The Robesonian., 1917-09-24
MEMORIES OF OLD
BETHEL CONGREGAl lion
(By SNYDER)

Written for The R0DeS0nldn.
Some personages of the old Beth
el congregation as knew them many
wears ago. / have no data to go by,
only INV boyish recollections, which
are being dimmed as the years roll
round.
The two MCLAUGHLIN brothers
were elders when 1 first began to
take note. Billy McDairmid, the
father Of the two former editors OF
The Robesonian, was also prom
inent elder. l would like so much
to know her first elders. l didn't
Aupw until / began these notes,
that I was anticipating q sketch OF
e 1iie o.a o.c. chnrcca'ss rcc.i S personages, oVneT-
.wise I might have gotten into an
automobile ard visited some of her
most intelligent members and found
out all this data.
will begin Win the name Of John
Purcell, who was one of her prom
inent members when l first began
to ride my little Jack mule to
church. He was from the Mt. Peher
ne;ghborhood and was said to have
been the wealthiest pew-holder IN
the church. l don't know, how much
ne contributed to the preachers SAL
ary, but as the usual amount was
about. SIS, Suppose he gave about
$40. although l don't know, as he
had the reputation OF being rather
closefistnd; and besides, he was the
pastors sOTIin-law.
Next on my list is Angus Gilchrlst,
who lived just over the river IN the
then Richmond county. He was the
brother of the late lawyer Gilchrist.
He was a fine man and exerted con-
siderable influence in his commun-
ity. A.,
The next on my list is Alexander
Purcell, father of T. E. Purcell and
grandfather of Wilton Mclean. He
was said to have been progressive
and liberal in his dealings with his
church. His brother Arch Purcell,
! think, was a member, but took lit
tale interest in its management.
Alex. Graham, a fine man and
neighbor, took little interest in it.
He only attended church twice a
year.
next come to the two Archibald
McEacherns, father and son, and as
/ am rather close kin to them I'd
rather reserve my opinion to a lat
er period.
Angus McBryde was regular
member of the church, and was a
mighty good Democrat and neigh
Dor.
Now these are the people who at
tended the church when l was a boy.
Up above me We're several of the
Currie family, who We're members,
also Daniel Love, father of Robt. A.
Love, an old associate of my boy
hood and royal-hearted fellow. All
have passed over the river.
Next comes Lauchlin McNeill,
brother Of the pastor, Rev. Hector
McNeill, the father of Judge Nc
Neill, who afterwards became an
elder in Mt. Pelier church. Old Dun
can Mcmillan, who was killed in his
sawmill, and who came to church
regularly once a year.
Next / remember was Malcomb
McByde, father of Tom McByde. He
was a man of superior intellect ard
the church suffered great loss
when he moved to Texas. He was
a Democrat and his party often in
sisted on his running for the Leg
islature, but he always refused.
Henry McNeill and his brother
Arch, were loyal members. The
latter has now son in the ministry
who has just started out to preach.
Another young minister from that
congregation is Rev. Mr.. Currie,
whose mother was a McLauren from
Laurinburg. can't recall either of
their initials.
You see, Mr.. Editor, I have under
taken bigger job than I first in
tended and before I shall get. round
as far as Puppy creek and up to-
wards the Galatia neighborhood, if
l should keep on, which l very much
doubt, as the job is too big. Besides,
/ have forgotten the names of many
Of the, Scotch on the Rockfish and
beyond.
So, for the present please excuse