Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1902-06-05

Drawers from the creek of that name
near which it stands. Though the
building still stands, and is in good
state of preservation, the congregation
now worships in we'll appointed and
modern edifice in the town of Odessa.
An annual pilgrimage, however, is
made to the old church, where day
is spent in religious services and social
enjoyment.
The Rev. Robert Witherspoon was
the second pastor of the old church,
from lila until 171S. He was succeeded
by the Rev. Samuel Young, who served
the congregation until his death, in
1921, and the Rev. Henry Hook, from
1922 until his death, in 174l Both
Mr.. Young and Mr.. Hook we're from
Ireland. The Rev. John Dick labored
| for short time in this church in con-
! The Rev. Hector Allison was pastor
from 1853 to 175s. For the following
| 10 years the church was without u
| pastor. From 1768 to 1916 the Rev.
Thomas Read was pastor, part of the
time acting as principal of Newark
| Academy. The Rev. John Burton was
stated supply from 1904 until 1922, and
the Rev. Joseph Wilson was pastor
from 1922 until 1880.
From the first of July, 1892. until
April, 1888, the church was supplied
part of the time by the Rev. Nicholas
Patterson and part of the time by the
Rev. David DeForrest Ely. During
this period revival occurred, result
ing in an addition of about 30 persons
to the membership of the church. The
Rev. Warren g. Jones was pastor from
1888 until August 18th, 1885. and the
Rev. Charles Brown from the Novem-
ber following until May, 1889. The
Rev. George Foote was installed No
vember 18th, 1889, and labored there
and at Port Penn until April, 184s.
The Rev. Isaac w. X. Handy served
from June, 1s48, until April, 1853,
preaching part of this time also at the
David Mcclure was pastor from 1885,
until Septemb r, 1854, and the Rev.
Hemingway j. Gaylord from April,
1855, until April, 1861.
From this time until April, 1867
the church was supplied by the Rev
Francis Hendricks, the Rev. Michae
Burdett and the Rev. H. L. Howard.
The Rev. John Crowell was pasto
from 1867 until April, 1873. He wa
succeeded by the Rev. w. V. Louder
baugh, who was ordained and installed
September oath, 1879. The Rev. r. L
Hallett, the present pastor, recentl.
took charge of the church and is popu
lar with the congregation.
The first building was erected II
It'll, the site having been selecte
some time before that. 1t is known
however, that the congregation existe
some time before that date. The presen
building on the old site was built i
1772. The church building in Odess
was built in 1858 and dedicated on Ma
9th, 1861.
After the new church was built th
congregation occupied it regularly an
I for some time the old church wa
,f abandoned, to all intents and purposes
I, but about decade ago some of th
= members and former members an
" friends Of the church conceived tt
idea of preserving the old building an
holding annual reunions there. Accor'
ingly an association was formed, large
through the instrumentality of the la
'y United States District Attorney Lew
C. Vandegrift and others, with tn
OF idea in view, and is known as III
Friends of Old Drawyer's, under who
ae auspices these annual reunions are hel
81 Thomas J.ssCrayen of Salem, N. }
es is president; Miss S. Cornelia Boy
man, secretary, and Deputy Clerk
" the Peace George Janvier, treasurer
ny the association.