Butler County PA Archives Church .....Selected Session Minutes 1838-1903: Middlesex Presbyterian Church, Penn Township, Butler Co, PA ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/pafiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Lynn Beatty klbeatty@redrivernet.com ************************************************ Middlesex April 6th, 1838 Session met according to appointment. Members present Msrs. Welsh, Brown, White, A Gilleland, J. M. Thurston, Moderator. Constituted with prayer. James Brown appeared before Session voluntarily, & confessed to his having been intoxicated at the Glade Mill some time since. The Session being satisfied with his profession of sorrow & promise of amendment, took no farther action on the subject. The following persons were admitted on examination Nancy M. C. Marshall, & John Thompson, Bapt. Adjourned. Concluded with prayer. Middlesex April 8th, 1838 At an informal meeting of session Johnathan Plumer and Sarah his wife were received on certificate as members of this church. Middlesex Sep. 1st, 1838 At an informal meeting of Session Johnathan Plumer was appointed to attend the next meeting of the Presbytery of Allegheny, & John Gilleland as his alternate. [Date unknown, continuing minutes] And from the testimony as well as Mr. Douglass own acknowledgment, it appears he did blame Mr. White with originating the disturbance. - and further, from Mr. Douglass not manifesting an entirely conciliatory spirit, we therefore decide that the parties be suspended from the privelyge (sic) of church membership, until they give evidence of repentance, & that this decision be____ from the __________. Further, resolved, that acquiescence with the parties this decision will be satisfactory to Session, & give the parties the privelige (sic) of church membership. The above was read by order of Session. Closed with prayer. Thos. W. Kerr, ____ At the instance of the Jas Dunlap the Presbytery of Allegheny, while in __________ at Portersville, Oct. 22, 1845. Ordered the Session to reconsider the above case. Thereupon Session met Dec. 2nd, agreeable to previous appointment, & was opened with prayer. Members present Msrs. John Brown, & Thos McNees, with Thos W. Kerr Mod. Mr. White appeared & requested a copy of the charge or a summons for witnesses, which were given him. Msrs. Brown & Gilliland in company with the moderator were appointed a committee to take the testimony of Mrs. Mary Brown at her own house on Monday 8th of Dec. at 12 o'clk. Also a committee to take the testimony Mrs. Jane Marshall at her own dwelling on Monday 15th of Dec. at 4 o'clk P.M. The Moderator was authorised to give Mr. Douglass notice of the above action of the Session & furnish him with a blank summons to be filled by him at pleasure & directing him to give Mr. White notice of any new witnesses he might call, according to what the constitution requies. Session adjourned to meet on Tuesday 16th Dec., 1845. Closed with prayer. Thos. W. Kerr, Mod Monday Dec. 8, 1845 The committee appointed met at the home of Mr. Samuel Brown, Allegheny Co & took the testimony of Mrs. Mary Brown. Also Monday 15 the committee appointed as above met at the home of Mr. Samuel Marshall, Sr., & took the testimony of Mrs. Marshall in the case at issue between Messers. White & Douglass. Middlesex, May 20th, 1857 Session met & was opened with prayer. Members present - Messrs. Wm. Hunter, Robt. Stewart, Philip Miller, Wm. Brown with the moderator E. Ogden. The following persons were received on examination, into the communion of the church - Mrs. Mary Ann Boal, Miss Hannah Wallace, Miss Ruth Ellen Brown & Miss Mary Ann Brown. And on certificate from the Presbyterian Church of Lawrenceburg, Mrs. Nancy Ann Smith & Miss Sarah Smith. The committee appointed at the last meeting of Session (consisting of the moderator) to admonish Mr. John N. Osborn, reported that he had discharged the duty assigned him, & that Mr. O. had faithfully promised to abstain entirely from all further use of intoxicating drinks & expressed sorrow for having sinned in the use of such drinks. The committee further reported that after having administered the admonition to Mr. O., he had confidently learned that Mr. O. had broked his