The midland journal., 1914-11-27
[coNcLuDEDJ


In the autumn Of I74o the second
church applied to Presbytery for supplies,
and one Of the first to be sent to them was
Rev. Samuel Findley. graduate of the
log College and Iicentiate of the Presby-
terry of New Brunswick. He was a
spirited revivalist,' and man of deep
piety and great intellectual power. He
was pastor for II years, and Mrs. Findley
is buried in the old cemetery.
/, In I74I ihe founded West Nottingham
Academy for the express purpose of edu-
eating young men for the gospel ministry.
The school soon became widely known
and attracted many students from dis
tance Among his students were many
celebrated men, Gov. Martin of N. c..
Hon Richard Stockton. Col John Bay
ard. Gov Henry of Maryland, Rev. Jos.
Smith who became Presbyterian pio-
neer west OF the Alleganies and the Kew.
James WaddelI. 'immortalized by Writ
10 the British Spy, and father in-law Of
Dr.. Archibald Alexander" In 1861 DR..
Findley was called to the presidency of
Princeton College. After his removal
The church seems to have gone down rap
idly and never to have had another set
tied pastor.
During this period Of II years the first
church was vacant most of the time. the
only pastorate being that of Rev. John
Steel 1746-s3s In 1902 they called Rev.
John Beard. who remained with them
until I77I The next mention of this
church on the minutes is I774 70. when
they were supplied by Rev. James Power.
And for the next ten years we have no
mention of either congregation.
In 1886 the two congregations united in
calling Rev. James Munro, who remained
with them until 1850 when he was dis
honorabIy dismissed from the Presby terry.
From that time until 1904 they had no
settled pastor.
In roo the church buildings being in
dilapidated condition, and believing that
the schism could be permanently healed
only BY change of location the reunited
congregation desired to build new
church But they could not agree on
location. At last with the aid oil Presby-
tery it was decided to erect it on the pres
ent site. So in 1900 they began the erec-
ton of the new church. which was COM
pleted in 1904 In that year they called
Rev. James McGraw He found the
church weak, disorganized and consisting
OF only 80 members. but under his excel
lent and faithful work it revived rapidly
and grew both in numbers and strength.
He was eloquent. forceful. digni6ed.'
and an excellent leader. His interests
and influence extended far beyond his
own community. "and brought him the
acquaintance and friendship of many
public men," He was chairman of the
committee of Presbytery that organized
the Elkton church in 1883
Through his efforts West Nottingham
Academy was revived. and chartered in
1912 He at once became its principal
and remained so until his death in 1885.
Those were great years for the Academy.
Betweed I82o-33 more than score OF
ministers went out from it, and many of
them made their first profession of Christ
while at the Academy.
The year following DIR. McGraw's death
the Rev. George Burrows was called to
the pastorate. He continued and in-
creased the great work done by DR.. Nc
Graw In 1888 az of the members of
this church living in the vicinity of Port
Deposit organized that church. Until
1850 they were connected with Noting
ham and Dr. Burrows gave them one