Sips Gy 4 53 ais SEAS AREA ED

TPE AEARS

\
:
|
3
t

 
 

HECKMAN

BINDERY, INC

mM

014841B 100

NT

12/1/2005

uD «ot
 

i}
| |

| Coren MYO HIS GATES

 

HISTORY OF

THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Maxton, North Caroliua

 
 

 

“KNOW YE THAT THE LORD HE IS GOD:
IT IS HE THAT HATH MADE US, AND
NOT WE OURSELVES; WE ARE HIS
PEOPLE, AND THE SHEEP OF HIS
PASTURE. ENTER INTO HIS
GATES WITH THANKSGIVING,

AND INTO HIS COURTS

WITH PRAISE. . .””
—Psalm 100

Page 1

 
  
 

1878

PREPARED FOR THE
EIGHTIETH ANNIVERSARY MOMECOMING CELEBRATION

OCTOBER 19, 1958

Page 2

 

“ENTER INTO
HIS GATES”

History of the
First Presbyterian Church

Maxton, North Carolina

1958

By EDWARD M. LaMOTTE and the
HOMECOMING HISTORICAL COMMITTEE:

R. Fairley Morris, Chairman
John B. McCallum

G. P. Henderson

Mrs. McBryde Austin

Mrs. Lacy Williams

Page 3

 

 
 

ee SRT Vue AG A | came esate a ]

i

FOREWORD... ©.

 

 

CDS RE ON = Sea

”

“Enter into His Gates with Thanksgiving ... -

The miracle of God’s Church is ever witnessing to us. Through years
of persecution and apathy His Church has stood. Earth’s mightiest
forces, her Kings and Empires, have faded. For almost two thousand
years the Church of Jesus Christ has stood, spreading the seeds of
eternity from the quiet Judean hillside to the teeming twentieth-century
metropolis.

“© where are kings and empires now
Of old that went and came?

But, Lord, Thy Church is praying yet,
A thousand years the same.”

As voices sing of the glory and triumph of the Universal Church, our
faith is strengthened. God is at work in history. His Spirit is at work
in the great city cathedral, in the far-flung missionary frontier, and in
the small village church. Jesus said, “I am with you always, even
until the end of the world.” He is working through the hands and feet,
the minds and voices of His people—and this is the miracle of God’s
Church: He is closer than hands and feet, He is in our hearts.

This history will tell a human story: the dreams and faith of men and
women, the warmth of friendships. It may recall to mind the sweet
anthem of a choir, the joy of a wedding, the hope and sadness at a
graveside, the thrilling influences of belonging to the eternal fellowship
of God. It will tell a victorious story, for the Church is Christ—seeking,
challenging, comforting His people through the years. The history of
the First Presbyterian Church of Maxton becomes a part of the greatest
story ever told, because it reveals the Power and Love of God, working

through human clay. He is the Saviour of the past, the present, and -

the future. The Eternal King is leading on. Let us pause, then, to
draw from the refreshing waters of the past. Let us see that this
ground with which we have become so familiar is HOLY ground.

“Be thankful unto Him, and bless His Name.
For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting;

And His truth endureth to all generations.”

EDWARD LaMOTTE
August, 1958

Page 4

ee

GREETINGS...

THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN THE UNITED STATES
Phillip F. Howerton — Moderator 1958-1959

P. O. Box 839
Charlotte 1, N. C.
September 5, 1958

The First Presbyterian Church
Maxton

North Carolina
My dear fellow-Presbyterians:

What an honor it is to be asked to express a word of greeting to your
great church on the occasion of your eightieth anniversary!

In this word of greeting I speak for the entire Presbyterian Church
in the United States. It has been my privilege to know something of
your church for many years, as three of your former pastors are close
friends of mine, James Appleby, John McKinnon, and our present «
beloved pastor here, Lee Stoffel. Also, I have known of your former
distinguished pastor, Dr. Halbert G. Hill, a former Moderator of the
General Assembly and a friend of my father.

For some years, it has been my pleasure to have business connections
in Laurinburg, Maxton, Fayetteville, and Lumberton, and my judgment

= that the Presbyterians of your area are indeed the “Select of the
ech

May I wish for your church many years of service in advancing the
Kingdom of our Saviour on earth. The example you have set for the
brethren throughout the Southern Church is indeed inspiring and one
that many other churches could well emulate. You have honored our

Master in carrying on the great Scottish tradition of which you are the
beneficiaries.

May God’s richest blessings be upon each member during this happy
and momentous occasion.

Fraternally yours,

PHILIP F..HOWERTON, Moderato
98th General Assembly :

Presbyterian Church in the U. S.

Page 5

 

 
 

 

UNION THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
Richmond 27, Virginia

Office of the President September 8, 1958

To the Members
The First Presbyterian Church
Maxton, North Carolina

My dear Friends:

It is always a significant time when a Church is aware of the excellence
of its history. Certainly, by this occasion which celebrates the eightieth
anniversary of the First Presbyterian Church of Maxton you will appreci-
ate again that ‘goodness and mercy” have followed the Church during

all these years.

Everyone who is concerned for the effectiveness of the Church’s witness
to the grace of God and the privilege of Christian discipleship is grateful
for the splendid record of the Maxton Church. Occupying a place of
distinction in a community associated with Presbyterianism over many
years, the work of that Church has reached out through its sons and
daughters who have given themselves to service in this country and
overseas, and through your prayers, and the loyalty of the members
of the Church who have supported our denomination in its efforts to

obey the Command of Christ.

Union Theological Seminary is grateful for the comradeship which it
has had with the First Presbyterian Church of Maxton, and extends
most cordial and prayerful good wishes upon the occasion of this

anniversary.

May the splendor of the Church increase and enable the Church to
progress and accomplish a ministry that is even more excellent in the

years that lie ahead.

Sincerely,
JAS. A. JONES, President

Page 6

 

THE HIGHLANDERS...

“The Hielanders! Oh! dinna ye hear
i The slogan far awa? . .Oh! I ken it weel;
It’s the grandest o’ them a’! :
: God bless the bonny Hielanders!
wesc De were saved!’ she cried
nd fell on her knees; and thank,
Flowed forth like a full flood-tide. ean
It was the pipes of the Highlanders!
ee HUW iney played Auld Lang Syne.
came to our men like the voice of
And they shouted along the line.’ geeks

—Robert Lowell

In 1560 John Knox brou iani
) 0 ght Presbyterianism. to Scotland i
ee nding a one pes in het this Pena rio e
Cavite oa forme and, preaching the sweeping doctrines of
didvkna an so imprinted himself upon a nation as
0 people of Scotland. Deepl
dogmatic, he carried the Sword of i a eiVthe Mate aa Clee
latic, ) Truth through the M
and “neither flattered nor feared an . Bay errant ens
her C y flesh.” Lo fi i
SR aan scone a Pe the creed of tho recta lished era
\ : } character. The reforming light th
raised in Scotland shines today wh ee See
Bes Fe ame ae eevee the Gospel is perached; it
CRUFCRIGE Aree SO inburgh or the First Presbyterian
5 gh the hearts of t!
Wherever they have the Faith of their rae pes SO

One hundred and eighty-fi
indr y-five years after John K i
ae ERE erate’ ea eee began Bon hea
he fl of the Carolinas. During the int i
years, several significant actions had tak wien Catmed this
Migration. In 1685 James II, of th Seraph an Set ie eard
FREAD Sperry coat 0! e Scotland Stuarts, had become
are SANE Camas cotland. James adopted the viewpoint that a
. nmake the law by his own will. By hi i
Chun a Ronan pperolcy threatenea the monopoly of the eee
intgeenann he land. In 1688 a son was born to James II and baptized
Hiieeewa at 7 Bee are poesty of ee indefinite line of Catholic
3 y ne country’s leaders t ite i iti
fern their stern and forbidding King. Taihes Il tae ee
Baglah bert eet he tong and ense wea
ee liberties, cz ne, and the “Glorious Ri ion’’
raat fs limited monarchy, Parlimentary SIR ORoee
, and toleration of dissenting Protestants, was accomplished.

Teed agi) sections of England and Scotland chafed under the
Panacea een minority of the wealthy soon began to control the
acountieeree Hea The Scots particularly were critical of the
beth onal debt and were dissatisfied with the oppressing rule
sound oes nol plemen and big businessmen. Casting about for some
exed Sturt Kings nhs son ot Joes Pah ned Bene oe ag
was now living in Franc ili are Gainey EE ane
fa e. Hailing him as “James IID”, hi :
relia sould pee the King if he would only seat me. ener
hinaecenen , James the Pretender decided to take matters int

s. Returning from France, he invaded England, eahenis

Page 7

at
 

23 a Ve ae ec

 

 

 

 

reac = a

 

help from the Highlanders. However, when it came to a showdown,
the memories of Stuart oppression before 1688 seemed worse than the
strong rule of Parliament. The rebellion of 1715 failed because of
this lack of solid support. But the idea would not die. By 1745, the
Pretender’s son, Charles Edward, invaded England and aroused great
enthusiasm among the Highlanders. Dashing and attractive, ‘Bonnie
Prince Charlie” supplied the leadership to rally his followers. The
“voung Pretender” and his Scottish troops marched toward London,
singing as they went:

“Oh, Charlie, he’s a fine ‘young man,
And Charlie he’s a dandy;
And Charlie he will kiss the girls

Whenever it comes handy!”

At Derby, England, 80 miles north of London, they were halted.
Crushed, but not completely defeated, the “Young Pretender’ tried
to regroup his scattered forces back in Scotland. The government of
England, however, was determined to destroy the seeds of counter-
revolution. Nothing less than destruction of the Highlanders’ patriotic
and nationalistic spirit would do! The Duke of Cumberland followed
the “Young Pretender’ and his armed followers into Scotland. In 1746, °
about five miles from Inverness, Cumberland slaughtered the fugitives
in a bloody battle fought on the Culloden Moor. ‘‘Bonnie Prince Charlie’
escaped, but the English government moved into the Highlands with
an iron fist. The social system of the Scots was wiped out. The clans
were broken up. Many were banished from their homes. An oath
was required of the Scotchmen which was severe in its implications:

“T do swear as I shall answer to God at the great day of
judgment, I have not, nor shall have in my possession any
gun, pistol or arm whatsoever, and never use tartan plaid or
any part of the Highland garb; and if I do so may I be cursed
in my undertakings, family and property; may I never see my
wife and children, father, mother or relative; may iT be killed
in a battle as a coward and lie without Christian burial, in
a strange land, far from the graves of my forefathers and
kindred—may all this come across me if I break my oath.’

Courageously, the Scots had fought for what they recognized to be
right. Now, just as courageously, many believed that they would have
to leave their native land. As they interpreted the times, it was a
choice based on necessity: their hope for future happiness, prosperity,
and freedom of conscience.

The “new world” beckoned. Since 1607 settlements from Europe
had been growing on the Atlantic shores of North America. In 1746
the large migration began. The clans sadly turned their backs on
the beloved “Scotia” of William Wallace, Robert the Bruce, “Bobby
Burns, and John Knox, and sailed for the shores of the Carolinas.

It was no accident that Carolina was their destination. Colonial —

governors of North Carolina at the time of the 1746 migration were of
Scotch descent. Moreover, since the late sixteen-hundreds, Scotchmen
had slowly been moving into the Carolina colonies for economic and
religious reasons. The Scotch had maintained a colony at Stuart’s
Town at Port Royal, South Carolina, where a Presbyterian Church
was ministerel to by Rev. William Dunlop from 1683 to 1686. In 1732
forty Scots from counties Down and Antrim in Ireland received a

Page 8

peices

ai

 

grant of land on Black River, South Carolina. This later became the
settlement of Kingstree. As early as 1729 a few Scottish families had
settled along the Cape Fear River in North Carolina.

When the large immigration of 1746 began, the Carolina back-country
was largely uninhabited and undeveloped. The sea-coast towns of
Wilmington and Charleston were growing rapidly. It was to these
ports that the boats of the Highlanders came. Most of the newcomers
desired to move inland because of their agricultural interests and the
availability of land. Traditionally clannish, the settlers pushed up the
Cape Fear to find their kinsmen who had preceded them. A settlement
at the head of navigation on the Cape Fear grew into the town of
Campbellton, today the city of Fayetteville. Expanding out from this
central location, the Highlanders moved into all of southeastern North
Carolina. The expansion was slow and difficult, for the rivers had to
be forded, the swamps were deep and thick, and sickness and wild
animals were foes to be reckoned with. How different from the beauty
of Scotland was this unexplored, swampy land! To plow their fields
and look forward to the next day took faith and courage.

Several hundred of the Highlanders made their way south of Campbell-
town, or Cross Creek as it became known, into the Rockfish Creek area,
then gradually into the denser area on each side of the Raft Swamp,
Drowning Creek, and the Lumbee River. As the Highlanders pushed
into the territory of present-day Robeson County, they found some
English settlers located in the southern section, and some isolated but
nay Indians located along the banks of the “Lumbee.” It was
ar from encouraging country. There were no roads worthy of the
name until about 1800. There was not an official post office in the
area until after 1800. The country was a wilderness.

au 1790, forty-four years after these waves of immigration, the Federal
oe ED of the new “United States” conducted the first census.
‘he population of Robeson county was listed as 5,356. A map of the
county was drawn to accompany the census, and many familiar names
Coane caer eam, McGeachey, Blue, McMillan, McNeill, Mclean,
more e Buie, Curry, McSwain, McLeod, McPhail, Gilchrist, Mc-
auchland, McFarland, Sellers, and McNair. When the census-taker
ae ie the names of Daniel McIntyre and Daniel McGirt, he was
ae overcome by “Macs’, and put down the telescoped name

aniel MciIntigart’’. There seems to have been some religious op-
eae by the people to the census on the Biblical grounds that Moses
a noe a census of the heads of families of the children of Israel
as he left Sinai for that long journey through the wilderness, and all

the heads of families, exce i
leads ; pt Joshua and Caleb, had
reaching the Promised Land. Pie pte dE

These Highlanders brought with them courage and ability to do
pend work. Something else also came: the faith in God, os firmly
ee in their forebears by Knox, was burning in their hearts.
sens ae was there, but it burned low without leaders. An appeal was
ean y the Highlanders to the Presbyterian Synod of Pennsylvania
pa arauniees to lead them in worship. In 1755 Reb. Hugh McAden
rane on horseback from Philadelphia. The problems of proclamation
aan eae were many to this first missionary. Mr. McAden held
saa eae at the home of Hector McNeill ‘‘near the bluffs on the
ates fo ove Cross Creek.’’ He wrote in his journal: ‘On Sabbath
oe a ra 1756, I rode to Hector McNeill’s (of the Bluff) and preached
aa er of Highlanders—some of them scarcely knew one word that
ud, the poorest singers I ever heard in all my life.’” The minister

Page 9

 
9 SEA URN ree ae een

 

 

 

did not speak Gaelic and the Scotch did not know English. The spirit
was often willing, but the flesh was weak. On January 29 Mr. McAden
“preached to a small congregation, mostly Highlanders, at Alexander
McKay’s on the Yadkin Road, who were much obliged to me for coming
and highly pleased with my discourse. Though, alas, I am afraid it
was all but feigned and hypocritical, for they stayed around the house
all night drinking and carousing.”

Returning to Pennsylvania, Mr. McAden spoke to Rev. James Camp-
bell about the great spiritual opportunities and needs of the Cape Fear
area. Mr. Campbell had been born in Argleshire, Scotland, and felt
a natural interest in the North Carolina Highlanders. He arrived in
1756 and immediately began organizing churches near Cross Creek,
at the Bluff, Barbecue, and Longstreet (all organized in 1758 at Bluff
Church). He became the first Presbyterian minister to settle in North
Carolina, preaching throughout the Cape Fear Valley until his death
in 1780.

Mr. Campbell visited the Robeson County “‘wilderness’’ in his ministry,
preaching at Raft Swamp near present-day Antioch Church. The High-
landers had organized about 1770, and it was the first Presbyterian
Church in the county. Since 1746, “‘Camp Meetings’ had been held in
central locations of the area before Church buildings were erected.
For some time before 1797, religious meetings were held seven miles
south of Raft Swamp in a little Scotch community near Lumber River.
The meetings continued and the Centre Church was officially
organized. In that year, as a member of Orange Presbytery, the Church
called Mr. John Gillespie as Pastor. As population was growing in
Robeson County, other Presbyterian Churches were being organized—
Ashpole Church, near Rowland, in 1796; Philadelphus Church, near Red
Springs, is 1796; and St. Pauls Church, in 1799.

The little Light that glimmered so faintly in the dark days of 1750
was now beginning to glow distinctly.

Four hundred yards north of the present Centre Church is an ancient
burying ground. The oldest marked grave in that cemetery is dated
1781. During this same year General George Washington swept down
into Tidewater, Virginia, surrounded Lord Cornwallis, and brought the
Revolutionary War with Great Britain to a victorious conclusion.
While the new nation was coming into being, a log structure was built
directly across the road from the cemetery to serve as the first Centre
Church building. It was in this log building that the Presbytery of
Fayetteville was organized on October 21, 1813, being formed out of
the old Presbytery of Orange. Since 1770, the Presbytery of Orange
had covered all of the territory south and west of the North Carolina-
Virginia state line. Appropriately enough, a son of Centre Church was
elected the first Moderator of the Presbytery. Rev. Malcolm McNair,
who was born in the Centre community in 1776, had become Pastor of
the Church in 1802. He preached the sermon to the little handful of
delegates, using as his text II Chronicles 6:18: ‘“‘But will God in very
deed dwell with men on the earth?”

Following Mr. McNair’s death in 1822, others carried on the message
of the Gospel. An unusual Robeson County minister was Rev. John
McIntyre, who had been a delegate at Centre when Fayetteville Pres-
bytery was organized. Mr. McIntyre, a native of Scotland, had come
to North Carolina in 1793. His son died during the voyage over, and
his wife died within a year after their arrival. His daughter married
Rev. A. H. Scott, and together they founded the famous Agnes-Scott

Page 10

poles of Decatur, Georgia. Mr. McIntyre entered the ministry when

: S Was 57 years of age, _and was still preaching after he had passed

hae century mark. He died at the age of 103, having served most of

We ministerial life at various churches in Robeson County. Rev. Duncan
cIntyre preached at Center during 1828-1829.

In 1828 a second Church building was erected, after the original
Was destroyed by fire. Rev. Archibald McQueen served as Pastor
eee 1837. The Church dominated the social life of the times, and
ne discipline was quick and sure. The Session disciplined members
prouene before it on “intemperance charges’’, and for “riotous and
isorderly conduct”, or for participation in ‘‘dancing parties”. The
Sentences might be literal excommunication: ‘‘. . . Resolved that he

be Suspended until next October, or longer, if he fail to bring forth
fruits meet for repentance .. .”

gate: John R. McIntosh became pastor of Centre Church in 1838.
ae years later, in 1840, Mr. McIntosh and Mr. John Gilchrist, a
Piece and early advocate of education in the County, established
i oral College for women. The college buildings were located in a
arge grove beside the Church. The founding of the college was a
Significant achievement, less than 100 years after the 1746 immigration,
aad at a time when there were only three other colleges in North
SN The University of North Carolina (1789), Davidson College
1837), and Wake Forest College (1838), In carrying on an old Scotch
custom of building Church and School together, the tradition was given
a new twist, for Floral College was the first chartered college for
ee in the state. In the entire south, it was one of the first colleges
Oa women. The Presbyterians of North Carolina had organized
’ avidson College for their men three years earlier, and now the High-
eens of Centre Church blazed the trail in higher education for women.
ae the influence of the Cape Fear Scots in education reached out beyond
pee immediate area. In 1794 Rev. David Kerr, the Pastor of the
tne sbyterian Church at Cross Creek, became the first President of
ee State University at Chapel Hill. In 1832, as a result of a meeting
9 Pavetteville Presbytery at Center Church, the Donaldson Manual
=n a School and Academy was organized. This school was operated
i ayetteville until the Reconstruction Period. Dr. Luther McKinnon,
ut also President of Davidson College in 1885. Other sons of Centre
gave their lives in the ministry—Daniel C. Henderson in 1831, and

a son of Centre Church, became not only a lead t F
Dinca Monee ane ly ader at Floral College,

John McIntosh was selected as the first president of Floral College
Ann John Gilchrist was named president of the Board of Mecateae:
SGHE trustees included Daniel McKinnon, Dr. John Malloy, Malcomb
Col. , Peter McEachin, Rev. Archibald McQueen, Col. John McNeill,
Mai John C. McLaurin, Dr. Angus D. McLean, W. A. Sellars, and
era conn Purcell. Floral College’s first class of eight girls was
Nain in 1843. The catalogue of 1848 lists sixty-four students from
aor arolina, twenty-four from South Carolina, three from Alabama,

one from Florida. In 1855 Rev. Daniel Johnson succeeded Mr.

McIntosh, worki : : Ate A
Closed its doors ite a Et RA Sa Gt EOL USUI,

Rev. Frederick K. Nash be i i i
: K. Ne gan his work in the Centre Church in
ioe the centennial anniversary of the Highland immigration. During
its pastorate, which lasted until his death in 1861, the church enjoyed
ae est period of growth and influence. The present building was
Tucted in 1850. Mr. Nash’s family was distinguished and he was an

Page 11

 

 
ae 2 aes i

 

    
 

 

 

outstanding leader. His grandfather had been the second Governor of
North Carolina and his father was Chief Justice of the North Carolina
Supreme Court. In 1852 Centre was the largest Church in Fayetteville

Presbytery, with 354 members. Mr. Nasn’s ministry reached out to
the Negroes of the vicinity, who would climb a flight of stairs to worship
in the Church’s “‘slave gallery”. In 1859 the Church membership was
487, incluling 139 Negroes. In 1852 the first Sunday School department
was organized, with Daniel McKinnon as Superintendent. Statistics
alone can never tell a story, for this was a period of spiritual revival
and rededication. Large numbers were added to the Church on pro-
fession of their faith. At one session meeting thirty-four persons were
received. At times the entire congregation that filled the building
would be on their knees confessing their sins, pleading forgiveness,
and rededicating their lives to the Lord. The bold preaching of the
Word of God, in the tradition of John Knox and the Reformers, had
been blessed with many fruits of the Spirit.

In 1861 war clouds were gathering in North Carolina. Abraham
Lincoln had been elected President of the United States in 1860 on a
ticket pledging the preservation of the Union. The South, which de-
manded her rights on the question of her social system and way of
life, felt threatened by the government’s use of force. South Carolina
had already seceded from the Union and was mobilized for war; yet,
North Carolina and other Southern states loved the Union and had no
desire to fight. Carolinians, including the Highlanders, had fought for
their new country against Great Britain in 1776, and the ties were
still strong. The neutrality reached a climax when President Lincoln
called for volunteers from North Carolina to fight against the South
Carolina insurgents. No matter how the Tar Heels felt about the
Union, they could not raise the sword against kin in their sister state.
North Carclina seceded, and the Highlanders of the Cape Fear Valley
threw themselves into the war effort, heart and soul.

While the Home Militia was being organized and the younger men
were marching off to fight at Fort Fisher or in Virginia, the Presbytery
appointed Mr. Nash chairman of a committee to sever its relation
with the Northern Presbyterian Church. One hundred and six years
earlier a paper had been drawn up, appealing to the Presbyterian Synod
of Pennsylvania for a minister. Now a paper was drawn up for pur-
poses of separation from the assembly of churchmen who had sent
Hugh McAden riding down on horseback in 1755. Mr. Nash was a
commissioner to the 1861 meeting at Augusta, Georgia, where the
General Assembly of the Southern Presbyterian Church was organized.
This great leader died on December 31, 1861. His congregation in-
scribed on his memorial stone: “We Loved Him.”

