and Marshallton. This arrangement continued till 1841. For list of pastors see history of West Chester. In 1841 united with Brandywine Circuit. Pastors.-1841, Henry Sutton, Wesley Henderson; 1842, Allen John, George S. Quigley ; 1843, A. John, H. S. Atmore; 1844, James Harmer, George W. Lybrand; 1845, J. Harmer, Stearns Patterson; 1846, John Bayne, William Robb; 1847, John Bayne, Jacob Dickerson ; 1848, Joseph Carlisle ; 1849, Joseph Carlisle, Joseph S. Cook ; 1850, Henry Sanderson, Joseph S. Cook; 1851, Henry Sanderson, T. B. Miller; 1852, John Shields, Abel Howard; 1853, J. Shields, James N. King ; 1854, G. W. Lybrand, E. S. Wells (six. months), E. T. Kenney (six months); 1855, G. W. Lybrand, Edward T. Kenney ; 1856, T. Snowdon Thomas, Alexander M. Wiggins; 1857, John Cummins, John France ; 1858, John Edwards, J. 0. Sypherd; 1859, was made a station; 1859-60, Joseph Smith; 1861, Marshallton, Unionville, Laurel, and Washington, Joseph Cook ; 1862-63, with Unionville and Rennet Square, S. W. Kurtz; 1864, William H. Fries; 1865, Alfred 'A. Fisher; 1866, John Edwards ; 1867-69, a station (the last year Hamorton with it), Jeremiah Pasterfield; 1870-71, Marshallton and Hamorton, Edward Townsend; 1872-73, Marshallton Circuit, including also Washington and Laurel, Frederick Inman; 1874-75, Thomas Montgomery; 1876-77, John O'Neil; 1878-79, William W. Wisegarver ; 1880-81, John T. Gray. WAYNESBURG (HONEYBROOK TOWNSHIP). The church, finely located, valued at $12,000 ; a parsonage, valued at $3850 ; a graveyard connected with the church. The first class consisted of ten members. The old church was built in 1824, during the pastorate of Revs. Jacob Gruber, Thomas Miller, and James Moore, the preachers on the Lancaster Circuit, which reached from METHODIST CHURCHES - 287 Lancaster on the west, and extended to Phoenixville on the east, and included Reading. A church was built at Cambridge, perhaps prior to the one at Waynesburg. The old church was superseded by the present church in 1843. Rev. Matthew Sorin preached the dedication sermon.* The preachers since 1830 have been : 1831-32, George Woolley, Jacob Gruber; 183:3, David Best, Richard W. Thomas; 1834, Thomas Miller, John Spear; 1835, William Torbert, Allen John, D. Best (sup.); 1836 (name of the circuit changed to Springfield), W. Torbert, A. John, D. Best (sup.) ; 1837, John Edwards, Henry Sutton, D. Best (sup.); 1833, John Edwards, Henry Sutton, John A. Watson, D. Best, (sup ); 1839-40, Jonas Bissey, Thomas Sumption ; 1841, James Hand, William L. Gray ; 1842, James B. Ayers, Arthur W. Milby ; 1843, James B. Ayers, Peter J. Cox ; 1844, James hand, George D. Bowen, J. A. Watson, sup. ; 1845, Riehard M. Greenbank, Samuel Pancoast; 1846, R. M. Greenbank, Henry B. Mauger; 1847, John Edwards, John Walsh ; 1848, J. Edwards, Samuel R. Gillingham; 1849-50, Enos R. Williams, John Cummins; 1851, Eliphalet Reed, Perer Hallowell; 1852, Joseph Carlisle, Abraham H. Freed, John T. Gracey, E. Reed (sup.); 1853 (the circuit divided, and part called "Waynesburg), Joseph Carlisle, A. Longacre; 1854, S. G. Hare, one to be supplied ; 1855, Samuel G. hare, Nehemiah W. Bennum; 1858, William H. Burrell, Levi B. Hughes; 1857, W. H. Burrell, one to be supplied; 1858, John F. Meredith, Charles W. Ayers; 1859, John F. Meredith; 1860-61, john J. Jones; 1862-83, James Y. Ashton ; 1864, E. I. D. Pepper; 1865, John Allen ; 1866, George Cummins; 1867-69, Samuel W. Kurtz; 1870, John J. Pearce; 1871-72, Andrew Cather ; 1873-74, Jacob M. Hinson; 1875-77, George Heacock; 1878-80, Gcorge W. F. Graff; 1881, Henry R. Calloway. VALLEY FORGE. In 1831 the itinerant preachers made their appearance in Valley Forge. Brothers Gruber and Woolley preached occasionally in an old red-colored frame school-house which stood on the west bank of the creek, and close to the gun-factory. It bore the significant cognomen of " synagogue," perhaps bestowed in derision of the Methodists. The church building was begun about the year 1833. When it was almost finished it was struck by a fierce wind, which carried off the roof, compelling the faithful few to hold their meetings in the basement, and it was not until the year 1837 that. the present structure was really completed. Brother Quay, who had been a member of the Salem Church, in the valley, was the first class-leader we know of in Valley Forge ; this was about the year 1833. He was succeeded by Brother N. Jones, who is still associated with the class as assistant leader. Among its first members were Brothers Moon and Stanley, both local preachers ; also William and John Montgomery, James Cane, and John McCollom ; these, with their friends, all came from Ireland, and the society was in a very prosperous condition. There were also Mrs. Bond, Nathan Jones, Thomas and Hannah Ogden, with Mrs. Miller. The survivors are Nathan Jones, Hannah Ogden, and Mrs. Miller. The history of the society from its commencement until now has been varied. It has had its triumphs and defeats, though never driven off the field. .Mrs. Hannah Ogden informed me that when Phoenixville was in charge of Rev. David Shields, over forty years ago, they had very lively meetings in Valley Forge, which resulted in a glorious re- * Rev. M. Sorin, D.D., died in Pueblo, Col., Aug. 11, 1879, aged seventy-seven years, eleven months, and four days. Ills remains are interred in Mount Moriah Cemetery, Philadelphia, Pa. vival. At that time Rev. David Shields, or one of his two brothers, John or Richard, local preachers, were quite regular in their attendance here as preachers. Rev. George Haycock is the last Conference preacher stationed at Phoenixville who came to the Valley Forge ; this was just before the Rev. C. I. Thompson took charge of it. However, it was well supplied with local preachers. Of those brethren, who stood deservedly high in the estimation of the people, we would make honorable mention of Brothers Montgomery and Reigner, both of 'whom have gone to their rest. Six years ago Rev. Robert A. Mc-Dwain was appointed to assist Rev. Charles I. Thompson as junior preacher ; one year after, Rev. L. Taylor Dugan ; then Rev. Joseph H. Boyd, who stayed two years ; Rev. William Powick, one year ; and then Rev. John Bell, now in his second year. At the beginning this church was an appointment on the old Waynesburg Circuit. Then it was that Revs. Jacob Gruber and George Woolley made their semi-monthly visits. In 1833 with Chester Circuit ; in 1834 with Radnor Circuit. In 1843 it became a part of the old Grove Circuit ; in 1853 with the Phoenixville Circuit ; in 1859 made a separate charge, and Valley Forge formed an adjunct to it. Pastors.