Mercer County PAGenWeb

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Greenville 

United Presbyterian Church


United Presbyterian Church.—In the year 1801, Rev. Daniel McLean, a licentiate of the Associate Presbytery of Chartiers, visited the Shenango Valley, by Presbyterial appointments, and preached at several points in Mercer and Crawford counties. A region of country, embracing a portion of the above counties, lying nearest the Shenango River, and including Greenville, Jamestown, Old Shenango, etc., was called the “Big Vacancy,” and about the year 1802, was taken under the care of the Old Associate Church. The first congregation was organized about six months later, at Old Shenango, ten miles north of Greenville, which is very appropriately called “Old Jerusalem,” being the mother of all the United Presbyterian congregations in this whole region.

Over the above charge, Rev. McLean was immediately installed as pastor, and his labors were so abundantly successful, that in a few years it became necessary to organize other congregations in the regions round about, preeminent among which was the Associate, better known as the “Seceder,” congregation of Greenville. This congregation, about 1820, became united with Shenango as one pastoral charge, over which “Father McLean,” as he is familiarly known, presided until summoned to his removal, closing a remarkably successful pastorate of about forty years. Rev. McLean was a man of more than ordinary qualifications for his work. His mental and physical powers were above the average; his piety and devotion to his ministry unquestioned, and hence his remarkable success. The text of his memorial sermon, “A good man, full of

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United Presbyterian Church,1901. Photo from One Hundred Years of the United Presbyterian Church, Greenville,

(submitted by Sue Elliott)  





One Hundred Years of the United Presbyterian Church, Greenville, 1801 -1901 submitted by Sue Elliott 

 

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Oldest Church in Greenville

From The History of Mercer County, 1888