By 1865 the South lay in comparative ruin. The war had drained
her young men, and the farms and fields were in poor condition.
The Negroes had been freed, but they were not educated for immediate
emancipation. In addition, from 1864-1874, Robeson County had the
unique ‘reign of terror” of Henry Berry Lowry and his outlaw band
to contend with. Law and order were at a standstill, and armed
marauders were roaming the roads. General Sherman’s “bummers”’
came through the heart of Robeson County in their military advance
from Columbia to Raleigh. Some of the “Yankee” troops stood guard
around Centre Church while others were patrolling the territory anl
ransacking Floral College. Those at Centre merely scribbled their
names and other remarks in old Church record books. From the spell-
ing, it looked as if the ““Yankey boys’’ could have used a little of the

Page 12

 

Scotch education:

“We are the Yankey boys
that fears no noys

The man that reads this
will find out that we are

in for guarding churches
and not tear them up.

Union Forevery!”’

Other churches were not so fortunate.

The Reconstruction era brought heartbreak in many ways i

I . Heroic
rilonts were made to revive Floral College in 1866. The Centre
Bee recognized the value of the College not only in education
Sah ae an influence for culture and piety. Dr. Luther McKinnon, Rev.
Ree fe Coble, Col. John G. Blue, Jesse R. McLean, J. L. McLean, and
Collec rchibald Baker gallantly worked to keep the College open. The
ona ge was without money and the common difficulties of the day
wate he eek elCose aged less apes on all foods and supplies

gh. ollege continued with varying s s i

when the doors were closed for the last fine eae

In 1874, Rev. Joseph Wilson, pastor of the Wilmington i
ogee , Presbyterian
Sa visited Floral College and spoke to the aidente His tall 17-
ye old son, Woodrow, a student at Davidson College, visited the
Heres with his father. Woodrow Wilson went on to become the
of eee President of the United States, the architect of the League
See lons, and the great Prophet of international cooperation and
eel peace. These were destiny-shaping years for leaders on many
dee Living in the Centre community during these Reconstruction
ae vere two individuals whose lives were to. affect hundreds. One
ee ngus Wilton McLean, destined to become one of North Carolina’s
pan eet Governors during the nineteen-twenties. The other was Eliza-
rate inn McRae, who in 1889 would help unite Women’s Missionary
; in the Southern Presbyterian Church. Her educational work in

€ mountains of western North Carolina would lead i
of Lees-McRae College at Banner Elk. ee

The twilight of Reconstruction da i inni

6 n days witnessed the beginnings of a new
See shadows were playing on the familiar scenes. The effects
malice gana Revolution were beginning to be felt throughout the
The a Bees and towns were springing up all over Robeson County.
theevaain church, nestling in a grove of trees with its belfry visible
h e tops, would no longer be the social and cultural center of

t “ F
€ county. The “meeting place’ would now be the trading centers ~

near the railroad depots or ;

Banas pots or at the crossroads, where the people
Chee omnes) stores, and churches. Three miles cont of Conite
1875 the ig ittle village of Shoe Heel had appeared about 1860. In June,
mae ana pessicn of Centre Church, moderated by Rev. Archibald Baker,
fone eS aos the Session agreed unani-

OUS! aid and encouragement i i
building of a Presbyterian Church at Shoe eel dep See Siete

The Li : 4 .
glimmered so fai >
Light that had gl ner 0 ntly in the dark days of 1750.
that had begun to glow at the beginning of the nineteenth century,

Page 13

 
 

Gee NCR

 

 

was now burning as a part of the Light of the World. Through strong
arms and minds the Highlanders had cut their way threugh swamps
and underbrush, had reached out to build the foundations of their
homes, their churches, and their schools. Through the Gospel of Jesus
Christ, stamped with the influence and prayers of a Knox, a Campbell,
a McNair, a McIntosh, or a Nash, the Scots had reached out with
evangelism and education to build the foundations of their eternal Souls.

From such tradition—pregnant with stern morality, creativity, pride,
and prayer—the Presbyterian Church at Shoe Heel depot was born in
1878.

Never could she forget, never would she want to forget, these
influences.

‘Hope ’springs exulting on triumphant wing’
That thus they all shall meet in future days,

There ever bask in uncreated rays,
No more to sigh, or shed the bitter tear,

Together hymning their Creator’s praise,
In such society, yet still more dear,
While circling Time moves round in an eternal sphere.”

—Robert Burns

Page 14

SHOE HEEL...

“The God-blessed Macs Saved The Day’’

‘Knee-deep’ from reedy places
Will sing the river frogs.
The terrapins will sun themselves
On all the jutting logs.
The angler’s cautious oar will leave
A trail of drifting foam
Along the shady currents
Away down home.”

—John Charles McNeill

When the Highland Scots be i
> E 2 : gan to push into Robeson County, th

rand 2 twisting river cutting through its heart, which the indians had
Tah e “‘Lumbee’’. Wandering about in her solemn swamp, the
a eae was the sanctuary for the coon, the ‘possum, and the wildcat
Hemee as the “river frogs” of John Charles McNeill’s “Away Dwon
Below scan cae The reflection of flags and reeds and rushes ripple
dateen er banks and the yellow of the gravel-bottom in shallow places
hanes Ss eee to the black depths.’ It was a swamp-land of
Rout eaea of gum and cypress, of water-grasses, and marsh. Lying
Five Ke of the Lumbee was Shoe Heel Creek, which, like the larger

» flowed into the great Pee Dee River on its route to the Atlantic.

Between the huckleberr
y swamps and marsh land of Shoe H
Ss on the west and south and the Lumbee on the north lay the en
arine iS village of the “.. . God-blessed Macs . . .” would eventually
canine n the early eighteen-hundreds this vicinity was a_ favorite
ae ee ae for the wagon trains on their east-west routes. The area
Taint uated about midway between the seaport supply city of Wil-
wiere Be aut the western Piedmont counties . Shade trees and water
The saa lable, and the farmers who lived in the vicinity were friendly.
henene ered wagon trails followed the general route of the old Rocking-
Ropesye berton road, which was the major east-west artery through
deceit aa the nineteenth century. Several of the traveling families
Linehan settle at the camp site, including the Burns brothers, the
aeltien ae and ee eeteoge Other: wozon tai families stopped to
> S¢ e outlying farms to ici i

community trade; and the village of Shoe Heel was aed ea

In 1859 railroad tracks w i ilmi

— il were laid from Wilmington through the villa

sane rt Old Hundred”, a few miles to the west. The Civil War

war uae _ completion of the railroad, but it was in use during the

fe Neots ae yon horses” hauling supplies and troops to the Con-

thane cae al defenses, A great impetus to the little community was

stractsare age of the railroad to Charlotte in 1874. A depot was con-
and Shoe Heel became the important trading center of the area.

Page 15

 
 

2, 7 Pa a bt

 

Stores began to spring up, including a carriage and harness shop, a
general mercantile store, and a millinery shop. The first row of business
houses was built facing the railroad, and this area, where the dirt
road to Centre Church crossed the railroad to Charlotte, became the
village square.

By 1874 Shoe Heel had grown slowly to include 200 people. The
ravages of the Civil War Reconstruction era were drawing to a close,
and each new year was bringing material prosperity and population
growth to the village. In February of 1874 the North Carolina Legis-
lature incorporated Shoe Heel. These community pioneers had initiative
and vision. They immediately set about constructing drainage ditches
and employed a surveyor to lay off the town one mile square.

The majority of these early Shoe Heel settlers were direct descendants
of the Highland Scots, and staunch Presbyterians. Feeling the need
for a Church in the community, a growing desire was evident within
the Centre Church membership to establish a daughter Church in Shoe
Heel. As early as June, 1875, the Centre session was meeting prayer-
fully to discuss the matter: ‘The question of a Presbyterian Church at
Shoe Heel coming up, after some conversation on the subject... . the
session agreed to meet in the pastor’s study on Monday, June 28th... .
to consider the same.” At the ensuing meeting the Centre session... .
“agreed unanimously to give all the aid and encouragement in their
power to the building of a Presbyterian Church at Shoe Heel depot.”
With such a show of cooperation and fellowship, a spirit of optimism
and vitality permeated the organizers of the new Church, Yet, it
was more than a spirit of fellowship and optimism; this was the Spirit
of God at work!

On October 23, 1878, twenty-nine men and women met in the old
McKay building near the village square to draw up a petition requesting
Fayetteville Presbytery to establish a Church in Shoe Heel.

“Shoe Heel, N. C.
“October 23rd, 1878

“We, the undersigned respectfully petition the Presbytery of Fayette-

ville to appoint a committee to organize a Church at this place, believing ©

that the best interests of the Church and growth of Presbyterianism
will be secured thereby. ;

“Respectfully submitted,

“J. S. McQueen D. M. Currie John Allan MacLean _
Martin McKinnon E. F. McRae A. M. McLean ~
H. C. Alford George B. McNeill R. McCaskill
J. B. Weatherly D. S. Morrison Ww. J. Carter
Alex MacRae D. M. McCormac A. McL. Morrison
B.. J. MeCormac Archie Patterson C. E. McQueen —
B. F. McLean Minnie McQueen J. W. Campbell —
S. Smothers A. A. McKinnon Sarah McDonald —
J. C. McLean Mrs. J. C. McCaskill Mrs. S. Smothers” —
Mary V. McLean J. C. McCaskill
Page 16

. on D

  

ees moment, and the days that immediately followed, must have

ne pecan as, for a second, time stood still, and the old gave way to

an news There is always a human thrill in blazing a new trail, yet we

SoG Fe piaeee pices oe De realization of the timelessness
is Spirit has always preceded us. It i

change; He stands triumphantly Ghanzelesss ee

After the petition had been si
3 ; gned, Colonel E. F. McRae was delegated
Cees it to the fall meeting of Presbytery, which would Cache at
10ldsboro the following day. Tradition says that Col. McRae rode all

night, arriving in Goldsboro, ninety miles away, late the next afternoon.

“Father Hector’? McLean, the great i
: u 4 preacher at Antioch Church for
eee years, presented the petition ‘‘ . . . praying for the organization
ae ae at Shoe Heel, Robeson County, N. C.,” to the Presbytery.
Rev ee governing body then appointed a committee composed of
Gre cLean, Rev. Archibald McQueen, who had been ministering at
Fa yma and Ashpole Churches, and Rev. H. G. Hill, Pastor of the
a yetteville Church, along with ruling Elders Archibald McMillan and

dey “... to carry out their wishes if the way shall seem

The old McKay building served as the assembly hall for to i
wn meetings
ie as ee were no church buildings, it also ecate a temporary hall
ne yore p. If the walls of the building could but speak, they would tell
e first worship service held by the Shoe Heel Presbyterian Church
cae ecember 19, 1878. The Presbytery’s Committee met with the small
“ pn and the service began when Dr. Hill sought God’s guidance
the Ch ee The Committee then proceeded officially to organize
monk lurch and receive the charter members, most of whom had been
ers of Centre Church. The twenty-six charter members were:

We D. Baldwin Rod McCaskill Miss Mary A. McNair
ae Antress Burns John C. McCaskill Robert M. McNair
Ss Catherine A. Currie Angus C. McLean C. E. McQueen

a a Miss Carrie McLean A. Mcl. Morrison

a 5 a e E. Currie James C. McLean D. S. Morrison

i oe Mrs. Margaret McLean Miss Katie Morrison

a 7 et Mrs. Mary A. McLean Mrs. S. H. Morrison

= a ackson Miss Lizzie McNair Miss Celestia Patterson

= - McArn Miss Charlotte Patterson
e

€ service continued as the congregation elected Church officers. On
tease ballot, Mr. Rod McCaskill, Mr. D. S. Morrison, and Mr. William
iisd Boe Were selected ruling Elders. Mr. McCaskill and Mr. Morrison
the: Seast een Elders at Centre, and Mr. Morrison had been Clerk of
McCaskill. 3 a position which he continued at Shoe Heel. Mr. John C.
D , Mr. James C. McLean, and Mr. J. D. Croom were elected as

eac H
inet alled: ee Elders and Deacons were then ordained and

Rev. jaa
Benedict McLean arose and led the congregation in the Apostolic

ane grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of
od, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with
you all. Amen.”

UY i cpenan
he faith and truth embodied in those words has come ringing down

Page 17

 
 

|
}
|

|

   

 

 

Sean the years as a benediction to the spiritual heirs of the founding —
athers.

On December 26, the congregation met to elect the first trustees. The
Session minutes record: ‘‘There was a Divine Service this evening by
Rev. David Fairley after which a meeting . . . . was held for the election
of Trustees... . The following persons were unanimously elected... .
J. D. Croom, W. D. Baldwin, E. L. McCormac, R. M. MeNair, and D.

M. McCormac... .”

Having thus been established, the little Church pushed forward toward
the high mark of the calling of Christ. ‘Divine Service’ was held in
the McKay building whenever guest ministers could be secured. In
April, a joint meeting was held with the congregation of Centre Church.
The two churches unanimously agreed to issue a call to Rev. Roger
Martin, then preaching at Lexington, N. C. The call stated the salary
as “nine hundred and fifty dollars . . .”, with $550.00 to be paid by Centre
anl $400.00 by Shoe Heel. A few weeks later, the session met and re-
ceived the first members to join the Church after its organization.
“Mrs. Sallie McCormac and Miss Minnie McQueen 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 admitted to the sealing ordinance of the Lord’s Supper.”’

Roger Martin arrived at Shoe Heel in September, 1879, to begin his
work with the mother and daughter churches. Mr. Martin, one of several
brothers to enter the ministry, was born in Richmond, Virginia. His
early education was at the Potomac Academy, and later at the Uni-
versity of Virginia. As a young man he was a member of the Second
Presbyterian Church of Richmond, long pastored by that eminent
southern theologian, Dr. Moses Drury Hoge. Undoubtedly, the example
and preaching of Dr. Hoge influenced his decision to become a minister.
Dr. Martin studied theology privately, and was ordained in 1872 as pastor
at Thaxton, Virginia. He served this charge until 1876, when he became
stated supply at Lexington, N. C. When Rev. and Mrs. Martin and
their young children, Roger, Jr., Mona, and Alexander, became a part
of the Centre-Shoe Heel Community in 1879, the Church work was in a
difficult period of transition and required real faith and vision. The
membership at Centre had decreased to 166 communicants. Since the
Civil War, the Negroes had withdrawn their membership and begun
building their own churches. A large block of the remaining members
had withdrawn to form the Shoe Heel Church, and in the intervening
year others followed in their footsteps. Meanwhile, the little daughter
church was experiencing the ordinary difficulties of program organi-

zation, budget planning, and expansion.

On September 28, the dignified new pastor, of medium height and
size, and sporting long “‘side-burns’” in the orthodox style of the day,

opened his first session meeting with prayer. Mr. Rod McCaskill was -

chosen delegate to attend the approaching meeting of Presbytery, and
Mr. D. S. Morrison was selected to represent the Church at the next
meeting of the Synod. Strangely enough, these first delegates’ names

are listed in the faded Presbytery Minutes as representing ‘‘Quehele

Presbyterian Church”, for in 1879, the citizens of Shoe Heel had decided
to change the name of their town to “Quehele”, the more melodic old

Indian name for the creek. However, in 1880, the name was just as

abruptly changed back to Shoe Heel. In addition to these appointments,
Mr. Morrison was instructed “. . . to procure a book for the use of
Session.”” From this time until January 29, 1880, the firm, clear script
of Session Clerk Morrison was inscribed in this book. During the next

Page 18

 

 

year, the first of the Ch

died aii arter Members departed when Mr. Morri

oS Hist lei roe o rae a Cutie was elected Clerk in Rian
other D. S. Morri i

the great Head of the Church to take to Himself. y pee ee

In April, 1881, the fi i
he 4 irst Session report was presented to Presbytery.
Bape de sa aicants was listed as 34, seven infants had bess
calleeuiecn ere were 75 children in the “Sabbath School’. Economi-
pain’ ae pes were still difficult, but the pastor’s salary had been
. urch support for the various causes was good. The Shoe

Heel Church fel |
of the presbyter? ponored when Mr. Martin was chosen as Moderator

ay .
here were other signs of growth and increasing efficiency. During

1879, Mr. Gilbert P

Ch : t Patterson, Sr., presented two acres of land t
building eee plans were started toward the erection oe
of thee: sturdy wooden building, designed to duplicate the appearance

.the mother Centre Church i

T m , was completed in the summ

hulding eae Shoe Heel Church was located on the site of the ial
the: facil ese were the days of horse-and-buggy transportation and
swamped a hitching post” stood beside the Church. A huckleberry
at cooker os ered on the west of the Church property. The building was
32, 1880 A Hessen of faith and there was no indebtedness. On July
B 5 irst service was held in the Church when Miss Alice Mc-

ryde : 4 i
Banton nines Heel was given in marriage to Mr. John D. Austin of

In his pastoral relation i

misi stor s, Mr. Martin was a man of stern,
andes eet one: Especially was he a staunch advocate of (eraneranne
tortne y Ge spoken in his pulpit utterances on this subject. Some his-
ahd that e. ae that the times in which he lived needed such a man
Diriig the i Martin came to the Church for such a time as this”.
Coast en s, Shoe Heel had a number of saloons. The Atlantic
Completa irae road, running from Florence, S. C., to Fayetteville, was
trade “one rough Shoe Heel in 1884, adding immensely to the town’s
Shoe Heel S a gay group from Bennettsville, S. C., passing through
fied gentic a opped long enough to quench their thirst. Seeing a digni-
inquired’ cn walking down the road, a member of the party innocently
forthe S to ane whereabouts of the nearest saloon. Lightning flashed
sounded iain eman’s eyes, and, to the young man, it must have
Has it ae pounder roared when Mr. Martin curtly replied, ‘‘“Hmph!
Wishes 0 tl he day when the preacher has to direct people to the
th oons? Mr. Martin was largely instrumental in driving

€ saloons é
the state to ee Fee Heel and Robeson County—the first county in

The Session re indi

inner cords indicate that during Mr. Martin’s

because te interviewed and several disciplined by Pecan ted
strictly inter ceeenon These were times when the Church Session
the Chum pre at it as their duty to exert control and discipline over
injatalees eeaien ership. Looked on from the perspective of time
for dractin See eay made, but “. . . extreme conditions called
aswell n the part of the church, for the sake of the offender

: as to maintai
which the Chichen tne respect of the world for those principles for

As the Church i
arene _membership slowly grew and th ibilities in-
Me Len Ree secs: In 1882, Dr. Dae Meal
Werecal i aken the original 1878 petiti
ected Elders. Two years later the names Pee Mecesiilt ord

Page 19

 
  

 

i
:
|

ey Tar a

 

 

 

 

 

William Black appear on the records as Elders. Both of these men were
to serve their Lord in significant ways. Mr. McCaskill was interested
in the Foreign Mission work of the Church, and increasingly supported
this work financially. William Black was a young lawyer who had just
moved to Shoe Heel. His name was destined to be emblazoned on the
pages of Church History as one of the greatest evangelists in the Southern
Presbyterian Church. Mr. W. D. Baldwin (1882), Mr. J. A. Patterson, 4
and Mr. A. McL. Morrison (1884) were added to the office of Deacon.
In July, 1884, the Church Choir was effectively organized and Mr. J.
J. Patterson was elected Leader. Mr. J. S. McRae, the Assistant Leader,
Mrs. Margaret Elizabeth McNair, Miss Jessie B. McRae, Miss Fannie
McBryde, and Mr. William Black were among others singing to the

glory of God.

By March of 1885 the Church had grown to a membership of fifty,
with 65 in the Sabbath School department. Mr. Martin, in his 1885
report to the Presbytery on the state of ‘religion, said: ‘“The pastor
preaches regularly every Sabbath. The congregations are good...
attendance of the members regular. The pecuniary obligatiins to the
pastor are met, though not always promptly. . . We have also a weekly
service, consisting of a prayer meeting and lecture which is generally —
very well attended. Our Sabbath School is an interesting one and is in —
a healthy, flourishing condition. We regard our Church also as in a
vigorous and hopeful state. The Sabbath is generally well observed by |
our members. . . We know of no serious Sabbath desecration among ~
the members of the Church, such as visiting, riding out, or traveling on
the Sabbath. . . Parents are disposed to do their duty in teaching their —
children at home the Catechism and the Word of God. We observe a —
monthly concert of prayer for Foreign Missions. Parents present their —
children for baptism. The officers ‘and members of the Church have
been faithful in their mutual relations and we believe there is peace —
and harmony among us. We hope that our Church is growing in know-
ledge, spirituality, and numbers. We take up weekly collections for
the benevolent objects recommended by Presbytery. This is made a~
regular part of worship. . . Suitable provision is made for the poor —

wherever there is need.” :

Roger Martin accepted a call to the Beth Shiloh and Allison Creek
Churches of Bethel Presbytery, South Carolina, in the late spring of
1885. In October the Martins left Shoe Heel, the Church having grown
“in knowledge, in spirituality, and numbers. . .”. Later, Mr. Martin
served the Mallard Creek Church of Mecklenburg Presbytery from 1892
until his death in 1900. When the Martins arrived in Shoe Heel in 1879,
their son Alexander was eight years old, and their daughter Mona was”
also very young. Alexander later attended Davidson College, gradu-—
ating with a Master’s degree in 1898. He received his Divinity degree
from Columbia Theological Seminary in 1901, shortly after his father’s
death. His first pastorates were in Summerville, S. C., and the West:
minister Church of Charlotte. He became pastor of the First Presbyterian |
Church of Rock Hill, S. C., in 1908, and began his ministry with the
Oakland Avenue Church of Rock Hill in 1913. He was a respected and
influential South Carolina Church leader until his death in 1931. Pres-
byterian College of Clinton,S.C., awarded him the Doctor of Divinity
degree in 1915. In December, 1928, Dr. Martin returned to Maxton,

speaking at the fiftieth anniversary celebration of the birth of the Shoe

Heel Church. _Alexander’s sister, Mona Martin, gave her life wonder-
fully to Christian service, becoming a Foreign Missionary to China.

In December, 1885, the Session met to plan a congregational meeting
so that a new Pastor might be secured. Meeting with the Elders was

Page 20

  

  

Rev. D. C. Mcint isiti i

Ras yre, a visiting Presbyterian minister from Canada.
ae tee ae preached at Shoe Heel throughout the winter and garg
Chiveh: a ae guest ministers aided the Session in the work of the
Watsen Re vr a Rev. H. G. Hill of Fayetteville and Rev. Andrew M.
seelen eee ecklenburg Presbytery. The little Church continued to
pasties ssor to Mr. Martin and on December 1, 1886, a stated supply
of Tae 2 secured: His name was Halbert Green Hill. The children
raisedieer aie sound. met Moses! His was a name destined to be

e passin, il i i

throughout the Southern iresieterian churrent ee

Shoe Heel’s populati i

tia pulation had grown to 314 in 1886, and she was prepa i
being ieee of greatest growth. The huckleberry anne: are
anal eos away, the marsh lands were being filled in, and new homes
portent pa being built. Since 1880, education had been an im-
ingaeeeeaT Rs ene community. In 1881, Mrs. David McBryde taught
incre gine ae y Mr. A. J. Burns. Others conducted private schools
taugheeeee iss Meddie Stewart, who built a school house in 1888 and
with Me Rane years. The first public school was erected about 1881
roornschion er McLean as teacher. One of the teachers in this one-
College ee Mr. James Gray, who had just graduated at Davidson
maversinen er teaching for several years in North Carolina, Mr. Gray
hiseaneeees ristol, Tennessee, and began a hosiery mill. As a result of
Tanthonens in Bristol, he became a Southern leader and philanthropist.
aquatics nineteen-thirties, Mr. Gray presented Davidson College with
farce nll on-dollar library building which bears his name. Another
mmaliees ape ‘was Miss Hattie McBryde, whose strong influence re-
company one el in educational circles today. Shoe Heel had a military
evenaned ee ve me early Captains being William Black, and the village
Coneiting au , called the ‘‘Silver Star’. When the north-south
rall@centee ve road came through in 1884, making Shoe Heel a real

ig peed? ie band played and the military company marched in a
of the st. P y. 1884 the village had two churches, with the organization
church, Mis Be “6 Methodist Church. One of the daughters of this sister
len dership a e Lou McKinnon, went on to achieve national Methodist
to St. Panis “ family moved their membership from Centre Church
Missionary vace the Church was organized. She served as a Foreign
Foreign Mi 0 China and later became Executive Secretary in charge of
onthe Nagar in China, Brazil, Europe, and Africa. She also served
Relations ae Council of Churches’ commission on International
served the Seven years later, in 1891, the Baptist Church, which has
meeting ee with vigor and enthusiasm, was organized at a
Association 4 an the Presbyterian Church. A Young Men’s Christian
intthe ean . by Captain William Black was established in the town

y 1880’s, and became a vital influence for moral growth.