-1831-32 (Waynesburg Circuit), George Woolley, Jacob Gruber; from 1833-59, see history of Grove and Salem M. E. Churches; from 1859-71, see history of Phoenixville M. E. Church; from 1871, a separate charge. For supply see this history. For this sketch I am indebted to Rev. John Bell, the present pastor (1881). GOOD-WILL. The church has always been so called, and is said to derive its name from the Good Will school-house, on the same ground. The school-house was built through the good-will of the people : each person contributed something towards its erection. Others say that Thomas Millard, the man who donated the ground, had a dream, and in it heard the passage, " On earth peace, good-will towards men." † The church is situated on the Good-Will road, in West Nantmeal township. Methodism was introduced into this locality some time previous to 1832. It is uncertain whether the first class was held at Samuel Packingham's residence. or the Good-Will school-house. I believe they went from the school-house to the church, and that the residence was the first place. The church was built in 1832, and cost about $1600. Remodeled in 1877, it is now valued at $3000. There is a burying-ground attached to the church. Rev. George Woolley was here at the time of organization. This would fix the date in 1831 or 1832, when George Woolley and Jacob Gruber traveled Waynesburg Circuit. The pastors from that date till 1881: See history of Waynesburg M. E. Church from 1831-53; from 1853-71 (with Springfield Circuit), see history of Springfield M. E. Church; 1871-77 (associated with Springton (or Glen Moore); 1871-72, William K. Macncal; 1873 -75, Maris Graves; 1876, David M. Gordon; 1877, William W. Wisegarver ; in 1878, a charge by itself; 1878-86, George Mack; 1881, William Redheffer. † Rev. Thomas Millard was "admitted on trial" in the Philadelphia Conference in 1829. He locared in 1837. 288 - HISTORY OF CHESTER. COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. SALEM. We date this society from 1833. The leading man was John Sloan, at whose house was preaching till the church was built. The stewards' book of Chester Circuit reports the first money received for the support of ministers, under the date of Aug: 8, 1833, 86. A new church was built in 1874, dedicated May 1, 1875 ; cost, $6000. A graveyard is connected with the church. List of Pastors.-1833 (on Chester Circuit), James B. Ayars, Robert E. Morrison, John Edwards, John Talley (sup). In 1834 a new circuit was formed, called Radnor, which embraced Salem. In 1834, David Best, Richard W. Thomas; 1835, R. W. Thomas, John Perry ; 1836, William Cooper, Jesse Ford; 1837, W. Cooper, James Hand; 1838, James B. Ayars, Charles W. Jackson; 1839, J. B. Ayars, Frederick Gram ; 1840, Henry G. King, James Neill ; 1841, H. G. King, Levin M. Prettyman; 1842, George Lacey, Christopher J. Crouch. In 1843 Grove Circuit was formed from Radnor, Salem in the former. In 1843, Thomas Sumption, Thomas C. Murphey; 1844, T. Sumption, James R. Anderson ; 1845, David Dailey, John W. Mecaskey ; 1846, D. Dailey, George W. Lybrand. In 1847 the annual " Minutes" have John Lednum, one to he supplied. A charge was made in June, after Conference, and Henry S. Atmore was changed from Chatham to Salem, with T. Addison Whitaker as junior preacher. In 1848, H. S. Atmore associated with him the local preachers and exhorters; 1849, James Harmer, Stearns Patterson; 1850, James Harmer, William C. Robinson, the latter appointed by the presiding elder. Harmer died Sept. 8, 1850, and W. C. Robinson was placed in charge, assisted by the local preachers and exhorters. In 1851, Joseph H. Wythes, John H. Boyd; 1852, J. H. Wythes, John J. Jones; 1853 (Salem associated with Phoenixville, etc., called Phoenixville), Christopher J. Crouch, John F. Meredith ; 1854, C. J. Crouch; 1855, Samuel R. Gillingham, Wesley Reynolds ; 1856, S. R. Gillingham, Charles W. Ayars; 1857, John Shields, Horace A. Cleveland; 1858, John Shields, George D. Mills; 1859-60 (called Salem, associated with Charlestown, etc.), Lewis C. Pettit; 1861-62, John O'Neill; 1863-64, James Hand; 1865, John Edwards; 1866-67, William Hammond; 1868-69, Thomas Sumption; 1870-71, Daniel L. Patterson; 1872-73, William T. Magee; 1874-76 (Chester Valley Mission), Ravel Smith ; 1877, Samuel W. Smith (Andrew Cather filled out unexpired year of S. W. Smith); 1878 (Salem), William H. Aspril; 1879-80, Ephraim Potts; 1881, Andrew J. Amthon. DOWNINGTOWN. In 1824 there was preaching at the house of William Wiggins, who was the first member of the church in the place. Part of the time, prior to the building of the church, they worshiped in the wheelwright-shop which stands below the toll-gate, and was owned. by John Garey. Shepherd Ayres sometimes had the class to meet at his house at the toll-gate, below the town. The first class-lea ler was S. Ayres. In 1833 the first M. E. churCh was built on the lot purchased of Thomas Webster. It was of stone, built by contract with Richard Webster ; size, 32 by 40 feet ; cost, $648. The first board of' trustees were Shepherd Ayres, Isaac Pauling, Benjamin McDaniel, Wm, Few, Jr., Win. Wiggins, Wm. Lent, and Jacob Zook. Nov. 17, 1833, it was dedicated by Revs. James B. Ayars and Robert E. Morrison. They were the preachers on the circuit (Chester), of which Downingtown was one of the appointments. There were at that time 25 members. June 28, 1835„the first Sabbath-school was organized, with S. Ayres as superintendent, and most of the time he was the. only teacher. In May, 1860, the board of trustees resolved to build a new church, the old one having become too small. They sold the old lot, and purchased another on the opposite side of, the street. The church was finished and dedicated in 1868. In its early history, Isaac Pauling, a very acceptable local preacher, and S. Ayers helped