Mnxxtn €hnrth ^nr the BX ,U5^6 nnit €tn R6 1910 r—'—T-"^ HISTORY OF Union Presbyterian Church -BY REV. JOHN K. ROBERTS FOR THEZ Home Coming AUGUST 10-11, 1910. "Jail '""■^ ' JUN 28 1990 KELLY PRINTING COV ^^_ , .aWX^V FOREWORD. The plan of this volume included not only a history of Union but also sketches of Carthage, Cameron, White Hilh Culdee and Manly churches, which Union helped to organize* With the exception of Carthage, material for the sketches of these churches was not secured until after the forms had gone to press. We left out many interesting traditions because we could not verify their authenticity. We have examined the evidence of the subject matter and dates of this history by careful reference to every available source of information. We are indebted to the following for the information contained in this volume: Messrs. N. A. McKeithen, J. R. McQueen, G. W. McNeill, Rev. A. R. McQueen, Jack Currie. Alexander McLauchlin, R. D. Rowan, W. J. Kelly, Daniel McNeill, A. A. Ray, T. D. McLean. D. Alphonso Blue, J. W. McCaskill, Noah Deaton, J. Alton Mclver, James McLean, Carlos McLeod, D. D. Kelly, Angus McNeill, Dr. G. McLeod, Judge W. J. Adams, Dr. H. B. Shields, D. McS. Kelly, J. W Harrington, J. L. Cole, D. A. McDonald. A. C. Kelly, Mrs. E^ J. Tyson, Mrs. James McLean, Mrs. James D. Mclver, Mrs. M. E. Adams, Mrs. Martha Branson, Miss Belle McCrummen, Rev. J. A. Paisley, Mooresville, N. C, Hon. Hugh M. Street, Meridian, Miss., Rev. H. L. Paisley, San Marcos, Texas, S. D. McCallum, son of Rev. Angus McCallum, Union Church, Miss., Rev. D. I. Craig, D. D.. Stated Clerk of Synod, Mrs. Neill McKay. Rev. D. J. McMillan, D. D., New York, N. Y., the Sessional Records of Union and Carthage churches, .Minutes of Orange and Fayetteville Presbyteries, the Synods of the Curohnas and North Carolina, Rev. Martin McQueen's Notes and Sermons, old letters, Caruther's and Foote's "Sketches," files of old newspapers, and valuable information from the editor of the Christian Observer. AUTHOR. HISTORY OF UNION. The only way possible to ascertain the dates of the first settlements in Union congregation is to search through the grants on file in the Secretary of State's office in Raleigh. Permanent settlements, however, began with the great Scotch immigration into the Carolinas after the disastrous battle of Culloden in 1746. Ship load after ship load of the Highland Scotch landing at Wilmington made their way up the Cape Fear river to a point first known as Cross Creeks, afterward called Campbelton for the Rev. James Campbell but changed to Fayetteville in honor of Marquis La Fayette during his visit to that city in 1825. From this point they formed settlements in the surround- ing country. At that time a dense forest of stately pine covered the country, and the many swamps bristled with the rank growth of cane-brake or reeds. This mighty wilderness to the West of Fayetteville was penetrated by two trails. One a Buffalo trail from Cape Fear river to the Yadkin, the other an Indian trail from the Sapona, or Deep river, to the Lower Cape Fear. The former became a fine of travel and commerce between the Scotch settlements on the Cape Fear and the Scotch-Irish settlements on the Yadkin and beyond. The latter road became an important highway between Cross Creeks (Fayetteville) and Cross Hills (Carthage). Grants call for this road as the Wagon Road; afterwards commonly known as the "Big Wagon Road." The Yadkin road crosses the county nine miles south of Union, and the Fayetteville road passes along by the north side of the church grounds. The Scotch leavmg Fayetteville formed settlements westward on both sides of these two great thorough fares. Two other roads were laid out at an early date which played an important part m the development of this section. The Joel road, which took its name from the man who cut out the road, running East 4 History of Union. and West, passes one half mile south of Union. Land grants call for the Joel road as early as 1771. The Pee Dee road, running North and South, passes through the church grounds on the West side of the building. The church is situated in a triangle formed by three of the earliest highways. The crossing of the roads would natur- ally give the locality added importance. It was first known as the cross roads and was early used as a place of public assembly, probably for Muster but more particularly horse racing. The first grant issued to a Scotchman in North Carolina was filed by a Mr. McPherson in the Pamlico district in 1707. In Foote's "Sketches" we find that a man by the name of Clark and other Scotchmen had settled near old Bluff church in 1729. However, when the Scotch first came into Moore county they found settlers already in the land to whom they gave the name of "Buckskins" because of their peculiar custom of wearing suits made of dressed deer skin. When Alexander McKeithen entered a tract of land in 1751, the present site of the Vass cotton niills, his lines called for metes and bounds of still earlier grants. Lands entered in the neighborhood of Union about 1760 call for the boundaries of still earlier entries. The writer regrets that his attention was called to the grants too late for him to make use of the information for this history. Another evidence not only of the ease of accessibility but also of the importance of this settlement is, that the first court of I'.Ioore county was held at Kitchen Springs, three miles East of Union, in 1784. To the glory of the Scotch settlers they erected the family altar in their new home in this boundless wilderness, and as had been their custom forsook not the assemblying of themselves together for the worship of God on the Sab- bath day. There has been preaching in the neighborhood of Union for about One Hundred and Twenty-five years, and tradition says there were services held at irregular times for several years before the Revolutionary war. The minister who serve J the outlying settlements had no means History of Union. 5 of sending appointments ahead, so when the preacher reached a neighborhood, boys would be sent out on horse- back for miles around to announce the hour of service. The only ministers who could be referred to are Rev. James Campbell and Rev. John IvIcLeod. Rev. James Campbell came to the Cape Fear settlements in 1753, and preached regularly at Bluff, Longstreet and Barbecue until his death in 1781. He also made frequent visits to the outlying settlements in Cumberland and Robeson counties. Rev. John McLeod came over from Scotland in 1770 in company with a large number of Highland families which settled on Upper and Lower Little rivers in what was then known as Cumberland county. He ministered to these people for several years. In the latter part of the '70' s he sailed for Scotland, and as he was never heard of again it is believed that he sleeps in a watery grave. Aside from tradition, established by cumulative evidence, it would be hard to believe that these earnest and conse- crated men of God would fail to visit so large a settlement of their own people or neglect so strategic a point as the only confluence of the three most important highways of commerce and travel. I offer the suggestion that probably the name of the church had its origin in the crossing, or union, of these three great roads at this point. I am satisfied in my own mind, after a careful consid- eration of the traditions as well as of a more intimate knowledge of the devout character of the early Scotch, that from the very beginning of each settlement religious services were held at some convenient point, under the leadership of elders. At irregular times they would be able to secure the services of a preacher, who would administer baptisms and the sacrament of the Lord's Supper. Out of these services, no doubt, have grown the church organizations of Buffalo, Union, Bethesda and Ben- salem. It is a well known fact that men lose their religious feehng through the neglect of public worship. But we have no indication of moral degeneration or spiritual decay among the Scotch, which would have been inevitable if the 6 History of Union. many Scotch settlements had been without religious ser- vices for three score years and ten, as a casual reader would infer from the silence of history. Doubtless Rev. James Campbell remembered the method employed by John Knox in the beginning of the Presbyterian church. When Scotland turned to Protestantism every village and hamlet cried out for the preached Word. There were not enough ministers to supply the demand. John Knox divided Scotland into Ecclesiastical Districts and appointed a minister or evangelist over each division to visit the churches, to baptize the children, receive members into the church and administer the communion. The regular Sabbath day worship v/as led by the local elders. He pre- pared a liturgy for their use. Though not stated, one would infer from reading Foote's "Sketches" that Rev. James Campbell inaugurated a somewhat similar plan throughout the Scotch settlements. When we remember the demoralization of the Revolution, the fierce hatred of a cruel internecine warfare through which the Scotch set" tlements passed, the devout character, the deep piety, the family altar, the catechetical instruction of the children, and the strict observance of the Lord's Day, can be ex- plained in no other way than that every Scotch community had its place of meeting for the service of God upon the Sabbath day. The Presbyterial work at Union began in 1796, when Orange Presbytery sent Rev. W. D. Paisley to serve the people in the congregations now known as Buffalo, Union and Bethesda. He first held services in the residence of Archibald Reed, who lived about one mile Northeast of the present site of the church. Mr. Rood operated a wagon and blacksmith shop and was a man of considerable wealth and influence in the community. His place is now known as the Sloan place. Union church was organized in 1797 with the following bench of elders: Walter Macbeth. Zachariah Graham, Duncan Patterson, John Blue and Col. A. McDougald. After these, John McKenzie, Donald Blue and Martin McPherson were made elders. The congrega- History of Union. 