There were m: Rey elite
growth any individuals at work for the material and irit
began eaten Heel during these early years—and most of eae nies
Black, William c . Because of the preponderance of ‘Macs’, William
McLean in the Satta GF eu era Blocker proposed to Mayor B. F.
later Shanice ate Ae See at the name be changed to Mac’s Town—

te 4 .
r the North Carolina Legislature made the new name official in

March i
, the Church Session adopted the title, and on June 6, 1887, the

“‘Sessi :
F on of Maxton Presbyterian Church met in regular monthly meet-

ing F
a pa ste with prayer by the Moderator, Rev. H. G. Hill. . .”
God h ys lay ahead for the town of the ‘‘God-blessed Macs’. Truly

ad blessed Hi
and ate S people. He had founded anl establi i
cies S influence was reaching out into the oilaget Near

~co a great lead i R
thirty-seven years Sek His people whose voice only death could silence

Page 21

 

 
 

 

 

Dr. HALBERT GREEN HILL

 

“Then sang Moses and the children of Israel
this song unto the Lord, and spake, saying,
‘I will sing unto the Lord, for He hath

triumphed gloriously. . . . The Lord is my
strength and song, and he is become my
salvation: he is my God . . . . who is like

unto thee, O Lord, among the gods? who

is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful

in praises, doing worship? . . . Thou in thy

mercy hast led forth the people which thou

hast redeemed: thou hast guided them in

thy strength unto the holy habitation .. .

The Lord shall reign for ever and ever.’ ”’
—Selections from Exodus 15

HALBERT GREEN HILL...

“That man hath perfect blessedness
Who walketh not astray

In counsel of ungodly men,
Nor stands in sinners’ way;

Nor sitteth in the scorner’s chair:
But placeth his delight

Upon God’s law, and meditates
On His law day and night.

He shall be like a tree that grows
Near planted by a river,

Which in his season yields his fruit,
And his leaf fadeth never. . .”

—Selected from Psalm 1, Page

3, pocket-edition ‘‘Songs and
Hymns for the Worship of
God’, Published 1867 by the
Committee of Publication,
and carried by Dr. Hill from
December 4, 1886, until his
death.

“Finally, my brethren, we must go forward to obey God, and to

enjoy His promises and favor. . .” :
—Dr. Hill;
Sermon, ‘‘The People of God

Must Go Forward”, preached
at Maxton, June 10, 1894.

SNS institutions and places claimed the life of Halbert G. Hill, but

Man SO intimately as the Maxton and Centre Presbyterian Churches.

Chien have shaped and moulded the Maxton Presbyterian

Dut rch, but none so profoundly as the Word of God preached from her
Pit by Halbert G. Hill for over thirty-seven years.

eee Dr. Hill was born in Raleigh, N. C., on November 20, 1831,
States Jackson was serving at the seventh President of the United
a ieee there were only twenty-four states in the Union. The family

een children moved to Milton, N. C., just south of the Virginia

Page 23

 

 

 
SE aR a 2 cn

   

 

 

 

 

 

line below Danville, Virginia, when Halbert was a young boy. In Milton
he attended the private schools of the day until he was twelve. When
he was thirteen years old, he went to work in a department store,familiar-
izing himself with every aspect of the business, including the work of
the janitor, bookkeeper, and cashier. While working in the store, the
young boy became convinced that he needed futher training and edu-
cation. Bravely, he reviewed his studies and saved his money while
teaching school for a year, then applied for entrance to Hampden-
Sydney College of Virginia. Young Halbert grew in the Christian in-
fluences of this old Presbyterian College, developing the keen mind
that God had given him, graduating in 1857 as honor man and vale-
dictorian. He completed the full college course in three years. From
1857 until 1861 he was Principal of a Female Seminary in Clarksville,
Virginia, and during the time he was married to Miss Wharey of Virginia.
Then tragedy struck.

His young wife, to whom he was devoted, suddenly died. The 30-
year-old professor, in his grief and mourning, was forced to wrestle
with the deeper implications of life and death. Many years later, while
comforting the suffering and sorrowing among his own people, Dr. Hill
would read from his book of “Psalms and Hymns.” On the most worn
and thumb-marked page of the little book are these words, which flow
like a memory of his own experience:

“When I can trust my all with God,
In trial’s fearful hour,—

I bow resigned beneath His rod,
And bless His sparing power.

Oh! to be brought to Jesus’ feet,
Though trials fix me there,
Is still a privilege most sweet;
. For He will hear my prayer.

Then, blessed be the hand that gave,
Still blessed when it takes;

Blessed be He who smites to save,
Who heals the heart He breaks.”

“The young professor was so moved by the Spirit of One who “heals —

the heart He breaks” that he dedicated his life to his Lord and entered

Union Theological Seminary of Virginia, then located in Hampden- —

Sydney. Those were dark days for Union Seminary. With the country
in war, there were only 22 students enrolled. On May 12, 1862, the
Faculty reported ‘“‘. . . of the students enrolled, the Board will find
present at this time only the following, viz: Messrs. Wharey, Barnett,
Flournoy, and T. M. McCorkle, all of whom were in the service of their
country, were made prisoners at Rich Mountain last summer, were
released on parole, and have not been exchanged. The remainder left
the Seminary. in March under the urgent call of the government for
more troops, and are all, or nearly all, now in the army.”

“The President of the Board of Trustees during this year was Rev. ©
Drury Lacy, and the great minds of such professors as Robert L. Dabney, —

Benjamin Mosby Smith and Thomas E. Peck stimulated and influenced
the thinking of young Hill. :

Following his interrupted theological study, H. G. Hill was licensed —

by Orange Presbytery in April, 1862. That same year he entered the
Page 24

Ronfederate Army as _a Chaplain of the Thirteenth North Carolina
eee The Civil War had a staggering effect on mid-nineteenth
fai American morality and religious life. On the war frontiers,
‘afl ers and sons were often hundreds of miles away from religious
SHAT for the first time in their lives. Temptations were many,
ae haplains were few. Nevertheless, the Spirit of God worked through
oe ous gn of the times so that many boys were led to Christ. The
ete ains were always busy with their limited supplies and limitless
ee _Undoubtedly, Halbert Hill was one of the most energetic—
Dp eaching the gospel whenever possible, passing out religious tracts,
praying with and encouraging the soldiers and officers. The work of
ee Confederate Chaplains Corps was not in vain. Typical of similar
Tiree which occurred throughout the war years was a note penned
ae Centre Church minutes of June 19, 1864, which states that “three
oF oe from the Centre community who were encamped with the Army
Ch ea Virginia, had made a profession of their faith to their
< a ains, and at their own request, and on the written recommendations
i e Chaplains, they were received into the Church’’. These soldiers
ere Captain Robert Lilly, John A. McCall, and McKay McKinnon.

ie 1864, the south was drinking the last dregs of military defeat. Rev.
ee his health broken by the war, returned to North Carolina, and
ae Pastor of the Hillsboro Presbyterian Church. While there,
Ras ina school run by two ladies known as the ‘‘Misses Nash and
hess School. He met and married Miss Kirkland of Hillsboro. In
Cee Hill preached as Stated Supply at the Oxford and Grassy
— Churches. His year at Oxford was a busy one, for he was also
Dre poe of the Oxford Female Seminary, and he organized the First
aan paca Church of Henderson, N. C. The Henderson Church, with
ut 500 members today, has long been a strong influence in this area.

of Lae. its list of distinguished ministers is Dr. James A, Jones, a native
ree aurinburg, who became President of Union Theological Seminary in
entifl ae Samuel T. Peace, in his interesting history of Vance County
histor Zeb’s Black Baby,” writes of Dr. Hill’s visit to the town: “One
iges ae the First Presbyterian Church of Henderson, author not

; ates ut suspected, says ‘. . . by 1868 it (Henderson) had a dozen
ge a That spring Rev. H. G. Hill of Milton preached to the Presby-
er = in the Methodist Church—his text being, ‘‘And Lot pitched his
Owards SODOM.” At which service it was decided to organize

a Presbyterian Church,’ in Henderson.”’—1

Hen Rev. Hill became Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church
arene teville. This Church had its beginning as early as 1755, and was
Sha a in 1800. Many outstanding Ministers such as John Hall Morri-
paris e first President of Davidson College, have served the Church,
ae fe ate was one of the greatest. His pastorate lasted eighteen years
each x urch developed and grew. He was a pioneer in Home Missions
Horns Teac Fayetteville Presbytery, and became Chairman of the
fifty ve issions Committee in 1868, serving in that important office over
in Spa ars. He was elected a Trustee of Union Theological Seminary
hae serving that developing institution more than fifty years. While
the ane member of the Seminary’s Board of Directors, the move of
1898 ae from Hampden-Sydney to Richmond was accomplished in
abilit Baa opening the way for greater growth and service. Dr. Hill’s
Madeetn eons was recognized by the Church, and he was elected
aan r of the Synod of N. C. which met at Salisbury in 1881. That
year, Davidson College honored him with the Doctor of Divinity

1—Actuall;
original eon Was preached in Henderson on September 29, 1867, and the
pt, in the marvelous script of Dr. Hill, is in the Church files at Maxton.

Page 25

 

 

 

 
 

Sia aS ae a NS a

Fk Sa.

 

SASS Sees AES NOSES

 

 

 

Degree. These honors and responsibilities only made him a more loyal 3

and devoted worker for the Church and its people. During these years

he was a guest preacher all over the Presbytery and Synod—Portsmouth, —

Va., and Baltimore, Md., Henderson, Wilmington, Rockingham, Lumber-
ton, Salisbury, Laurinburg, Raleigh, Morganton, Newton, Oxford, Reids-

ville, Concord, and numerous other churches. When he visited Raleigh,

he was invited to preach at the State Penitentiary.

Dr. Hill kept a record book of every sermon and address. Me-
ticulously careful, he numbered each service and each sermon, recorded
the text, the subject, the date and location, the occasion, the number of
times he had preached the sermon, the type of sermon, the size of the
congregation, and ‘‘remarks”. Thousands of lines of information were

recorded in several such books. In the section entitled “remarks” he —

faithfully reported the weather conditions, and thus “mild afternoon,”
“pleasant day”, “bright hot day”, “cloudy night” and ‘‘threatening
rain’? appear with regularity. Other notes appear, such as “25 inquirers”
after a sermon on ‘“‘The Righteous and the Wicked.” —2

Dr. Hill was fifty-four years old on November 20, 1885. He yearned
to turn the successful work at Fayetteville over to younger hands.
The hand of suffering was to rest strangely on this man’s personal life.

His second wife having died, he had married Miss Kate Shepherd of
Fayetteville, who also died within a few years. His two sons, both

promising young men, and his daughter Annie were to die during his
own life time. In 1886 he began making plans to “retire”, desiring to

locate in a Church where he could work and preach up to his own dying
hour. During August and September of 1886, Dr. Hill preached in Charles:

ton, S. C. His congregations were large in the churches, and on one
hot Sunday, he went outdoors and preached ‘‘on the lawn”. He spoke
about Christ wherever he could, in private homes, in the Charleston
Orphans House, as well as in the Churches. On August 30, the famous

Charleston earthquake occurred, with tremors felt throughout the

Carolinas. At that time, about 9 o’clock, nearly everyone in Shoe Heel

was attending a revival meeting being held in the Old Methodist Church.

The tremors were strong, and terror was so.great that many persons
jumped out of the Church windows. A Negro woman cooking for the
McCaskill family was so frightened that she lost control of her mind.

In Charleston a number of people were killed and eight million

dollars worth of damage was done. The day before, August 29, Dr. Hill

had preached his sermon, “The Righteous and the Wicked,” before 2—
“small” congregation. In his next entry, September 5, he wrote, ‘‘Large —
after Earthquake’, when he preached on ‘Drawing —

congregation .. .
Near to God’’.

In August, while Dr. Hill was preaching at Charleston, the Centre and

Shoe Heel Churches met. Both had been without a minister since the

departure of Roger Martin ten months previously. An official call was
extended ‘‘.. . to Rev. H. G. Hill, D. D., for his services. . . from October

1, 1886 to October 1, 1887...” This great Church leader, with a wealth
of experienced years behind him, came as Stated Supply for twelve
months and remainel as Pastor for thirty-seven years. For the little

village, these were to be years of marvelous contact with one of the

“grand old men”’ of the Church.

Halbert G. Hill was no stranger to Maxton. In 1878 he had beet

appointed a member of the Presbytery Committee to organize a Church

at Shoe Heel. He had opened that meeting with prayer. On several
occasions he had been invited back to Shoe Heel to preach, and the

 

2—Preached at Fayetteville Methodist Church, October 25, 1886. Text: I Peter 4:18

Page 26

ee indicate that he visited the little village in 1880, in 1883, and
just aft apeakine at the evening services. In June and July of 1886,
Sine Heel eaving the Fayetteville Church, he preached regularly at

cel. Dr. Hill knew the Centre and Shoe Heel people well. He

Was
and os Peer the people would follow because they loved him

On Sunday, December 5, 1 i i
i Ay, , 1886, while snow and sleet were falling out-
s 2 aves
hie es, Hill preached his first sermon at Shoe Heel after having begun
anent work. His subject was ‘Following Christ to Serve Him.”

Physically stron y r ; - ‘

ig and ram-rod straight until his dying day, Dr. Hill
Ww. ‘ » Dr.

tha qa and tender. His sermons were lengthy, in the style of
foreeen po sunlcs lasting over an hour. As a speaker, his logic was
word to and penetrating, and he knew the value of choosing the pungent
ordin Sauces his thought. He loved to preach, and would lead the
preach 4 unday service, preach at an outpost in the afternoon, then
toseente an evening service. His prayers were eloquent, and amounted
erwo Ms 1n length and logic. In a typical Sunday, counting his prayers,

on We Haan six sermons. In addition, he conducted prayer services
days. A Sday and supplied other pulpits in the Presbytery on week-
“Ty tag Ree member of one of Dr. Hill’s congregations recalled,
Se days we didn’t get to preaching very often—because of bad

roads and onl i
had preschinges services a month—but when we went, we really

Verily, they “had their preaching!”

For over one thous i
in isand five hundred Sundays the old gentleman stood
Thee Maxton pulpit thundering the righteousness and mercy of God.

Spirit of God used his logical inceri
Teap the fruits of the Kangdons Peal oe Seer | ame

comin Seto Dr. Hill had purchased the old Steward Hall of Floral
the'hecs >eeing the need that the old college had filled and recognizing
Scars Ssity of Christian education for women of the Cape Fear area, he
anda susie ces that the college must be re-established. In 1889,
beeen na eadership, the old charter was revised, and groundwork
6fforia e laid for the opening of the College. For several years
tually moe made to raise the necessary operating funds, but even-
build hie project was discontinued. The Lord uses many hands to
kindled “ous and the labors of Dr. Hill were not in vain. He had

e desire for a wonan’s college. In 1896 the Presbyterian

‘urch built on this groundwork in e ishi
F stablishing Flora Macdonald College,
nine miles from old Floral campus, at Red es :

In 1888 there i : :
Or. were five Presbyteries of the Synod of North Carolina:
G, “Geet nerd, Mecklenburg, Wilmington, and Fayetteville. As John
with a miley in his history of Home Missions, ‘Here was a state
no Presb t ton and half population and over two dozen counties with
in no Cicring Church in them. At least one-half of the people were
recognize th at all. In 1881 a resolution was introduced in synod to
in 1888 the e vast need of evangelization in North Carolina At last
Home Missi, ynod did take action and the present enterprise of Synodical
Hill, pastor aes was born...’ At this time “. . . the sainted H. G.
tation, § = a Maxton for over thirty-seven years, was agent of Susten-
Hill was ¥ then called the heads of its committees ‘agents’ ’’—3. Dr.
of North eee of the new Home Missions Committee of the Synod
Church appeitfeg om, 1888 until his death. In July, 1889, the Maxton
the congre * ed J. C. McCaskill and J. D. Croom ‘“‘o solicit funds from

Sation for the Presbyterian Evangelistic Work yi

Page 27

    

 

I
|

 
 

Sey SCART rR me es

 

 

 

 

Mr. W. J. Currie had tendered his resignation as Clerk of the Session
in July, 1887, and Mr. E. F. McRae succeeded him. Four new deacons —
were elected: Mr. R. M. McNair, Mr. John Sumter McRae, Mr. Murphy
McNair, and Mr. A. H. Currie. The Session was regularly sending :
delegates to Presbytery and Synod, as well as to the Presbytery’s ‘“‘Sun-
day School Convention” and the “Robeson County Bible Society.” Organ-
ization continued to be improved. In September, 1887, it was ‘‘. . ordered
that this Session hold a quarterly meeting in connection with Deacons,
at which time the Treasurer of the Church shall present an itemized
statement of finances for the past quarter.”

When Dr. Hill arrived at Maxton and Centre in 1886 he found a mem- —

ber of his Centre congregation at work trying to organize and unite jy,

ladies’ missionary societies in the Churches of Fayetteville Presbytery.
Elizabeth Ann McRae was bravely facing indifference and actual hosti- —
lity on the part of some who felt that there should be no women’s
organization in the Churches. Wisely, Dr. Hill counseled and encouraged
“Miss Lizzie” to continue her task. With his respected voice raised to
support her, Mrs. McRae secured Presbytery’s consent to, organize all

of the local women’s societies into ‘‘The Ladies’ Missionary Union” in 0

1889. This unity greatly facilitated the work, and laid the foundation
for continued improvements. Certainly this was one of the first ef
fective movements for unity in the Southern Presbyterian Church
women’s work.

Southern Presbyterian Church meeting at Chattanooga, Tennessee. He
was elected Moderator of the Assembly, the highest honor of the Church.
His name was joined with those of Benjamin M. Palmer, Robert L.
Dabney, William Swan Plumer, Moses Drury Hoge, Thomas E. Peck,
Joseph R. Wilson, anl many other distinguished and dedicated leaders

in the cause of Christ.

The Session reported at the end of the 1889 Church year that there
were 75 communicants. Certainly this was one of the smallest churches
ever to have its Minister become Moderator of the General Assembly.
The report continued ‘‘. . . During the Pastor’s absence religious services
are habitually maintained by the Elders.” Another line reads ‘‘. . . the
numerical increase has not been so great as we desired.” God had
planted the desire, and now He would give the increase.

In June of 1889 a layman evangelist arrived in Maxton. His name
was W. F. Fife, and, ironically, he called himself a ‘‘converted drummer.’
All Christians of the community joined hands to work together. The
meetings lasted several weeks, growing in momentum and enthusiasm
until a great religious revival was taking place before their eyes. The
business men of Maxton established a fifteen-minute noon prayer meet
ing. On one July Sunday morning, thirty-seven people joined the Pres:
byterian Church. At the end of 1890, the membership of the Church
was 120, an increase of 45 communicants in one year. The 1890 Sessional
Report glows with joy and thanksgiving. “.. . There was a very specia
outpouring and manifestation of the power of the Holy Spirit last June
and the interest has continued in great measure. . . The minister is very
faithful and the Elders and Deacons are also very much interested i?
their respective duties. . . The Church is out of debt and is in a bette!
condition than ever before. . . The deportment of the members is such
as would indicate a growth in grace. Every Church officer labors i)
Sabbath School either as teacher or scholar. . . and the school is largel
(156 members) and better than ever before. Catechetical and Bible

3—“Sixty years of Home Missions in the Presbyterian Synod of North Carolina,” bY
John G. Garth, page 22.

Page 28

Instruction is given . .

_ were E. F,
Dr. Hill was chosen a delegate to the 1889 General Assembly of the M

 

; _. in Sabbath School. Most of the heads of fami-
€s hold family worship. We have had only one or two destitute cases

fa
| ae they were promptly attended to...” A final comment by the

ession says “cc We ar : : ;
f -.. We are not making proper efforts for the instruction
of the colored people.” When the Spirit of God works in the hearts of

men, he not only pours out blessi i i
waynaatier ee pow essings on their labors, but he points the

Parse. He thankful Session considered their great Moderator, and
thee pee elegate to Presbytery was authorized to have the call of
$550 eee as to salary so as to read $600.00 instead of
Hotel ae at same year the Synod purchased the Barium Springs
one es miles south of Statesville, N. C., to establish an orphans’
wasets he 891, 28 children came to the home, and a work began which
of the Me especially dear to Dr. Hill’s heart. He was made a member
and eee Board of Regents, and served faithfully as Chairman

Member for thirty-four-years, supporting the Orphanage finan-

 Cially and prayerfully.

Before 1890 a Men’s Missi i ioning i
ra sionary Society was functioning in the Church.
cans 19, 1890, the session appointed “A pom nities of three,
creasa = of J. C. McCaskill, A. H. Currie, and W. J. Currie to in-
tiie faithial membership of the Men’s Missionary Society.’”’ Some of
ul Sunday School teachers and workers during these years
eCaskill erate! Dr. David McBryde, Miss Hattie McBryde, J. C.
igs Medd . D. Jowers, O. S. Hayes, J. S. McRae, Miss Sallie McBryde,
ie Stewart, Mrs. Anstres Burns, J. D. Austin, Mrs. K. E.

Cas

Meee R. McCormae, Miss Fannie McBryde, Mrs. Mary McNair,
William Si ustin, Miss Ida McNair, Miss Addie Burns, Dr. J. D. Croom,
ian ack, Robert D. Croom, S. H. McKinnon, Miss Mary H. Pat-
Meneen ao A. E. Patterson, Mrs. E. M. Baldwin, and Miss Amanda
Chika ae n April, 1892, the Session paid tribute to the women of the
quite sata es Our Female Missions Society is energetic, active, and

successful in raising funds for Foreign Missions.”

Ata congregational meeting held on February 5, 1893, Mr. J. D.

Austi
aaa as elected an Elder. Thirty-seven-year-old Elder William
: ad reached a decision to ‘“‘bear aloft the banner of the Cross”

a eZ
aoe — licensed to preach by Fayetteville Presbytery on Jan-
agen oe aioe Young man immediately entered upon his duties
resignati gelist in Union County, N. C. On March 1 he tendered his
aa ion to the Session as Superintendent of the Sunday School, and
wae = eso of the appreciation of his services was adopted.”
the’ Calhne eee lay leader of the Maxton Church was answering
of theigasas 0 me leave, another was arriving. At that same meeting
shan eee: n, Mr. Gilbert B. Patterson was received into the member-
e Church from Elizabeth City, N. C. He was immediately

offered 4
vee Sunday School leadership that Captain Black had just

tame = ese was born in the “Wakulla” section of Robeson County
who had cee ee was the famous Rev. Archibald McQueen,
become a died and practiced law and medicine before deciding to

minister. As a boy ‘Willie’ had attended Robeson County

Page 29

 

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

to study law, and was graduated from the Dick and Dillard Law School
at Greensboro, N. C. He was licensed by the State Supreme Court in

1881, and opened his office in Maxton. Personally attractive, he was

quickly recognized as a keen and talented young man who was de
/ | voted to his Lord. In 1884, when only 28 years of age, he was elected
| an Elder in the church. He was active in the community, becoming

Captain of the ‘“‘Maxton Guards” military company, legal attorney fot
the town, and Director of the very active Y. M. C. A. He was a mem
ber of the Church Choir, and served as Superintendent of the Sunday
School. The Maxton Church lost a valuable leader, and the Church of
Jesus Christ gained a dynamic preacher when he went to Mecklen-

the history of the Synod of North Carolina.

