Smyrna times., 1879-04-30
History Of the Presbyterian Church in
Smyrna.

llSheIS vi liAS L TtSOpCCTCuU UGehty Ol Ddlll'
more, in a letter dated from this town April
10th, after "a complimentary refence to
Smyrna and its surroundings, gives the fol-
lowing historic sketch of the Presby yterian
church here:
On the banks Of a sheet of water now
called the Smyrna Mill Pond, is an enclosed
Presbyterian buryng ground, in which,
until within comparatively recent times,
stood an old brick church, not q vestige
OF which now remains to tell where it
originally stood. The history Of this old
church has passed away into oblivion; but
as this section Of the country was the
fostering ground of Presbyterianism, it is
but reasonable to suppose that the Smyrna
Church was among those first organized in
America, and although not as historic
as Rehoboth, yet it is safe to assume, it was
not far behind that church in its formation.
The inscription on the tombs now standing
in the church yard prove this. That on
the tomb of Mathews bears date 1868
David Clark, l7G6; Rachel Carty, 1888;
Jacob Patterson, 1882; Margaret, wife Of
John Caldwell, 1886; Jane s. Pope, 1898.
These names and dates are now given
hoping that they may supply link i'll the
chain of the history Of Presbyterianism in
this Peninsula.
The earliest record now available is a
minute or session book, in the possession Of
MIR. John Mustard, and kindly lent to US
for examination. From it, it appears that
the old church had fallen into decay as
early as 1918; for a meeting was then held
to take into consideration 1.-THE desolate
state of the church and the Importance of
having it repaired and put in suitable order
for the reception of a congregation" A
subscription list was opened and S44S con,
tributed. Among the donors "Quakers
appear prominent. The necessary repairs
were conducted under the supervision Of
Mr.. George Shannon, the father or grand
father of Mrs. Robert Graham, whose
husband is now pastor Of the Presbyterian
church of Greenville.
Next year, 1919, the following trustees
were elected: John Clark, Samuel Murphy
Samuel CahOon, VIM. Leatherbury, and
Wm. Kennedy. In 1920 commissioners
were sent to the Presbytery which met at
Piqua, Lancaster county, Pa, and subse-
quently to another meeting of Presbytery
at Glasgow for supply. In response the
Rev. Samuel Bills, Of St. Georges and Rev.
Joseph Copes, Of Lewis, were instructed to
| pay pastoral visits. Ultimately, in 1921, a
union was affected with Forest, and in 1922,
also with Drawers congregation, when the
Rev. Joseph Wilson became pastor Of the
| three churches, each paying $l66 per year
towards the salary Of $500. At this time,
Smyrna was included in the Presbytery oil
| Lewes.
The ministry Of Mr.. Wilson terminated in
1925, for want of funds. The Rev. Alex
andsr Campbell, Of the Presbytsry of Bal,
timore, commenced to supply the pulpit
in 1926. One of the old residents, Mr..
Stockly, now about eighty years of age,
and with whom the writer had very
pleasant interview, distinctly remembers
Mr.. Campbell, and tells OF a series OF lectures
delivered by aim, in which he essayed to
prove, much to the annoyance of the
Methodist brethren, that Bible Armenian.
ism and Ca!vinism were identical. Mr.
Campbell, Mr.. Stockly says, was gentle
man Of very considerable learning and ac
quirements, and much devoted to hi.
church. He continued his ministration
during 1926 and 81, and then from want o.
proper support, left for Poplartown, Wor
cester county, Md.
The church then was suffered to be
closed and gradually fell into decay, unit
at last the ruins were removed entirely ant
only the spot remains wheTeOn it stood.
had been erected in the old style, gable
end to the road, heavy cornices extending
entirely round, and built of brick. Th,
interior was plain, arched ceiling, CALLER,
on three side, high pulpit and thrty-tw,
square high backed pews on the main floor
and bricked aisles.
For twenty-five years Presbyteriansn
dwindled to a very low ebh hut in 1916
new movement was begun, lnaugurated b.
! the late Rev. Thos. G. Murphy, who die,
, abouta year ago at his residence, near Dover
An organization was effected, clever
hundred dollars collected, and the presen
: church purchased from the Methods
ProtPstants. The trustees then electe
(l846) were Presley Spruance, Ayres Stock
ley, John Mustard, JAS. l.. Brwley, Thoma
b. Lockwood and John Vangesel. Th
Rev. Thos. G. Murphy besides taking charg
8 OF Smyrna Church, sustained the relation
= of pastor to the church at Dover, ais
superintended the education of som
young ladies at his residence. From tn
s time Of the reorganization in 1916 th
d church has been under the care of th
b New Castle Presbytery. Mr.. Murphy col
Q tined his pastoral duties until Jan. 20, 1856
IS except one year, from May So, when tn
If place was filled by Rev. John McCluske
s D. D. The next pastor was Rev. John
a Thompson, who was succeeded, Dec. ], g
2, by Rev. John $. Mccoy. He was folowe
1t by Rev. Geo. w. Kennedy from Octobe
Of 1869 to March 1871. From March 1871
r February 1877 there was no pastor, IL
m pulpit being filled by the following su
m plies: Rev. s. s. Sturgiss, John Squier,
" A. Brown, Holloway, Moore, Whitefie
n. and others.
lie The present pastor, Rev. Justus #. Vi
III sted received and accepted call abo
IN two years since. Under his ministrati,
the church has regained its former il
portance, now numbering sixty-fve me
.rs bors with q Sabbath School Of aightY.