to lay the foundation of Methodism in Downingtown. The charge was first connected with Chester Circuit, afterwards with Radnor, Brandywine, and Grove Circuits, after which it became a station. The pastors from 1824, as follows : From 1824 till 1840, see history of Grove M. E. Church ; from 1840 till 1853 (a part of Brandywine, Circuit), see history of Coatesville M. E. Church; 1853 till 1867, see history of Grove M. E. Church ; from 1867 till 1881, a separate charge. Pastors: 1867-69, David W. Gordon; 1870-71, William W. McMichael ; 1872-74, Geo. T. Hurlock ; 1875-77, Geo. S. Broadbent ; 1878-80, John Stringer ; 1881, Geo. G. Rakestraw. SADSBURYVILLE-VILLAGE OF SADSBURY. In 1833 or 1834 the church was built. A committee to estimate the expense of " building a meeting-house" was appointed by the Quarterly Meeting. Conference, held at Columbia, Lancaster Co., Pa., Nov. 24, 1832. Committee, Charles Saxton, John Adams, and Richard Nichols. It was connected with Strasburg and Columbia Circuit. Preachers.-1832, Thomas Miller, Eliphalet Reed, John Edwards; 1833 (Soudersburg Circuit), Thomas A. Miller, William Ryder; 1834, John Lednum, Robert E. Morrison, Thomas Sumption (part of the year); 1835, J. Lednum, John Edwards; 1836, J. Edwards, Johu Augustus Watson; 1837, Robert Anderson, Dallas D. Lore ; 1838, Enos R. Williams; 1839, E. R. Williams, D. Best (sup.) ; 1840, Samuel Grace, Thomas S. Johnson, David Best (sup.) ; 1841, Samuel Grace, John D. Long, D. Best (snp.); 1842, Gasway Oram, John C. Owens ; 1843, G. Oram, G. D. Carrow; 1844, William K. Goentner, David Titus; 1845, W. K. Goentner, Henry Sanderson ; 1846, Allen John, J. Addison Whitaker ; 1847, Allen John ; 1848, James Harmer, Allen John (sup.); 1849 (Cochranville Circuit), John Bayne ; 1850, John. Bayne, John Thompson ; 1851, William L. Gray, John J. Jones ; 1852, Samuel G. Hare, Francis B. Harvey ; 1853, S. G. Hare, John O'Neill ; 1854 (with Brandywine Circuit), Geo. W. Lybrand, E. S. Wells (six months), Edward T. Kenney (six months) ; 1855, G. W. Lybrand, E: T. Kenney ; 1856, T. Snowden Thomas, A. M. Wiggins ; from 1857 to 1880, connected with Coatesville station. (For pastors see history of Coatesville M. E. Church.) 1881, with Hibernia and Thorndale, Stephen 0. Garrison. UNIONVILLE (EAST MARLBOROUGH TOWNSHIP). As early as 1774 a place for preaching was at Thomas Preston's, in or near Unionville ; after some years this ceased, but in later years it was revived, and a church built at Unionville.* Rev. Alban Hooke was the father of Methodism through all this neighborhood. He resided for several years in Londongrove township ; while a resident in that locality he had preaching, as well as a class, at his * From Rev. A. Hooke, deceased, I gathered that preaching by the Methodists was introduced into this neighborhood by Thomas Rankin, one of Mr. Wesley's early preachers, who came to this country June 1, 1773, and returned to England in 1778, arriving at the Cdve of Cork, Ireland, on the 15th of April. The place of meeting was Thomas Preston's, a shoemaker, who lived on the farm owned in 1822 by John Edwards, located three miles southwest of Unionville. In 1826 the walls of the basement of the tenant-house were still standing. This was the house in which Preston lived. lie is buried in the Episcopal Church graveyard, near the Friends' meeting-house, in West Marlborough township. Rev. William Colbert preached there in 1797, when he traveled Chester Circuit. In 1822 preaching was resumed at Pyle's school-house, one mile west of Unionville. In 1826 the preaching moved to Unionville. In 1839, when the Rev. E. R. Williams was on the Soudersburg Circuit, the church was built. A singular fact that A. Hooke, after they had resumed preaching, met with Joseph Preston, son of Thomas Preston. He was a member of the Protestant Episcopal Church. Since 1822 Methodism has had an existence in Unionville. METHODIST CHURCHES - 289 house. In 1827, Rev. William Cooper preached and led a class at his residence, being one of the appointments on Chester Circuit. The recording steward's book of Chester Circuit, under the date of Feb. 28, 1819, reports $1.75 as received from the class led by him. Living within three or four miles of Unionville, he visited it and preached, forming also a class, which became the nucleus of a church. As near as I can ascertain, the class or society was organized in 1835. The appointment was embraced in the Soudersburg Circuit. The first class was formed by Rev. Alban Hooke, of which he was temporary leader, then Lewis Taylor as regular leader. Among the first members were Lewis Taylor and wife, Ann Harvey, Mifflin, Elihu, and Elizabeth Bayley, George Hall, Emeline Allen, Ann Clayton, Rebecca Emmett. The class was formed in the old tavern, in an upper room. The old tavern is still standing, and was built by George Jackson, one of the first settlers. Rev. John Lednum, who traveled here 1835-36, had quite a revival, and preached in the summer-time in Preston's woods, between the State and Doe Run roads. Rev. John Edwards, stationed here in 1835, at that time held occasionally class- and prayer-meetings in the house of Lewis Taylor. After the academy was built they rented the old log school-house (still standing), and meetings were held there until they removed to the new church. The ground for the site of the church was bought of Hays Jackson for $40. Mifflin Bayley gave $30 ; George Hall and Ann Harvey $5 each. The church, built by subscription, was commenced in 1839, and completed in 1840. William Gause, the contractor, received $500 ; the membership helped to get out the lumber ; George Hall gave the glass, and did the painting and glazing. The Bible used in the church was presented by Rev. Enos R. Williams. In 1841, during the pastorate of Revs. Henry Sutton and Wesley Henderson, a revival took place which added many valuable members, several of whom are still living. Pastors.-From 1835 to 1840, an appointment on Soudersburg Circuit; 1835, John Lednum, John Edwards; 1836, John Edwards, John A. Watson ; 1837, Robert Anderson, Dallas D. Lore; 1838, Enos R. Williams, John A. Boyle; 1839, E. R. Williams, Amos Griner, D. Best (sup.); 1840 (Brandywine Circuit), David E. Gardner. For pastors from 1840 to 1858, see history of Marshallton M. E. Church. 