7 tion erected the first church, a log house, in 1798. This church was situated on Crane's creek, by a spring, across the field from the present site of the church. This church stood on the property of Mr. Archibald Reed. The building becoming too small for the congregation a second log church was erected by Hugh and Donald Mclnnis. The date, however, is unknown. This church was built near the present location in the present bounds of the cemetery near the big wagon road. The property was given by Mrs. Eliza M. Rowan. An interestmg fact may also be noted — a log session house was also built, which was used during the life time of three church buildings. Rev. W. D. Paisley was called as pastor of Union and Buffalo churches March the 8th, 1799, and was ordained and installed pastor at Buffalo May 10, 1799. Mr. Pai-ley was much beloved by his congregations, but he was hampered in his work by the fact that he could no: speak the Gaelic, while many of his people could not understand English. Resigning his work here Septe nber the 4th, 1800, he accepted the pastorate at Cross Roads and Hawfields, in Orange county. He settled in Greensboro, N. C , in 1820, organized the church at that place and served it as pastor until 1842. Mr. Paisley was born in Guilford county. North Carolina, on the 26th of October, 1770 He received his training both literary and theological from his pastor. Rev. David Caldwell, D D 'In person. Father Paisley was low, rather thick set and muscular. His habits were always active. During the larger part of his ministry hfi rode on horseback to his appointments, some times twenty miles on the Sabbath morning, back home again after preaching two sermons. He labored very extensively and successfully in camp meetings, which were common during the years of his active ministry. During one of these meetings he labored so intensely that he retired late and lay down in the grove on the ground to sleep, when one of his elders passing by tried to arouse him. He said, 'Come lie down here; it is a good place to rest and there is room.' It was with difficulty that he could be persuaded to go to the house for the night. 8 History of Union. so sweet was his rest. Father Paisley was not a man of great learning, nor were his sermons elaborately prepared. He was a man of zeal and energy In speaking he had the advantage of a strong and flexible voice. He preached ex tempore and was animated, impressive and popular. He will be remembered by all who knew him as particularly tender and importunate in public prayer. His was a green old age and a calm and beautiful death." He died in Greensboro, N. C, on the 8th of March, 1857. John Gillespie, the Second pastor, was licensed at New Hope church, in Orange county, November 20th, 1795. He accepted a call from the churches of Centre, Laurel Hill and Raft Swamp in 1797. He began to supply Union church in 1800, which he continued to serve until 1804. The minutes of Prcisbycery and Synod show that Mr. Gil- lespie was a very active and useful man; that he was often moderator and clerk of Presbytery and served on many commissions of the church courts. There is no record of his field of labor from 1804 to hi? dismission to Abingdon Presbytery in 1810 We have no record of him after the fall of 1810, at which time he waj dismissed to Transyl- vania Presbytery. Tradition tells us but little of his work at Union, which covered the period of the great revival of 1801. Union wfis profoundly stirred by this revival, the effects of which long lived in the Christian character of the people and was transmitted to their posterity. The Third pastor was Rev. Murdock McMillan, who was born in Robeson county in 177G. His first schooling was under the tuition of a Mr. Nelson, a local teacher. He also attended Dr. McCorkle's Academy in Rowan county. His classical and theological training was taken under Rev. David Caldwell, D. D., in Guilford county. He was licensed by Orange Presbytery at Barbecue church March 27th, 1801. Mr. McMillan was ordained and installed pastor of Union, Buffalo and Bethesda churches at Union on the 27th day of July, 1804, and remained pastor of Union until 1830. At the time he received a call from these churches he taught a classical school at Solemn Grove, History of Union. 9 known as the Solemn Grove Academy, about two miles East of the present site of Bethesda church. Upon accepting these calls he removed his residence from Solemn Grove to Deep river, near the present site of the town of Carbonton. Here he inaugurated a classical school, which he Laught for years. It was known as the Academy, and became famous throughout this section. He preached in the Academy on Sunday nights, which resulted in the organization of Euphronia church in 1819. Being a fluent speaker in both English and the Gaelic, he held two services on the Sabbath, one in each language, with an intermission betv/een the services. This custom continued for several decades. During the later years of Mr. McMillan's pastor- ate, Mr. John McNeill was the presenter for the English service and his brother, Mr. Daniel McNeill, lead the singing in the Gaelic. Union developed so rapidly under his pastorate that the congregation felt the need of a larger house of worship, so they erected a frame building in 1813. This church stood in the Southwest portion of the present cemetery and was erected by Mr. Duncan Buie. Unfortu- nately the sessional records covering this period have been lost, therefore it is impossible to glean from this source items of interest concerning this the longest pastorate in the history of the church. Tradition tells us that he labored with much success and satisfaction to the congre- gation and that he was much beloved by an appreciative people. Rev. Dr Hall, in a report to the Synod, says, "That Murdock McMillan was a man fortiter in re, a reso- lute man mdeed. " This is proven by a bold rebuke admin- istered to the young women in the congregation. It seems that it was a custom for the young ladies to attend the sessions of the court. In his sermon on propriety he exclaimed, "0, shame that our young women lower them- selves by attending the sessions of court." Doubtless his rebuke vvas not without effect, as the custom has long since passed away. Mr. McMillan was a faithful Presbyter. He was elected treasurer of Orange Presbytery in 1809, and was oi.eof the charter members of Fayetteville Presbytery, 10 History of Union. which was organized at Centre church in 1813. There is a a tradition in his family that he preached the first sermon ever delivered whore the city of Memphis now stands. If this be an historical fact, he must have visited that region before permanently removing to Tennessee in 1830, for the city of Memphis was laid out in 1820. The fact that he was absent from both the Spring and Fall meetings of Fayetteville Presbytery in 1820 tends to confirm the above conjecture. He resigned as pastor of Union in 1830 and was dismissed October the 7th, 1831, to the Western Dis- trict Presbytery in Tennessee. He died near Memphis at a ripe old age. In reply to a question as to the number of people pres< nt on a certain occasion at Union one of the oldest members now living replied, "It was nothing unusual for a large crowd to attend preaching at Union on ordinary occi^sions in those days." The people Vv'alked to church fr r miles around and on communion occasions coming from Buffalo, Cypress, Bethesda and Bensalem congregations. The old people rode horseback to church, for buggies at that time were unknown. On a Sabbath morning along every road as the people drew nearer the church the crowds would be increased in numbers by parties joining them from every by-path along the way. Just before reaching the church ground.'? they would stop to put on their shoes These spots were known as "Settin' down places," So universal was this custom that families had certain logs or rocks as their ''Settin' down place" and none dared to trespass. It is not known positively who was the first man to attend church in a vehicle. Some say thatMaj. McDougald, who lived near the present site of Cameron, came to church one morning driving a two-wheeled gig or sulkey. while others say that Rsv. Colon Mclver, who owned a stick gig, brought I he first vehicle to services ai Union. However, a farm vehicle known as a truck wagon had been in use for many years. The wheels of this wagon were solid blocks of wood sawed out of seasoned black gum logs. At REV. MARTIN McQL'EEN Pastor IH64 IHW History of Union. 