promise, & also, that he had removed from the section of the country to a region far in the West; in consequence of which, it was deemed inexpedient to cite him to appear before this Session. Session adjourned. Closed with prayer Middlesex, Dec. 25th, 1857 Session met, & was opened with prayer. Members present, Messrs, Robt. Stewart, Philip Miller, Wm. Brown, E. Ogden, moderator. Session entered into a free conversation on the state of religion within the bounds of the congregation, & in view of the lukewarmness & indifference that prevails thro'out all classes of persons amongst us, resolved to put forth more earnest & prayerful efforts to awaken an increased interest in religion. Adjourned. Closed with prayer. Middlesex, June 17th, 1859 Session met & was opened with prayer. Members present - Messrs, Wm. Hunter, Robt. Stewart, Phillip Miller, Wm. Brown & E. Ogden, Moderator. The following persons were received on examination into the communion of the church, Mr. Zenas Tuttle, Mrs. Margaret Jane Tuttle, his wife, Mrs. Esther Shulamise, Mrs. Margaret Dunbar, Mr. James G. Brown, Mr. Wm. C. Wallace, formerly a communicant in this church but who, thro' intemperance and neglect of the public ministrations of the gospel, had lost his standing in the church, appeared, & acknowledged his delinquency, & the sin which led to it; and having expressed sincere sorrow for his sin, & on determination in the strength of divine grace to avoid it in the future, session unanimously resolved to restore him to his former standing in the church. Mr. Robt. McGeary & Mrs. Matilda McGeary his wife, were received on certificate from the Presbyterian Church of Westminster. Session took a recess until to-morrow after public worship. After recess Session convened. Members present as above with the exception of Mr. Hunter. Received to the communion of the church, on examination, Mr. John Bulford & Mr. Alexander Welsh. Session adjourned. Closed with prayer. Middlesex, Sep. 30th, 1859 Session met and was opened with prayer. Members present - Messrs. Phillip Miller, Robt. Stewart, Wm. Brown, Alex. Douthett, with the moderator E. Ogden. It having been observed that Mr. Douthett had, for some tim past, been remiss in his attendance upon the duties of his office as ruling elder, & upon the public ministrations of the gospel, he was interrogated as to his reasons for such remissness. Whereupon, Mr. Douthett informed the Session that he was dissatisfied with a certain transaction in which a member of the church was concerned, & could not feel comfortable in the church until the matter [end of page] 1886 Middlesex, April 16th, 1886 [Begins Page 4] "Minutes of Session", [portion of right side cut off] April 16, 1886 The Session met and was opened with prayer Members present - Matthew B. Rowan, --- Martin, James D. Anderson, H. Campbell --- Robert A. Patterson, with moderator, E. Ogden -- Miss Sadie Marsh, Miss Ella Cooper, and M--- M. Thompson were received on examination --- the communion of the church. Miss Anna Mary Miller was received on certificate--- from the United Presbyterian Church of Oakland--- Matthew B. Rowan, ruling elder, was appointed --- attend the approaching meeting of the Presbytery. E. Ogden --- Middlesex, April 17th, 1886 Session met and was opened with prayer. Members present - Matthew B. Rowan, Jas. M.--- H. Campbell Miller, James D. Anderson, and G--- K. Graham with the moderator, E. Ogden. Miss Rhoda A. Coneby was received on examina- tion into the communion of the church Session adjourned. Closed with prayer. E. Ogden Examd & approved by Treas at Butler Apr 27, 1886 A. M. Reed, Mod Middlesex Oct. 5th, 1894 [Begins Page 23] "Minutes of Session" [portion of left side cut off] Session met at the Parsonage. Present Rev. W. S. McNees, Moderator, with Elders J. D. Anderson, H. C. Miller, J. M. Rowan, & G. K. Graham, the meeting was opened with prayer. Mrs. Anna Augusta Stewart appeared before the Session and was examined on her religious experience, when having made satisfactory profession of her faith in the Lord Jesus Christ she was received into the Sealing Ordinance of the Lord's Supper. Mr. W. M. Brown, Mrs. Sarah B. Brown, Miss Sadie E. Brown, Miss Lucetta I. Brown and Miss Mary L. Brown was