1859 (Kennet Square), Lewis Chambers; 1860, no record; 1861 (Marshall-ton and Unionville), Joseph Cook; 1862-63 (with Marshallton and Kennet Square), Samuel W. Kurtz; 1864, William H. Fries; 1865, Alfred A. Fisher; 1866, John Edwards; 1867 (Kennet Square and Unionville), John Edwards; 1868, no record; 1869-70 (with Chatham and Kennet Square), Francis B. Harvey, William W. Barlow; 1871 (with Kennet Square), Robert C. Wood; 1872, George Alcorn; 1873, A. L. Hood; 1874, E. C. Yerkes; 1875, Edward I. McKeever ; 1876-77, Elim Kirk; 1878, W. K. Galloway ; 1879, W. F. Sheppard; 1880, S. T. Horner. The last few years only preaching occasionally, and supplied from Kennet Square Circuit. At present the church is closed, there being no society remaining. HIBERNIA. A church was built at this appointment in the year 1840 or 1841, Rev. Alban Hooke the leading man in the enterprise. Pastors.-From 1840 to 1857, see history of Coatesville M. E. Church; from 1857 to 1860, part of Brandywine Circuit ; 1857, John Cummins, John France; 1858, John Edwards; 1859, John B. Quigg ; - 37 - 1860-61 (Guthrieville Circuit), Thomas Newman; 1862-63, Nehemiah W. Bennum; 1864, John C. Gregg ; 1865, James Carroll ; 1866, Alfred A. Fisher; 1867-68, John C. Gregg; 1869, Wilmer Coffman; 1870, W. Coffman, George A. Wolfe; 1871, W. Coffman ; 1872-74, Wesley C. Johnson ; 1875, Edward Townsend; 1876-77, Henry F. Isett; 187880, Israel M. Gable; 1881 (Hibernia and Thorndale), Stephen O. Garrison. CHARLESTOWN. Methodism was introduced into Charlestown (known as Hard Scrabble at that time) by Rev. David Best, about 1830. The first members were William Bumblebee, local preaeher and first class-leader, Mary Umblebee, Mary Williams and two daughters, Mary and Rachel, Daniel and Margaret Coffman, Silas Gordon and wife, Joseph and Elizabeth Snyder, Sarah Black, Eliza, Isabella, and Mary Snyder, Eliza Funderwhite, John and Anna Funderwhite, Joseph and Elizabeth Devo, Samuel and Rosanna Coffman, John W. McCurdy and Magdalene his wife, David B. Patrick. The class met and preaching held in William Umblebee's house, in Charlestown. The church was built in 1840. It cost $1200. It has a graveyard connected with it. Two ministers have gone forth from this church, the Rev. William Major and Rev. Wilmer Coffman. For pastors see history of the Grove M. E. Church from 1830 to 1852; from 1853 to 1858, see history of Phoenixville, etc.; from 1859 to 1873, with Salem; 1859-60, Lewis C. Pettit; 1861-62, John O'Neill; 1863-64, James Hand; 1865, John Edwards; 1866-67, William Hammond.; 1868-69, Thomas Sumption; 1870-71, Daniel L. Patterson; 1872-73, William T. Magee; 1874 (a station, called Charlestown), W. T. Magee; 1875, George A. Wolfe; 1876-77, John D. Fox ; 1878, John O'Neill; 1879-80, Richard Kaines; 1881, Frederick M. Brady. TEMPLE (NORTH COVENTRY TOWNSHIP). In 1840, Rev. James Harmer, preacher in charge of Pottstown Circuit, organized a class. Rev. Daniel Crocket was the leader, and preaching was at his house as opportunity afforded. In 1843 the interest had so grown that, with some work, a plank and slab house (commonly called the slab shanty) was built on the present site of the Temple M. E. Church, by Rev. James Flannery, preacher in charge. This was in 1842. After that it became a regular appointment on the Pottstown Circuit. In 1844, Revs. Peter J. Cox and David R. Thomas, the pastors, succeeded in building a stone church 30 by 40 feet, calling it the Temple. In 1859 the Birdsboro' Circuit was formed, and included Temple ; it remained in that connection till 1859. Pastors.-1840-41, James Harmer; 1842, James Flannery, Henry B. Manger; 1843, J. Flannery, D. Titus; 1844, Peter J. Cox, David R. Thomas. For list from 1844 to 1859, see history of Bethel M. E. Church. 1859, on the Birdsboro' Circuit, John O'Neill, Sylvester N. Chew ; 1860, John O'Neill, Silas B. Best; 1861, Jerome Lindemuth, Samuel T. Kemble; 1862, J. Lindemuth; 1863, Valentine Gray, Samuel Lucas; 1864, V. Gray ; 1865-66, Thomas Sumption, George S. Conoway ; 1867, T. Sumption, John T. Swindells; 1868, William M. Dalrymple, Thomas C. Pearson; 1869, John Shields. In 1870 Temple became a separate charge; associated with Douglassville, in Berks Co., John A. Cooper as pastor ; he was returned in 1871. 1872, John Edwards; 1873-74, Joseph J. Sleeper. During 1874 the "Temple church" was rebuilt-size, 37 by 55 feet, with end gallery and two class-rooms-at a cost of $2300. Dedicated Oct. 11,1874. Revs. T. A. Fernley and Peter J. Cox conducted the dedication services. 187577, Hiram U. Sebring; 1878-80, George W. Lybrand; 1881, J. Bam-ford. There is a graveyard connected with the church. WASHINGTON. The society worshiped originally in the Washington school-house, an old building, located in the woods south- 290 - HISTORY OF CHESTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. east of the position of the present church building, where the first class was organized. As early as 1819 a Methodist meeting was held there, at which Rev. Alban Hooke preached.* In the recording steward's book of Chester Circuit we find, under the date of June 9, 1821, a record of money received for the support of the ministers,-$6.80. From this gather a society then in existence. The present church building was erected in 1841, during the pastorate of Revs. Henry Sutton and Wesley Henderson, at a cost of $400. It was repaired during the pastorate of Rev. John C. Gregg, in 1867 or 1868. List of Pastors.