submitted by Sue Elliott
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A
History
of
The United Presbyterian
Church
THE
FIRST UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH of Greenville, Mercer
County, Pennsylvania, is the oldest in the town by nearly a quarter of
a century. It was organized in the early days of the last
century [1801]. As early as 1790 the fertile lands of Mercer
County were attracting the attention of the Scotch-Irish people of
Westmoreland and Washington counties and a number of families from
these counties settled along the banks of the Shenango. These
families not only came with their oxen, they axes, their spinning wheel
and loom, but they also brought their Bibles, their Psalm-books and
their catechisms; and what is still better they brought in their hearts
as warm and fervent love for Christ and His Church.
The
Chartiers Presbytery of the Associate Church was formally organized,
June 23rd, 1800. Under its care were all the congregations
and vacancies west of the Allegheny mountains. In connection
with this presbytery and about this time begins our history.
In the year 1801, Rev. Daniel McLean,
a recently ordained minister of the presbytery, visited the Shenango
valley and preached at several points in Crawford and Mercer
counties. A region of country, lying nearest the Shenango
river and a settlement on Sandy Creek, was called the "Big Vacancy." In
this region were a few families who belonged to the Associate Church.
The choice of Mr. McLean as first pastor here
shows the community of feeling and interest among these early
pioneers. Mr. McLean
found a large majority of the people here Presbyterians but the two
denominations agreed to hear candidates from both churches and to cast
their lot with the denomination to which the successful candidate
belonged. By an almost unanimous vote the choice fell on
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