received on certificate from the U.P. Church of Butler. Rev. John S. McKee Pastor. And Mr. G. W. Raseley, Mrs. Jennie Raseley, and Miss Grace Raseley was received on certificate from Middlesex M.E. Church, Rev. Chas. F. Bollinger, Pastor. Mr. Arthur McKibben was received on certificate from Oak Grove U.P. Church, Rev. P. E. Simpson, Pastor, and Mrs. Martha E. McKibben was received on certificate from Presbyterian Church of Westminster, Rev. W. J. Haslett, Pastor. Adjourned Closed with Prayer G. K. Graham Clerk Middlesex Oct. 25th, 1896 [Begins Page 35] "Minutes of Session" [portion of left side cut off] Session met after public worship and was opened with prayer by the moderator. Members present, Rev. W. S. McNees, moderator with Elders J. D. Anderson, J. M. Rowan, W. C. Anderson, and G. K. Graham. Absent H. C. Miller. Mr. William J. McClelland came before the Session seeking admission into the Church and after satisfactory examination, and profession of his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ was unanimously received into the communion of the Church. Session adjourned closed with prayer by J. D. Anderson. G. K. Graham, Clerk ? 30th 1896 Session met at the home of J. D. Anderson at 2 o'clock P.M. Present Rev. W. S. McNees the moderator, with Elders J. D. Anderson, H. C. Miller, J. M. Rowan. W. C. Anderson, and G.K. Graham. The meeting was opened with prayer by the moderator. Received on certificate Mr. Elijah Crissinan from the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Worthington, Armstrong County, Pa. Session having knowledge that Mr. Scott Thompson has been charged with conduct unbecoming a Christian and a gentleman and in direct violation of the deciplin (sic) and rules of the church and as Mr. Scott has asked Session to grant him a certificate. After due consideration, Session directed that Clerk of Session correspond with Mr. Thompson, and earnestly request that he meet with the Session, at his earliest convenience and give a satisfactory explanation of his case. Also, a committee of Rev. McNees & J. M. Rowan was appointed to meet with Mrs. Jennie Wigle for the purpose of ascertaining what disposition she has made of the certificate granted to her last October, by Session of this church. Adjourned. Closed with prayer by J. D. Anderson. G. K. Graham, Clerk Middlesex Jan. 9th, 1897 [Begins Page 36] "Minutes of Session", [portion of right side cut off] Session met after public service and was opened with prayer by the moderator Rev. W. S. McNees. Members present J. M. Rowan, W. C. Anderson, and G. K. Graham. Absent J. D. Anderson, H. C. Miller. Miss Manda Melinda Weitzel, being present a desire to unite with the church and after examination and profession of her faith in the Lord Jesus Christ on motion was unanimously received. Adjourned. Closed with prayer. G. K. Graham Feb. 17th, 1897 Session met at the house of H. C. Miller, Elder, opened form with prayer by Moderator W. S. McNees. Members present J. D. Anderson, H. C. Miller, W. C. Anderson, and J. M. Rowan. Absent member H. K. Graham. James McCollum being present expressed a desire to unite with the church, being examined of his faith in Jesus Christ, on motion was unanimously received. Mrs. Cora Black asked for a letter of dismissal to U. P. Church of Mars, it was granted. The Certificate of ? Laura Heckert from Methodist E. Church of Boston. Also certificate from Chicora, Pa. by John C. Sablin? wife Sarah J. and daughter Martha J. Also Albert S? and Elizabeth C. his wife after due concideration (sic) all were unanimously received. The matter of Scott Thompson was then talked of. Rev. W. S. McNees having had an interview with Scott Thompson and his ? related the story as told by them. After discussing the matter some time, on motion of H.C. Miller and second by ? The following resolution was unanimously agreed ? The Session having diligently inquired (sic) into ? Derogatory to the Christian character of one of our members Mr. Scott Thompson, find no grounds for dissipline (sic), and do command him to the [Begins Page 37] [portion of left side cut off] fellowship of this Church, as a member in good standing and worthy of Christian confidence. Minutes of the meeting were then read, amended, then