-From 1821 to 1832 (with Chester Circuit), see history of 'Grove M. E. Church; 1832 (with Strasburg and Columbia Circuits), Thomas Miller, Eliphalet Reed, John Edwards, Robert E. Morrison (for four months and four weeks); 1833 (Soudersburg Circuit), Thomas Miller, William Ryder ; 1834, John Lednum, Robert E. Mor- rison, Thomas Sumption (part of the year); 1835, J. Lednum, John Edwards; 1836, J. Edwards, John A. Watson; 1837, Robert Anderson, Dallas D. Lore; 1838, Enos R. Williams, John A. Boyle; 1839, E. R. Williams, Amos Griner ; 1840, Brandywine Circuit ; from 1840 to 1881, see history of Laurel M. E. Church. BETHEL (SOUTH COVENTRY TOWNSHIP) was erected in the year 1844, and was connected with the Pottstown Circuit, Rev. Peter J. Cox pastor. Methodist services had been held in a school-house in the neighborhood several years prior to this time, and when the church was dedicated the society numbered about 20 persons. The ground on which the church stands was given by Edward Brownback, Sr. Among the first members were Edward Brownback, Jr., Henry Prizer, John Peterman, Mark Delwa, Samuel Davis. At the Conference of 1875 Bethel was associated with Temple and St. James' (Cedarville) Churches, and made a separate charge. Pastors in connection with Pottstown Circuit : 1844, Peter J. Cox, David R. Thomas ; 1845, P. J. Cox, John Shields, John A. Watson, (sup.); 1846, John W. Arthur ; 1847, J. W. Arthur, William Bishop, J. A. Watson (sup.), W. Bishop did not fill the appointment ; 1848, John C. Thomas, John A. Watson (sup.); 1849, John C. Thomas, James E. Meredith, J. A. Watson (sup.); 1850, George R. Crooks, J. A. Watson (sup.); 1851, Allen John, Joshua H. Turner ; 1852, James Hand, Levi B. Beckley ; 1853, J. Hand, William E. Manlove; 1854, Abraham Freed, John F. Meredith; 1855, A. Freed, Noble Frame ; 1856, John Edwards; 1857, J. Edwards, William T. Magee; 1858, Daniel L. Patterson, Lewis C. Pettit ; 1859, Daniel L. Patterson, John Brandreth, John A. Watson (sup.) ; 1860, John B. Dennison, Isaac Mast, J. A. Waston (sup.); 1861, J. B. Dennison, J. A. Watson ; 1862, Valentine Gray, Lorenzo D. McClintock ; 1863, Joseph Aspril, D. W. Gordon ; 1864, Samuel G. Hare, Samuel H. Reisner; 1865, S. G. Hare ; 1866, John Allen, Adam L. Wilson ; 1867 (Coventryville), John * The society dates from 1819. This is the origin, as given by Rev. A. Hooke, deceased : " Feb. 26,1819, A. Hooke leaves General Steel's to attend quarterly meeting at Mount Hope M. E. Church (Delaware Co., Pa.). The snow-drifts resisted his course, and compelled him to turn back. He remained all night with a Mr. Kenneday, near Doe Run, from whom he had borrowed a horse. In the course of conversation he asked if there was an opening for preaching in the neighborhood. He received the answer that Jacob Myers was building a school-house on his land, and he thought this could be obtained. Application was made, and the school-house called Washington was granted. The owner of the land, Jacob Myers, and his wife Mary, were members of the Lutheran Church. The class was moved from Coatesville to the Washington school-house in 1819. In less than eighteen months the class numbered 75; among the fruits of the meeting, Myers and wife and several of the family. At this point a church was built afterwards. They worshiped in the school-house till the church was built." Allen ; 1868-69 (Springville and Bethel), J. P. Miller; 1870-71, Richard Turner ; 1872-73, John H. Wood ; 1872 (New Bethel a station), John Raymond; 1875-77, Hiram U. Sebring ; 1878-80, Geo. W. Lybrand; 1881, J. Bamford. A graveyard is connected with the church. SPRING CITY (EAST VINCENT TOWNSHIP). Rev. Peter J. Cox was one of the first Methodist preachers in this locality,-probable date, 1844 or 1845. The first meetings were held in what was known as the " Lyceum Building," on the Main Street. The first church was built as a union church in 1846, and bought by the Methodists in 1848. It cost $1120. The present church was commenced and basement completed in 1872, during the pastorate of Rev. John H. Wood. Main audience-room completed during the pastorate of Rev. Joseph B. Graff, in 1880. Cost $8000. Pastors.-They were supplied with preaching from Pottstown Circuit : 1844, Peter J. Cox, David R. Thomas ; 1845, P. J. Cox, John Shields ; 1846-47, J. W. Arthur; 1848, John C. Thomas ; 1849, John C. Thomas, James E. Meredith ; 1850, George R. Crooks (John A. Watson, sup. during 1845-50) ; 1851, Alleu John, Joshua H. Turner; 1852, James Hand, Levi B. Beckley ; 1853, James Hand, William E. Manlove ; 1854, Abraham Freed, John F. Meredith; 1855, A. Freed, Noble Frame ; 1856, John Edwards. Connected with Evansburg Mission in 1857, Joseph Dare. 1858 (with Perkiomen Circuit), William T. Magee; 1859-60, John L. Taft (sup.), Jacob Slichter ; 1861, William M. Ridgway; 1862, W. M.Ridgway, D. W. Gordon; 1863, Reuben Owen ; 1864, R. Owen, Henry F. Isett ; 186566, James Hand ; 1867, Edward Townsend, Thomas B. Neely ; 186869 (Springville, now called Spring City, associated with Bethel), Jacob P. Miller ; 1870-71, Richard Turner; 1872-73, John H. Wood; 1874, a separate charge; 1875-76, Eli Pickersgill; 1877-78, David H. Shields; 1879-81, Joseph B. Graff. GLEN MOORE (WALLACE TOWNSHIP). Methodism was introduced into the neighborhood by James Parker, of Hopewell M. E. Church the year is not known. Meetings were held in the West Nantmeal Seminary, near Wallace inn, some three miles east of Glen Moore. In 1831 a class was formed in James Parker's house, near Glen Moore Station. Revs. George Woolley and Jacob Gruber were regular circuit preachers in the neighborhood, and preached here Tuesday evenings. In the year 1844 a church was built near the Brandywine Creek, one-quarter of a mile south of the Springton Forge, in West Nantmeal (now Wallace) township. It was called Springton M. E. Church. Dr. John B. Chrisman, proprietor of the Springton Forge, was a leading spirit in its erection. At the time he was a member of the Coventryville M. E. Church. The cost of the edifice was $1100. In 1873 a new church was built at a cost of $10,500. The society, when organized,, was embraced in the Waynesburg Circuit, called, in 1836, Springfield. For a list of pastors from 1831 to 1871, see history of Springfield Church ; 1871-72 (Good-Will and Springton), William K. Macneal; 1873-75, Maris Graves ; 1876, David M. Gordon ; 1877, William W. Wisegarver ; 1878-80, Robert A. McIlwain ; 1881, George Gaul. LANDENBURG (NEW GARDEN TOWNSHIP). Methodism was introduced into the village of Landenburg by Peter Hart, the first class-leader, who held class-meetings in his own house. The church was built in 1848, at a cost of $800. For pastors since 1869, see Elk Ridge history. METHODIST CHURCHES - 291 NEW LONDON. The first class-leader was William Rudolph. The first preaching was in the New London Academy. The church was built in 1850. It is owned by the Odd-Fellows, and is leased to the society at New London for