The evangelistic life of William Black reads like a story from the
Acts of the Apostles. The North Carolina Home Mission field that Dr

Hill and other Synod leaders were so concerned about in 1888 was ripe
for a man who could preach the Word that is ‘‘sharper than any two

edged sword.’
fields were white with harvest and the Lord had lifted up the eyes 0

the laborer.

boro in October, 1893. The result of his meetings in Union County a!

one meeting in Stokes County electrified the Presbytery. One hundred
and fifty-four people had been added to the Church during his preach
ing of a few months. By October, 1894, he was preaching throughout the

2 SA a es ces a

sections beyond, supported financially by two young Charlotte met
chants, the Belk Brothers, destined to be among the greatest philal
thropists in the Southern Presbyterian Church. In 1893 the Synod'’s

churches by the expanded evange

members were received, and 629 more members were added in 1896.

William Black threw his whole heart and soul into the evangelistié
work in 1897, resigning the Superintendency to become General Evang®

A ties stat! Whe :
list for the Synod. In 1898, Rev. A. K. Pool became his first assis tell thes funeral was conducted in the Church.

a and singer, serving until his death the following year. During the tw
: years work of this faithful team, one thousand seven hundred_ all
nineteen professions of faith were recorded. During 1899 Dr. Bla

of y = his be 2
conducted 23 evangelistic meetings, and one of these was in his 1 aging p

loved home church. This was not the only time Dr. Black returned #

Maxton, and during his services the Lord used this son of the Chur :

| Academies and the Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Academy. Later he decided t

burg Presbytery in 1893. He has been called the greatest evangelist in

Maxton’s William Black was that man. Truly, the th

as he did;
His name first appeared in the minutes of Synod which met at Ta
n!

entire Presbytery, which then extended to Asheville and the mountaill H

Home Missions Committee elected William Black superintendent Y fully,
North Carolina Home Missions. In 1894, he made a report to the Syn0® iar]

i SOrs work,

ae pace yearly reports to the Synod on the hundreds of addi-
work sh e Church became a feature of the meetings. In 1906 his
Mission owed 1133 professions of faith, $1400 raised for Synod’s
te hold $2050 raised for church erection, and 276 persons promising

, amily worship. In addition, he held successful meetings in

; other Synods. In 1907, 27 meetings were held with 1149 making public

Professions. In 1908, Rev. Ge joi i

a ie 3 . George W. Belk joined Dr. Black as assist-
to pevangelist, and the meetings continued unabated. God continued
meesae pe Spirit upon their efforts in a marvelous way. When Synod
that ain Teensboro in 1913, a 25-year summary was presented, showing
Grannis ee 1888 ‘15 counties had been occupied, 81 churches had been
tans hea 24,043 professions of faith had been made, and 12,966 addi-
Catise ne been made to the Presbyterian Church.” There was much

or rejoicing and thanksgiving to God.

Thousands continued to be add i isti
led under the expanding evangelistic

wae of Synod’s Home Mission Committee. For Dr. Black there
tobe me for personal glory—there was great work always remaining
ginnin roe and the time was growing shorter. His eyesight was be-
alone bother him. By 1920, when he was 64 years old, he was
A atte ally blind, yet he worked on. He went back and forth through
convert " preaching the Word of God, and additional multitudes were
ed and came to the Church of Christ. “Few men could preach

clear fewer still could lay before men the eternal “either—or” as
elected and tenderly as he did.” Every year he was unanimously
was hig ind though offered larger salaries in other places, so great
1915, at he to the people he was serving that he refused to leave. In
build _ Me Gastonia Synod meeting, Dr. Black offered a resolution to
ditena ontreat a home for workers of the Synod so that they might
one summer conferences. Today, the beautiful William Black
inves ands in Montreat as a memorial to this great man, and it is
ach year by North Carolina people who attend the conferences.

Di 4
tr. Black was 70 years old in 1926. He continued to preach power-

» and hundreds were being touched by his mini i
y his ministry. He was famil-
Y known all over the state, and in other states. On November 23,

meeting at Greensboro that 526 additions had been received into the y99 A i L
listic work, while three new church? Wa dec was stricken while conducting a meeting at Bluff Church, near

North Carolina. “What was uppermost in his life was on his

had i i ildi ilt. In 1895, 483 nev lips j ae -
ad been organized,and five buildings had been built. In 1895, 48 “his in death, for those with him as he was dying heard him say with

reath:

‘I must answer the roll call, but the work will go on’”’

(C} ; Fees : t
5 arrying out his wishes, his family brought his remains to Maxton,
“Eternity can only

his Mase amount of good that this man of God was able to do for

ter.”

Th
eee colorful years of Dr. Black’s evangelistic ministry, his
ee and Church looked on with joy and with pride. His succes-
with renewed dedication, Mr. John D. Austin becoming Clerk

s . ci e A r
to quicken many hearts. Two names particularly catch our attentioy tend €ssion in 1899, and Mr. Gilbert Patterson continuing as Superin-

One name is John Allan MacLean who, years later, while Pastor

the great Ginter Park Presbyterian Church of Richmond, Virgini®:

Patters

would write: ‘“. . . It was while listening to a sermon preached by the Practice, serve

le
nt of the Sunday School and becoming a ruling Elder in 1907. Mr.

on, ea at one time associated with William Black in law
the Church faithfully. He was an outstanding Christian

Rev. William Black in a little church in Maxton, North Carolina, thal Cader in many lines of ende iti i
this writer, while still a boy, got his first real vision of Jesus Christ °F the 1898 “Red Shirt’ ONE Car ee

and has loved Him to distraction ever since . .

Lillian Austin, whose heart was stirred by Dr. Black when she Wi 4

a very young girl. She served her Lord on the Korean Missiona
Field for twenty years.

} Page 30

» emocrati
.’ The other name k| 1899 cratic control. He was elected to the State General Assembly in

and

| United st 1901. He served his state for two terms as a member of the
trying ¢

ates Congress beginning i i
ig in 1903. In the latter election, he was
© unseat John D. Bellamy of Wilmington, and the opposition was

Page 31

 

 

 
terrific. A churchman entering politics is spared no abuse by those who
would defeat him. In the 1902 Fayetteville nominating convention, one
of Mr. Patterson’s political opponents, fighting wildly to elect Bellamy,

shouted to the assembled delegates an obvious parody of a beautiful
church hymn:

“All hail the power of Bellamy’s name
Let Patterson prostrate fall,

Bring forth the royal diadem

And crown Bellamy lord of all.”

The use of such parody must have grated on Presbyterian Patterson’s
ears. Needless to say, Mr. Patterson won the election, and went on to
represent the congressional district with honest and efficient government.

He served as an Elder in the Maxton Church until his death in 1922.

Not long after the turn of the century, the Synod of North Carolina
established summer conference grounds at Montreat. Men such as
Charlotte’s James Robert Howerton and Gastonia’s R. C. Anderson work-
ed to build up this Church center, and Dr. Hill was a Trustee of the
Board of Managers from the beginning, serving until his death. Today
this conference ground is beautiful and highly developed, and has been
used by God to bless thousands of lives.

As the years passed, Dr. Hill continued to assume new duties and
responsibilities. In 1904 he became Editor of the Sunday School Depart-
ment of the “Presbyterian Standard”, writing faithfully in that Church
newspaper for twenty years. There was always a touch of the poetic in
his soul, and in the book “Bluebird Songs of Hope and Joy’’ he joined
with his-brother, Mr. William L. Hill, to write “Songs From the Manse’’.

In 1901 the membership of the Church was 180, and the pastor’

had been increased to $700.00. Mr. M. G. McKenzie arid Mr. ae
McLean, father of Governor Angus Wilton McLean, were added to the
Church Session, but the Church lost a valuable family when the Murphy
MecNairs moved to Winston-Salem. The children of this family went on
to outstanding careers as Christian laymen. In June, 1901, a concerned
Session had a circular printed and sent to the homes of the members
“concerning worldly amusements.” In September, 1902, it was ordered
that an infant class be taught in the Church parlor,’ and Mrs. Mark
Alford and Miss Mary H. Patterson were appointed teachers. (Mrs
Mattie Brown Baldwin’s faithful work with the ‘Cradle Roll” Depart-
ment began during these years.) In a few years the name Maggie Mc-
Kinnon appeared as teacher of the “Beginners” Sunday School class
With rare love and devotion, “‘Miss Maggie’’ ‘‘began the beginners”’ until
the nineteen-forties, and hundreds of children found a friend while they
were learning of Jesus Christ.

The Maxton Church supported and built up the music department
from the beginning. The Church music was considered a vital part of
the worship of God. Mrs. Margaret Elizabeth McNair was the first
church organist, serving until her death in 1892. Other organists and
choir leaders in these early years were Mrs. J. B. McNatt, Miss M.
Patterson, and Miss Hallie Austin. Later many names would be added
to this list. In 1897, Mrs. R. M. Williams played the music for her first
church service at the age of seventeen. On Sunday, May 18, 1958, she
played for her 10,000th service. During those’ sixty-one years ‘Miss
Annie” has also played for weddings, funerals, Sunday School services
and special evangelistic services. During these early years she played

Page 32

for visiting evangelist W. W. Orr, and in the summer of 1958 she played
for his grandson, Kenneth Orr, when he served the Church as Summer
Assistant Pastor. As a tribute to her musical ability, she was asked to
join William Black’s trail-blazing evangelistic team, and played music
which aided many of his special meetings.

Mr. W. J. Currie resumed his work as Clerk of the Session in 1903.
and continued in this duty until 1921. In 1903, ‘‘...H. C. Alford, A.
H. Currie and Dr. J. C. Croom were appointed a committee to put into
operation the Envelope system of finances’. During November of that
year, the church mourned the loss of Elder David McBryde. The Session
wrote ‘‘. ... (We) are most grateful to God for Dr. McBryde’s Christian
grace and shining example manifest in our Church and community .. .
(We) honor his diligent study of the sacred Scriptures. (We) will ever
cherish his memory and endeavor to emulate his virtues. (We) express
deep sympathy with his bereaved family and commend them to a Cov-
enant-keeping God...”

On June 10, 1907, something of a church numerical record was set
as 36 young people joined the Church from a communicants’ class. In
1907 Mr. L. L. McGirt and Hon. Gilbert Patterson were elected Elders.
The membership of the Church, spurred on by the large number of
young people, continued to grow. In 1908 there were 233 communicants,
and two years later the Church had 249 members.

The Maxton of 1910 was one of the most prosperous and fast-growing
communities in southeastern North Carolina. Her two railroads had
made her into a large cotton market, and in 23 years her population
had grown from 312 to 1500. Automobiles were beginning to be used
and the downtown speed limit was 6 miles an hour. There were two
banks, The Bank of Maxton and the Bank of Robeson. There were be-
tween 25 and 30 mercantile establishments, and the firms of White and
Gouch, J. W. Carter, J. B. Weatherly, and Currie and Patterson were
trading centers of Robeson and Scotland Counties. There were two hotels,
The Maple Shade Inn and the McRae House, which catered to the large
railroad traffic. Dr. A. B. Croom was operating a two-story hospital
building near the train station. The town had a good graded school, and
soon a new brick building was to be built. On the southwestern edge
of the town, a beautiful building was being erected in the best archi-
tectural styles of the day, to serve as a Methodist College for women.
The Elba Manufacturing Company of Charlotte was building a large
cotton seed oil and fertilizer plant in Maxton, at that time the largest
oil mill east of the Mississippi River. There was a good electric light
system, telephones had been installed, and the town had recently in-
stalled a system of water works. As the Lumberton ROBESONIAN re-
ported at the time, ‘‘ .. . the place is hardly shy in anything that one
would expect to find in a town much larger.”

In the midst of this period of growing wealth, the Presbyterians of
Maxton constructed the present Church building. Repairs had constantly
been made on the first building, but the expanding congregation was
feeling the need for a new structure as early as 1904. The beautiful
new building was completed in 1906 at a cost of $16,002.42. On October 3,
1906, the first sevice was held in the Sanctuary, when Miss Florence
Wooten was married to Mr. Sylvester Brown MacLean. At weddings, Dr.
Hill was at his eloquent best, and the ceremonies are remembered for
their beauty and devotion. By May of 1910 the building had been paid
for, and the dedicatory services were held. Dr. Hill’s warm friend, Dr.
Walter W. Moore, the great President of Union Theological Seminary,
preached the sermon before a large and overflowing congregation.

Page 33

 

 
Halbert G. Hill was 80 years old on November 20, 1911. Hi
f i ‘ ‘ e re-
mained as straight and. strong as ever, but the Maxton and Gatte
churches had grown sufficiently to tax a far younger man. To assist the
pee old gentleman with the two churches, the Sessions called Mr. Wil-
lam Baird Mcllwaine, Jr., to become co-pastor in 1912. Dr. Mcll-
wale, a native of Petersburg, _Virginia, graduated from Hampden-
Ss ney College in 1905, and continued his studies at the University of
irginia until 1907, when he entered Union Theological Seminary, re-

ceiving his divinity degree in 1910.
through 1911. The twenty-seven- Id “ ter”? i

9. 3 year-old ‘‘youngster’’ and -one-
year-old “soldier of Christ’? worked Bide bead Da Mele noe he

fluence in Maxton was to be especiall felt b
appreciated his youth and vitality. FN pon ee

The younger people of the Maxton Church ing i i

ters to the book of Chistian service begun Ahearn ee
an om ey Black. Many spiritual influences were at work in the
heat S ic atti young people, drawing them to the service of Christ.
aout i Be years, Dr. Hill = - . . occasionally preached sermons on
a ie ee u a EE . ee On Senay 21, 1912, the Session asked
Dr. é 5 c il“... to get u i

pico e aan and recommendation to the secretarauon Pareles Sie
or Miss Lillian Austin, who is going as our Foreign Missionary . . .”

Lillian Austin was a very young girl when Willi
pels services at Maxton in 1899. She joined DEC neo
usion of these services, and, although she did not dream it at the

brief testimonies of these i i isti i i
fypicalbionesty ee fore ene Joyous Christians, she realized, with

sionary”’. She returned, and the separa Wiehe) OU ab be emis:

party, ironically enough, she was
eign missionary’! When she made H
a faith and peace entered her soul which Aiea tie ee

day by day, . u guided and blessed her steps
aay ee aay gud. vbtch made her life a blessing to all who have come in

and Education departments encompa

Koreans had never heard of TesunCheet aan
ability to spread the redeeming and qui
in need. In 1937, after twenty-five years
home to a Church that had been made mu

-mile area. In 1912 many
The Lord used her zeal and
ckening Gospel to a people
of service, ‘Miss Lill” came
ch more aware of the integral

Page 34

 

 

 

 

work of Foreign Missions in the program of God's people. Since her
return, she has lived among us, teaching the children of the Church,
praying, counseling, always radiant with the peace of God.

Young John Allan MacLean decided in 1915 to abandon his promising
law practice and enter Union Theological Seminary in Richmond. Since
those days when, as a little boy, he had heard William Black preach-
ing so wonderfully of Jesus Christ, John Allan MacLean had grown
into a talented and attractive young man. He served as a court re-
porter for a time, then attended the University of North Carolina,
graduating from the Law School. He chose Fayetteville for his law
office, and was enjoying what leoked like the beginning of an out-
standing legal career when he, too, felt the tap of a Divine Hand on
his shoulder.

John Allan MacLean graduated from Union Seminary in 1917, and
entered the Chaplaincy, becoming a First Lieutenant with the 315th
Field Artillery, 80th Division, American Expeditionary Forces. When
the World War came to an end, he stayed abroad for a year, studying
at the University of Edinburgh in 1919. Dr. MacLean accepted a call
to the Morganton, N. C., Presbyterian Church in 1920, serving until
he was called to Greenwood, S. C., in 1923. Four years later he began
a remarkable ministry at Ginter Park Church in Richmond, Va. The
Ginter Park Church was then located in Schauffler Hall, on the campus
of the Seminary, and in a real sense he was Pastor of the Seminary
family for almost thirty years. Today, Dr. MacLean continues his
wonderful ministry at Melbourne, Florida. His book of sermons, “The
Most Unforgettable Character I’ve Ever Met,” is beautiful in language
and powerful in impact. Following World War Two, Dr. MacLean sug-
gested that the Christians of America unite to aid stricken and defeated
Japan. Within the framework of the World Council of Churches the
International Japanese Christian University came into being. John
Allan MacLean has been honored with the Doctor of Divinity degree
by Hampden-Sydney College.

Another young man who was a member of the Maxton Church during
his early, formative years was Murdoch McLeod. In 1913, Murdoch
was 17 years old when he and his family moved from Maxton and
transferred their membership to the Shiloh Church. After graduating
at Davidson College in 1922, Murdoch McLeod entered Union Theologi-
cal Seminary of Richmond, securing his degree in 1925. His first
pastorate was a long and useful one at Pinehurst, N. C. In 1925 he
went to this important resort center, and when he left in 1934 to answer
the call of Westminster Church of Nashville, Tennessee, the Pinehurst
Church had grown spiritually and materially. A beautiful new building
was erected during his ministry. Dr. McLeod was pastor of the West-
minster Church until his death in 1940. Southwestern of Memphis honored
his outstanding work by presenting him the Doctor of Divinity degree
in 1937.

The Spirit of God continued to pour out His blessings on the work of
the Church with her young people. In 1915, ‘‘. . . the Session took formal
action approving the pledging by certain officers and Sunday School
classes financial assistance to Mr. Wilburn A. Nicholson, a member of
this Church, in the prosecution of his studies at Union Theological Sem-
inary”. Mr. Nicholson had come to the Maxton Church after graduation
from Davidson College in 1912. During 1915 he had decided to enter the
ministry, and the Maxton Church rallied to support him with prayers
and money. Upon graduation from Union Seminary, he studied at the

University of North Carolina for a year, then began his work as Pastor

Page 35

 

 
of the Unity Church in Concord Presb i i i i
ytery. His duties carried him- to
pear emcees N. C., and then to, educational work and as stated supply
ine uy d ren and Fayetteville Presbyteries. In 1929 he became minis-
are fe! e Pineville, N. C., Presbyterian Church, remaining there until
: Since that date he has served at Oakland, Va., and Crossnore, his

ministry being useful and effecti i
living in Fort Walton Beach, Flosda eos seine ree

There were yet other hearts to feel the call of
S God. One of th S
Sueice Be MacLean, who, in 1925, when he was 45 years of Shes ve
eau anaes rake at the Wilmore Presbyterian Church of Charlotte which
ares ast until he was honorably retired in 1942. Mr. MacLean’s story
'€ more amazing because he left an eminently successful law prac-

tice, in which he had risen to the r ici i ici
District of North Carolina. Mr. Molen SF ae eee paver

On September 10, 1922 i Tthiees
Teed ee ee , the Session met with “ .

and that he desired to be taken under the care of Pr

was instructed to writ i
that Mr Melodie rite a letter to Fayetteville

on met w - . Mr. Robert L E
- . Stated that it is his intention to enter the eee
esbytery. The Clerk
e Presbytery stating
-’ Young “Bob” McLeod was

tucky, Presbyterian Theological Seminar:

when old Centre Church was without ini “Bob” j
asbaching paste rallies v a minister, ‘Bob’? McLeod served
meoniidte Wea owing his graduation at Louisvi

Louisville, Ky., and the next

Eee eran eee of Greiads “Mis
irst Presbyterian Church of Winter Hav ida, i i
1937 the Presbyterian Church, U. S. A., Lad ee ele a

tary for Annuities and Legaci i i i i
continued his remarkable leaden ioe oe ne ee

Sissippi. He became Pastor of the

and expansion was getting under wa

1943 he resigned to become a Chapt Se eS EE

plain in the United States Navy.

Following his war service, Dr. McLeod has served as Pastor of the
First Presbyterian Church, St. Joseph, Missouri, and of the Ft. Lauder-
dale, Florida, Presbyterian Church. He is presently serving as Chaplain
at Lindenwood College in St. Charles, Missouri. Dr. McLeod was honor-
ed with the Doctor of Divinity degree by Maryville College in 1939. In
1950 he was elected Moderator of the Synod of Missouri.

‘ The Lord was calling many to be with Him, in the midst of the service
and outreach of the Church. In 1913, death came to Colonel E. F. McRae,
who thirty-five years before had carried the petition to Presbytery re-
questing that a Church be established at Shoe Heel. The Session’s trib-
ute to this brother Elder said ‘‘. . . His removal from us has caused
sorrow, not only in our body, and in his large circle of kindred and
friends, but in the community in which he lived, and in the state which
he faithfully served...” Dr. J. D. Croom, another of the Church’s
twenty-six charter members, died in 1914. He was elected an Elder by
the congregation and was to have been installed on March 30, 1913,
but the serious illness which eventually culminated in his death kept
him from taking office. The Session wrote ‘‘...in the departure of
Dr. J. D. Croom, Sr., the community has lost a valued citizen, the
medical profession an honored and skillful member, and the Church
an esteemed and efficient officer . . .””. On September 2, 1916, Mr. John
McCaskill ‘‘. . . after a very brief illness and very suddenly . . . depart-
ed from this life in the 85th year of his age.’’ The Session Records con-
tinue, ‘‘“He was long identified with the business interests of Maxton
and with the improvement of the town and community. He was a regu-
lar attendant at the service of sanctuary and the weekly prayer meet-
ing. In declining years he spent much time in the diligent and prayer-
ful study of the sacred Scriptures. He was universally esteemed for his
wisdom, generosity, liberality, beneficence, and active Christian piety.”
New leaders picked up the Cross and carried on: Mr. J. B. McCallum,
Sr., Mr. Sylvester B. MacLean, and Mr. J. Plumer Wiggins becoming
Elders. in 1913, and Mr. J. Lacy McLean, Mr. R. D. Croom, Sr., Mr.
A. H. Currie, and Mr. John S. McRae being elected in 1921. In 1913,
pider Gilbere Patterson presented an individual communion set to the
urch.

As early as 1911 the congregation had met to consider building a
manse. In 1913 a lot was purchased and the erection of the building was
begun. During the spring of 1915 the manse was occupied by Dr. Mc-
TIlwaine’s family.

An interesting example of the Church’s continuing outreach occurred
in 1912. On August 12 “. . . a committee, consisting of Sylvester B. Mac-
Lean, J. P. Wiggins, H. C. McNair, and the Rev. McIlwaine, was ap-
pointed to arrange . . . for mission work in the village of Alma’’. Alma
was a little community about one mile from Maxton which had grown
up around a saw mill. By 1912 a number of unchurched people were
living there, and the Presbyterians desired to reach out to them. Through
succeeding pastorates the work was carried on and many lives were
drawn closer to Christ.

October, 1913, was the centennial anniversary of the founding of Fay-
etteville Presbytery. The Session passed the following resolution “. . .
that Maxton Church send its good wishes to the parent Church, Centre,
on this the occasion cf the celebration in that Church of the founding
there of the Presbytery of Fayetteville one hundred years ago and offer
to assist .. . in the entertainment of guests or in any other way that
Centre Church may desire.”