11 first these wagons had no tongues. A hickory saplin with the small end twisced around the rear axle was let drag on the ground behind and when going down hill some one would scotch the wagon by pulling back on this hickory saplin for dear life. It was left to the genius of a tailor by the name of Daniel Kelly to invent a tongue for the track wagon which ended the days of the saplin brake. The inovation of the stick gig was soon followed by the presence of a magnificent carriage on the church grounds. Mr. Thomas Reed, the son of Archibald Reed, a wagon maker by trade as was his father, was the happy owner of this luxurious carriage. The day he drove up with his family and negro driver marked the beginning of a new era. His friend and close-by neighbor, Mr. Rowan, silently rebuked this show of vanity at the next service. Mr. Rowan lived at the point where the Pee Dee road comes into the Big Wagon Road about Seventy-five to a Hundred yards from the church. On this particular Sab- bath day Mr Rowan, hitching his team to his truck wagon and putting his negro Henry up in front to drive, patiently waited for Mr. Reed to come along the Pee Dee road on the way to church. He quietly fell in behind the grand carriage of his neighbor and followed him in dignity the short distance to the church and hitched his team :iear that of his friend Reed Tradition fails to say svhether or not the session rebuked Mr Rowan for inciting levity on the Sabbath day. The wheels of this old wagon are now in the posseysion of his grandson, Mr R. D. Rowan. The Fourth pastor was the Rev. Angus McCallum, v/ho was born near Phiiadalphus church, in Robeson county, October 4, 1801 After graduating from Bingham's school he was taken vrnder the care of Fayetteville Presbytery as a candidate for ths ministry. He was graduated fro;n Union Theological Seminary and licensed by Fayetteville Presbytery at Ashpole church in 1830. In 1838 he removed to the Presbytery of Tombeckbee and in 1848 to Mississippi Presbytery where he remained in the active ministry until liis de'ith at Union Springs, Mississippi, October 27, 1885. 12 History of Union. During his pastorate of Union Mr. McCallum lived on Deep river near Carbonton, v^here he also continued the classic academy founded by Rev. Murdock McMillan. He was assisted in nis school work by his devoted wife. The call from Union, Buffalo and Euphronia churches was presented to Presbytery by William Shaw, an elder in Union church, who represented the three congregations. Mr. Duncan Mclver. an elder in the Buffalo church, entered his solemn protest, "On the ground of several families in the above named congregations who had been members of these churches for many years could derive no benefit whatever from the administrations of Mr. McCallum because of their ignorance of the English language, and Mr. McCailum's inability to preach to them in their native tongue, the Gaslic." Presbytery overruled the objection and appointed a committee consisting or Rev Allen McDonald presiding, Rev. Alex Mclver to deliver the charge to the minister, and Rev. Colon Mclver to charge the people, who ordained and installed Mr. McCallum pastor of the three churches at the one service held at Buffalo church on Saturday, December the 3rd. 1831. No minister for the number of years he served as pastor has accomplished greater results than Mr. McCallum. The greatest revival in the history of the church was held during his pastorate. It is known as the great revival of 1833. It continued in unabated zeal for two years and was attended with considerable physical exertion and noise. At first, Mr. McCallum endeavored to suppress the noise, but becoming convinced that the manifestations were the work of the Spirit of God he threw himself into the meet- ings. This revival extended into the congregations of Cypress, Buffalo, Euphronia, Bensalem, Mineral Springs and Bethesda. It is estimated that over Five Hundred people joined these churches as a result of this season of Grace, while more than Three Hundred joined Union church. Ih a letter to his father, Mr. Archibald McCallum, dated Sept. 18th, 1883, Mr. McCallum speaks of the revival in these words: "I preach three or four times every week. History of Union. 13 besides attending inquiry mpetings and doing much neces- sary riding. During the last two weeks I have been at home about three days. I am from home the greater part of my time; yet my health continues good despite my excessive labors. Our meetings are crowded day and night, and many profess to have passed from death unto life. Between Forty and Fifty have met the session and many others are entertaining a hope and intend yet to come. I hope by our next meeting, which will be on the Second Sabbath in November, that we shall have another Hundred or more added to the church. The last Sabbath at Union was, I think, the most interesting I ever saw. There were about Fifteen who professed having experienced a change of heart, and on the following Wednesday there were Seven additions at Buffalo. We hardly have a meeting at which there are no additions, and some of the subjects are of the most wicked and profligate characters in the county. There came a few days ago one who was the ringleader in e/ery vice and his conviction seemed to have been signally marked from the beginning." The effect of the meeting on the worshipers manifested itself in peculiar physical exercises. Men and women would f dll down and remain prostrated for hours at a time, and when they arose it was with shouts of praise to God. They seemed to remember nothing of what passed during their prostration. Mr. McCallum was assisted in this revival by Rev Messrs. W D. Paisley, E. McNair, John Warmack. Father McQueen states in his notes that one of his elders, who was an eye witness, says, "That the revival was closed by a delegation of ministers from one of the upper Presbyteries on their way to the Synod in Wilmington. Among them was a Rev. Mr. Russell who preached against it. Before he preached more than Fifty presented themselves at the anxious seat apparently in deep distress But after Mr Russell preached, ihe few whoacepted the invitation were not much concerned Here we may say the revival stopped These are simple statements which we know to be true, and w?. leave others 14 History of Union. to judge for themselves." Father McQueen continues: "The fruits of this revival we'-e permanent and glorious. True, some made mistakes and others shipwrecks, but the ^reat bulk of converts proved to be true disciples. Of thf precious fruits of this revival five became ministers of the gospel viz: H A Monroe, D. A. Campbell, N. McDonald, A. Currie and D. B. Black. Besides these, many of the elders and deacons not only of Union but of the surrounding churches were th3 fruits of this meeting." The report of these churches to the Synod in 1833 says: "These churches liave been refreshed with the dews of heaven." During Mr. McCallum's pastorate elders John McKenzie, John Black and John Blue died and Walter Macbeth and Angus Ferguson removed to the West. He ordained David McDonald, Norman Fergus'jn and John Ferguson as elder*. Mr. McCallum spoke ex tempore and was an eloquent speaker. One of the old members who heard him on a return visit said, "That he was a 'hair raiser,' so impas- sioned was his delivery'" He was dearly beloved by the congregation, and they gave him up with great sorrow. The Fifth pastor of Union was Rev. Samuel Paisley, of Orange Presbytery, the son of Rev. W. D. Paisley, who organized Union church. Rev. Samuel Paisley was ordained pastor of Union, Buffalo and Euphronia churches by a com- mittee of Presbytery consisting of Rev. Messrs. Colon Mclver, William Peacock and Hugh McLaurin on the i)th day of September, 1838. He remained pastor until October the 25th, 1848, wher he resigned by reason of the infirmi- ties of old age which made it impossible for him to serve effectively so large a field. He continued to serve Euphronia church for some years. He died at his home on the Plank road, in Moore county, in the bounds of Euphronia church, in 1864. Synod failed, no doubt due to the uncertainty and confusion of the closing days of the war. to prepare a memorial of his life's work. He was licensed by Orange Presbytery at Buffalo church Mnrch 27. 1801. Mr. Paisley was a faithful and zealous preacher and earnest pastor. He brought back into use the old custom of announcing the •V History of Union. 15 appointments of service, "This day three weeks you may expect me again, Providence permitting." When Mr. Paisley became pastor the bench of elders consisted of Messrs. William Shaw, Daniel Blue, Daniel McKc-itben, Joho Patterson, James Cole, Daniel McDonald, Kenneth Black, Norman Ferguson and John Ferguson It is a matter of historical note that Mr. Paisley ordained the first board of deacons in Union church, who were J. B. Black, H. Leach, N. B. McDonald, Donald McDonald and A. B. Currie (later an elder in the Bensalem church). Mr. Paisley lived on the Plank road a short distance above the present Centre Methodist church. The property is now owLed by Mr. J. S. Spivey. During Mr. Paisley's pastorate the congregation had so outgrown the church that it became necessary to erect a larger building. This church v/as located near where the present church stands, and was built by Norman McDonald and James T. Ritter in 1840. Mr. Paisley bought the old church and moved it to his farm where he used it as a barn. The Sixth minister to supply Union was Rev. A. C. McNeill, who preached from 1849 until January, 1851, when he moved to South Alabama Presbytery. It was during his pastorate that the Carthage church was organ- ized. Mr McNeill ordained to the eldership Alex. Kelly, I. H. Rowan, P. M. Blue and J. B. Black. Mr. McNeill was much beloved by his congregation. The Seventh pastor was Rev. W. H. Hogshead, of East Hanover Presbytery, Virginia, who began his u ork in July, 1851, and continued as pastor of Union and Carthage churches, labored with great zeal and fidelity until his death July 13, 1855. Mr. Hogshead made a deep impression upon the people. He was a strong preacher, a famous singer, a wise disciplinarian, and his doctrinal sermons made him famous throughout this section. Mr. Hogshead