Keowee courier. [volume] (Pickens Court House, S.C.) 1849-current, 1915-06-09

the organization of the Westminster
church: Elder II. r. CASTOR, Mrs.
Mary j. CASTOR, Misses NJ. A. and II.
NJ. CASTOR, w. S. CASTOR, J. l.. Hud-
gems, Mrs l.. e. Hudgens, D. S. Hull,
Mrs. r. c. Hull, Miss Susan Steele,
Miss Scott Steele, Miss l.. Alice
Steele and Mrs. Laura Zimmerman
(This is the third colony this mo-
ther church has sent ouD. The
Presbytery of South Carolina met
with this church for the first time in
September Of this year.
An Old Landmark.
Let us now turn our attention for
a few moments to one Of the old
landmarks of Presbyteriansm in Oco-
nee county, Rev. VIM. McWhorter,
who died in his 73d year at his resi-
dence near Retreat church on Febru-
airy 9, 1884. He was born near
Bethel church in 1911, was baptized
in that church in infancy and trained
by pious and Jealous parents, and
when about 16 years Of age formally
united with the church and deter
mined to enter the ministry. In or
der to complete his education he rode
on horseback to Philadelphia, Pa, to
enter college there. Failing health
compelled him to return to the more
genial climate of his homeland, and
he completed his education in the
University Of Georgia. He did not
attend the seminary, it appears, but
studied theology under Rev. VIM. H.
Barr, ID. d., Of Abbeville, S. C. He
was received into the South Carolina
Presbytery in 1886 and licensed to
preach by that body in 1887, at
Greenviile church, Abbeville county.
He preached his first sermon after
1icenSure at Bethel church Ghe place
of his birth) in 1887. Therefore he
was the first Presbyterian minister
that was born and raised in Old
Pickens District. He was ever faith
full, and presented the truths of the
Gospel with force and power. He was
very eloquent; his oratorical powers
excellent. He was sociable in his
nature, very fond Of children, in
structive and entertaining in the
home; good citizen, kind neigh
bor; a model husband, q kind and in
dulgent father, and squared his daily
conduct by his religious convictions
oI truth ana righteousness. When he
saw that his days were numbered and
that God would soon call him home
he quietly laid down his armor, put
his house in order, wrapped his man.
tie about him. folded his arms as in
sleep, and now awaits "the resurrec-
ton OF the just made perfect in
righteousness" "
We see no evidence Of any supply
from this date until June s, 1884,
when Rev. J. Mel. Seabrook began
his labOrs with us. On September
IA, 1884, Elder NJ. B. Dendy resign
ed the clerkship and Elder j. b.
Pickett was elected to succeed him.
In April, 1888, Mr.. Seabrook declined
to serve, and this left the church va
cant until February, 1889, when Rev.
|. p. Marion began to minister to us.
He continued until April, 1890.
Elder Thos. J. Hall departed this
life on April 20, 1889, and Elder NJ.
S. Stribling passed to his reward on
May 3, 1890.
tn,S
church for a few months iii the fall
Of the year. and on February 1st,
1891, Rev. r. G. Ligon entered upon
the service Of the church.
On the 18th Of March Elder O. NJ.
Doyle, NJ D., was received from Sen
eca church by letter and installed as
an elder Of this church. (No evil
dence Of his election is rccordedD
At the same time VIM. II. Hughs was
ordained and installed as elder, and
J. j. Ballenger, J. p. Stribling and
w. H. Barron as deacons. On the
9TH Of June the sessiO' esolved to
hold monthly meetin elders and
deacons. Elder J. b. Pickett re-
signed his clerkship and Elder w. II.
Ilughs was elected in his stead on
July 5, 1891.
On September Rev. T. G.. Ligon
was called to the full pastorate Of the
church, and was regularly installed
on the third Sabbath in September.
Rev. J. S. Cozhy, d. D., preached the
sermon and charged the pastor, and
Rev. r. G. Ligon charged the congre-