Evening journal., 1909-06-02

Ing, and thirty pounds toward the
communion plate. Mrs. Hill's name is
carved on a marble slab in the wall.
with the following inscription:
''The Church OF the First Presbyterian
Society I'm this Hundred.
Built A. ID. 1873.
Rev. Thomas Read, A. NJ,
Pastor.
This stone the gift of Mrs. Mary Hill.
Serve the Lord with gladness.
Ps 100: I'd"
Another stone has been placed on the
opposite side of the pulpit with this
inscription:
This site purchased May 10, iii.
The first church built I'LL.
Rev John Wilson. pastor. 170s.
"Your Fathers, where are they?'
Two years ago, a tablet on the wall,
TO the memory Of the late Lewis G.
Vandegrift. Esq, was unveiled by his
daughter
The original name OF the church was
"The Church Of Apoquinimy," and its
corporate name 1.-THE First Presbyter-
ian Church I'm ST. Georges Hundred
but It is commonly known as Drawers
Church.
DR.. Read says that about the year
i
Of the members erecting meeting
house at st. Georges. Later. other
members left the church TO go 10 For
est Church. near Middletown, which
was built in 1850.
The Church Pastors.
The first pastor Of this church was
Rev. John Wilson. Of New Castle, who
was directed by Preabytery in 1i0S. to
divide his labors between this congre-
cation, New Castle and White Clay
Creek churches. Mr.. Wilson undoubt-
/ edly had the pastoral charge OF all the
Presbyterians In this county in 170s. He
was one OF the original members Of the
first Presbytery organized in the
/ United States. He died in 1712 leav-
ing his family in INDECENT circum-
stances, and assisted by the synod
The second minister was the Rev.
Robert Wotherspoon. who was ordain-
ed at Apoquinimy in May, 171i. He
died IN IT'S.
After Mr.. Wotherspoon's death. Rev
Mr.. Young, formerly OF Ireland
preached here and died In 1921.
The Rev Henry Hook is supposed
TO have taken charge OF this congre-
cation in 1922. He purchased farm
near here. died IN 174i. and was buried
on his farm.
The Rev John Dick was ordained in
17i6, over New Castle and Drawers
He died IN 17A7 and was buried here
The Rev. Hector Allison came here
in 1853, remaining until 175S when he
removed.
During the next ten years, the con-
! gregation seems to have had only oc-
casional supplies. In 176S, the Rev
Thomas Read commenced supplying
the congregation. In May Of that
/ year, Andrew Bryan was chosen
Treasurer for Dr. Reads salary
money" In 1772. John Golden was
chosen trustee OF the Rev. Thomas
Reads salary money. II being the first
year OF his stated labor" DR.. Read
was a popular preacher, and the con-
| gregation was probably the largest IN
Delaware during his ministry. Prior to
1772, he taught in the Academy at
Newark and preached to this congrega-
tion as a stated supply He received
the degree OF Doctor Of Divinity In
1886 and removed to Wilmington where
he died in 1899
The Rev John Burton began his
labors here in 1904, coming here from
Sussex county. He died in 1925 and was
buried in st. Georges Cemetery. Dur
ing his ministry here. he also supplied
Forest Church.
The Rev. Joseph Wilson, Of Pennsyl-
vania, was installed over Drawers
Smyrna and Forest churches in 1922
The church had declined so rapidly
after the removal OF DR.. Read that
Mr.. Wilson received an inadequate
support, and was under the necessity
Of teaching part Of his time. He re-
moved in 1880.
In 1882, the Rev. Nicholas Patterson
commenced preaching 10 this congre-
CATION as a supply and continued his
labors during that summer. on the
4th of November thirty-one persons
united with the church. this being the
largest number added to the church 1t
one time during its entire existence.
In 1898 the Rev. Warren Jones was
installed here. During his pastorate
twenty-three persons were adde TO the
church. He removed to Connecticut
II I'm 1885.
In 1887. the Rev. Charles Brown, of
Lewes Presbytery received a unani-
nous call and was installed in October
: Of that year. He resigned IN MAY
a 1899. and in June OF that year, Rev
George Foot was called 10 become the
pastor Of this church. Mr. Foot was
installed on November IS. 1889
During his pastorate. he wrote and
a D .Hra