Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1900-10-04
new LONDON SCHOOL.

Historic Old building in which Some
Noted Personages We're Educated.
The old church at New London, Pa,
In which Preshytery of Chester recently
met has an interesting history.
z New London was settled by SCOTCH
irish early In the 18th, century. This
church was founded in 1873, but a
church was mot built until 1744, SER
vices being held In farm houses prior
10 that time. In 1888 the Rev. John
Thompson, man of prominence, pro-
posed to the Presbyt terry of Donegal, the
erection Of school to be placed under
the care of the Synod of Philadelr hia;
the design was approved by the later
body in May of the same year.
I d Messrs John Dickinson, afterwards
governor Of Pennsylvania, Pemberton,
Cross and the Rev. DR.. Anderson, were
appointed to prosecute the design and
secure subscriptions 10 New England
and in Europe. In l744, the Synnd
touk the school at New London, which
had started the previous year, under
its caro-. 1t was to be support'd by an
uual contributions from the congrega-
tions and all persons who please, may
send their hildren and have them in
structed gratis, in language. philoso-
uhy and divinity. The Rev. Francis
Allison, the finest scholar in the two
| Synods was appointed naster, and au-
| thorized to appoint his own usher. He
was to be allowed ego per anruu,,
and his assistant fl5. Several minis
ters and other gentlemen, contributed
| books, &C., to begin a library, on Of
the chief helpers being DR.. Benjamin
Franklin Of Philadelphia. NJ.
In l749. the plan OF the school was
i modified. Mr.. Alison's salary was in
creased and tuition was allowed. Ia
1852, he removed to Philadelphia to
take charge OF an academy there, but
the school continued under the care OF
the Rev. Alexander Mcdowell. 10
! wbon, in 1854 Matthew Wilson was
j added as assistant The latter was to
teach the languages. while Mr.. Mo-
i Dowelle continued. from sense of
public gocd, 10 teach logic. mathe-
inatics. natural and moral philosophy.
This sch0ol BECAME Justly celebrated
and served to aid ia furnishing Tho
State with good and able citizens and
the church with we'll Qualified minis.
tsrs. Among those who were wholly Or
partially educated tbera Hete Charles
Thomson, secretary Of the flontinenta al
Congress; DR.. John Ewing. r,o;ost OF
the Uni ersity of Pennsylvania DR..
J, David Ramsey, tha noIea writer and
historian and bogtapher; Il George
Washington; DR.. Hugh Williamson,
ono NJ tho trainers OF the Constitute IN
! Of the United States and hi torian OF
North Carolina; and also othor noted
! msr, who became eigners o. tho Declar-
| alton Of Independence viz james
Smith of York, Pa. George Read OF
> New Castle, this State, and ThoT.ai
Mexican OF New London. This latter also
J became governor Of Pennsylvania. and
. Chief justiro of tho State. lie vas
. born In the village OF New London ano
{ the dust OF his parents repose III the
= old graveyard Of the church.
4 Dr. Francis Alison wns the first PAS
( tor Of his church at one time supplying
s beth the New London and The Mid6te
t town Presbyterian Churches in tna
Q county, preaching turn about g. cry tst
Q weeks. The remains OF DIR. Alison re
q pose at New Lundon. over which 10
r substantial monument. IN
Q The New London Church is In !
. fiourishing condition situnted as 1t i
+ in a thriving farming country and th,
J, academy has so increased that now
Q large ediiice stands within sight u tn
o church. The Rev. Charles s; William
o son is the pastor OF the church.