The activities and scope of Church organizations expanded with the
Page 37

 

 
 

growth of the women’s mi:
bers of the H. G. Hill
Austin Missionary Soci

Society. In addition, the “Covenanters”, an organization for men, had

22 members izati ss
paptianatcgee! and the youth organization, the “Penny Gleaners’’, had 21

During August of 1916, Rev. McIlwaine

Presbyterian Church of Ri hi
Mcllwaine family, and the See Dee Heyes ore

Maxton Presbyteri ote: “We, the members of the
parture of Mr. Meliwainecerl express our deepest regret at the de-

of our love. We are deeply grat fil faethe tela

accepted a call to the Mizpah

Ma ¢ returned to preach in the eveni rVi
to participate in the ceremonies. Recently, in Seinen aaa enr ety

Maxton, he wrote: “One of the most vivid recollections I have is one

4 ; . of
The “Presbyterian Standard” came out the next wesk agitins

lon un ir, givi

een teas a the ey giving probably a page to the historical -ad-

Sores tras a son of Roger Martin). Then the article concluded

Marat vee 1€ evening service the Rev. Wm. B Mellwaine J
€, preached acceptable.’ ”’ That same year Handedensyiney

r of Divinity de

Church, “Alexandria, V. i
ond Presbyterian Chureh, Serene va ee

congregation, Dr. McIlwaine said: Soe oe ee ee Maton

f ee ives young man ... .°
Those olden days are Soares
bershie - Steet h ie peony of most of eon BreacAe peice
bf lone eect yY own memories are of kindnesses and

€ very young man, and of happiness on my

part ...1 trust yo i
isos feces oe all have a blessed experience as you

Mesione pressor cise reer anniversary of the founding of the

On October 22, 1916,
pastor.

early

Presbyterian Ch ;
the Maxton call in 191

The United States enter i
armistice on November aerate pea Avie ere een eat

war effort, working. % Participated actively in the
make the world gate for cee Ta eee conto eden sh

> We ; Two sons of 2
gave their lives in the ‘cause. The Session met As berms

Page 33

ssionary societies. In 1913 there were 38 mem- -
Missionary Society, 30 members of the Lillian
ety, and 8 members af the Emma J. McRae

 

 

and paid tribute to their memory:

“This page is affectionately inscribed sacred to
the memory of two of our members who have
made the Supreme Sacrifice, losing their lives in
their country’s service.

Ernest L. Austin
and
Murdoch McRae

The former dying at Camp Humphrey, Va.,

Oct. 4, 1918
and

The latter dying at Camp Jackson, S. C., Oct-
ober 3, 1918

Soldiers of their Country and soldiers of the Cross’’

During the ministry of Dr. Siler the musical witness of the Church
continued to grow. Mrs. Siler and daughter Ruth Siler, both musically
talented, Mrs. D. C. McIver, Mrs. J. S. McRae, and Miss Cammie Mc-
Caskill, all contributed their interest and abilities. In March, 1919, the
congregation took another forward step when a meeting was held
“to consider the matter of installing a pipe organ in this church”.

In March of 1920, Dr. Siler wrote a letter to the President of the
Ladies Auxiliary, thanking the ladies for their splendid work during
the year, and expressing the appreciation of the officers of the Church
for the Auxiliary’s faithful efforts. The Women’s Auxiliary had grown
out of the Missionary Societies. The Women’s Missionary Society was
organized in January, 1886, and met at first under the gallery of the
old Church on Sunday mornings. Later it met in Miss Hattie Mc-
Bryde’s school house, and frequently in the homes of different mem-
bers. Early leaders of the Society were Mrs. Anstress Burns, Mrs. J.
A. McLean, and Mrs. Emma McRae. The name of the society was
changed to honor Dr. Hill, and leaders during these years included
Mrs. M. B. Alford, Mrs. L. R. Kirkpatrick, Miss Lizzie Patterson, and
Mrs. J. O. McClelland. During 1917 the Women’s Auxiliary took the
place of the Missionary Society. The Young Women’s Missionary So-
ciety, first named for Emma J. McRae and later for Lillian Austin,
was also merged into the Auxiliary. Leaders of the Women’s Auxiliary
during the years immediately following the merger were Miss Elizabeth
McNair, Mrs. J. S. McRae, Mrs. R. M. Williams, Mrs. J. P. Wiggins,
Miss Flora McKinnon, Mrs. Lacy McLean, Mrs. Lacy Williams, and
Mrs. D. C. Mclver.

As Dr. Hill approached his ninetieth birthday, the Maxton Church
made plans to honor their great pastor. In February of 1920 Elder Syl-
vester McLean, who was soon to enter the ministry, requested that the
Session take steps “‘. . . toward publishing some of the sermons of Dr.
H. G. Hill.” In October the Church requested that a stenographer be
secured ‘‘...for Dr. Hill, so that he may be able to write and
preserve for future generations some of the results of his long and ac-
curate thinking .. .”

_ On Sunday, November 20, Dr. Hill celebrated his birthday by preach-
ing a vigorous sermon. An article appeared in the Charlotte Observer
entitled, “A Sermon At Ninety’. The author, Maxcy L. John of Laurin-

Poge 39

 

 

 
 

burg, wrote:

There occurred at Maxton in the Presbyterian Church yester-
day, the most unique and unusual service ever in this section,
when its pastor, Rev. H. G. Hill, D.D., preached on the 90th
anniversary of his birth, and received from the congregation a
a gift of One crisp new dollar bill for each of the years he has
lived — 90 in all. This has been the custom annually for several
years, to make this presentation of the birthday gift; but on
yesterday there seemed a greater interest than usual, and

many from afar attended, and man
ria rae y were the messages sent

The most wonderful thing was not the love and affection of the
Congregation for their pastor, surpassing as that is, for the past
35 years, but the wonderful discourse of the nonagenarian on
that occasion. He conducted the full service as usual, and aris-
ing when ready for the sermon, took a few minutes in choicest
and most modest language to tell his audience that this was
the 90th anniversary of his birth, and the 36th year of his pas-
torate had been entered into this fall, and that he had com-
pleted more than 59 years in the ministry. He then stepped to
the reading stand and took his text, and standing apart about
two feet from it for the most part, he went straight into the
eubicce of his text and for more than an hour with the choicest
anguage, and sometimes poetic, always strong and clearly logi-
cal without a single discursive thought, with no reminiscence,
no incident narrated, he preached a clear logically unfolded
sermon, strong in reasoning, clear in thought, concise in state-
rete approaching step by step in regular orderly progression
o the .conclusion of his argument, preaching Christ and His
revelation of Himself to men, backing up almost every state-
ment with the most apt quotation from Scripture, almost always
pains the author or book given, generally with the chapter and
often the verse, with a statement of the words relied upon,
covering almost the whole of the Scriptural Revelation of Christ
and his attributes as known from the word of God. Never once
cid he refer to any note or other help, for indeed he did not
place his spectacles to his eyes once during the whole time
ie aes speaking. His voice was full, clear, firm and resonant
“s ote out; and when he had been speaking 68 minutes, he raised
is hand and said ‘Let us pray,’ following with a short prayer of
Surpassing beauty. The sermon will stand out with every one who
peard it as one of the great sermons preached in our day.

+ ter the. most tender and loving tribute possible, the gift was
anded him. His reply to it was begun in these words:

‘There has been enough appreciation of the living. I think

of those who -are not here but wh i i 5
iniinityecreusituete todane? whose labors in this com

For about 20 minutes the most tender and touchin

r 1 I g eulogy was
Gellyered by him touching upon the upstanding and outstanding
men and women now dead, whose works live in the community,
ae confining himself to his own denomination. He mentioned
quite a number by name, and spoke of the significant traits of
each in passing. And the service, all too short, was over. It
was a blessing and a benediction to be there.” :

The post-war era ushered in during the 1920’s was a difficult transi-

Page 40

 

 

tional period in American history. Not only were there new and dan-
gerous moral problems developing in the United States, but many people
in war-torn Europe were literally starving to death. The money, ex-
ample, and voice of the Church of Jesus Christ had to reach out to
help! — Indicative of this concern are Maxton Session minutes in 1920 and
1921. At one meeting of the Session, an Elder ‘“‘. . . suggested that
there were a number of men in the community that he felt it the
duty of the Session to endeavor to interest . . . more actively in the
affairs of the Church.” Again, in December 1920, the Session decided
to send one-half of its Christmas ‘‘White Gift’ collection ‘‘. . . to assist
the starving children of Europe.’’ The other half was to be sent to
the committee of Christian Education to assist worthy young people
with an education. In June of 1923 “. . . A committee from the
Women’s Auxiliary, Mrs. John Sumter McRae and Mrs. Sallie McBryde,
met with the Session and asked their cooperation in sending a colored
girl to the Stillman Institute, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, for training. The
girl wishes to be a missionary to Africa. . .”

An interesting discussion took place in October, 1921, when a Sunday
School class petitioned the Session concerning the use of grape juice
in the communion service. The letter to the Session stated: :

“Gentlemen:

“We the members of Class number 15, feeling that we are
voicing the desire of a majority of our Church members,
petition you, our governing body, to use unfermented grape
juice in the sacrament of our Lord’s Supper.

“The partakers of this supper should thereby be strengthened
and enabled to grow in grace and the spiritual knowledge of
our Lord Jesus Christ. . . we feel that our present custom of
using wine may make it a stumbling block in someone’s
WAV ani

The custom of the Church in the past had been to use either fer-
mented or unfermented grape juice, yet the vision of the class was
effective, and in April, 1922, the Session moved “‘. . . that the Sacra-
ment of the Lord’s Supper, to be celebrated next Sunday, unfermented
grape juice be used. . .”

During February, 1923, it was decided to hold communion services
each quarter, instead of twice a year.

‘In January 1922, Elder Gilbert B. Patterson died. In expressing
its great sense of loss, the Session recorded: ‘‘. . . No interest in
life was closer to his heart than the welfare of this Church, and he
was always willing to aid by his means and influence every movement
for the advancement of the Master’s Kingdom here and throughout the
world. No longer will we have the benefit of his wise counsels in our
work. No longer will we be cheered by his genial presence in our
gatherings. No longer will his wise leadership point out the way, when
we come face to face with difficult problems. His faith in Christ was
strong and his reverence for the Word of God was marked. When
frat he found a ‘‘thus saith the Lord” . . .the matter was ended with
Hooks 35

‘Soldier of Christ! Well done!
Praise be thy new employ,

And while eternal ages run,
Rest in thy Saviour’s joy.’ ”’

Mr. Angus H. Currie, who had become a Ruling Elder in 1921, was
Page 41

 

 
called pSeWeteices to the church triumphant in December, 1923. The Session
mentioned their ‘‘deep appreciation of his work in this Church, first as
Deacon and Treasurer for many years, and afterwards as Elder. He
always had the interests of the Church deeply at heart, and gave to her
unstintedly of his time and substance. . . We pray that his mantle may

rest upon some of the younger generation who will i
burden and heat of the cages a gee earn ons

Three new Elders “of the younger generation” had been elected in
February, 1923. Their names were: Daniel A. Patterson, James E. Mor-

rison, and McKay McKinnon. During 1923, Elder J. L McLi
became Clerk of the Session. : : : eee ae

As the new year 1924 dawned, Dr. Hill was in his ninety-third year.
For thirty-seven years he had shared the sufferings, the tears and the
joys of the people. To the young children of the Church he seemed to
be a veritable ageless saint. One young member recalled she was
twenty years old before she learned that the expression “old as the
hills” did not refer to Dr. Hill and his brother William.

The eccentricities of the sainted Doctor were numerous. Those who
heard him preach recall vividly his pecular habit of patting his foot
to the rhythm of his expressions. He believed in “expressing’”’ his
love for the brethren, and the female members of the congregation were
liable for a kiss, not only at weddings, but wherever they met him!
He kept a small volume in which he dutifully recorded the prices of
goods in various trading stores. As the years went by, the prices of
changed—but not Dr. Hill’s original price list! Although the mer-
chants of Maxton sometimes came out on the short end of the deal—they
loved him and were thankful for his presence. At the slightest indica-
tion he would preach a full-length sermon for any occasion. Once, a
guest minister was visiting Maxton and preaching in the Church. After
the service, Dr. Hill was in a member’s home and was asked what he
HHOUshiOE the sermon. Acknowledging the strong points of the address,
ne conunued . . . but if I had been preaching the text, I would have
p aan ed it this way, . ._.” whereupon he proceeded to launch into a

! “scale sermon in the living room, which lasted over an hour. In Dr.
Hill’s pastoral visits, he was forever dropping in unannounced at meal
time. The people always received him with open hearts and looked
forward to his return. _ One evening he was dining with a Church family
which had recently installed an electric floor-button to signal the
entrance of the maid. Dr. Hill was called on for prayer before the
meal began. In typical fashion his prayer was serious and expressive—
yet the little children gathered round the table were doubling up with
stifled laughter. The foot was thumping rhythmically up and down—
right on top of the alarm button! The puzzled servants were entering
and leaving with regularity—and the old Doctor prayed right on.

In the later years the congregation was keenly sensitive about their
aged minister’s health. Yet Sunday after Sunday there was no sign
of affliction. It was his custom to have a hymn in the service
during which the congregation was seated. One Sunday, after announc-
ing the hymn, Dr. Hill sat down. Suddenly, he was seen to be leaning
orward in the chair. He had an agonized expression on his face and
was bending his arm so as to place his hand against the small of his
back. One member of the congregation saw him, and jumped forward
to the pulpit. As the hymn was being sung, others rushed to the front
to be of help. When they reached the pulpit chair, anxious!y inquiring
if they could help, Dr. Hill looked up and thundered, ‘‘There is nothing
wrong with me. My suspenders just broke...”

Page 42

 

On January 6, 1924, Dr. Hill preached at Centre Church during the
morning service. The cengregation noticed that he was somewhat
bothered by a savere head cold, but there was no undue concern over
his condition. Following the service, he made plans to preach at the
Harmony Schoolhouse that afternoon.. The weather was bitter cold,
and it would be necessary for him to ride a route of several miles in
an open touring car. He knew that in his physical condition the trip
might be dangerous. Yet, the strong self-discipline that had carried
him from the janitorship of a department store in Milton to the Civil
War battlefields, and through 62 years of ministering to churches, would
not desert him at the last. He was ill when he was brought home, and
soon pneumonia developed. Nine days later he was dead. Early on
the morning of January 15, in his last breaths, he pronounced the bene-
diction. Heads were bowed, and the hearts of the great and small
skipped a beat.

From all over North Carolina and the south telegrams and letters
began to arrive, pouring out words of tribute and praise to the village
pastor, ‘‘. . . One of the great men of the Church—anywhere. . .”

In Maxton a young girl, missing the presence of her friend, shut her
door and “cried all day. . .”

In Richmond, in Montreat, on the Home Missions frontiers of North
Carolina, in the offices of Church publications, in the cottages of the

little orphans at Barium Springs—many hearts knew that a friend had
gone.

The officers of the Maxton Church, most of whom had grown from
boyhood to manhood with this man, wrote with heavy hearts:

“For many years . . . he has lived and labored in this
part of the Master’s vineyard, and during all these years
he has been an able and faithful expounder of the word
of God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed,
rightly dividing the word of truth.

During these years he has gone in and out among us,
rejoicing with these who rejoiced and weeping with those
who wept. He loved his people

Our prayer is that we may be as faithful to our trusts
as he was to his, until the Master shall say to us, as He
has already said to him, ‘enter ye into the joy of the
Lord.’ ”

Sadly, on January 16, the people of the area gathered for the simple
funeral services. The body was placed in front of the church altar,
where it remained from eleven o’clock until two-thirty in the afternoon.
Mrs. R. M. Williams, Mrs. E. L. Siler, Mrs. D. C. McIver continuously,
softly, and sweetly played hymns on the organ he loved so well.

Hundreds of people reverently marched by the casket and for the
last time viewed the mortal remains of one whom they loved.

Following a short service in the Church, the body was removed
to Centre Church. Local ministers of other churches in the community
all attended in a group. Dr. William Black, Dr. McIlwaine, and Dr.
Siler conducted the final service, and the officers of Maxton and
Centre Churches acted as pall bearers. As rain fell in Centre Church-
yard, the clay was poured in atop the casket, and Halbert Green Hill
had gone to be with Him ‘who heals the heart he breaks. . . ”

Page-43-

 

 
 

 

 

An era had come to an end. The rain ceased, and a ray of sunlight
broke through the clouds. A new era was being born.

“Know ye not that there is a great Prince and a great man fallen
this day in Israel. . .”

 

 

“... SEE, HIS
BANNERS GO”

“Onward; Christian soldiers,
Marching as to war,
With the Cross of Jesus

yoing on before:

Christ the Royal Master
Leads against the foe;
Forward into, battle,
See, His banners go.”
—Rev. Sabine Baring-Gould
On January 23 1924, a memorial editorial was penned in the PRES-
BYTERIAN STANDARD honoring ‘The Grand Old Man of the North
Carolina Synod”, . .
Church.”

. “a ministry scarcely without a parallel in any

“Few of us’, said the Editor, ‘‘can read the record of such a life,
stretching back over 92 years and witnessing the changing history of
our country, through wars and the horrors of Reconstruction days, and
during all that time leaving his impress upon his people and the church
at large without feeling ashamed of our own life, at best barren of
much fruit . . .

He was a man, take him for all in all,

I shall not look upon his like again.”

Tributes continued to pour in. Poems, from as far away as Louisiana,
beautifully praised the memory of a life dedicated to God.

 

 

 
 

 

In Memoriam --- H. G.

A righteous saint has gone to rest,

Has joined the souls in Heaven blest.
So near he lived to Spirits here,

So near to Heaven, ah, so near,

That only heart-throbs kept him here,
And angels watched his steps with care,
And hovered always, lest a tear

Should mar the sunshine of his face

So radiant with heavenly grace,

So filled with love and cheerfulness,

So filled with life and happiness

That, like a wave of perfume rare,

We felt his presence in the air;

And like the echo of a song

His Spirit lingered, tho’ he’d gone.

He smiled, and the radiance of his face

Lent sunshine in the darkest place;

He spoke, and the firmness of his voice
Helped weary wanderers to rejoice;

He prayed, and so fervent was his prayer
That holy angels paused to hear,

And as he raised his voice in song

The angels caught the melody.

They met his spirit in his song,

And bare his soul up to his home,

And there, through all eternity

Will ring the charming melody.1

1—“M. B.,’’ Lumberton, N. C.

Perhaps the tribute Dr. Hill would have appreciated most came from

the sete sexton of the Church. In a letter dated February, 1924, he
wrote:

I have been sexton of the Maxton Presbyterian Church for 13 years,
and I spent a good deal of that time with Dr. H. G. Hill, especially
the last 12 months of his life. I drove his car, and was at his service
at all times, and never a man loved another as I did Dr. Hill...
Words cannot express what it has meant to me to be in the presence
of such a grand and noble man. He led me in the way that I will
never depart from. My grandfather was sexton of the Church at
Fayetteville for 35 years, including the 18 years that Dr. Hill served
the Church. Although I be but an humble sexton, I am hoping to
meet with Dr. Hill in the great beyond.

Your humble servant,
LEE SMITH

Who was to carry on for the Lord? On whom would the Lord cast
his mantle? The Lord breathes the breath of Life into a man, and when
He takes that breath away, the work of the Church goes on to new
generations and to new situations. No man is indispensable, for, ‘“Except
the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it . . .” The Holy
One of Israel is the Builder and Leader of the Church, and His banners
always go forward.

Significantly, Dr. Hill had toiled for 52 years as a trustee of Union
Theological Seminary, aiding the training of young ministers. Now from
that institution was to come a steady stream of men whose lives were
to enrich the Maxton Presbyterian Church and carry on the ministry
which Roger Martin and Halbert Hill had begun in Shoe Hill. A few
days after Dr. Hill’s death, Union Seminary’s administration wrote:
“. . . The flag over the tower of Watts Hall was at half staff last Tues-
day in memory of Dr. H. G. Hill, oldest of the Seminary’s alumni,
dean of North Carolina ministers, and director of the Seminary for 52
years. When he had served the institution in this capacity for 40 years,
his associates on the board presented him with a very handsome loving
cup. It was an unforgettable feature of that commencement when this
veteran of 80 stepped forward as spryly as a boy and sprang up on the
platform to respond to the felicitations expressed by the spokesman of
the board. The scene was repeated year before last when he was 90
years old and had been present at 50 consecutive annual meetings of
the board — his associates presented him with 50 gold dollars. Himself
a graduate of the Seminary, he cherished for it a deep and abiding love,
and, appreciating fully its vast importance to the work of the Church,
he served it with intelligence, fidelity, and zeal for more than one half
a century.”

Throughout the forty-six years of the Maxton Church, four men had
served in pastoral connection, and all had received benefits of the
training of Union Theological Seminary. Roger Martin, who was an
Elder in the Second Presbyterian Church of Richmond before entering
the ministry, had been influenced by the friendship of Dr. Moses Drury
Hoge, one of the great sons of Union. Dr. Hill was intimately connected
with Union, as student and trustee, and the two associate pastors, Dr.
Mcllwaine and Dr. Siler, received their training at Union. Over the next

y-four years, beginning in 1924, six other Union graduates would
follow in their footsteps to serve the Church.

The Church’s great earthly leader was now dead, but God did not
leave His people comfortless. Christ is the Royal Master, and He had
Said, “Fear not little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give
you the kingdom . . .’’ New faces and new voices would appear over
the years, as the Lord led a brilliant succession of pastors to Maxton.
These next thirty-four years would be seasons of spiritual refreshment,

Continued outreach and growth, as the Lord poured Blessings on His
Church.

In the Book of Second Kings is the interesting story of the death
of the great Prophet Elijah, and the succession of Elisha to his Pro-
phetic role. “And it came to pass . . . that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask
what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha
Said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me. . . And
it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there
appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both
asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. And Elisha

Page 47

 
 

 

 

saw it, and he cried, ‘My father, my father’ . . . And he saw him no
more: and he took hold of his own clothes, and rent them in two
pieces. He took up also the mantle of Elijah that fell from him. . . And

when the sons of the prophets . . . saw him, they said, The Spirit of
Elijah doth rest on Elisha .. .”

_ The first man to pick up the mantle of Halbert G. Hill had been stand-
ing close by his side at death.

EUGENE LEON SILER

Since 1917, the presence of Eugene L. Siler, his wife Laura Prince
Siler, and daughter Ruth, had graced the Maxton community. As asso-
ciate Pastor, he had worked faithfully and efficiently. His relation to
Dr. Hill had been especially close. One of the last acts of Dr. Hill was
his attempt to finish writing the weekly Sunday School lesson of the
PRESBYTERIAN STANDARD. Finding himself too weak to write, he
called for Dr. Siler and dictated comments, urging his faithful associate
to “. . . outline and finish the article.’ The article appeared in the
newspaper the day after Dr. Hill’s death, under his name, having been
completed by Dr. Siler. His ability was recognized outside the bounds
of the Maxton congregation. Since 1917 he had served as Stated Clerk
of Fayetteville Presbytery. From 1923 to 1926 he was temporary Clerk
of the General Assembly. In 1925 his alma mater, Davidson College,
honored him with the Doctor of Divinity degree.

On January 30, 1924, Elders W. J. Currie, R. D. Croom, J. S. McRae,
D. A. Patterson, J. E. Morrison, McKay McKinnon, L. L. McGirt, and
J. P. Wiggins of Maxton met in solemn session with Elders. A. H.
White, W. W. McGirt, Rory McNair, J. W. Sinclair, A. McKay, and Dan
McArthur of Centre. After words of thanks for God’s leadership had been
expressed by Elder William McGirt of Centre, this Session decided to
end the grouping relationship that had existed for forty-five years be-
tween the mother and daughter churches. Seventeen days later, the
Maxton congregation extended a call for the full-time Pastoral services
of Dr. Siler. That same year, Centre Church secured the services of
Rev. W. L. Foley. The close spirit of fellowship between the Maxton
and Centre Churches continues to this day, each drawn together by
history, family relationships, and the Love of Jesus Christ.