approved. Dismissed with prayer by H. C. Miller. In the absence of G. K. Graham, Jas. M. Rowan was elected temporary clerk. J. M. Rowan April 9th, 1897 Session met after public services and was opened with prayer by the Moderator Rev. W. S. McNees with Elders J. M .Rowan, W. C. Anderson, and G. K. Graham. Absent: J. D. Anderson and H. C. Miller. Mr. Gilbert Winsor Fleeger and Mrs. Margaret Estella Fleeger his wife being present expressed a desire to unite with the Church, being examined of their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, on motion was unanimously received into communion and fellowship of the Church. Mr. J. P. Whitesides presented certificate from U. P. Church of Glade Run and on motion was unanimously received. Minutes read. Closed with prayer by W. C. Anderson G. K. Graham, Clerk Middlesex April 10th, 1897 Session met after public services, was opened with prayer by the Moderator Rev. W. S McNees. Elders present: J. D. Anderson, H. C. Miller, J. M. Rowan, W. C. Anderson, and G. K. Graham. First in order reading narative (sic) on religion for the past year of the congregation, and on motion was adopted as read. Mr. J. M. Rowan was appointed to attend the approaching meeting of Presbytery. Also Mr. J. D. Anderson appointed alternate. On motion J. M. Rowan was elected to act as superintendent of Sabbath School for the ensuing year. Temperance report being read on motion was approved. On motion Session adjourned. Closed with prayer by J. D. Anderson. G. K. Graham, Clerk Middlesex June 25th 1897 [Begins Page 39] "Minutes of Session", [portion of left side cut off] Session met after close of public service and was opened with prayer. Members present Rev. W. S. McNees the moderator with Elders J. D. Anderson, H. C. Miller, J. M. Rowan, W. C Anderson, and G. K. Graham. Mr. A. C Sutton and Mrs. Susan Sutton presented certificate from St. Lukes Evangelical Lutheran Church of Saxonburg, Pa. Rev. N. W. Harnish, pastor, and on motion were received into the communion and fellowship of the church. Prayer by J. M. Rowan also Mr. C. A. Jamison and Mr. Walter A. Rosenthal presented themselves before the Session, seeking admission into the Church and after examination and profession of their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ were on motion unanimously received into fellowship and sealing ordinance of the Church. Prayer by W. C. Anderson. On motion Session granted letters of dismissal to Mr. Scott Thompson and Mrs. Jeanette Thompson to the Presbyterian Church of Zelienople, Pa. Closed with prayer. G. K. Graham, Clerk June 26th, 1897 Session met after service today. Opened by prayer by W. C. Anderson. Members present - W. S. McNees, Pastor, Elders J. D. Anderson, H. C. Miller, W. C Anderson, and J. M. Rowan. Absent - G. K. Graham. Mrs. Amanda Delair being present expressed a desire to profess faith in Jesus Christ. After being interogated (sic) with regard to her faith in Chirst the Session being satisfyed (sic). On motion was unanimously received. J. M. Rowan was appointed by the Session to confer with the Trustees with regard to the account of J. H. Starr. J. H. Starr and his wife C. E. Starr asked for their certificate. On motion they were granted. Minutes read and on motion were approved. Adjourned. Closed with prayer. J. M. Rowan, Clk Protem Middlesex Jan 7th, 1898 Middlesex January 7th, 1898 [Begins Page 42] "Minutes of Session",[part of right side cut off] Session met after public service and was opened with prayer by the pastor. Members present Rev. W. S. McNees, the Moderator with Elders J. D. Anderson, H. C. Miller, J. M. Rowan, W. C. Anderson, G. K. Graham. Mrs. Maud L. Thompson presented certificate from the Church of Christ at Beaver Falls, Pa. and on motion was unanimously received into the communions and fellowship of the Church. Also Miss Cora R. Miller present certificate from the Central Presbyterian Church of Allegheny, Pa. and on motion was unanimously received into the communion and fellowship of the Church. Minutes read and on motion were approved. Closed with prayer by H. C. Miller. G. K. Graham, Clerk Middlesex, Jan 8th, 1898 Session met after public services. Members present Rev. W. S. McNees, the Moderator with Elders