owned what is now known as the old Battley place. One mile East of Carthage. It is now owned by Mr. J. M. Barrett. Mr. Hogshead introduced regular preaching days. First and Third Sundays at Carthage, the Second and IG History of Union. Fourth Sundays at Union He taught the people to be present on these days without the necessity of a previous announcement. Mr, Hogshead now sleeps in the cemetery at Union where he has been joined by nearly all those u hom he served as pastor. The Eighth pastor was Rev. Daniel McGilvary, a native of Moore county, who was born in Buffalo congregation May the 16th, 1828. Mr. McGilvary's mother died when he was but a few days old; a kind neighbor, a Mrs. Shep perd, who was the mother o^ an infant daughter, gave him nurse. This daughter afterwards married Mr. Joe Shields. She resides at her home near Priest Hill and is now the only living charter member of Carthage church. After 77 years Dr McGilvary and Mrs. Shields met again in the Carthage Presbyterian church in 1905. At the close of a most impressive service the many friends gath ered around the venerable missionary to pay their respects of love and esteem. No more touching scene was ever wit- nessed than the meeting of these two old servants of God. The mingling of their tears in greeting refreshed their memories of that mother's tender love on whose breast they, in infancy, were nourished. Dr. McGilvary was educated at Bingham school, grad- uated I'rom the University of North Cai'olina and Princeton Seminary. He was licensed by Orange Presbytery, and began to supply Union and Carthage churches in the summer of 1856. On the 27th of December, 1857, he closed a successful ministry of 18 months, made notable by a most gracious revival which resulted in ov< r 50 additions to the church. Dr. McGilvary made his home with Mr T. B. Tyson. Having offered himself to the Board of Foreign Mis- sions and being accepted September 14th, 1857, Dr. McGil- vary sailed for Siam March 11th, 1858. He has labored continuously, and with marked success, among the Laos in Siam since 1866. When the Southern Assembly was established, the foreign work was divided between the churches, Siam being allotted to the Northern Assembly, History of Union. 17 Dr. McGilvary remained with the mother church. The folio winif obituary, which will be of interest to many, is copied from the North Carolina Presbyterian of October 9th, 1858: "At his residence in Moore county on the 23rd day of August, in the 93rd yea< of his age, Mr. John Pat- terson. The deceased was the son of Duncan Patterson, who came to tliis country frona Scotland, and settled in Moore county, n; ar Union Church, he was made a ruhujj elder, when the church was first orjjranized at that place. The deceased was subject of the iireat revival of 1800, and was very soon after made an elder in the same church, alon^ with h s father. Ht^ had lo pass through great afflictions but was enabled to endure them all as a good soldier of the Cros'J. lie never was known to neglef;t family worship, and in conducting this delightful exercise he commenced at the beginning and went on through, and b.y this course he went through the Bible several times. Hs died as he had lived in the full triunaphs of the Gospel Faith." The firsi grist mill in the Union congregation was owned by Duncan Patterson, father of the subject of the foregomg sKetch. Doubtless no one living has t^ver seeij a mill hke it. The grinding was done in a mortar and pestle. The mortar was carved out of a aoUd block of wood and pestle drawn to a nice fit. A lever with a ;oug arc.- was attached to pcjtle working on a pivot, and a troiigli rested on the other end of the lever. Water was conveyed to this trough through pipes from a spring on a hill. When the water reached a certain height it tilted the trough, letting the pestle fall into the mortar with a thud. As the water con- tinued refilling the trough this process would be repeated agaiu and again, gradually pounding the corn into fine meal. One day Mr, Patterson heard an unusual commotion among his hogs. Upon invesiigaiio" h'^ found that while the ]>'^stle was rising a liog v. ould proci ed to help himself to the corn in the mortar, bal the su Iden fall of the heavy weighted nestle would break its neck, hence the peculiar grunt tnat had ai-outied his curiosi;y. He found three hogs already dead, and several otlu'rs waiting their turn to end 18 History of Union. tliis oarthly oxistonce for a ruorsol of corn. The Duncan, Patterson place is now ovvni'd by Mr. Noah Deaton. The Ninth pastor. Rev. Georjje A. Russell, A-as born in Oranpe county, Septemher 20th, IS'27. He was a teacher for soveral years befon- entering the ministry. Mr. Russell graduated from Union Seminary, in 1857, and was licensed by Oranyfe Presbytery tho same year. He was onlained and installed pastor of Union and Cart hajje churcln's Jan. litl), 1859, and served them until Jan. 26th, 1804. He afterward served churches in Tennessee, Mississiupi, and Texns. He died Jan IGth, 1902. Mr. Rus.-ell ordained and installed the followinjj: elders: July 10th, 1859: Dcnald M. McDonuld, Dr. William Arnold, Neill li. McKoithen, Daniel Blue, and Donald iCclIy, on the same day he ordained and installed the follow inir deacons: John M. N. Feryfuson, James (rilchrisl, Doujjald MoLfiuchlm, Malcom J. Hluo. and John P. Fery^uson. Durini> his pastorate, a revival, which was pervaded i)y deep nd lender fpf'l in «,»•, made a liistin>f impression on the coritrrejiation. Mr. Rus>ell was a zealous and faithful minister of ilip (iospel. 11(^111(1 the reputation of beinifa close student. Ho was lu'ld in hitrh esteem as man and minister i)y the people. From tinie immemorial it had been the custom to bury tiic d«'ad, and at some convoniiMit date afi-erward. preach a meraoriHl sermon ot the deceased. Mr. Ru.s.sell announced that he world pi-«,Hch no funeral sermons (»xcepl on the diiy of burial. H« thus l)ioke. up a custom the beginniiu,"- of ■.vhich went buck beyond the memory of those livinij. The custom, however of taking- the remains into th(» church for the funeral service did not conje into practice at Union unLiJ after the lime of Mr. Russell. Mr. Rus.soll al.so made his ln)me wiih Mr. T. H. Tyson, in Carthaire. 'I'he Tenth i)aslor of Union was Kcv. Martin McQueen, who was born in Ivobe^on cour.ty, Sept 26th, 1823. He Kraduatrd with distinction at Davidson Colleoe, in 1S51, and from C'olumbia 'l'he(>lotrical Seminary Ihol. He was licenseil. REV. M. McG. SHIELDS Pastor 1891-1892 History of Union. 19 however, b.y PayetteviUe Presbytery in September 1853. He served churches in the eastern part of the Presbytery for the ten ypars of his ministry before takirji' up his work at Union. He entered upon his work at Union and Carthage in September 1864, and continued his work until his death, March the 24th, 188S. Time and spacw fail me in reiatinj; the life's work of this mighty man of God, who consecrated his hi^di talents and tireless energy to t!ie service of Him lie loved so well. Fresh indeed is bis memory iu the hearts of those who loved him so dearly. May soraejne with a more gifted pen gather up the details of the devout life of this Godly man, who .'-tamped his Christian character upon moie than one genera- tion. Ill a recent conversation with an adopted citizen of Carthaae, he said: ''Wheu I came to Carthage in 1880, there wert three things of note and public conversation. The Moore County Court House, Union Church, and Father McQueen." When Mr. McQueen took up the work, Daniel McK-ithen, Donald Blue, Daniel McDonald, Joiin B. Black, P. M. Blue and I. H. Kosvan constituted the bench of elders; E. Kelly, J Gilchrist, J. M. "S. Ferguson, N. McDonald and Captain Hugh Leach composed the board of Deacons. On the 13th day of May 1866, Mr. McQueen ordained and installed Ei^ander ICelly, John C. Ferguson as elders and It. A. McLauchlin, as a doacou. Atter this he installed as deacons John K. McLean, Dr. R. McDonald, and A, A. Ray. On Out. 24th, 1875, N. J. Blue, R. D. Rowan were install"d elders, and Duncan A. Blue was installed deacon. Saraue] E. Johnson was added to the eldership March 23rd, 1879. On May 23rd, 1886, Mr. McQueen installed Hut;h Leach, Alexander Monroe, Daniel McNeill, elders, and Dwnean C. McDonald, Archibald McDonald, deacons. The following rntn were abo installed MS deacons by Mr. McQueen, J. H. McDonald Feb. 19th, 1882; Donald D. Kelly, Daniel McNeill, and John A. Blue, April 21st, 1883. The church suUered the lo.ss of a large number of mem- bers more than once during Mr. McQueen's ministry. The negroe^ ^-arly organizf-d a ciiurcii to themselves. In I879i 20 History of Union. the Cameron church was organized, d-awing its raerahership larirely from Union church. In Ih.sl, Union irnve r large number of members to the organization of si church at White Hill. In 1886, Union dismissed several monikers to connect themselves with the church to l)e organized as CuKlee. Notwitiistanditig her losses. Union continued to grow in membership. Becoming again crowded for room, the con- gregntion erectod the present comrijodious building in ISHO. contracted b.v Juhn Masseraore. It was dedicuted to the wor-ship of God by the beloved Dr. McGilvary in iS.S'i, who wa.s at that time was home on a vacation. Mr. McQueen was gifted as an evangelist, and he often li»>ld s >ries of meetings in his churches. There is one re- vival, howner, thai is rememl)ered by many now living. Ktv. Mr. VicQueen was assisted in p meeting in September 1878, by his brother Rev. Archie McQueen. The services continucu for [wo weeks, uml over (SO professed faith in the Loid Jesus Christ. Many young people were among the eohvoits "How happy was our pastor that day," .