Upshur County, West Virginia French Creek Presbyterian Church ************************************************************************* USGENWEB NOTICE: Material may be freely used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material, AND permission is obtained from the contributor of the file. These pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by other organizations. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for non-commercial purposes, MUST obtain the written consent of the contributor. Copyright 1999 by Dorothy McCann-Phillips . Dorothy McCann-Phillips grants USGenWeb Archives the right to post this information. This information may be freely copied, but may not be sold. *************************************************************************** The following information concerning the "French Creek Presbyterian Church" was written as a Memorial of Service. The following is an excerpt from the Memorial Service. The French Creek Church and Institute was established in the area. Lydia GOULD married Robert YOUNG's oldest son, and they were instrumental in organizing the French Creek Church. As there was no church in French Creek, the home of Aaron GOULD Sr., held services. He was a "nephew" of Nathan GOULD Sr. Loyal YOUNG, and Lydia GOULD-YOUNG were pioneers in the community, and established a school of higher learning. In 1871 the incorporation for the Institute was completed. The following persons signed and agreement: Ebenezer LEONARD Loyal YOUNG Ashley GOULD A. BROOKS Freeman SEXTON M. DARNALL James COON The building was designed by Loomis GOULD. It was a Preparation School for those who desired college. Many outstanding people were educated at this school. Among them were Captain Loomis GOULD who became County School Superintendant and later a Missionary to Alaska. Dr Loyal YOUNG became the first Principal. The Dedication (year not known) "We have been sheltered by day, and the pillar of fire has loomed up before us by night. The Spiritual Rock has followed us, from whose cleft we have received the waters of life. And the Word of God has been manna to our taste. On this year of our pilgrimage, this Jubilee Year, let us thankfully remember all the ways in which the Lord our God has led us in this wilderness" Submitted by Dorothy McCann-Phillips.