J. D. Anderson, H. C. Miller, J. M. Rowan, W. C. Anderson and G. K. Graham. Opened with prayer by the moderator. Miss Ora Pearl Rowan, Neva Beggs, Ella Elizabeth Fisher, ? Walters, Rosabel Raseley, Kellie Banks McMillen, May Dill appeared before the Session and were examined on their religious experience when having made a satisfactory profession of their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ they were on motion unanimously received into the Church and into the sealing ordinance of the Lord's Supper. Two of ? Miss Louella Walters and Miss Neva Beggs to receive ordinance of Baptism on the coming Sabbath. Adjourned. Closed with prayer. G. K. Graham [page 55] Middlesex, April 8th, 1899 At close of public sservices a congregational meeting was called to order by the pastor, Rev. W. S. McNees for the purpose of electing four Ruling Elders on motion eight be nominated. Proceeded to nominations. Messrs W[illiam] S. Wible, G. S. Raisley, W. W. Hunter, W[illiam] R[oss] Thompson, J. R. Douthett, James I. Black, J. D. Miller, and A. L. Wilson were nominated. Proceeded to vote by ballot after vote counted, resulted in the election of W[illiam] R[oss] Thompson, G.W. Raisley, A. L. Wilson and J.D. Miller receiving the highest vote. Congregation proceeded to election of a board of Trustees and attend to finances of church. G. K. Graham, Clerk [page 55] Middlesex, May 12th, 1899 Session met at Middlesex Church at 8 o'clock P.M. with members present Rev. W. S. McNees the moderator with elders W. C. Anders, J.M. Rowan and G.K. Graham absent H.C. Miller. The Pastor read a Scripture lesson and meeting was opened with prayer. Messers. W[illiam] R[oss] Thompson, G. W. Raisley, J.D. Miller, A.L. Wilson Elders Elect met with the Session for a conference and prayer. Mrs. Margaret Wilson asked for a certificate to Evans City Presbyterian Church and on motion said certificate was granted. On motion J.M. Rowan, Treasurer of Session by authorized to receive and receipt for funds still remaining in hands of Mrs. Lida Dunbar, Treasurer of Library funds. Motion second and voted unanimous. Minutes read and approved on motion. Adjourned. Closed with prayer. G. K. Graham, Clerk [page 56] Examined and approved as far as written by P___ at Grove City, Pa. June 13, 1899 W.H. Sloan, Moderator [page 56] Middlesex, June 23rd, 1899 [portion of right side cut off] Session met at close of public service with present Rev. W. S. McNees the moderator with elders H.C., W.C. Anderson, J.M. Rowan, and G.K. Graham. The meeting opened with prayer by J. M. Rowan, Charles Presley Puff, George Nicholas, Zella M. Graham, Birdella May S___, Mrs Ludia Mabel Cousins, Albert Cleveland Osborn before the Session seeking admission into the church and after ___ and profession of their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ was on motion unanimously received into the Communion and Fellowship of the church. Mr. Wm. Scott Thompson and Mrs. Genetta Thompson presented certificate from the Presbyterian Church of Zelienople, Pa. Rev. Paul Slonaker being found in order on motion was unanimously received into the Communion and Fellowship of the church. Minutes read on motion approved. On motion adjourned. Closed with prayer by __ Miller. G.K. Graham, Clerk [page 56] Middlesex June 24th, 1899 At a meeting of the congregation April 8th, 1899, Messers W. R. Thompson, John D. Miller, A.L. Wilson and George W. Raisley being duly elected elders. Messers W. R. Thompson and John D. Miller declined to ___. Messers A. L. Wilson and George W. Raisley was ordained elders during public services to day, and welcomed as ___ of Session, to meet with Session. Present Rev. W. S. McNees, ___ with elders, H.C. Miller, J.M. Rowan, A.L. Wilson, G.W. Raisley, W. C. Anderson, and G.K. Graham. Rev. Mr. Haslett invited ___ with Session opened with prayer by the Pastor. Iva Caroline Goehring, Sarah Martha Wilson, William ___, James Andrew Miller came before the Session desiring to [end of page] Middlesex, March 18th, 1902 The Session met at 2 o;clock P.M. at the church. Members present Rev. W. S. McNees the moderator with Elders G.K. Graham, J.M. Rowan, W. C. Anderson, G. W. Raisly and A.L. Wilson. Absent H.C. Miller. Opened with prayer by