>ay's sm eye witness, "I can see him now as he came tiown th»» pulpir steps, joining his fingers together, (a familiar gcsUiri' of hi-) with that dear smile we all lovod to see. He sai.l "My young friends it does my heart gooil to see you," — then broue down. Recovering liimself. \\o said, "Let us sing a song of praise, and thank.sgiving unto (iod; sing, "Crown Hifu Lord of Ail," and sing it 'is loud as you can."' Ri'V. .Mr. McQueen received oUO members into tjio churches ho served betore he came to Union. He received 400 iiicnjlx-rs into Union church, and 500 members into Cnr Ihagi?, Buffalo, Hethesda, Cameron and Culdee churches. What a glorious life's work! 1200 members and countless s<,u]s unnumbi?n^d as His Master's hire! Hi' says, in the la-t sermon which he prepared but never liveil to deliver: "■M<«si of those who were here when I came '24 years hiio have g-inc to till* grave, and soon others niust follow them. We l)a|itize now the children of those we baptized in infancy. ^Ve have grown into one large family bound together by many ties of friendshii), and Chii^tiaii love. Willi a common Father and History of Union. 21 Saviour, Jesus Christ, with one common hope of a blessed immortality, surely we share many reasons for fighting together the good flght of iaith." In the memorial adopted by Synod we find these words: "Mr. McQueen was a man possessed of many excellent traits of character. He was genial and cordial in his disposition, warm hearted in in his friendship, and constant in his attach- ments. As a preacher, he was impassioned and eloquent. He preached Christ and His Gospel as the power of God unto salvation. He might properly be called an evangelist. His preacWing was with power and demonstration of the Spirit, and multitudes were convertt-d under his ministry who shall be stars in the Redeemer's crown, forever and ever." He was buried by the side of his devoted wife in ihe cemetery at Union. Though the rain fell in torrents during the day of his burial, it is doubted if Union church will ever again soe as large a concourse of people within her walls as gath- ered there that day to pay their last tribute of pffection to their beloved pastor. Amid the tears of a heart broken people was laid to rest one who had waged a noble and winning fight for righteousness during a pastorate of Twenty-four years. The Scotch have always laid great stress upon the com- munion season. Time and events were reckoned in those days from Spring and Fall communions. Preparatory ser- vices were held on Saturday, and m former days two sermons were preached on Sunday, with a short intermission between services for lunching. In the pastorate of Father McQueen the growing tendency of lookinar upon ihe day in the light of a picnic, the serving of elaborate dinners, the youn;^: people's remaining out in the grove during the afternoon service, caused tlie session to limit the preaching on communion Sab- bath to one service in order that the hallowed and sacred nature of this season of Grace might be maintained. The following ministers supplied the churches after the death of Mr. McQueen: Rev. A. R. Shaw, D. D., April 14, 1888, to Oct., 1888; Rev. Archibald Currie, 1888 to 1889; Rev. K. A. McLeod, October 26th, 1889, until September 14th, 1890. On March 29th, 1891, Rev. W. F. Thom, pastor 22 History of Union. of the Gulf church, ordained and installed M. D. McNeill and Martin Blue, as elders, and D. P Kelly and Frances Deaton. as deacons. Rev. M. McG. Shields supplied the church from June 17th, 1891, until October, 1892. He ir stalled J. L. Currie as elder on Feb. 14th, 1892. Rev. M. N. Mclver supplied the church from May 19th, 1895, until April 11th, 1898. He installed J. R. McQueen as elder and T. B. Phillips as deacon on July 11th, 1897. Rev. McNeill supplied the church from May 1st, 1898, until April 20th, 1901. During Mr. McNeill's pastorate Union gave several members to Manly, which was organized in 1901. Rev. John K. Roberts was called to the pastorate May 18th, 1902. He began his work June 12th, 1902, though his first service in the church was the burial of Hon. M. J. Blue, May 3rd, 1902. He was installed pastor on July 25, 1902, by a committee of Presbytery consisting of Rev. M D. McNeill, who preached the sermon and charged the pastor, and Hon. J. L. Currie. who charged the people. Union church is still one of the most active churches in the Presbytery, doing progressive work along many lines. She has Six mission Sunday schools \vithin her bounds, under the leadership of her officers. The Ladies' Mis- sionary Society is divided into three community districts, holding monthly meetings for the study of missions. They meet quarterly in the church to make district reports. The young people have organized a cotton growing association. The active members are limited to those under 20 years of age. All over Twenty are admitted as associace members. This association has planted its third crop of cotton, having 98 different plots in cultivation this year. On Thanks- giving Day of each year the cotton growing association meets at the church at which time all money realized from their cotton is turned into the treasury. The present officers of the church measure up to the high standard of excellence as set by those who served the church in former days. Union has given the following ministers to the church: Duncan Black. Archibald Currie, :,-:-5J REV. M. D. McNElLL Pastor 1898-1901 HISTORY OF Union. 23 Daniel Blue, Duncan McLean, James Kelly, A. N. Fergu- son, Daniel Kelly, D. M. Mclver, M. D. McNeill, D. A. Blue, M. J. McLean, A. R. McQueen, J. C. Rowan, R. A. McLeod. We believe that Union will continue to give many young men to the church as Heralds of the Cross. Wnen we think of the many gracious revivals held at Union, the Godly ministers who have served this pastorate, the devout elder« who have ruled so well in spiritual things, the countless members who have been born into the Master's Kingdom, well may we exclaim as did Father McQueen: "Surely old Union is a birth place of souls." Union is not only serving her community but has sent out ministers, elders and deacons to serve other churches in many States. Has her glory departed? Yea, verily not, for she has served each generation in her history accarding to its need, and she is now serving the present generation with marked success. Notwithstanding the many churches she has helped in membership, she still has 209 on the front roll. Five cent cotton hurt her more than all the churches she helped to organize, for it has left her as her heritage Forty vacant farms on which once dwelt Presbyte- rian families. Notwithstanding, the future is as promising as the past has been glorious. It will not be long before her fertile creek bottoms and productive uplands will be cleared and blossom as the rose. Union will well serve the coming generations if she remain true to her crucified Lord. The manner of her serving, however, will change to meet the conditions of the times. The records of Union church are an unanwerable refu- tation of certain hoary traditions which are not only related in this section but are told with seeming delight in every community in the several States that I have visited. I hav^e felt com.pelled to believe these traditions even against my better judgment. How often have you heard old people say that when they were young everybody drank whiskey, which may, or may not, have been true, but so pure was it that it never made them drunk! They say, furthermore, that they 2-1 History of Union. never saw a drunk man until years later, that is by way of inference, until efforts were made to limit the sale of intoxicating liquors The records of Union church show that from the very first practically every meeting of the session dealt with some member or members for drunkenness, or broilmgs or lasciviousness growing out of the habit of drink. Another significant fact is, that the further back we go the larger the number disciplined for drunkenness. These records prove that whiskey is whiskey; that it always has been, and always wi!i be, just whiskey, having the same effect upon every man that drinks it in all ages of the world These records farther prove that from the first the church took a pronounced stand against the use of intoxi- cating liquors, and that the elders who had oversight of the people were men of sobriety The records force another old saying to go the way of all the earth. The elders of the for.ner days are frequently held up as stern judges who v/ere relentless in their dealings with offenders in the church. The record- show them to be firm, but not stern, men who had their Master's compassion for erring ones, and that they dealt tenderly and lovingly with offenders, even as one dealeth with a wayward child. I would like to know what the records of all our old churches say in reference to the foregoing statemenis. While the minister no longer lines oat the hymns, nor the presentor no more pitches the tunes nor leads the con- gregation in singing, yet "Say not that the former days were better than these." It is well for us to look to the past if we are willing to lean, its lessons. Ii is not amiss for us to visit the old cemetery if we think not of those that are buried there as mouldering dust, but as immortal beings clad in robes of deathless white. Jesus bids us look back upon His crucified body, gi/jn for us, that we may behold His empty to.nb. Oar Sivioar would have us go back to Calvary, again and agMin, and thern gaze upon His vicarious death, hanging on the tree, that we may History of Union. 