The Church had grown to a membership of 297 in 1924, with 277 en-
rolled in the Sabbath School. Attendance figures were compiled, which
showed an average of 150 attended the Sunday morning worship, an
average of 100 attended the Sunday evening services, and an average
of 50 attended the Wednesday evening prayer meetings .The choir con-
tinued its splendid work, and the Session extended their official thanks.
The Christian Endeavor Young People’s Society and the Men of the
Church were active, each conducting two worship services during Au-
gust, 1924. The Session was even discussing the possibility of erecting

a Religious Education Building for the expanding work of the Sunday
School department.

In December of 1924, friends of Dr. Siler were becoming quite con-
cerned over the serious turn his eye disease was taking. Because of
this disease, he had been forced to resign as Stated Clerk of Fayette-
ville Presbytery in September, and would scon have to retire as clerk
of the General Assembly for the same reason. Dr. Siler went to

Washington, D. C., for special treatment, and returned before Christmas
somewhat improved.

A memorial Tablet to Dr. Hill was unveiled on July 27, 1925. ‘The

Page 48

 

 

 

 

Centre congregation worshipped with Maxton on that Sunday, and Dr.
A. R. McQueen, a life-long friend of Dr. Hill, preached the sermon.
Dr. William Black and Dr. William McIlwaine were both invited back
to have a part in the Dedication Service.

During Dr. Siler’s absence in August, 1925, a young Union Seminary
student was secured to guide the Church program. His name was James
C. Wool. This first of a long line of distinguished summer assistants
went on to outstanding service. He became Executive Secretary and
Stated Clerk of Granville Presbytery in 1946, was honored with the
Doctor of Divinity degree by Davis and Elkins College, and is now
Secretary of Home Missions in the Northern Alabama Presbytery, liv-
ing in Guntersville, Alabama.

Dr. W. W. Orr, of Charlotte, famous Associate Reformed Presbyterian
Church leader, led evangelistic services at Maxton in April of 1926.
Thirty-two years later, his grandson, Kenneth Orr, would serve the
Church as Summer Assistant Pastor. The Church was growing numeri-
cally, and by the spring of 1927 there were 360 communicants. Mean-
while, Dr. Siler had met with the Session and privately informed them
“. . . that on his recent visit to. Washingon his oculist had found that
his eyes were not improving as he had hoped.”’ The doctor advised Dr.
Siler “that he should give up active work in the ministry, that the
Strain was too much for his eyes. Dr. Siler requested that he be al-
lowed to resign as Pastor within a few months .. .” Yet the Session
did not want him to retire, and they requested that he remain with
them as Pastor. Dr. Siler’s cheerful attitude in the midst of his own
Physical suffering was a wonderful witness to the Church.

His pastoral and preaching duties were increasing as the Church
grew, yet he gave himself unsparingly. Shortly after his decision to
remain in Maxton, the work of establishing a Presbyterian junior col-
lege in Fayetteville Presbytery got under way, and he threw his re-
newed energies into this task.

Elder James E. Morrison moved to Greensboro and Elder L. L. Mc-
Girt moved to Greenville, S. C., in 1927. Mr. Rory McNair, who was a
Ruling Elder at Centre, became an Elder in the Maxton Church in July,
1926. Working closely with their faithful Pastor, the Session began
to make plans for the fiftieth anniversary of the Church. Mr. W. J. ,
Currie, Mr. McKay McKinnon, and Dr. Siler were chosen a committee
to secure a history of the Church. Another committee was reorganized
to work toward the publication of selected sermons from Dr. Hill’s files.

While plans were being made to thank God for the first fifty years
of the Church, events were taking place in the Synod of North Carolina
which were to have a direct effect on Maxton. A movement had gotten
under way by several leaders to establish a Christian college for boys
Within the bounds of the Synod. Dr. William Black, in the years of his
great evangelistic work, had recognized the need for a college to serve
the youth of the hundreds of Churches he had been instrumental in or-
8anizing. He began to speak of this need to others. Actually, Dr. Hill,
wha had led in the establishing of a college for women, also sensed
the need for such a school. Rev. R. A. McLeod, Stated Clerk of the
Synod of North Carolina and superintendent of old Elise Academy, was
another who felt the strong need for a Presbyterian College in the
area. The great ‘‘Merchant Prince” of the South. William Henry Belk,
of Charlotte, expressed himself as interested in a school ‘“. . . where
the average boy may obtain an education under Christian influences
at moderate cost...” Mr. Belk was speaking for hundreds of other
Presbyterians in the state when he said, ‘If such a school were estab-

Page 49

 
 

 

 

lished, many boys would receive an education who might not other-
wise be able to do so...”

The movement began ta crystalize. In September of 1927, the Elise
Academy Trustees presented an overture to Fayetteville Presbytery,
seeking authority to establish a junior college. On September 28, Fay-
etteville Presbytery resolved, ‘“. . . we recognize the need of a junior
college for men and recommnd that such an institution be established
as soon as possible . . .’’ Several communities in the Synod presented
sites for the college, and plans began to be made for its establishment.

From the beginning, the influence of Maxton was strong in the col-
lege story. William Black, who had been one of the strong advocates
of the college, and Elder J. Plummer Wiggins, Dr. Siler, and Mr. Robert

L. McLeod, Sr., devoted layman of the Maxton Church, figured strongly
in the college’s establishment.

Two days before Fayetteville and Mecklenburg Presbyteries met in
Maxton to discuss the establishment of the college, Dr. Black died. It
was in keeping with the nature of his life that he was enthusiastic about
the founding of a college to educate youth. As one who had known him
since the 1870’s said: ‘. . .I would sum up Dr. Black’s life in the words
of Jesus, ‘Wist yet not that I must be about my Father’s business,’ for
all his life was filled with work for the Master.” In his last service,
November 19, 1927, Dr. Black and his singer, Mr. Andrew Burr, sang

together, “Eternity Is Near’. The gates of eternity were unfolding for
him as he sang.

The first mention of the College in the Session records occurs in No-
vember, 1927, when Mr. J. P. Wiggins “. . . gave the Session full in-
formation about what has been done by the committees from Fayette-
ville and Mecklenburg Presbyteries in regard to, the establishment of a
Junior College for Boys. These committees have issued a call for a
joint meeting of Fayetteville and Mecklenburg Presbyteries to be held
in our Church on November 29th. The clerk was instructed to write
letters to the State Clerks of both Presbyteries expressing our pleasure
that they are to meet in our Church and telling them that we are ex-
pecting them to be our guests as long as they may be in Maxton . . .”

On December 11, the Session decided to invite Synod to hold their next
regular meeting at Maxton.

Jchn G. Garth wrote in November, 1927, ‘What may be the fore-
runner of another great institution of the North Carolina system of Chris-
tian Education was the meeting of the two largest Presbyteries in

the General Assembly, Fayetteville and Mecklenburg, at the Scotch town
of Maxton... .”

In February, 1928, the Maxton Session appointed a committee “‘.. . to
‘draw up a resolution expressing the unanimous approval of the Ses-
sion towards the movement to establish a Junior College for Boys, and
pledging our wholehearted support to the undertaking, this resolution to

be addressed to the Synod at the called meeting to be held here in
Maxton on February 21st...”

This special session of the Synod resolved to establish the school and
to accept the offer of the Methodist Conference to sell the Carolina
College property. The school was named the Presbyterian Junior Col-
lege, and was placed under the control of the Synod. Plans were made
to hold the next regular Session of the Synod of North Carolina in Octo-

ber at Maxton, so that the Synod might continue the organization of -

the Junior College.

Page 50

 

These two 1928 meetings of the Synod in Maxton were signal occa-
sions for the Maxton Church, occuring in her semi-centennial year. At
the called meeting in February the Moderator was Dr. R. A. Dunn of
Concord, and 151 delegates were in attendance. At the regular meeting
on October 9-11, Rev. William B. McIlwaine, former Maxton co-pastor,
was requested to preach the opening sermon. Rev. Lacy L. Little, D.D.,
was elected Moderator, and 316 Ministers and Ruling Elders were in
attendance. Dr. Siler extended a cordial welcome to the members of
the Synod. A report was presented by the Committee on Thanks:

“The Synod of North Carolina hereby expresses its thanks to the citi-
zens of Maxton, Laurinburg, and other nearby places . . . It would
also thank especially the Pastor, officers, and members of the Pres-
byterian Church of Maxton for the gracious way in which the body
has been received and cared for during its meetings. To the ladies
providing lunch, the newspapers giving publicity, the stores offering
conveniences and to all others who have contributed to the success
of this meeting of the court of the Church of God. . .”

In the midst of these exciting events, the Church celebrated its
Fiftieth Anniversary. On Sunday, December 16, 1928, appropriate and
impressive exercises were held. All former members were invited to be
present on this homecoming day, and many took advantage of the op-
portunity. Four of the living charter members were present and oc-
cupied front seats. They were Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Currie, Mrs. Dougald
Leach, and Mrs. Kate McLeod. Only one of the original signers of the
organization petition was present, Mr. J. A. McLean. Two of the sons
of the Church, who are now ministers, were present and took part in

the Service — Rev. S. B. MacLean of Charlotte, and Rev. John Allen
MacLean of Richmond, Virginia.

Rev. Alexander Martin, D.D., pastor of Oakland Presbyterian Church,
Rock Hill, S. C., son of Rev. Roger Martin, first pastor of the Church,

preached the sermon at the morning hour. His subject was ‘‘The Year
of Jubilee’.

Dr. W. B .Mcllwaine, the only living former pastor of the Church,
preached at the evening service upon the subject. ‘Jesus Christ, the
Same Yesterday, Today, and Forever.” He referred to the many
changes in the Maxton community since he had been a resident and
drew a striking contrast between the things that change and the eternal

things that do not change, exhorting his hearers to live more for the
eternal things.

At the morning service the Centre congregation worshipped in Maxton,
and in the evening all the Maxton Churches joined in a union service.
At the celebration Elder McKay McKinnon read the Semi-Centennial
History, and Rev. S. B. MacLean gave an address on the officers of the
Church. The Church Choir provided excellent music, and the day was

an inspiring one for the little village church which had been used so
mightily by God.

A great name in the history of the Church departed from the “Church
visible” in March, 1929, with the death of Senior Ruling Elder William
J. Currie. The Session called him a man who “‘. . . has magnified his

office and has been faithful to every trust committed to him and faith-

ful in every relation of life. Wonderfully versed in the Scriptures and
familiar with the great doctrines of the Church. . .

“While his health has been failing for some time, it was nevertheless
a shock to the community to hear last Saturday morning, March 16,

Page 51

 
that he had passed away. He was 83 years of age and had been
. . é . a
Ruling Elder in the Presbyterian Church for over ‘sixty years, first in

the old Sandy Grove Church, then for a f i
and for over 50 years in . . . Maxton. idee TEL Bie dae

“In May, 1924, he represented this Presbytery in the General Assembl
at San Antonio, Texas, making the long aes and returning with
no discomfort, and thoroughly enjoying both the trip and the meeting
of our highest Church court. He was born in Robeson County in 1846, the
son of John Calvin Currie and Margaret K. Currie. He enlisted in the
Confederate Army at the age of 18 and served throughout the war . . .”

As the 1929 Church year drew to a close, the Church membershi
stood at a new high of 361. During the year the Church had contributed
over six thousand dollars toward the establishing of the new Junior
College and the trustees of the school, among whom were J. P. Wig-

gins, R. L. McLeod, Dr. Siler, and Murphy McNai 2 i
toward the opening in September, 1999" is oes Vina

The summer was one of preparation. In June the new Presi
Rev. Randall Alexander McLeod, and his wife aRan Gal Neto

President McLeod was also the Stated Clerk of the Synod her:

the original faculty moving their memberships to the Chace eas ur.
Charles Hunter and Mr. and Mrs. R. G. Matheson. A “College Club’’ was
organized in the community, with Mrs. John S. McRae as one of the
sealers; to aid the work of the infant school. In early September, the
irst student arrived and immediately joined the Maxton Church. His

name was Barney Ellis MacLean, and he i istingui
byterian Minister in St. Louis, Missouri. BREN operate aay

_ At the September, 1929, Session meeting, the Elders and Minister

. - . ordered placed on record . . . deep a reciation it
and successful efforts of one of its meri bereaie ak SS kasaT ee
TES Ce aT the Presbyterian Junior College for men in our town. His
5 ors opees untiring, and his zeal and enthusiasm have been an
Spiration to us all... May he live long to see the fruits of his

efforts in the lives and ch i
Christian education within aS iwalls seen fee Neca tee i

On September 12, the little College swung open its doors. Several

articles in the PRESBYTERIAN STANDARD d
best describe the excitement and enthusiasm of aes eee ye

The Presbyterian Junior College for i
1 ; I { Men formally opened with
exceptionally interesting, impressive and inspiring Se econarit The se
ercises were held in the college auditorium, which was well filled with
axton citizens and friends of the college from other communities.

Rev. Watson M. Fairly, D.D.
Be teste Ae D., of Raeford and a member of the Board

emphasizing the fact that the devel

shiny, eet BB bleewondle is gopitient of Christian principles and

utstanding aim of the college.

Dr. Fairly complimented the work of Mr M i i

- McLeod in th i
the faculty and Mr. McLeod responded with eboreciattoniolt eaves
operation shown by the people of the community, the Board of Trus-
ees, and the backing of the Synod of North Carolina. Members of

Page 52

the faculty were presented and were enthusiastically greeted.
Professor Clyde L. Green, superintendent of Maxton Schoois, also
made a welcoming address and pledged the support of the public
schools. An anthem, ‘‘Awake’’, was sung by a number of the young
girls of the town, following which Dr. Fairly presented J. P. Wiggins,
president of the Bank of Robeson, Maxton, who as Secretary and
Treasurer of the Board of Trustees is said to have done more than
any other one person to make possible the Junior College. The audi-
ence rose in tribute to Mr. Wiggins’ splendid work. |

On September 27, the College held a ‘‘public reception’, and the

PRESBYTERIAN STANDARD covered the meeting in an article, ‘‘Pres-
byterians of North Carolina Gather At Maxton To Give Sendoff To
New School’’:

. . . Hundreds of people from all over the state bearing congratula-
tions and good wishes for the continued success of this new _institu-
tion arrived in Maxton . . . Dr. Watson M. Fairly said the Trustees
were delighted with the way the College had started and introduced
Rev. R. A. White of Mooresville. Dr. White, a Trustee of the
College, referred to his friendship for the late Doctor Hill and said
that because of him he had always expected something good to come
out of Maxton. Dr. White said, ‘‘The best thing that Maxton has ever
done fo the State of North Carolina is the organization of the Junior
College. It is peculiarly necessary in the day in which we live .. .”
President Charles G. Vardell brought greetings from Flora Macdonald
College and humorously expressed his satisfaction that a nearby in-
ees had been organized to train young men as husbands for his
girls.

Rev. S. B. MacLean of Charlotte, formerly of Maxton, brought congrat-
ulations from Mecklenburg Presbytery. ‘“My heart’s desire is real-
ized’’, said Mr. MacLean, who from the beginning has been an ardent
worker for the College.

The high mark of the program was reached when Rev. Lacy L. Little,
D.D., moderator of the Synod of North Carolina and Missionary to
China, said, ‘‘I bring greetings from the Synod to the youngest mem-
ber of the fine galaxy of Presbyterian institutions in North Carolina . .”
A few weeks after these happy 1929 events, the financial roof of the
nation caved in. The economy of the entire country collapsed, and the
effect on Maxton, the Church, and the young College was tremendous.

The next ten years were ta be extremely difficult for all private col-
leges, and especially would this be true for the infant Junior College
which was just learning to take its first steps when buckled by the
adversary. Yet the Lord had great use for this little School which
the Maxton Church had played such a strong part in founding. The
depression years were followed by the period of the Second World
War, and these years were in turn followed by three years of War in
Korea, all tending to handicap the expansion of the College. Men
stuggled to keep the College going, some literally giving their lives,
and the work continued and grew. Hundreds of young men have gone
through her doors, many going on to positions of distinction in the
ministry, education, medicine, law, business, and other realms of ser-
vice. One of the present leading possibilities for Governor of North
Carolina, Terry Sanford, trained within her walls. About fifty men
have gone from her doors to full-time Church service. Hers has been
an outstanding accomplishment of faith with limited resources, many
boys receiving an education who might not otherwse have been able
to do so, and the College has remained consistently faithful to the

Page 53

 

 
 

 

 

 

ideal of Christian education. The College has made a distinct contribu.
tion to her area, and the future holds even greater possibilities of
service. In 1960 the dreams of the founders, and all those who faith-
fully labored over the years, will be more than fulfilled when the
College moves to a new five-million-dollar campus six miles away,
near Laurinburg. There it will form the nucleus for the men’s divisior
of the new consolidated Presbyterian College of North Carolina, merging
with beloved Flora Macdonald College of Red Springs, which Dr. Hill’s

efforts had helped to start, and another outstanding Presbyterian
Women’s College, Peace, of Raleigh.

From the beginning, the relationship between the Junior College and
the Maxton Church was close. Many students joined the Church and
Many more worshipped and enjoyed fellowship in her sanctuary and
homes. An article in a September, 1930, copy of the Sccttish Chief
reported: ‘‘Maxtonians who attended Church Sunday morning found

plenty of evidence that the Student Body has increased at Presby-
terian Junior College. At the Presbyterian Church, where more
than one half of the students attend Church, it was necessary to
ask Church members to give up their pews and move to annther
part of the Church so that the students could sit en masse. Max-
ton people were glad to see the new faces and to welcome the old
students back to Maxton. . .” The doors of the Church were open
to college students and faculty, and the college community partic-
ipated in and enriched the Church activity for over thirty years.

The early years of the great depression of 1930 were critical ones.
The Maxton Session met and reduced the budget, cutting operating
expenses to a minimum. Dr. Siler urged that his salary be reduced,
and the Session sadly agreed. Yet, the Church had great duties to
fulfill to the many destitute and needy around her—and, somehow,

money and supplies were scraped t
Com gnitye ped together to help the poor of the

_The musical work of the Church was especially effective during Dr.
Siler’s pastorate, since the Siler family was musically talented. Mr.
and Mrs. Crosby Adams of Montreat, Dr. Siler’s pastorate before he
came to Maxton, led special services of music in November, 1929. Mr.
Adams directed the choir and Mrs. Adams presided at the organ. The
musical service of these two dedicated and famous musicians was
inspiring, and the main auditorium was full both morning and night.
The P. J. C. boys joined in with the musical program, and many were
quite talented. In October, 1929, a “large congregation at the Church
in the Pines, Laurel Hill, was delighted with the splendid rendition of
two beautiful sacred numbers by a choir of 20 voices from the Maxton
Presbyterian Church. . -’ The choir work of Miss Emma Jones de-
serves special mention. Miss Jones, now Mrs. Samuel Young of
Henderson, N. C., was a school teacher in Maxton whose leadership and
ability in all artistic and musical performances was marked. Her

creativity in the annual Christi “Whi ift”” i i
effective: mas “White Gift’? services was especially

In April, 1930, the Church i i
pratense: and the College entertained Fayetteville

The Young People of the Church, supplemented by the college boys
developed an improved organization. In 1929 Miss Elizabeth Neal
McNair was chosen District President of the Young People’s Sacieties.
and in 1930 Barney Ellis MacLean became President of the Fayetteville
Presbytery Young People’s Society. Some of the active members of
the Young People’s group were John Luther McLean, James Wiggins,

Page 54

Louise G. McCallum, Catherine Campbell, Rebecca Campbell, Helen
Williams, Margaret McLean, Angus Medlin, Gilbert Medlin, Estelle
Easterling, Rachel Easterling, Virginia McCaskill, Alice Mae Dren-
nan, Mary Elizabeth Knight, Haze! Knight, Clara Knight, Louise McLeod,
Iver McIver, Pat Baldwin, Archie Smith, Lois McClelland, Ned Croom,
and Jane MacKinnon. Barney MacLean, Badger Johnson Dan McCor-
mick, Harry Fisler, M. J. McDonald, W. L. Baker, John D. McInnis,
Glenn Auman, Case McInnis, Alex McIver, David F. Blue, John Gilbert
Hudgins, and Jack MclIlwinen were student members from P. J. C.
George P. Henderson, young athletic coach at the College, was an
active worker with the group.

The Church continued to secure great men to lead its special Evan-

gelistic services. Dr. James I. Vance, considered one of the most
talented speakers in the Church, preached at Maxton, beginning on
May -8, 1931, Mr. John Sumter McRae, Jr., led the singing and Mr.
Marshall A. Thompson effectively handled the publicity. Visitors came
from the surrounding area to hear this great theologian.

In Presbyterian Junior College’s first graduation class, 1931, were two
young men who had joined the Maxten Church. These two — Barney
MacLean and David Blue, would go on to serve as Presbyetrian
ministers.

Barney Ellis MacLean continued his studies at Presbyterian College,
Clinton, S. C., and graduated from Louisville Presbyterian Theological
Seminary in 1936. He was Pastor of the First Church, Anson, Texas,
until 1938, when he became Pastor at Sherman, Texas. In 1944 he
went to the Second Presbyterian Church of Danville, Ky. While in Ken-
tucky he was elected moderator of the Synod, and was honored by
Centre College with the Doctor of Divinity degree. He is now pastor
of the large Southampton Presbyterian Church of St. Louis, Missouri,
and was selected a delegate to the U. S. A. General Assembly in 1958.
In May, 1958, he returned to Maxton to preach the Commencement Ser-
mon at Presbyterian Junior College.

David Fairley Blue, Jr., completed his college work at Davidson and
studied at both Union and Columbia Theological Seminaries for his
divinity degree. His first pastorate was at South Fayetteville, N. C.,
and in 1941 he went to the Bluff Church near Wade, N. C. He is now at
West Avenue Church, Gastonia, N. C. Two other members of the class
— Charles H. Watts and Claude Pepper — also went into the Presby-
terian ministry. Although not members, they worshipped and worked
in the Maxton chucrh.

On January 4, 1932, the Maxton Church and friends of Presbyterian
Junior College were shocked by the sudden death of President McLeod.
He and his young family had been friends of the Church since his
arrival, and the Session wrote of its “‘. . . high regard and appreciation
of the life and service of Rev. R. A. McLeod, the beloved President
. . . who was so suddenly summoned into the presence of his Master
on January 4th . . . His 'ife and labours in our Church and community
for more than two years were a great blessing to us, and we thank
God for giving him to us for even a short while .. .”

At the request of Dr. Siler, the Session called a congregational
meeting on September 25, 1932, in order that a letter from the Pastor
might be read to the congregaion:

Page 55

 
 

 

To the Congregation of the Maxton Presbyterian Church
My dear Friends:

No cne will ever know how deep is the sorrow of my heart which
I experience in asking you to consent to the dissolution of our pas-
toral relation. The more than 15 years during which we have been so
closely and affectionately bound together makes it a very trying
ordeal to me. I love my dear people and wish it were possible for me
to live out my remaining days among you and continue to minister
to you as long as God might give me strength; but for at least two
years I have had the full determination to ask that at this time I
might be relieved of the strain of the regular pastorate .. . I have
made this a matter of most earnest prayer and believe I have the
leading of the Spirit. I am convinced it will be best for me and for
the Church that this step should now be taken. Therefore, I earnestly
request that you will unite with me in asking Fayetteville Presbytery
to dissolve our Pastoral relation effective December ist, and allow

me to labor as Stated Supply wherever God in His Providence shall
Gpen the way.