ninety-nine years. Sabbath, Aug. 17, 1851, Rev. Jonas Bissey was killed by lightning in the church, and was buried in the graveyard attached to the church. For pastors see history of Elk Ridge Church. PENNINGTONVILLE. Prayer- and class-meetings were held in the houses of Charles Reese and Bennet Chalfant prior to 1845. Rev. Henry Sanderson preached the first sermon by a Methodist preacher on a Sabbath evening in 1845; in the shop of Charles Reese. After this the Independence Hall was rented, and the society had regular preaching every two weeks. In 1851, Revs. W. L. Gray and John J. Jones pastors, the building of a church was resolved on, but it was not till 1853 the building was commenced. The trustees were Charles Reese, Jesse J. Morgan, Bennet Chalfant, James Collins, and Edward Lammy. S. G. Hare and John O'Neil were the pastors at the time the corner-stone was laid, Rev. Anthony Atwood presiding elder, and Rev. W. L. Gray officiating. The basement was finished, and used for worship in the spring of 1854. The upper room was completed, and dedicated June 3 and 4, 1860. The whole cost of the building was $4000, and the amount needed ($1000) to pay the entire debt was realized. In the cemetery lies the dust of Rev. John Hersey. The list of preachers from 1845 to 1881 is as follows : 1845, William K. Goentner, Henry Sanderson ; 1846, Allen John, J. Addison Whitaker ; 1847, Allen John ; 1848, James Harmer, Allen John, sup. (Cochranville Circuit); 1849, John Bayne, George W. Brindle; 1850, John Bayne, John Thompson; 1851, William L. Gray, John J. Jones; 1852, Samuel G. Hare, Francis B. Harvey ; 1853, S. G. Hare, John O'Neill; 1854, Thomas Newman, James L. Killgore ; 1855, Thomas Newman, Abel Howard; 1856, John B. Dennison, John Hersey; 1857, John B. Dennison, John E. Kessler; 1858, John Cummins; 1859, John Cummins, Nathan B. Durrell ; 1860, William H. Burrell; 1861, W. H. Burrell ; 1862, Joseph Dare, Robert W. Jones; 1863, Henry B. Mauger, R. W. Jones; 1864, H. B. Manger, Wilmer Coffman ; 1865, Valentine Gray, Wesley C. Johnson ; 1866, Valentine. Gray, Levi B. Hoffman ; 1867, Samuel Pancoast, John D. Rigg ; 1868, S. Pancoast, Thomas Morris; 1869, Joseph Aspril, John W. Wright ; 1870, Joseph Aspril, William Downey ; 1871 (Penningtonville), Joseph Aspril; 1872, William Mr. McMichael; 1873, Isaac R. Merrill; 1874-75, Ephraim Potts, Francis B. Harvey ; 1876 (Atglen), Israel M. Gable, Francis B. Harvey ; 1877, I. M. Gable; 1878, William P. Howell; 1879, David H. Shields; 1880-81, Hiram U. Sebring. OXFORD. Methodism was first introduced here by Rev. Henry Boehm, about 1828, while traveling Strasburg Circuit. First gathered for worship at the homes of William Fitzgerald and Thomas Gypsum. The latter owned a farm adjoining the Oxford fair-ground, now owned by Rev. Samuel Dickey. The first class-leader was James Thomas, father of Rev. Samuel W. Thomas. The church edifice was built in 1851, and dedicated by Revs. Francis Hodgson and Andrew Manship. From 1828 to 1851 services had been conducted in Hopewell mill (Hopewell Borough), owned by Col. David Duckey, and occupied by John Sumption, the father of the late Rev. Thomas Sumption, and at private houses in the neighborhood. The opposition to Methodism was so strong in Oxford that none would sell ground for church purposes ; this difficulty was surmounted by a stranger purchasing the ground on which the present edifice now stands. The parsonage was built in Oxford in 1877 or 1878. List of Pastors.-1828 (Strasburg Circuit), George Wooley, John Nicholson ; 1829, G. Wooley, Thomas McCarron; 1830 (Port Deposit Circuit), George Wooley, William Bloomer, John Goforth (sup.); 1831 (Cecil Circuit), William Torbert, James Nicoll, Caleb Morris (sup.); 1832, W. Torbert, William Spry, Caleb Morris (sup.); 1832, E. Reed, George M. Yard, C. Morris (sup.). It would seem transferrred to Port Deposit Cireuit, Jacob Gruber, John Speer. 1834, Levi Storks, Edward Kennard, John A. Roach, John Goforth (sup.); 1835 (Northeast Circuit), Pennell Coombe, C. J. Crouch; 1836 (West Notingham), William Ryder, C. Crouch ; 1837-38 (Nottingham), Samuel Grace, John S. Inskip ; 1839, W. Torbert, M. D. Kurtz; 1840, W. Torbert, Charles Schock. George Wooley sup. for 1833, and from 1835 to 1840. 1841, William C. Thomas, Henry S. Almore; 1842, Edward Kennard, James McCarter; 1843, George Barton, D. L. Patterson. Thomas Miller (sup.), 1842-43. 1844, G. Barton, A. Freed; 1845, Eliphalet Reed, H. B. Manger; 1846, Leeds K. Benidge, Thomas Miller ; 1847, John D. Long, J. Addison Whitaker. He was removed to the Grove Circuit in June, and William Major sent by the presiding elder. 1848, Charles Schock, William Robb ; 1849, C. .Schock ; 1850, Jonas Bissey; 1851. (Oxford Circuit), J. Bissey, John Thompson ; 1852, John F. Boone, Reuben Owen ; 1853, John Cummins, Abel Howard ; 1854, J. Cummins, John Dyson ; 1855, John Edwards; 1856, Thomas B. Miller, E. T. Kenney ; 1857, T. B. Miller, Henry H. Bodine ; 1858, John .B. Dennison, Nathan B. Durell; 1859, J. Dennison, Thomas F. Plummer; 1860, Joseph Carlile; 1861, James Hand; 1863-64, Thomas Sumption ; 1865-66, Francis B. Harvey; 1867, Henry B. Mauger, William M. Gilbert; 1868 (this year Oxford was made a station), John Stringer ; 1869-70, A. M. Wiggins; 1871-72, Levi B. Hoffman ; 1873, Samuel G. Hare; 1874-75, Benjamin T. Strong ; 1876-77, George A. Wolfe; 1878, Matthew Sorin ; 1879-80, James C. Wood ; 1881, Richard Kaines. In 1874 the church was repaired,-the old, high pulpit removed, walls and ceiling papered and painted, etc. KENNET SQUARE. It appears as a mission in 1853. In 1854 returns 18 members, 45 probationers. List of Pastors.