25 catch a glimpse of the future glory of His triumphant Cross. So may our meditations of old Union, turning our eyes to our Homeland in God's everlasting Paradise, deepen our trust, brighten our hope and strengthen us for the good fight of faith that must yet be won under the Banner of Christ our adorable Lord. ADDENDA. In the minutes of Synod of the Carolinas from 1788 to 1801, references are made to mission work in the lower parts of North Carolina by Rev. Messrs John Bowman, Robert Archibald, James H. Bowman, John Robinson and the celebrated Dr. James Hall. Dr. Hall speaks of a mission on Cape Fear; of having visited Rav. Angus McDermaid and Rev. Colin Lindsay. Rev. Colin Lindsay did not connect himself with Orange Presbytery until several years after he came over from Scotland. He was preaching at Bethesda and other points in Moore county during the '80s of 1700. An old newspaper speaks of him as having baptized an mfant, Euphemia McDonali, in Bensalem congregation as late as 1809. Rev. Dougald Crawford followed Rev. James Campbell. Rev. Mr. McCaasa and Rev. John Anderson labored in Cumberland, Moore and Richmond counties about the same time. Doubtless other ministers came over in the early immigra- tions, who, like Crawford and McCaasa, recused to connect themselves with the Scotch-Irish Presbyteries of the Synod of Philadelphia. They were members of the Kirk of Scotland! McDermaid, Lindsay and Anderson seemed to have held aloof from the Presbytery of Orange for some years. A revival which began in 1818, lasting over two years, made a deep and lasting impression upon that generation. In the days of Rev. Samuel Paisley the old people would have heated arguments over which was the greater revival, McMillan's or McCallum's' The records and traditions of McMillan's long and interesting pastorate have practically 26 History of Union. all been lost. Rev. Murdock McMillan was moderator of Fayetteville Presbytery Seven times in Eleven years. Camp meetings w^ere held annually at Union down to Rev. Samuel Paisley's pastorate. Log huts were erected on the church grounds for camping purposes. The people from a distance brought their bedding and cooking utensils and camped on the gr .unds during meeting. The huts were used for sleeping apartments while the cooking was none in th<* open. The preacher's stand out in the grove was used on communion occasions long after the days of camp meetings. The order of worship at Union in former days may be of interest to the rising generation. The presentor and his assistant occupied a bench close up in front of the pulpit facing the congregation. The minister, after reading his hymn a:id repeating the First Two lines, sat down. The presentor's assistant would then pitch the tune and lead the singing. The presentor v/ould take up the hymn at this point and line out the hymn Two lines at a time. Mr. "Jim" Munk, a Revolutionary soldier, was the First presentor at Union, assisted by Mr. Daniel Blue. They were followed by Messrs. John McNeill and Daniel McNeill. These wer«' followed by Mr. Samuel E. Johnson and Mr. J. M. N. Ferguson, who were the last presentors at Union. Hymn books were scarce in those days, and the presentor copied the hymns int© blank books with a goose quill pen. Mr. John McNeill's selection of hymns are now in the possession of his son, Mr. Daniel McNeill. The Big Wagon road from Fayetteville to Carthage, followin;> the old Indian trail, was at a very early date cut out to Salisbury, and from there to the French Broad trail into Tennessee The Winston-Salem road, which was cut out at the same time, leaves the Salisbury road Eight miles above Carthage. Captain Fanning, on one of his trips South, camped one night on the Pee Dee road where it crosses Gall berry branch, Four miles South West of Union. They alarmed the neighborhood next morning by firing off their guns KLV. JOl IN K. ROBERTS Pastor of Union and Cartha(;e Churches. Born at Soddy. Tenn. Dec. 12th, 1873. Graduate of KinR ColleRe (B. A.) 1898; of Columbia I heolo^ical Seminary (B. D.) I'.J0I. History of Union. 27 into a pine tree Tradition fails to tell us whether it was a signal to the Tories or a defiance to Col. Alston and the Whigs. The heart of this old tree may now be seen lying about Fifty yards East of the Pee Dee road where it crosses Gallberry branch. Mr. John Patterson, whose obituary appears in this history, is one of our authorities for the incident. He was about sixteen years of age at that time and Uved scarcely one mile from Fanning's camping place. Mr. Patterson often related this incident to people now living whose veracity can not be questioned. At the time of this incident the Pee Dee road was an old and much used highway. q q q FAREWELL TO UNION. Last Sermon Preached by Rev. Martin McQueen in the Church Preceding the One Now Standing. Haggai 2:3: "Who is left amonK you. that saw this house in her first (rlory?" The comparison here drawn is between the temple built by Solomon and the one erected by the Jews when they returned from their long captivity. While it was cause of great joy to the Jews to return to the house of their fathers, and to erect a temple to their fathers' God, still it was a source of great sorrow that the latter temple was so inferior to the former. Hence the question, "Who is left among you that saw this house in her first glory?" and how do you see it now? is it not in your eyes, in com- parison with it, as nothing? It cost them many tears, and caused the work to go on slowly, but God encouraged them by his prophets. He told them that "the glory of this latter house shall be greater tlyn of the former." The superior glory of the latter house did not consist in the abundance of silver and gold, nor in the grandeur of its magnificent appearance, but in the fact that Jesus honored it with his presence and taught in its courts. It was the presence of the Lord of Glory that made the glory of the latter temple surpass that of the former. So this temple, this church, has grown old, its beauty has departed, it is surpassed by the new, but its glory has not departed, nor has Ichabod been written upon its walls. God has rendered this house glorious by His i)resence and power. It has a record in heaven as the birthplace of souls. Many look down from heaven upon this house as the place of their spiritual birth, where they first found peace in believing on Jesus. While we would not indulge a superstitious reverence for mere walls and timbers, still we must feel some reverence for the wood of the old History of Union. 29 temple so long honored by the Divine Presence. At the time of the text Solomon's temple had been destroyed about Seventy years. There could not remain many of those who had seen it in its glory. Seventy long years of exile in a foreign land had called them to the grave and but few eyes that gazed with admiration on the old temple now looked on the new. Still there were a few eyes left to weep over its inferiority. The same is true of this old church. Though it has only stood for Forty years, those Forty years have carried most of its generation to the grave. The pastor with all his elders have gone to give an account of their steward- ship. In 1840, Rev. Samuel Paisley was in charge of this church, with Wm. Shaw, Daniel Blue, Daniel McKeithen, John Patterson, James Cole, Daniel McDonald, Kenneth Black, John Ferguson and Norman Ferguson his elders. We knew Father Paisley in the declining years of his life. While he was not a Paul in learning nor an Appollus in eloquence, still he was a good man, devoted to his Master's work. He desired to die with the harness on. While his strength remained he was constantly engaged in comforting and building up saints, and pleading with sinners to "Behold the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world. ' ' Messrs. Daniel McKeithen, Kenneth Black were the only members of that bench of elders we ever saw. They were men of God, highly esteemed and venerated by the church. The records show that they felt the vows that were upon them to "study the peace and purity of the church." They were wise in council and zealous of their Master's honor. But their work is done and they sleep beneath the sod. It is only what they did for God that lives — lives in heaven and on earth, while their example shines forth for our imitation. Many of those whose voices first echoed in this house, hymning God's praise, have met in His Upper Temple, where, freed from all earthly care, they unite their voices in harmony around the throne of God and the Lamb. We 30 HisTOKY OF Union. should draw some lessons from their lives: 1. We should so live that our lives would be worthy of imitation by those who come after us. We should so live as never to brinj:? a reproach upon Jesus or His cause. 2. We should never forget that the vows of God are upon us to study the peace and purity of the church. To take those vows upon you and fail to redeem them; to take those solemn vows and then hide or cover up corruption in the bosom of the church, is a sin of no ordinary magnitude. 