the Moderator. Mr. Samuel H. Bowman and Mrs. Elizabeth Bowmsn present certificates from the Summit Presbyterian Church and was duly received/ Elders J.M. Rowan and W. C. Anderson was appointed to convey to the Superintendent of the Sunday Schoo, J.M. Maharg, the appreciation of the Session for his earnest and valuable services as Superintendent of the Sunday School. Mr. Wm. Scott Thompson and Mrs. Genetta Thompson was granted certificates to the Tenth U.P. Church of Allegheny City, Pa. Minutes read and approved. Adjourned closing with prayer by G.W. Raisly. G.K. Graham, Clerk Middlesex, April 4th, 1902 The Session met at the close of public worship. Present Rev. W. S. McNees the mod. with Elders G.K. Graham, J.M. Rowan, W.C. Anderson, G.W. Raisly, A.L. Wilson. Absent H.C. Miller. The meeting was opened with prayer by ___ Miss Margaret Lola Dunbar and Lawrence Lorraine Stepp came to the Session seeking admission into the church and was examined on their religious experience. When having made a satisfactory profession of their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, they were admitted to the sealing of the Lords Supper. Miss Margaret Lola Dunbar to receive the ordinance of Baptism. Miss Mary Hartzell, granted certificate to the 43st Presbyterian Church of Pittsburg, Pa. The Session directed that the clerk sign the annual reports to the Presbytery. Elder J.M. Rowan appointed to attend the meeting of Presbytery. A.L. Wilson alternate Elders. G.W. Raisly and ___ appointed to audit accounts of Treasurer J.M. Rowan and report at another meeting by order of the Session. A summary of the annual narrative be placed on the record. Minutes read and approved on motion. Adjourned closing with prayer by J.M. Rowan. G.K. Graham, Clerk January 10th, 1903 Middlesex Church, Jan. 10th, 1903 [Begins Page 86] "Minutes of Session" [portion of right side cut off] The Session met at the close of public worship present Rev. W. S. McNees the mod. With Elders G. K. Graham W. C. Anderson, A. L. Wilson. Absent H. C. Miller, & G. W. --- Opened with prayer by the Moderator Mrs. Charles M. Bl--- asked for certificate to Ellwood City Pres Church - - letter was granted. Elder John Rowan was appointed--- committee to visit Miss Helen B. McMillan and make known to her the mind of the Session. G. K. Graham --- account of his attendance at the meeting of Presbytery --- Butler on the 5th of Jan, and was commended for his minutes read and approved. Adjourned Closed with prayer by the mod. G. K. Graham Middlesex Church, Feb. 15, 1903 The Session met after the close of public worship and was --- with prayer by the Pastor. Present Rev. W. S McNees the --- with Elders G. K. Graham, J. M. Rowan, W. C. Anderson --- Wilson absent H. C. Miller and G. W. Raisley. Mr. W. M. Brown, Mrs. Sarah B. Brown, Sadie E. Brown, --- T. Brown, James M. Brown asked for certificates to --- City Pres Church. Said certificates were granted. Minutes read and approved. And Adjourned with prayer by J. M. Rowan. G. K. Graham Middlesex Church, June 24th, 1903 [Begins Page 10?] "Minutes of Session" The Session met at the close of public worship and was opened with prayer by Rev. Mr. Breckenridge. Present - H. C. Miller, G K. Graham, W. C. Anderson, & A. L. Wilson. Absent - J. M. Powell, & G. W. Raisley. Rev. Breckenridge was invited to act as Moderator. Mrs. Marae Douthett presented certificate from Portersville Presbyterian Church dated June 24th, 1903. Rev. G. T. Franklin mod. And on motion was duly received. Minutes read and approved. Adjourned. Closed with prayer by H. C. Miller. By order of the Session. G. K. Graham, Clerk Middlesex Church August 23, 1903 The Session met at the close of public worship and was opened with prayer by Rev. T. R. Lewis. Members present J. M. Rowan, A. L. Wilson, W. C. Anderson, G. K. Graham. Absent - G. W. Raisley. By invitation Rev. Lewis acted as moderator. Mr. William D. Weitzel and Mrs. Anna Weitzel asked for certificates to Grace Lutheran Church of Butler and John Newton Brown asked for certificate to Presbyterian Church of Ellwood City, Pa. and on motion said certificates were granted. Minutes read and approved. Adjourned. Closed with prayer by J. M. Rowan. By order of Session G. Graham, Clerk