continued

the Holy Ghost,” fitly exhibited his character. He was succeeded in the pastorate of Greenville congregation, by his son, Rev. D. H. A. McLean, a young man of fine ability, who preached to the people of this charge with great efficiency, for about eleven years. The congregation under the ministry of the father, had grown to be one of the largest and most influential in this region, and it lost none of its power under the labors of the son. At this time, it was no unusual thing to Find crowded houses, especially on communion days, persons journeying on horseback, ten, and even fifteen miles to this place of worship. Dr. D. H. A. McLean, having been called to teach in Westminster College, at New Wilmington, Pa., demitted his charge, and was followed in the work hereby Rev. W. C. Jackson, who preached to the congregation about seven years. About this time, the congregation had began to decrease in numbers, owing to other congregations being organized in the neighborhood, affording church accommodations to many of the members nearer home. During the ministry of Rev. Jackson, the union between the Associate and Associate Reformed churches of this county, was effected in the organization of the United Presbyterian Church. The congregation, here, heartily subscribing to that union, has since been known as United Presbyterian Rev Jackson closed his ministry here, about the breaking out of the Great Rebellion, to take charge of a mission church, in Chicago. He was a man of fair ability, excelling in his social and pastoral work, and made many warm friends here, both in and outside the congregation.

He was succeeded, in a few months, by Rev. J. D. Tedford, now of Tipton, Indiana, who acted as pastor about three years. Mr. Tedford was here luring the war, at a time when the attention of the people was largely absorbed with army interests, and many of the members absent in their country's

service; hence, his ministry was not so visibly successful as it might, otherwise, have been. He was, however, an earnest and self-sacrificing worker, and is kindly remembered by the people.

In July, 1866, Rev. J. R. Brittain, took charge of the congregation, was formally ordained and installed the first of September, of the same year, the Lake Presbytery, Rev. J. H. Preesly, of Erie Pa., presiding over the ordination service. At this time the congregation was reduced, by removal and otherwise, to an actual membership of lees than 100. During the present pastorate, 222 have been received into the church, and almost 100 dismissed by certificate and death, leaving a membership of 220. In this membership, are found some of the most substantial business-men and farmers of the town and surrounding county.

The beautiful and substantial church building on the corner of High and Main streets, no occupied by this congregation, was erected in 1867, one year after the settlement of the present [1877] pastor, and is the third building on the same site, and the fourth church in the history of the society - - this being a log-church on West High street, near the residence of Conrad Bittenbanner. The present building is much more substantial that either of the others, and with proper care, will last at least a half-century.  Services are held every Sunday morning and evening, conducted by the pastor, and. Sabbath-school at 1 o’clock, P. M. The Sabbath-school has twenty-five officers and teachers, and a library of 400 volumes. The present church [1877] building was erected in 1867, and cost $18,000. 

History of Mercer County, 1877, pages 98-99.

Return to the main United Presbyterian Church page