I am still in most vigororous health, and my ordination vows would
not permit me to cease preaching the everlasting gospel, even if I
wanted to; but I love to preach, and pray that God will give me

strength and opportunity to do so for a good many years to come
I shall not seek a regular pastorate, as it is the straint the regular
pastorate and the constant and tremendous appeal to my sym-
pathy, found in the pastoral relation, which, I am convinced, is detri-
mental to my eyes, in the special kind of eye disease with which I
have been afflicted for more than eight years. Whatever arouses my

sympathy seems to be the very worst thing for m:

t 1 y eyes. No true
pastor who loves his people as I do mine can possibly withold his sympa-
thy when his people are in trouble — their troubles are my trouble,
and when they suffer I suffer with them.

As long as time lasts, the memory of i

5 your many kindnesses to me,
aud the love I have for my many friends, not only in my own Church,
ut in the entire town and community, will ever remain with me and
my thoughts of Maxton will always be loving thoughts, and I shall

often ask our Heavenly Father to bless i i
be in accordance with His will. UA a a

Your sincere and devoted Pastor,

Eugene L. Siler

The congregation voted to concur in Dr. Siler’s request and Ruling
Elder McKay McKinnon rose to offer resolutions:

“

. . That we wish to record our deep love for Dr. Siler and our
appreciation of his splendid labor as our efficient co-pastor from May
1, 1917, until January 15, 1924, and for his untiring labor and devotion
to our Church as our beloved Pastor from January 15, 1924, until the

present time . . . As a preacher of the Word of God, he has been
helpful, inspiring, and at all times faithful... As a Pastor he has

been loving and kind and many have been heli i

7a ped by his sympath
and prayers. As a citizen of this community he Hae ever Aone his
full duty, encouraging those things that were best and boldly con-
deming those that were not... Our prayer is that wherever he

and his beloved family in God’s Providence i
richest blessings of God may attend teeta: rede pete) oy

Page 56

 

Resolutions were also adopted by the Session honoring Mrs. Siler,
“« |. beloved wife of our beloved Pastor, for the splendid work she has
done in our Church, and especially her services as Director of the
Choir and assistant organist. Our Church has always enjoyed very ex-
cellent music and during the years of Mrs. Siler’s residence here, her
willing and untiring efforts have contributed much to the success of
the choir. Now that she is to leave with her husband for other fields of
labor, we wish to assure her of our love and esteem and our best wishes
for many more years of usefulness in the work of the Church.”

The night of November 27, 1932, was the ‘‘Farewell Service’ to Dr.
Siler and his family. Dr. and Mrs. Siler and daughter Ruth moved to
Davidson, where he was honorably retired. Dr. Siler served as supply
preacher for churches until his death on May 2, 1947, at Statesville,
N. C. Mrs. Siler preceded him in death on March 6, 1947. Ruth Siler
married Mr. J. P. Johnston, and she is now teaching music at the
Thornwell Orphanage in Clinton, S. C. In a recent letter, she wrote:
“|. We had fifteen happy years in Maxton among those fine people
. .. My Father offered his resignation to the Church when he found
that he had serious eye trouble, but the Session would not accept it
until several years later when he offered it again, knowing that a
regular pastorate was injurious to his eye trouble. He continued to
supply churches of different denominations for many years after his
retirement and kept a partial eyesight until his death. He read the
Bible through for each year of his life . . . My Father and Mr. J. P.
Wiggins were instrumental in getting the North Carolina Synod to buy
the property for the Maxton Presbyterian College. He persuaded the
Synod to meet in Maxton, in order to interest the Synod in organizing
a Junior College there. He also interested Mr. Belk in contributing
to the College.

“I have never heard my Father speak a cross word, and he never
lost an opportunity to witness for the Lord. The last words he uttered
before losing consciousness and soon after passing to his eternal home,
were these. I had said, ‘Papa, you are just a saint on earth,’ and he
said, ‘Far... far...’ I said, ‘You mean, far from it? He answered
with the sweetest smile, ‘Yes’. Then he went to sleep to awake in his
eternal home.”

JAMES M. APPLEBY

On October 23, 1932, a committee, composed of Mr. John S. McRae,
Mr. McKay McKinnon, Mr. R. D. Croom, Mr. C. L. Green, Mr. J. B.
McCallum, Jr., Mr. R. L. McLeod, Mr. C. S. McIntyre, Mrs. R. M.
Williams, and Mrs. Lacy Williams, was appointed to seek the services
of a Pastor.

This ministerial committee wrote to Dr. Ben R. Lacy, President of
Union Theological Seminary, on October 29:

“Our committee would appreciate very much any suggestion that
you might give in helping us to secure a pastor for our Church .. .
The committee feels that it is the general wish of the congregation
to call a young man to our Church. The work among the young people
of our Church and among the students of The Presbyterian Junior Col-
lege is a primary consideration.

“We have had the name of Rev. James Appleby presented, in an in-
formal way, as a young man who would be worthy of consideration . . .”

Page 57

 

 
Dr. Lacy promptly replied: furniture are descending upon you. One week from today —

... “it gives me pleasure to tell you something about Rev. James M. Maxton will be our home!
Appleby.

“Warmest regards,

“Mr. Appleby is now studying in Scotland and will complete his resi- “ 2

dence work in the University of Edinburgh in Deceinbat-and will sail James, Appleby
for America on the 12th of that month. This should bring him back A grateful Maxton received ‘“‘Jim’’ and “Lib” Appleby with open
He North Carolina shortly before Christmas. As Mrs. Appleby was arms on April 1, 1933—and soon discovered the young couple to be filled
fee epee ene OF Raleigh, I have no doubt but that will be with the Spirit of God. There was a burden of personal sorrow in
eir first stopping point after arriving in this country . . . His present their hearts, for his father had died while they were en route from
address is 28 Scotland Street, Edinburgh, Scotland .. . Scotland to begin his first pastorate. wie Pastor was aya a his
ss i P t impact, and Mrs. Appleby’s work with the young people gave them a
ae Ree have us ao Supe ead a of the Schools in new spirit of fellowship. “Know each one of them personally’ he did,
are people of culture and fi r. and Mrs. Appleby, Sr., and they and the Maxton congregation began to look forward to his frequent
Himeeleabiinerecon ae xd eee Young Appleby himself made pastoral visits. Everywhere he went he brought a ray of happiness;
to scientifi davidson, devoting his time somewhat largely everything he touched was made more in the likeness of the Master.
ifi¢ courses and intending to become a chemist. However, he A young member of the congregation said, “I would rather go riding

was so definitely interested in religion that he was prevailed upon to i i is wi i i i
be the Secretary of the Y.M.C.A. after his graduation and during two pee play tennis with him, and talk with him . . . than anybody 1

years most acceptably filled this position. He then saw the impor-
pate of religious work and entered the Seminary where he was not On April 3, the Session met at the manse, ‘‘opening with prayer by
on outstanding in his classes but also in his ability to preach and the new pastor, Rev. James Appleby. . .’’ Plans were discussed for
L eae young people. He was awarded one of our fellowships which securing Dr. Albert Sydney Johnson, revered Pastor of the First
ae ie ne in his study abroad. I cannot be too enthusiastic about 4 Presbyterian Church, Charlotte, for evangelistic services in October.
lil : ie e te He not only has a good mind but a heart that embraces In June the Pastor introduced the idea of a Summer Bible School in
oie on e can serve. From the point of view of his intelligence, Maxton, and the Session moved that the ‘“. . . Pastor use his own
di y cn speak, interest in people, and success in handling them, I judgment as to the matter. . .’”’ Thus was begun the program of the
© not know of a young man whom I would place above him.” Daily Vacation Bible School, which has had an effective witness in the

Mr. John McCallum, Jr., was delegated to write the young pastor and Hee eregues Churcl:

Tste peeen a series of cordial exchanges between the two. The first : A unique function began about this time in connection with the
t from Mr. Appleby was dated December 7, 1932: Church. Deacon Bs one Morris brought some eae oue to a
“My dear Mr. McCallum: meeting of the officers, and, at the conclusion, invited all to ‘‘enjoy

“y, : some old-fashioned hospitality’. This fellowship was so enjoyed that it

it rae Heat NO aces me reacted me ea you for grew into an annual mid-summer feature. At first, the “cuttings” were
Sunday in Januar I ee Ee whit i urch on some held at the Church, in connection with prayer services. Later, as more

and I hope God Sill guide your PeStarention cite tear ce and more people attended, the scene was shifted to the Morris farm,

of one who is to take his place. This has been a great year of near Maxton. Each summer several hundred people from Maxton and

01 ‘ : ‘i r surrounding areas, people of many Churches, would gather for food,
pportunity for us, and we leave with many happy memories, fellowship, and worship. These ‘watermelon cuttings’? had grown to

but naturally we are eager to get home and down to some be such an event that they were featured in a CHARLOTTE OBSERVER

work f s 1 { L
follower wees Surely such an age challenges every article on the occasion of the Silver Anniversary.

 

During July of 1933, Elder Lacy McLean moved his membership to the
Charlotte Meyers Park Church. A letter of appreciation was drawn up
by the Session expressing appreciation for his faithful services as Stated
gene Mr. Robert D. Croom was elected to succeed him as Clerk of the

ession.

Cordially yours, Mr. John McCallum, Jr., son of Elder J. B. McCallum, and Mr. Robert

“James M. Appleby” G. Matheson, who had been elected President of Presbyterian Junior

: 5 College after the death of President McLeod, were selected as Ruling

On March 23, 1933, after a unanimous call had been extended by the Elders in July, 1933. New vigor came into, the Church, as Mr. Appleby
congregation, Mr. Appleby wrote from Raleigh, N. C: worked side by side with the Elders and members. Plans were made to
“My dear John: | hold a ‘‘Retreat’’ for the officers of the Church to discuss the work of

3 the Church. In April, 1934, a ‘‘. . . full discussion of the Church’s spiritual

“We just returned from Richmond today and I found your and physical needs was led by the Moderator. A committee was appoint-
letter and _the list of Church members. Thank you for your ed to investigate repairs on the Church buildings. It was agreed that
kindness. I am so glad to get this list, and I hope before long systematic visiting among the congregation by the Church officers, going

to know each of them personally. I suppose by now books and : in pairs each six months, was necessary. . .”” The Young People’s organi-

“Thanking you again for your letter and for i i
Lt your kind wishes,
and with the prayer that He whose birth we are soon to cele-

brate will fill each member of i i i
eee a eee your congregation with His

 

Page 58 Page 59

 

 

 
 

 

 

zation was growing, with Mrs. J. O. McClelland’as the dvi
the Women of the Church continued their effective ae ees

Miss Lillian Austin, on furlough from her missionar ies i
, y y duties in Korea,
S honored by the Church in 1934 before returning to her field. The

Lord was using this daughter of th istians i
San Wena ee the Church, and all Christians in Maxton

Plans got under way to invite Dr. Ben Lac i Uni
é it : y, President of Union
Serna to conduct evangelistic services in the Church. This great
and much-loved man came to, Maxton to preach during March of 1935.

While he was here, he was so impressed with the consecrated lab
, ors
of James Appleby that he decided to keep a close eye on this young

minister. Eleven years later he was to call Dr. Appleb as Director of
Field Work and Evangelism at Union Saminsigee y z

Mr. Appleby was in constant demand to lead evangelisti i
gelistic services at
nearby churches. In October, 1934, he was granted leave of absence to
, N. C. In April, 1935, he held services at Vass and Manly,

in September,

Sa frequent speake
nizations.

During October, 1934, Mr Clyde L. Green, the Superi
t ; , Mr. fs perintendent of Maxton
oe ee Miss TeRoy ee Marth, Sr., and Mr. Henry Cottingham
uling ers. Extensive painting and repai k
done on the Church building in the fall of 1934" Soe Mais

Rev. P. Cary Adams had been elected President of Presb teria
. <4 n
su College in the summer of 1934, and he and his family erred in
axton to begin the school year 1934-1935. Mr. Adams came from the

Pastorate of the Immanuel P i ilmi
The Misr resbyterian Church at Wilmington, N. C.

Appleby’s zeal in

“To one who, in spite of his youth, is a member
of the Board of Trustees of our college.

To one who, because of his youth, is interested
in the youth of this college.

To one who, because of his work as a minister

and student, has helped fashion by precept and
example the aims of a good college.”

The Church continued its spirit of close cooperati i
with the other Churches of Maxton: “On motion, Cau acco

it was decided that on Sunday night, December 9th, thi i
worship with our Methodist brethren at St. Paul’s Church Secon

Page 60.

of the return of Rev. W. L. Clegg as Pastor for the ensuing year.”
Several years later, “The clerk was instructed to write a letter of ap-
preciation to Rev. Leppard of the Maxton Baptist Church for his services
in our community during his pastorate in Maxton. . . It was decided to
dispense with our next Sunday night service in order to worship with
the Baptists in the last service to be led by Mr. Leppard before his
departure. . .”’ Certainly, one of the fruits of the Spirit of Christ is in-
creasing fellowship, and with the loving example of their young pastor
and his wife in their midst, the Maxton congregation was challenged
and uplifted ta new levels of friendship and spiritual communion.

The Alma Mission work continued to grow, and there were 55 enrolled

in the Sunday School during 1934. A small worship building was being
constructed at Alma in connection with the Methodists, and the Church
joined in the financial support of this Christian project which went beyond
denominational lines. During the Sunday evenings of June and July, 1935,
union services were held with the Methodist and Baptist Churches, the
loose offerings going for payment on salary of a Bible teacher in the
public schools.

In the spring of 1935, Dr. Lacy and Dr. Walter L. Lingle, the President
of Davidson College, conducted special evangelistic services. It is inter-
esting to notice that Mr. Appleby was ‘‘granted leave of absence to
attend the Sprunt Lectures at Union Seminary. . .’’ Throughout his minis-
try, Mr. Appleby attended these lectures, led by world-famous Church-
men and theologians, and the tradition has been largely carried on by
succeeding ministers.

1934 saw two younger members of the Church move to new communi-
ties. They were Louise McCallum Purcell and Malcolm P. McLean, Jr.
Mrs. Purcell, daughter of Ruling Elder J. B. McCallum, had been a
valuable and active member of the Church. “‘. . . Elder McKay McKinnon
was instructed to write a letter to Mrs. Purcell expressing the apprecia-
tion of the Session for her useful services while here. . .”” Mr. McLean
went into private business, which has today grown into the world-famous
McLean Trucking Company of Winston-Salem.

A “Pastoral Letter’ was sent to the congregation in January, 1935:

“Dear Fellow Members:

“After much thought and prayer, your Pastor and Elders
send you this letter of greeting and friendly exhortation. We
trust you will receive it in the kindly spirit in which it is
sent, and as if it were sent to you individually.

“Prevailing conditions in all walks of life today make it
hard to live a Christian life. The drag is definitely and
continuously downward, and oftentimes the tide seems to
be running strong against the principles of Christ, whose
Name we bear. Yet, there never was a time when the
world more needed the saving power of the Lord Jesus
Christ. This is a day when every professed follower of Him
should prove his loyalty by living a professed Christian life,
The line of separation in character and conduct between the
Christian and the godless should be sharp and distinct.
To this end we lovingly, but earnestly, entreat you to give
due attention to your Christian character and conduct. The
world judges the Church and even Christianity by you. We
therefore call to your attention some of the things which
are cutting the spiritual arteries of Christians and are there-

Page 61

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

John Sumter McRae, Jr., was a

by robbing them of the joy of salvation.

“The neglect of the means of grace by so many in our
Congregation gives us grave concern. Experience and ob-
servation prove that the Christian life cannot successfully
be lived by those who habitually neglect attendance on the
regular worship of the Church, the study of the Bible, private
prayer, and Christian service. You united with your Church
'n solemn covenant, pledging yourself to attend its services,
to pray for its members, to give to its full support, to protect
its name, to reverence its building, to honor its officers, and
to maintain its permanence. You owe it your endeavor and
sympathy, your sacrifice and prayers. When you neglect its
Services, you injure its fair name; you lessen its power; you
discourage its members; and you chill your own soul. Your
soul is in even more deadly peril when you neglect private
prayer and the daily reading of God’s Word. When you fail
to give the “cup of cold water’ in the Master’s Name, you
have failed in your discipleship to Him. The real Christian is
one who regularly uses the means ordained of God for the
nourishment of his spiritual life. We warn you against neg-
lecting them. Anything that tends to draw the soul away
from fellowship with Christ, or that impairs the influence of
Christ, should be studiously avoided. We call to your attention
the desecration of the Sabbath Day which is all too prevalent.
One cannot expect the godless world to honor it, but certainly
one has a right to expect the Christian to “remember the
Sabbath Day to keep it holy’. We likewise urge you to be
careful in the selection of the movies which you and your
children attend. If Christian people generally would refuse
their support to indecent and immoral pictures, there would
be a vast improvement in the whole industry.

“Intemperance is increasing alarmingly, and the situation
i our own congregation is particularly distressing. The liquor
traffic has ever been an aggressive enemy of character, the
home, the state, and the Church. For a Christian to have
any part in it creates a scandal for his Church. We bear
our solemn testimony against this evil. We urge you to refrain
from this and all other forms of intemperance.

Humbly we challenge you to join with us in a renewed and
more complete dedication of ourselves to Christ and to the
principles of righteousness which He taught. As helpers to-
gether, let us labor for the coming of His Kingdom.

“Sincerely yours,

“James Appleby, Pastor; R. D. Croom, Henry Cottingham,
C. L. Green, L. B. Martin, J. B. McCallum, Sr., J. B. Mc-

Callum, Jr., J. S. McRae, Rory McNair, McKay McKinnon
D. A. Patterson, J. P. wieain Elders.” y ;

Page 62

1 ppointed Choir Director in March, 1935,
replacing Mrs. V. A. Sydenstricker of the College faculty. Efforts were
also being made for a junior choir
Professor Henry Holliday,

organist during Mrs. R. M.
McCaskill serving from July 1 until October 1, 1936.

The Men of the Church
Hunter of Presbyterian Ju

composed of the younger children.
of Presbyterian Junior College, served as
Williams’ absence in 1935, with Mrs. J. C.

had been reorganized, with Professor Charles
nior College as President. In September, 1935,

 

a basket supper was held under their auspcies on the Church grounds.
The energetic young Pastor was at his best in group fellowship of this
sort. His warm greeting and sincerity pervaded the atmosphere, melting
the heart of the reserved or dignified. His spirit of wit and humour was
never absent, and the groups which he frequented found themselves
laughing at their troubles. This spirit was catching, and the young people
loved to be with him, offering to assist him in Church duties just to be
near. At Young People’s Conferences in Red Springs, where he was a
frequent speaker, the boys and girls would hang on his every word, their
affection for his vivacious spirit aiding them to lend an attentive
ear. In the summer of 1938 he was one of the featured Young People’s
Speakers, with another young preacher, Peter Marshall, at Massanetta
Springs, Virginia.

In March, 1936, Mr. Appleby secured the services of Mr. Henry Ruffner
Lowman, Jr., a middler at Union Theological Seminary, as summer as-
sistant. Now Dr. Lowman, this young man went on to serve churches in
Nitro, West Virginia; Staunton, Virginia; Richmond, Virginia; and the
Mt. Horeb Church, Grottoes, Virginia.

Dr. Donald W. Richardson, Professor of Missions and Comparative
Religion at Union Seminary, led special services in May, 1936.

Mr. Johnny McCallum, Jr., became Clerk of the Session in April, and
on April 6 he was requested by the Session “‘to write to Mrs. F, E. Coxe,
retiring president of the Auxiliary, congratulating the Auxiliary upon
their work during the past year’. Never was there the need to ‘‘reorgan-
ize” or “‘challenge’’ the work of the women. They were a challenge to
the rest of the Church, and words of congratulations and thanks: were
always in order.

Plans were made in October, 1936, for the celebration of the founding
of the Southern Presbyterian Church, which had been established on
December 4, 1861, in Augusta, Georgia. Two separate committees were
appointed — one to treat the history of the Assembly, with Mr. J. S.
McRae as Chairman, and the second to deal with the history of the local
Church, with Mr. McKay McKinnon as Chairman. In the local history
presented on that date, the author listed a series of things for which the
Maxton Church was grateful to God. After listing ministers and their
wives who had served the Church, and sons and daughters of the Church
for whom they were thankful, the History continued:

“We are grateful to God for that Christian band of women
whe through all the years of this Church’s existence, first
through the Foreign Missionary Societies and later through
the Women’s Auxiliary, have kept the great cause of Mis-
sions, both Foreign and Heme, so close to the hearts of this
people. With pardonable pride we feel safe in saying that
no Church of this size, either in Fayetteville Presbytery or
she Synod of North Carolina, has a more loyal, intelligent, or
faithful band of workers than this Church has in its Women’s
work.

“We are grateful to God for our Young People’s activities
in this Church. These young folks are organized under the
plan and direction of our church and are adding much to
the success of it. At the present time one of our young
workers, Jane McKinnon, is President of the Presbytery’s
Young People’s League. ;

“We are grateful to God for our Sunday School’s usefulness
which is a vital part of our Church organization.

Page 63

 

 

 
 

“We are grateful to God for the part our Church has had
ia the establishment of Presbyterian Junior College and for
the inspiration of the College students in our services and
for the splendid cooperation of the members of the faculty,

many of whom have been and now are members of our
congregation.

“We are thankful to God that ministers of such ability as
Dr. William Black, Dr. W. W. Orr, Dr. James I. Vance, Dr.
Albert S. Johnson, Dr. Ben R. Lacy, Dr. Walter L. Lingle,
and Dr. Donald W. Richardson have assisted in evangelistic
meetings in this Church.

“We are grateful to God for the memorials that have been
given our Church by families and individuals as loving re-

membrances of their loved ones who have labored in this
Church.

“We are grateful to God for that beautiful sight that oc-
curred in this Church one Sunday morning a few years
ago when every member- of one Sunday School class under

the leadership of Mrs. E. L. Siler united themselves with this
Church.

“We are grateful to God for our Mission Sunday School at
Alma that is doing such fine Christian work under the splen-
did leadership of Ruling Elder Henry Cottingham.

“We are grateful to God for the fine spirit of Christian fel-
lowship that exists now and has always existed between
the Christian Churches of this community.

“We are grateful to God for the beautiful sight on Thanks-
giving morning when six infants were presented by their
parents, all members of our Church, and received the ordi-
nance of Infant Baptism.

“For all these Blessings and many more, we are Grateful to
God, and to Him we give the Praise.”

Mr. Appleby was in Richmond, Virginia, from January until April, 1937,
studying at Union Seminary on work leading to his Doctor’s Degree.
During his absence, Rev. P. Cary Adams of Presbyterian Junior College
supplied the pulpit and served as Acting Moderator of the Session. In
March the Ruling Elders, led by Mr. McKay McKinnon, expressed. their
appreciation to Mr. Adams “‘. . . for the splendid service to the congre-
gation during the three-month absence of our pastor. . .”

As early as 1924, the congregation had recognized and discussed the
need for greater Sunday School space. The depression, beginning in
1929, stopped any moves to construct a Religious Education Building,
but financial conditions had improved enough by 1937 for a discussion
of the situation. Under Mr. Appleby’s leadership, it was decided to call

a congregational meeting to consider “. . . plans for the erection of a
new Sunday School building.”

On January 10, 1937, the meeting was held and the Building Commit-
tee presented its report. First, the architect’s proposed plan was submit-
ted to the congregation. Sunday School Superintendent John Luther
McLean then presented a letter from the teachers of the Sunday School
expressing their feeling of need for such a building. A general discus-
sion followed, in which talks were made favoring the building by John

Page 64

 

McKinnon, Mrs. L. B. Martin, Sr., Mrs. McBryde Austin, Mrs. R. A.
McLeod, Mr. J. B. McCallum, Jr., Mr. F. E. Coxe, and Mr. John S.
McRae, Sr. Since no opposition was expressed, the motion was made and
Carried that a Sunday School building be constructed. The members of
the Building Committee were: J. B. McCallum, Jr., Chairman, F. E.
Coxe, John Luther McLean, Franklin L. Hyndman, McKay McKinnon,
Krnest P. Williams, R. L. McLeod, Miss Maggie McKinnon, Mrs. McBryde
Austin, Mrs. L. B. Martin, Sr., and the Pastor.

