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)
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