3. The last lesson we would draw from their lives and death is. the duty of working for God while we live. All our labor and toil about worldly affairs will perish. Only what we do for God will remain. What you do for Him must be done quickly. Soon you must leave the vineyard, and you should work while it is day for the night will soon come when no man can work. Strive to leave a fair record and a shining example behind you. ******* I moderated the session of this church for the first time September 25th, 18G4. The roll of membership was then 460. It is now 708, an increase of 348 in Sixteen years. * * * * xhe church has been especially blessed in many respects. It has been highly favored with the spirit of harmony and brotherly feeling. The demon of discord and strife has not torn and rended the body of Christ. "United we stand, divided we fall," is as true of a church as well as of a state. A church cannot prosper and grow while torn and scattered by strife and confusion. We must have peace if we advance. Although a large number of members have been added to the roll, still the membership has not increased, for this church has become the mother of two children, Carthage and Cameron. It has furnished two or three ministers of the gospel to our Zion; it has furnished officers and mem- bers of the church in all the Southern States; it has been a center of religious influence, a "light set upon a hill." It Would be hard to overestimate the great work that has been done in this house for tne last forty years. Those o 3 n pr O f the erian of th ° 3 H ^rs C u t>i 2 3 7 6. /O °^ 5- 1 H H •» D 03 *< ai « U Z P) o 3 n 3 5?tS S O ■T^a. v 3 n "■ f» M 3- CD o n 03 »" P C 3 K TO S' ^ 2? • r gePr One Co. n cr •< O rr 3" sr B) a "1 tD 2 n n cr 3 s- "< u D- 7v rt »^ ^ s- V 5- =r 3 a. o 3 D -l c O "1 n O (IQ F 3- o^ z h: 3 > c n ? s n 0) V o 3- "^ ,^ c ET o History of Union. 31 fathers who built this house for themselves and their chil- dren did not build in vain. Their children may rise up to bless their name and honor their memory. So we hope the same may yet be said of those who build the new church. Another cause of Union's success is, it has been for a long time a praying congregation. It has not been long at any time without a weekly prayer-meeting within its bounds. For more than Forty years there has been one and often more than one weekly prayer-meeting in the congregation. Family worship has been more generally observed in Union congregation than any one we know of. Hence it is evident that this congregation has been a pray- ing people. This has been the cause of these remarkable revivals which have been enjoyed by this church. God's Spirit comes in answer to prayer. A praying people will not De long without the presence of the Spirit. When the fire burns high on the family altar and in the prayer-meet- ing, the church will be revived. When a whole church comes to its knees before God, He will send forth His Spirit in answer to their prayer. Hence, we said all these powerful revivals of Forty years have come in answer to prayer. Again, another cause of the harmony and success of Union church is, that it is a homogeneous congregation. When extremes of poverty and riches meet in one congre- gation, or diversity of nationalities meet in one church, harmony and peace are difficult to maintain, and progress rarely results. This congregation has been composed mainly of one nationality. It has not suffered from either extreme of riches or poverty. All this with other causes have contributed to make Union a useful and growing church. They have combined to give old Union its name and influence in the land. Again we remark, the buildings have always kept pace with the progress of the times. Its first buildings were of logs, then a framed building. Doubtless this was one of the finest churches of its day. Forty years ago this was a fine church for this country. When we leave this 32 History of Union. building to go into our new church, we still advance, for our new church is inferior to but few country churches in our Presbytery. But with all these facts in favor of Union, it can never be what it has been. At one time the whole territory for ten miles or more around belonged to Union, and nearly the whole population was Presbyterian. But Union has divided out a large part of its territory with its children and its remaining territory is becoming mixed up with a different population. So it is plain that Union can not for a long time hold the sway she once held. But while this is true, it still has territory enough, members enough and money enough, if used for God's glory. What could not 300 members accomplish for God if they were willing to v/ork for Him I What a powerful influence for good they would be if they were all "living epistles known and read of all meni" The church and prayer-meetings would be crowded with faithful worshipers; our Sabbath school would be full to overflowing; the Lord's treasury woul-.I never be empty; the pastor's salary would be paid, and the church building would also be paid for. It is not th:\t wealth has not increased but growing extravagance absorbs the increase. If people get money it is is not for the Lord nor to pay debts, but to expend on themselves. If they can make a show, they care nothing for debts or unpaid subscriptions. Is this Christian honesty or integ- rity? Was this the way those old fathers lived and paid? Is this the princij^le of our holy religion? Was this the example your fathers left you? Are you equal to the fathers in consistency and zeal for the cause of religion? Have we not more pride and less zeal? More show ;md less consistency? Is this generation no improvement upon the preceding one? Is there as much of the spirit of prayer as in b^-gone days? Are there as many weekly prayer-meetings as there were Forty years ago and as well attended? Are there as many family altars as in former days? Does the spirit of prayer pervade the congregation as it (lid Forty years ago? The life of a church is in its History of Union. 33 praying members. Again, how will our elders and deacons compare with those of former years? Are our elders as pure and con- sistent in their lives and as faithful in the discharge of all their duties? Are they examples of purity and zeal for the flock? Are our deacons active in the discharge of their duties? Do they keep the temporal affairs of the church in order? How will the present officers and members com- pare with those of Forty years ago? God is the only Judge. To Him we must stand or fall. Still, we must not say that all was right in those good old times. The records of dis- cipline will not sustain the assertion. Tares and wheat were growing together then as now. But in somethings, we think, we excel those of former years. The Sabbath school work is carried on more generally now than then. The ladies are doing more to send the gospel abroad now than then. But we fear there is not as much prayer in the congregation now as then ; that the young men are not doing as much for the church now as they were then. But we must close. There are but few to-day who heard the last sermon preached in this house who heard the first. There are but few who then came to hear the Dedication Sermon who are here to-day to hear this Farewell Sermon. Where are those ministers who stood between the living and the dead? The voices of Paisley, McNeill and Hogshead which so often rang in this hall have changed the Lower for the Upper Temple to swell with more melodious tones the song of redeeming love. Those venerable elders who sat near the pulpit and watched over the interests of the flock together with those pious fathers and godly mothers who with weeping eyes received the gospel with glad nesshave gone to the grave. Where are they ? The grave yard might echo back the answer, ' 'All that is mortal of most of them is asleep in my bosom but their souls are gone to be with Jesus which is far better." Many who learned to sing the song of praise unto God in this house are now singing that new song of Moses and the Lamb around the 34 History of Union. throne of God. Pastors, elders and people have met beyond the river. 0, what a joyful meeting! God has w^iped away all tears from their eyes and they drink forever of the river of pleasure that flows from the throne of God. 0, how many of us will join that blood bought band! Of all questions this is to us the most important. But we must bid a long farewell to this house with all its hallowed associations. The voice of mercy will no longer ring through this hall. The last warning has been given and the invitation heard. God has honored but fow houses in all this land with His presence as he has this temple. God has often appeared in this house in wonderful power. Here strong hearts have been crushed; here the eyes of the blind have been opened; here the proud spirit has been humbled at the foot of the Cross; here many have rejoiced in their new-born love for Jesus; and here love for Jesus has been kindled in the souls of men that will burn brighter and brighter through the eternal ages. Although this church may not have attracted the gaze and admiration of the world, still the angels in heaven kept watch over it and rejoiced as they saw sinners turning from the error of their ways unto God. These are some of the thoughts that cluster around our memories as we bid farewell to this old house with all its hallowed associations. We can but leave this house with mingled emotions of joy and sorrow; joy as we remember all of God's favors and mercies enjoyed here; and sorrow, as we leave a house of such precious memo- ries. As we leave our father's home with emotions of sadness and sorrow, so do we to-day bid farewell to this our spiritual home with feelings of sadness. We can only hope and pray that God may honor our new house as Uo has honored this, with His presence and blessings; thr.t He will make it the place of His abode; that His peo])lo may there enjoy His smiling presence and favor as in the old; that the great power of Jesus Christ to save souls may there be seen as it has been seen in this old house to which we now bid a long and sad farewell. THE CARTHAGE CHURCH. The Carthage Presbyterian church