-1854 (Mount Salem and Kennet Square Mission), Thomas W. Simpers, William M. Dalrymple; 1855-56 (Kennet Square Mission), Francis B. Harvey ; 1857-58, John Dyson; 1859, L. Chambers; 1860, Joseph Cook ; 1861 (with Marshallton and Unionville), Joseph Cook; 1862-63 (Marshallton and Kennet Square), Samuel W. Kurtz ; 1864, William H. Fries ; 1865, Alfred A. Fisher; 1866, John Edwards; 1867 (Kennet Square and Unionville), John Edwards ; 1868 (Kennet Square), 1869-70 (Chatham and Kennet Square), Francis B. Harvey, William W. Barlow; 1871 (Rennet Square), Robert C. Wood ; 1872, George Alcorn; 1873, A. L. Hood ; 1874, Elwood C. Yerkes; 1875, Edward J. McKeever ; 1876-78, Elim Kirk ; 1879, William F. Sheppard ; 1880, S. T. Horner; 1881, Henry R. Robinson. SAINT JAMES' (CEDARVILLE, NORTH COVENTRY TOWNSHIP). During the pastorate of Rev. John A. Cooper in 1871, a class was organized at Cedarville, with A. B. Strunk as leader. In 1872, John Edwards was pastor, and in 187374, Joseph J. Sleeper. During the latter's pastorate a plan for a church was adopted ; the size, 37 by 60 feet, two stories, with recess. Mr. George Wanger gave the site, a half-acre of ground. June 27, 1874, the basement was dedicated, Revs. Thomas A. Fernley and Joseph Barker taking part. J. J. Sleeper was reappointed in 1874. In 1875-77, Hiram W. Sebring was pastor ; during his 292 - HISTORY OF CHESTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. term the main audience-room of this church was finished and dedicated. 1878-80, George W. Lybrand, and 1881, J. Bamford, pastors. PARKESBURG. The first Methodist preaching was in 1872, by Rev. Wil- Liam Downey. It was in connection with Cochranville and Friendship. He preached here two years, once in four weeks, in the Baptist and Presbyterian churches. 1874, Rev. Ephraim Potts had charge, in connection with Atglen or Penningtonville Circuit. This year the old Episcopal church was rented, a protracted meeting held, just about the time of going to Conference, and quite a revival was the result. The first society was organized in the spring of 1876. In 1878, William P. Howell had a large revival. In 1879 the old Episcopal church was purchased for $1200. The membership is now 100, with a fine Sabbath-school. Pastors.-1872 (Cochranville and Friendship), W. Downey; 1873 (Georgetown and Friendship), W. Downey ; 1874-75 (Penningtonville), Ephraim Potts, F. B. Harvey ; 1876-77 (Atglen), Israel M. Gable; 1878, William P. Howell; 1879, David H. Shields;` 1880-81, Hiram U. Sebring. HAMORTON. In 1872 a lot was donated at Hamorton on which to erect a church, on which in 1873 was built a neat frame church, at a cost of $3000. It was built largely through the energy of Rev. A. L. Hood, the pastor at that time. For list of pastors see history of Kennet Square Church. In 1869 (Marshallton and Hamorton), Jeremiah Pastorfield ; 1870, Edward Townsend. THORNDALE. During the pastoral term of Rev. George S. Broadbent, of Downingtown, from 1875 to 1877, occasional service for preaching was held, and continued during the pastoral term of Rev. John Stringer, from 1878 to 1880. During the last year of his service as pastor of the Downingtown Church a neat chapel was built, dedicated, and paid for. It is now (1881) associated with Hibernia and Sadsburyville as a charge, under the pastorate of Rev. Stephen 0. Garrison. AVONDALE. The origin was during the autumn of 1868. There was a meeting held at the house of J. B. Steward on the night of October 28th. This meeting was composed of seven persons. Here the meetings were continued till the spring of 1869, when a class was formed consisting of seven persons, Reuben Johnson leader. The first Sabbath-school was organized May 23, 1869, James Andrews superintendent. It was held in the railroad station. June 7, 1869, the public services, together with the Sabbath-school, were moved to the hall of Tiba Lamborn, in order to accommodate the increased attendance. The third Sunday in October the meetings were moved to the basement of J. B. Steward's house. In 1869 there were 20 members. In the spring of 1870 the place of worship was changed to a room over the store. In 1870 a two-story building was erected for church purposes at a cost of $1400.90. In November of this year an extra meeting was held, which resulted in the conversion of 42 souls. The first building was partly, destroyed by fire in 1880 no insurance. They now have a neat church, dedicated February, 1881, worth $2000. Rev. J. B. Steward served as pastor from May, 1866, to March, 1873; in 1874, John D. Fox ; 1876, from March to July, T. L. Nelson ; July, 1875, to March, 1875, W. B. Chalfant; March, 1876, to October, 1876, S. H. Evans; from October, 1876, to March, 1877, William H. Aspril; 1877, to the spring of 1878, L. T. Dugan ; 1878, Reuben Johnson; 1879-80, James Sampson ; 1881, John W. Rudolph. UNION AND OCTORARA. Union M. E. Church is located in West Nottingham township. A graveyard is attached to the church. The Octorara M. E. Church is located in West Nottingham township. MOUNT ROCKEY. This church is located in Elk township. Attached to the church is a burial-ground. LUTHERAN CHURCHES. ZION.* The early records of this church are lost. The German Lutherans and Reformed Calvinists jointly obtained the ground, containing about 10 acres ; and, a house being erected, each society had their minister, the Rev. Henry Muhlenberg, Sr., of Philadelphia, being the first Lutheran preacher. About 1770, the subject of erecting a new house being agitated, the members could not all agree. Those who afterwards erected St. Peter's 'wished it nearer French Creek, or rather on their side ; but the Vincent members would not yield, and, retaining their position, satisfied the others for their share. The Reformed members also proceeded to the erection of a separate church. The present building was then erected, of red sandstone, fronting on the Schuylkill road, about two miles from the French Creek bridge and half a mile from the General Pike, where this road and Branson's road fork. The front is of hewn stone. The building is in sight of the Reading Railroad, below and nearly opposite Spring City, and the site commands a view over a large part of Montgomery and Berks Counties. The following names are cut in stone over the front door: Rev. L. Focht (he wrote his name Voigt), C. Shoener, H. Herpel, J. Essig, R. Essig, Peter Miller, ____ Shuman, Henry Christman, 1774. Some of those buried in the graveyard, as appears by the inscriptions, were : Ludwig Voigt, born in Mansfield, Germany, 1731; interred 1800, aged sixty-nine years and thirteen days. It was computed there were not less than 3000 people at his funeral. John Hause, died 1835, aged seventy-three years. His father, John Hause, is buried at Rhode's graveyard. Benjamin Royer, died 1823, aged fifty-four. Andrew Ortlip, died 1819, aged eighty-nine. Jacob Finkbine, born 1754, died 1822. Nicholas Snider, born 1741, died 1822. Henry Haase, son of John, died 1825,. aged fifty-six. Peter Miller, son of Peter, died 1825, aged forty-two. He was the organist. Peter Miller, Sr., born 1734, died 1803. John Maurer, born 1746, died 1800. John Shuman, born 1767, died 1822. Henry Miller, son of Peter, born 1773, died 1839. Clements Rentgen, born 1754, died 1833. David Royer, died 1832, aged sixty. Henry Maurer, born 1739, died 1800. Henry Sheeder, father of the writer, born 1745, died 1807. * From statements of Frederick Sheeder, 1846. LUTHERAN CHURCHES - 293 Jacob Hallman, born 1780, died 1811. Stephen (or Stevanus) Hai!man, the father, born 1744, died 1821. He was a vestryman in Voigt's time. Henry Christman, born 1744, died 1823. George Emrich, born 1754, died 1820. Zacharias Ziegler, born 1713, died 1800, aged eighty-seven. John Baker, born 1762, died 1833, aged seventy. John Miller, born 1762, died 1825, aged sixty-three. Abraham Knerr, died 1836, aged sixty-five. Matthias Wartman, died 1801, aged fifty-seven. Jacob Mayer, born 1749, died 1824. John Walter, born 1733, died 1813, aged seventy-nine. William Walter, Sr., born 1744, died 1818, aged fifty-three. Zion church is in Pikeland, but the line of the property joins the Vincent line. The building was commenced in 1771, and finished in 1774, and was used as a hospital when Washington's forces were at Chester Springs. The church was incorporated Sept. 30, 1789, under the name of " The German Lutheran congregation worshiping at the church called Zion, in Pikeland township," etc. This and St. Peter's jointly purchased a place for the minister to reside at in their midst, and in 1787 bought for a parsonage 50 acres from John Hause, a mile above Zion church, for £215 5s., which was paid by the elders and wardens of both congregations, namely, Peter Miller, John Walter, Peter Shuman, on the side of Zion, and George Emry, Zacarias Rice, and (Jacob ?) Danfelzer, of St. Peter's. The Chrismans, Hauses, and Millers were formerly the leading members of Zion. " Of this one place of worship at Zion there been till within two years six churches erected." Ludwig Voigt was the regular preacher from some time before Zion and St. Peter's were erected until his death. After his decease, Rev. Revenach "made but a short stay, and was discharged on account of his lady in 1805. Did not get to live in the parsonage that was rented on account, as the Pikeland congregation had taken Henry Geisenheiner, of whom the Vincent congregation had a dislike." A short time after, Rev. Frederick Jasinsky became the acceptable and beloved and united preacher at both churches. He was buried at St. Peter's at his request. He occupied the parsonage during life, and in that time a new stone house and a barn were erected by the two congregations. Succeeding him were Rev. Frederick Geisenheiner, senior and junior, and Rev. Jacob Wampole. In the time of the Geisenheiners, English preaching in the afternoon in both churches was admitted. In 1836, Frederick Ruthrauff became the preacher, and had possession of the parsonage but in 1842 he was dismissed by the Vincent Consistory and ordered to leave the parsonage, upon which he moved near to Lionville and retained St. Peter's and Lionville congregations, and St. Matthew's, on the Conestoga pike, "a new church a mile above that at formerly Ludwig's Tavern." This was built two or three years before. After Ruthrauff left, Rev. Joseph Miller, from the Trappe, served the church until Rev. Mr. Weldon became the regular preacher at Zion and St. Paul's,—German in the forenoon and English in the afternoon. He purchased the parsonage from the two congregations. ST. PETER'S. About the year 1770 the congregation of Zion Church, being about to erect a new building, were divided in opinion as to the location, and this resulted in the erection of two. Michael Koenig, by deed of May 16, 1771, conveyed to Peter Hartman, George Emrey, Conrad Miller, and Adam Moses between one and two acres of land for the use of a church and burying-ground, as also a right of way two yards in width to a spring on the other side of the road (called then Griffith Evans' road), and a square perch at the spring, with liberty to build a house over it, etc. This land was then subject to a mortgage which covered the whole township, but on Aug. 9, 1791, Samuel Hoare, by his attorneys, Benjamin Chew, Alexander Wilcocks, and Benjamin Chew, Jr., gave the church a release in consideration of five shillings. It was at the house of Michael Koenig that the Rev. Henry Muhlenberg, the pioneer of Lutheranism in this country, preached before any church had been erected in this part. David King, his great-grandson, now owns and lives on the same land, which has never been out of the family. The following subscription-paper, of which the original was in German, has been furnished, with other matter, by John King, Esq., a great-grandson of Michael, and is of interest as showing who were then citizens and active members of the church in those parts. Pikeland, it may be remarked, was then generally called Pikestown : "We the Undersigned subscribers do promise for ourselves our heirs, Executors or Administrators . . . to pay or Cause to be paid unto Michael King, George Emrey, Peter Hartman, & Conrad Miller, or to either of them or their Successors or their order the Several sum of Money herein Annexed to our names severally and not to pay one for Another towards paying for a piece of Land in Pikeland Township, Chester County & towards Errecting or Building A Lutheran Church on Said Land one half of Said money to he paid the Twenty-seventh day of November next ensuing the date hereof and the other half of said money on the Twenty-seventh day of November Annoque Dommeny 1772. "But if there will Default be made in payment of the said money as above said at the time Above Limited for the payment thereof we do hereby severally Ackuowledge judgment for said Debt & to Authorize & empower any of his Magesties Justices of the Peace in his Magesties Domminians to Grant Execution Against us severally for said Debt & Cost of Suit. Witness our hands In May Anno Dommeny 1771.