is Union's eldest daughter, and she delights to call her blessed. The tenderest memories of the Carthage church are mseperably entwined with Union. The history of Union during the last Sixty years covers the existence of the Carthage church. Rev. Angus Currie McNeill cultivated the Carthage field and in due time organized it into a church. He was born in Robeson county, ^. C, May 4th, 1812; he graduated from the University of North Carolina aud Union Seminary with distinction. He was licensed <^y Fayetteville Presbyteiy April 13th, 1844. Presbytery appoiated hira to educational and evangelistical work withiu her borders. He was ordained as an evangelist April 6th, 1846. Mr. ivicNeill founded a classical school at Carthage in 1844, using a log house on Flint Hill, the site now occupied by tho residence of Mr. E. W. Shedd. Mr. Hugh Leach and a Mr. Oats had taught elem*>ntary schools in this community before McNeill came to Carthage, but Mr. McNeill's curriculum was only excelled by the University. Th beginning of this academy was auspicious for the establishment of a school of higher learuing. The fsMuous academy at Euphronia founded by Rev. Murdock McMillan had now gone down. Carthage was centrally located aad a town of growing importance. Mr. McNeill was a brilliant scholar aod a strict discipliLariao. His temper was so even yet firm that he held both the respect and love of his pupils. His school sprang into fame at once, and it is said that the attendance was never less than 200. Under the leadership of Mr, Alexander Kelly subscriptious were raised for the erection of an acadecLy building, which was called the Male Academy. The building was erecteo' by Daniel C. Campbell in 1845. The lot was given by Mr. Murdock B. Person with the followinsr Board of Trustees: John B. Kelly, Charles Chalmers, John Morrison, C. C. Shaw, N. Richard- son. A. C. Currie, D, Murchison, A. R. Kelly, C. H. Dowd, S. J Person, John M. Black and Rev. Samuel Paislej-. The establishment of a college was evidently behind this move- ment as is intimatei by this sentence in the deed for the lot, 3G History of Union. 'Upon which to eroct and maintain an institution or institu- tions of learning or a church or churches of some relitjious denomination and not to be conveyed b.y them or used for any other purpose or us^? whatever. '^ Five years later, vvntn the Presbyterian church Jvas ortjanized, Mr. Murdock B. Person also g^ave the adjoining lot for the church lot. The recards and tradition fail to tell us why these plans wore not cairied out. If the school had continued as purposed, Carthage would now have in her midst a college older than many of the leading instiuiiions in the State. Mr. McNeill transferred his .*^chool from Flint Hill to the Male Academy building in the Fall of 1845. Hu wife, however, taughtthe girls in his horat, the Dr. iShaw house, a'-sisted by .Miss Kate Robinson, wno later became the wife of Rev. Martin McQueen. In ihe Fall of 1847, Mr. .McNeill transferred the female department to a building erected on a lot given to the Academy by Alexander Kelly, the present Site of ihe Carthage graded school. This cele- brated institution made Carthage the leading center for higher educat on in all the Cape Fear secti*)n. Many men received their education here who in after days became famous both in church and Statt. Mr. McNeill preached regularly in the Acaderuy, and at outlying poiats. He supplied Cypress, 1847-'49; Union. 1850, »nd Carthage for the first three months of its existence as a church organization. Mr. McNeill was a brilliant thinker, h polished speaker, and eloquent in the deliverv of his sermons He was beloved as a pastor and popular as a t<'acher and man After eight years of faithful .servico as teacher and preacher he resigned jo accept the pastorate of Centre Ridge, Ala., and was dismissed to South Alabama Presbytery in the Fall of 1852. He served (Jenter Ridg!> 1853-'60, dying in the pulpit October I4th, 1860. Soon after Mr. .McNeill resigned the n)ale and female departments of the Academy were unit'd in the building erectec for the female department. The old Male Academy w.is used for a while as a private school for children, but I're long was i-.bandoued tor .school purposes. History of Union. 37 The history of the Carthage Presbyteriao church is a comparatively short one, while the history of Presbyterianism begins with the lirst stttlerp. For years the only Pre&byte. rian churches in Moore county were Buffalo, Union and Benhesda. The Presbytery of Fayetteville in its Seventy-fourth ses'sioQ held at Laurel Hill appointed a committee consisting of Kevs. Messrs. A. C. McNeill. E. McNair and N. McDonald to organize a church at Carthage "should the way be clear." The committee convened at Carthage Sunday, Sept. 1, 1850, and after a sermon preached by Rev. E. McNair, the fol- lowing persons, being dismissed from Uiaion church to join a 3hurch to be organized at Carthage, presented themselves for membership, viz: Alexander Kelly, Sarah Kelly, Duncan Keith, Elizabeth Keith, Kenneth Black, Mrs. Kenneth Black, Duncan Blue, Margaret Morrison, Chri>itian Kelly, Harriet A. McNeill, Flora Martin, Daniel McKinnon, John M. Black, Neil R. Currie, Hugh Black, Flora Black, Nancy McKenzie, Nancy Seaweil, Margaret McKenzie, Mrs. Joe Shields, Nancy Kelly, Eliza Black, Floia McLeod, Margaret Robinson, who were duly organized into a church. The committee then took recess until the hour for night service. After a sermon preached b.> Rev. N. McDonald, elders Alexander Aelly and Kenneth Black ere installed ruling elders. Messrs. S. J. Person, John Shaw, Hector Turner, A. C. Currie and Thomas B. Tyson weie elected trustees and they were instructed "to secure title to a lot in the town of Carthage where it was pur posed to erect a hous*? of worship and hold the same in trust for the congregation." As can be seen from the roll the church was small and weak, but the members went to work with a will to build a house of worship. Mr. Alexander Kelly erected the building. The present church is ihe original edifice, but it has been added to from time to time. Rev. A. C. McNeill came back from Alabama to dedicate the charch. This service he per- formed to the delight of the ccngregaiion oi; the Third Sab- bh,th in Sept., 1856. Rev. Messrs. N. McKay, E. McNair and S. D. McAllister were present. 38 History of Union. Rev. W. H. Hogshead foUowod Mr. McNeill. He was made pastor ij Sept., 1851. and served the church until his death in 1855. Rev. Daniel McGilvary then supplied the church from Aug., 1856, until Feb., 1858. Rev. G. A. Russell was pastor from Oct., 1858, until Feb., 1856. Rev. Martin McQueen served Carthage as pastor from 1864 until 1888. See hisiory of Union for sketch of his life. However, we record two things of intoresi ilnring his ministry. On Aug. lit, 1886, tr.e session dismissed the followiug to unite with a church to be organized at Culdee: N. P. McKen- zie, Maggie McKenz>e, D. \V. McKeLzie, C. A. McKeuzie, Flora McKonzie, Malcolm McKe .zie, J. C. McKeuzie, J. J McKenzie, E. E. McKenzie, John K. McKenzio, Catherine E. Scott, Margaret Wicker, W. F. VVickf^r, ilarah E. Wicker, W. C. Black, Mrs. Flora Patterson, Mrs. Hugh Black, Mrs. M. Vun Cannon, Mrs. C. C. McKeithen, Mrs. S. M. McDon- ald and Mrs. Miranda Jackson. One of the most touching things to be found in she, recoids of the church is the spiritual care of the slaves in the congregation. The colored people retainedtheir membersliip in the church until 1886. This brief statement api) ars in the narrative to Presbytery: "The colored peoplt" have gone unto themselves. " Nevertheless, many of them wen regular attendacits at the church until llie day of their death. One of our prominent members relates an unintentional but salu- tary rebuke given liira b^ one of tnese old time darkies. On a certain Sabbath morning, Mr. M was on his way to attend services at Bethl'^hein. A short distance from the church he met an olrJ colored man, Isaac Caddell. "Uncle Isaac, where are you going?" Touching his hat politely, the darkey replied: "I'se gwine to tneetin' at Carthage." ' Uncle Isaac," contiaued Mr. M, "why not attend chu-ch hereat Bethlehem? Isn't a Baptist sermon as good as a Presbyterian sermon?" ''Dat all may be so, boss," the darkey answered, "dat all may I • X, bill I feels it to be ray Christian duty to ^o to hear Marse McQueen preach, 'kaze he's my chuich's preacher." — 2 na < 5' S n OQ ^ O 5r- s n O r fi) 3 "^ 7 ^ m ( ) rt c 3 cr I n m sr r S n » ;% ^ -o History of Union. 39 Rev. A R. Shaw, D 1)., beo-an to ^snppl.v Hie church in Juno, 1888, was made pastor Sept. 20fch, 1889. He resijr; ed in October, 1890, to accept che work of Presbyterial Evange- list of Fa.vetteville Presbytery. The church then called Rev W. M. P:]dridjre, of Hills- lioro. Texas, as pastor, who served the church from Au<>-., 1891, to D:^c. 31sf, 1894. at whish time, hi^ resigned to accept the call of Presbvterial Evan^yelist of Fayetteville Presbytery. Rev. (t. L. Wolfe, of Tuscaloosa Presbytery, Ala., sup plied the church from March, 1895. until his death June 4th, 1896. Rev. D. W. Pox, of the Conirregational church, su'^plied th.-^ pulpit from the death of Mr. Wolfe until the Fall raee'ino- of Presbytery in 1896. In Septe.nber of thi- year Rev. William Bl i .k held his first meeting^ in Carthage, which so stirred the community that it is one of the epoch marking events in the history of the church. He held his second meeting in Carthage in Nov., 1909. Again did God pour out His Spirit upon His i)eople. The rpsi Its were greater than in I lie first meeting. Rev. C. G. Vardell, D, D., supoliod the church fr