On March 14, Mr. A. Hensel Fink, architect, of the Philadelphia firm of

Wenner and Fink, was introduced to the congregation. The progress of
the committee was reported in detail, and the committee was authorized
to solicit funds. When one half of the estimated amount of fourteen
thousand dollars was reached, the committee was to let contracts and
Proceed with construction.

Mr. J. Wilson Rowe, Jr., of Union Theological Seminary arrived in
June to begin his duties as summer assistant. Rev. Rowe has since
served churches in Lexington Presbytery, Virginia; in Stockton, Ala-
bama; in Radford, Virginia; and Bedford, Virginia. He is currently at
Union, West Virginia.

From April 28th through May 9th, 1937, Rev. John R. Williams, Presby-
terian evangelist of Atlanta, Georgia, conducted services in the Church.
At the Session meeting on May 11, “. . . the motion was made and duly
Carried authorizing a pastoral letter to all members of the congregation
who signed cards during the recent meetings held by Mr. Williams, signi-
fying their desire to live Christ-like lives.”

That summer, Mr. Appleby organized a two-week Daily Vacation Bible
School, which was held in cooperation with other pastors in town. Plans
Were alsc made, through a committee composed of Mr. Appleby, Mr.
McKay McKinnon, Mr. Danny Patterson, and Mr. Roy Martin, for the

men of the Church to give a barbecue in honor of the ladies of the
Church.

Three young people were preparing to go into full-time Christian service
during these years, Miss Jane McKinnon, Mr. James Sprunt Mann, and
Mr. John R. McKinnon, Jane McKinnon, after graduating from Maxton
High School, had attended Presbyterian Junior College and Flora McDon-
ald College. She entered enthusiastically into Church work and served as
President of the Fayetteville Presbytery Young People’s Organization.
She was trained as a Director of Christian Education, and aided Dr.
Appleby both at Maxton and Anderson, S. C. She also worked in the
Columbia, S. C., Presbyterian Church. Today she is Mrs. Thomas Oldroyd
and is living in Columbia, South Carolina. John R. McKinnon was a very
young boy when Mr. Appleby arrived in Maxton. He was living in the
home of Miss Maggie McKinnon, where he was receiving devoted Chris-
tian training. Mr. Appleby immediately befriended the little boy and a
Close relationship began between the two. In the summer of 1938, fol-
lowing his graduation from high school, John McKinnon was attending
Church Conferences at Montreat and the idea of entering the ministry be-
came more fixed in his heart. He entered Davidson College, graduating
in 1942, He was immediately called into the United States Army, and
took part in the heavy fighting of the Pacific theatre of operations.
Following his discharge, he entered Union Seminary, graduating in 1949.
He had served as pastor at Kingsport, Tennessee, only a short time when
he was called back into active duty as an Air Force Chaplain. Following
his release, he became the very popular pastor of the Cheraw, S. C.,
Presbyterian Church. He is now Pastor of the historic First Presbyterian
Church of Wilmington, N. C., and as a dedicated, talented minister he

Page 65

 

 

 
 

is being greatly used. One of his children, James, is named for Dr.
Appleby, and another, Margaret, is named for Miss Maggie McKinnon,
both of whom had such a strong influence in his life. James Sprunt
Mann was the son cf Rev. John O. Mann, the Director of Religious Edu-
cation for the Synod of North Carolina, who lived in Maxton from 1935
through 1938. James’ older brother, Jack Mann, was on the faculty of
Presbyterian Junicr College. After graduation from Davidson College.
James Mann entered Union Seminary, completing his work in 1949. He
has served as Stated Supply in Abingdon Presbytery, Virginia; Pastor
of the Fifth Creek and Bethesda Church in Concord Presbytery, North

Carolina; and Pastor of the Williamston, South Carolina, Presbyterian
Church.

In 1936 the Church historian had recorded: ‘‘We are grateful to God for
cur present energetic, scholarly and spiritual Pastor, Rev. James
Appleby, and our prayers are that the Lord in His wisdom may use
him for the upbuilding of His Kingdom in this community for many years
to come. . .” In December, 1937, Mr. Appleby received a call from the
Tazewell, Virginia, Presbyterian Church. He requested that the Church
consider his resignation, and a congregational meeting was called. On
December 19, the congregation met, with Elder McKay McKinnon as
Moderator. Ruling Elder J. B. McCallum, Jr., made a statement, ‘‘giving
reasons why the congregation should not concur with the Pastor in his
petition to Presbytery, and made the motion, which was seconded, that
we do not join in this request for dissolution. Mr. F. E. Coxe then read
a Resolution from the Board of Trustees of Presbyterian Junior College,
expressing a very earnest desire that the Pastor remain in this charge
and that the congregation would urge that his relationship not be dis-
solved. Mr. McCallum’s motion was then voted on and unanimously the
congregation declined to join with our Pastor in his request to the Pres-
bytery. . .” In the meeting at Presbytery, in addition to the sincere resolu-
tions adopted by the Maxton congregation, J. B. McLeod, then a fresh-
man at P. J. C., spoke, urging that Mr. Appleby remain in Maxton
because of his outstanding work with the college boys.

The strength of the expressions urged Mr. Appleby to remain, and
the work went on in Maxton. Plans were made to invite Dr. Edward
Mack, Professor of Hebrew and Old Testament Introduction at Union
Seminary, to, conduct an officers’ training school. A church newspaper
was produced, serving to interest the congregation in the work of the
Church. Dr. Frank Crossley Morgan, formerly minister at Augusta,
Georgia, was invited to hold evangelistic services in April, 1938. Every
means of evangelistic witness was used; stamps were purchased, with

the words ‘Attend Church Regularly”, and given to selected business
houses to be used on outgoing mail.

Since two Ruling Elders, Mr. J. P. Wiggins and Mr. H. M. Cottingham,
had moved from Maxton, new Elders were elected in January, 1938.
Mr. Frances E. Coxe and Mr. Roger Martin McGirt were chosen, both
men rendering loyal service to the Church. Mr. McGirt, previously of
the College faculty and then Principal of the Maxton Public Schools,

had been named for the first Pastor of the Shoe Heel Church, Rev.
Roger Martin.

Over the years the Church had maintained mission work at various
locations in the area. The Alma Mission work had begun after the turn
of the century, as had the work begun by Dr. McIlwaine at the com-
munity of Midway, south of Maxton. Both of these endeavors had borne
fruit. In later years the Church had begun mission work at Turnout,
the site of an old race track, northwest of Maxton. This work was dis-

Page 66

 

 

 

Continued in February, 1938, when the Baptist Church resumed their
former work in that field. Yet the Church continued to reach out into
other Home Mission areas: ‘‘. . . the following Elders were appointed
by the Pastor: ... McKay McKinnon, as to whether Sunday School at
Presbyterian Junior College is practical; R. M. McGirt to investigate,
Harmony section; F. E. Coxe to investigate the Indian field; L. B. Mar-
tin to investigate the McEachin section . . .” In October, 1938, the Session

_ 4ssumed responsibility for mid-week prayer services at Alma.

In March, 1938, the Pastor wrote letters of appreciation for the Session
to Mr. John Luther McLean, retiring Sunday Schoool Superintendent,
and to Mrs. Lacy Williams, retiring adult adviser to the Young People
of the Church. Mr. McLean is now an outstanding Church layman and
businessman, living in Lumberton, N. C. Mr. McKay McKinnon was
elected to succeed him, and Mrs. F. E. Coxe was elected Young People’s
Adviser. A new name appears in the minutes, when Mrs. R. D. Croom,
Jr., was elected director of the Junior Choir. Mrs. Croom, blessed with
a marvelous singing voice, has used her talents through the years to
add te the musical witness of the Church.

The summer of 1938 was a busy one for Mr. Appleby. Rev. P. Cary
Adams had resigned at P..J. C., and the Trustees had asked Rev.
Appleby to serve as President until a full-time executive could be secured.
P. J. C. students Dick McMillan, later dying as hero in the second World
War, and James B. McLeod, now an outstanding Presbyterian minister,
had volunteered their services, and were working in the mission outposts
adjacent to Maxton. In addition, Mr. and Mrs. Appleby had been blessed
with a baby girl, Elizabeth, who was baptized on May 3, 1938.

Mr. Carl Stark, a junior at Union Seminary, arrived in June to begin
his duties as assistant pastor. In August, Mr. Stark, James McLeod,
and Dick McMillan met with the Session and reported of their work

during the summer. The Session expressed its strong appreciation for
their work. :

Hidden in the paragraph of the Session minutes for September 13, 1938,
were lines which unknowingly served as a prelude for days of the
immediate future, ‘‘. . . The motion was made and duly carried that
a letter be written to the commanding officer of the air base camp
inviting all the officers and men te attend our Church while in town. . .”
In just three years the whole world would be plunged into the most
terrible war of its history, and already the nation was beginning to
enlarge its armies and hold training maneuvers. The Maxton Church
hiker ees to be a center of worship for thousands of soldiers training
In the war.

On that same day, ‘‘. .. McKay McKinnon, Chairman, J. B. McCallum,
Jr., and F. E. Coxe were appointed a committee with the Pastor to ar-
range for the laying of the cornerstone of our new Religious Education
Building. . .” The Pastor, Committee, and congregation had worked
hard and effectively, and now the dream had become an impressive
reality. October 30 was the day for the laying of the cornerstone, and it
was a thrilling service in the history of the Church. Following a brief
Congregational worship, whose theme was found in the Call to Worship,
“Our help is in the name of the Lord, Who made heaven and earth . . .
Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it”, the
ceremony of the cornerstone was conducted, with Mr. McKay McKinnon
presiding. ‘‘All Hail The Power of Jesus’ Name!’’ was sung by the
Church, and Mr. John Luther McLeon led in prayer. Then greetings
Were presented by the various departments of the Church. Little Beth
Appleby represented the Cradle Roll, and Jimmy Patterson spoke for

Page 67

 

 

 

 
 

 

 

 

the Beginners’ Department. Nancy McKinnon brought greetings from
the Primary Department, Sara Alice Austin from the Junior Depart-
ment, and Flora Elizabeth Currie from the Intermediate Department.
Russell Hellekson returned from Davidson College to represent the
Senior Young People’s Department, and from the Adult Department,
Mrs. Howard Hasty spoke for the Women, and Mr. Luther McNeill for
the Men. Benny McKinnon brought greetings from the Young People
of the Church, Mrs. McBryde Austin from the Women’s Auxiliary, Mr.
John B. McCallum, Jr., from the Trustees, Mr. Howard C. McNair from
the Diaconate, and Mr. J. B. McCallum, Sr., from the Session. In addi-
tion greetings were sent from the Presidents of Flora McDonald College,
Dr. Henry C. Bedinger; Davidson College, Dr. Walter L. Lingle; Union
Theological Seminary, Dr. Ben R. Lacy; and Presbyterian Junior Col-
lege, Rev. Louis C. LaMotte.

Messages were extended from the General Assembly, Hon. Willis M.
Everett, Moderator; the Synod of North Carolina, Dr. Watson M. Fairley,
Moderaior; Fayetteville Presbytery, Rev. H. R. Poole, Moderator; and
the Director of Religious Education in the Synod, Dr. J. O. Mann,
Director. Reading these greetings were Mrs. Lacy Williams, Dr. Robert
D. Croom, Jr., Mr. Carl H. Stark, Mr. J. O. Mann, Jr., Mr. F. E. Coxe,
Mr. Roger M. McGirt, Mr. C. L. Green, and Mr. B. W. Gentry.

Speaking for the sons and daughters of the Church was Miss Bessie
MacLean, and for former ministers, Mr. McKay McKinnon. The Pastor,
Rev. Appleby, made a few closing remarks, the laying of the cornerstone
was accomplished, and the congregation sang ::The Church’s One
Foundation’’. After the Benediction, dinner was served on the grounds.

In December the Session turned the Christmas service on Sunday
night before Christmas over to the junior choir, which was under the
direction of Mrs. L. D. Rice. At the same time, it was decided that
no service would be held on Christmas night, as the Young People of
the Church planned to go caroling. It was the custom of Rev. and Mrs.
Appleby and other adult advisers to accompany the young people on
their caroling tours, and the greatest joy many of the people got out
of the tour was teasing Mr. Appleby about his singing attempts. As one
person said, “. . . there were many things Jim Appleby could do, but
one thing he couldn’t do was carry a tune. . .” Dr. Appleby always joined
in with the fun, and it was even suggested that a trio be organized, com-
posed of Elder “Shorty” Green,, “Mac” McKinnon, and Mr. Appleby —
all of which meant hilarity for all concerned, as none of these wonderful
men could make more than a “joyful noise. . .”! Such was the spirit of

warm friendship and understanding that existed between the congrega-
tion ‘and its Pastor.

On February 7, 1939, the Session ‘“‘voted to place a tablet on the door
of the primary room of our new Sunday School building, stating that
the room was furnished in the memory of J. W. Carter, III, by his father,
and a letter be written to his father thanking him for this gift. . .”

During August, 1938, Rev. Louis C. LaMotte, Executive Secretary of the
Thernwell Orphanage in Clinton, S. C., accepted the Presidency of

Prebyterian Junior College. In January, 1939, Rev. LaMotte and his
family arrived in Maxton.

Evangelistic services were held in April, led by Rev. Ted Mercer,
minister from Savannah, Georgia. On April 7, 1939, the Session held
its regular monthly meeting, and James Appleby presented his resigna-

tion in erder to accept a call to the First Presbyterian Church of
Anderson, S. C. :

The congregational meeting to consider the Pastor’s request was called

Page 68

 

to crder on April 16. “. . . Following the statement by Mr. Appleby .. .
the motion was made by Mr. McKay McKinnon that the congregation
concur with the Pastor in his request to Presbytery to, dissolve his rela-
tionship with this Church. . .” On May 2, 1939, the Session sadly held its
last meeting with the young Pastor who, in the words of an older mem-
ber, “. . . had come into Maxton like a tornado and gone out like a
hurricane. . .”” Miss Lillian Austin met with the Session and “‘the motion
was made and duly carried that our Church go, on record to support
either fully or partially one or more missionaries on our foreign
fields. . .,” the missionaries to be recommended by a committee meet-
ing with Miss Austin. The Session also requested that Carl Stark of
Union Seminary begin his summer work by May 2ist ‘‘. . . so there will
be no break in our services after our pastor leaves to take up his new
work. . .”” Elders L. B. Martin, Sr., and C. L. Green were put in charge
of the outpost mission work while the Church was without a regular
Pastor. Ruling Elder McKay McKinnon was chosen to act as Moderator
of the Session.

_ At the end of the meeting the Pastor and Elders stood and while join-
ing hand sang ‘‘Blest Be the Tie that Binds.” McKay McKinnon then
Concluded this inspiring witness to the binding love of Christ by lead-
ing in prayer ‘‘. . . thanking God for the relationship of our Pastor and
the Church and asking His continued blessing upon this Church and upon
our Pastor and his family in their new work and new home . . .

Thus ended six of the happiest years in the history of the Maxton Pres-
byterian Church.

Twelve days later, a signed resolution was presented to Dr. Appleby:

“Mindful of the exceedingly close Christian fellowship
that has at all times existed between each member of our
Session and our beloved Pastor, Rev. James Appleby, and
also realizing the great amount of good that he has ac-
complished during these six years that he has served us
and our community so faithfully as minister and friend,
each of us as individuals wishes to express to you our per-
sonal love and esteem, and wishes for you and all those
dear to you God’s richest blessings—always.”’

Dr. Appleby went on to distinguished service in the Church of Jesus
Christ. His pastorate at Anderson lasted until 1946, when he accepted
the new position of Director of Field Work and Evangelism at Union
Theological Seminary at the urging of Dr. Ben Lacy. He has served
as Moderator of Fayetteville, Piedmont, and East Hanover Presbyteries;
Chairman of the Council on Evangelism of the General Assembly; and
President of the Richmond, Virginia, Ministerial Union. He has been
selected a member of such vital church committees as the Executive
Committee of the Virginia Council of Churches; the Executive Commit-
tee of the Board of Christian Education of the Southern Church; the
Special Study Committee, Educational Task of the Ministry, for the
Southern Church; and Representative from the Presbyterian Church in
the United States on the Joint Committee for the Revision of the Book of
Common Worship.

In addition to his undergraduate membership in Phi Beta Kappa and
Omicron Delta Kappa, Dr. Appleby was chosen National President of
Gamma Sigma Epsilon Chemical Fraternity. He is the author of
SCIENCE AND RELIGION and THE GLORY OF THE CHURCH, and
has written various Sunday School Lesson Materials. His alma mater,
Davidson College, honored him with the Doctor of Divinity degree in

Page 69

 

 
In 1955, Dr. Appleby was a Research Fellow at Yale University.
rector of Field Work and Evangelism, he fills an important posi-
tion at Union Seminary with great zeal and ability. Two children—

Mary Ann and James—have been born to Dr. and Mrs. Appleby since
they left Maxton.

In a letter to the congregation, Dr. Appleby wrote:
“My dear friends:

“Truly, ‘I do thank my God upon every remembrance
of you—for your fellowship in the gospel from the first
day until now.’ That first day for us was twenty-five
years ago, and in that quarter of a century, many
changes have been made and many faces whom we
loved are now lost for awhile; but the testimony of the
beloved Maxton Church goes on from strength to strength.

“On this occasion of the eightieth anniversary of the
founding of this congregation, you have my prayers and
very best’ wishes. I trust the succeeding years will bring
a deepening of the faith of all the members of the con-
gregation and a greater loyalty to the Church—the body
of Christ, and a growing desire to witness by lip and life
to the saving power of God in Jesus Christ.

“Mrs. Appleby and Beth, who was born in Maxton
and who represented the Cradle Roll at the occasion’
of the laying of the cornerstone of the Religious Educa-
tion building, would join me in love for you.

“And now may the Lord bless you and keep you and
cause His face to continue to shine upon you.”

JOHN H. McKINNON

Mr. Carl Stark, of Union Seminary, worked closely with the

Session during the Summer months of 1939, and in his last service, on
August 23, the following resolution was read:

“Whereas, Mr. Carl Stark has efficiently and ener-
getically served our Church most acceptably as Supply
Minister during the summer of 1939, and Whereas the time
has now arrived when it is necessary that he leave us
for futher Preparing himself for the Ministry; There-
fore, Be it resolved, That we extend to Mr. Stark our
deep appreciation for his splendid services and wish for
our friend and fellow worker in the Master’s Kingdom

God’s richest blessings as he continues the work that
he loves so well.”

Carl Stark graduated at Union in 1940, and began his pastoral duties

at Lansing, N. C. He served as a Chaplain from 1944 until 1946, when

he became Pastor at Pilot Mountain, N. C. Dr. Stark is now ministering
in Burlington, NiCr

The Church had grown to a membership of 407 in 1939. A committee
composed of Mr. F. BE. i

In: their travels over the South, a tall, young minister from Cairo,
Georgia, vividly impressed the committee. On July 22, 1939, the Session
“..... decided . . ; that we change the regular Wednesday night prayer
Service to Tuesday night . . . so that we may hear Rev. John H. Mc-
Kinnon, Jr.”

John (Jack) McKinnon was a native of Tampa, Florida. In 1928 he
entered Davidson College, graduating in 1932 with an outstanding rec-
ord. He was one of the most popular students in the College, and was
admired and respected as a campus leader. Interestingly enough, some
cf his classmates during those Davidson years were living in Maxton when
he arrived: Dr. R. D. Croom, Jr., was a Deacon in the Church, and John
O. (Jack) Mann, Jr., Charles Little, and H. S. Brown were on the Col-
lege faculty. At Union Theological Seminary his ability was recognized
when he was awarded a fellowship for post-graduate work. In 1935, fol-
lowing his graduation from Union, he studied at New College, University
of Edinburgh, Scotland. During 1936 he continued his theological work
at the University of Teubingen, Germany. That same year Be wes
called to his first pastorate at the Cairo, Georgia, Presbyterian Nae ,

Maxton was deeply moved by the ability of this young minister. ae
Carried himself with a grace and peace that only Christ gives; he spo e
with a beauty, simplicity, and depth that only sincere consecration gives;
he lived with a patience, joy, and love that only faith in God gives.
“There was a radiance about him, and when he moved into your pres-
ence .. . you felt that, somehow, Christ was present also...

At a congregational meeting on July 23, “. . . Mr. Roger McGirt, rep-
resenting the aceseudente committee, recommended that Mr. John
H. McKinnon : . . be called . . . The motion was carried by unanimous
Vote. Elected as a commission to prosecute the call before the Pres-
bytery in Georgia were Mr. J. B. McCallum, Jr., Mr. McKay McKinnon,
Dr. R. D. Croom, Jr., Mr. James L. McNair, Jr., and Mr. R. L. Mc-
Leod, Sr. . .”

In August, the new Pastor arrived in the “town of Macs,’’ and “. . .
Ruling Wlder McKay McKinnon was authorized to invite the other
Churches in town to wership with us at the night service of September
ist, which is the first night service to be led by Rev. John McKinnon, Jr.,
our’ new Pastor :.. .”

The congregation decided to aid in the financial support of foreign
missionaried Miss Margaret Wood and Rev. and Mrs. L. 0. McCutchen.
This motion was made to the congregation by Mr. McBryde Austin,
brother of Miss Lillian Austin, who had returned to Maxton from the
Mission Field because of her health.

Ruling Elder John Sumter McRae’s long and useful life was ended
on Sesrcnee 7, 1939. The Session expressed ‘‘. . . gratitude to oun
Heavenly Father for the Christian life of this good man, who has serve
the Church faithfully and capably for more than fifty years, serving as
a Deacon from 1887 until 1921 and as a Ruling Elder from 1921 until his
death)...

Ev v. McKinnon preached his first sermon in Maxton, Radio
Berlintannourted that Adolph Hitler’s Panzer Divisions had invaded the
helpless nation of Poland. Great Britain and France declared war on
Germany, and the Second World War had begun. The United States
Managed to stay out of this conflict until December, 1941, but many of
the young people to whom the Pastor was preaching would soon be in
war service, and several would make the Supreme Sacrifice. It was a
time filled with tensions and fears, and more than ever before people

Page 71

 

 

 
 

He was called to hold special evangelistic services through ‘
‘ ; out the

,» at Philadelphus and Varina Churches in 1939, in Ashe County in

i In addition, he

[ ] 2 Macdonald Col-
lege, along with addresses and sermons to Maxton institutions and or-

ganizations. In 1940, he was the featured
Hamearune cece ured speaker at the Centre Church

The Church lost a valuable son when John Luther McLe
‘an moved to
Ren N. C. Mr. McLean, now an Elder in the Lumberton Church,
as been a leader in Men’s Work of the Synod of North Carolina, serving

is Synod officer, and as President of the Men of Fayetteville Presby-

The students of Presbyterian Junior Colle; invi
n yterian ge were invited to Maxton
homes for dinner and visiting in February, 1940, under the direction of
e peso In addition, the P. J. C. boys were annually entertained at
a welcoming party under the auspices of the Young People.

Miss Bessie MacLean and Mr. J. W. Carter ial gi
p _ J. W. presented material gifts
Hee Satreh in early 1940. The Session wrote a letter of thanks to “Miss
Saeetiy on ... her works and gifts in fixing up our Church Reception
Ay te ae to Mr. Carter “. . , thanking him for his gift of the fine pi-
a o the Primary Department of our Sunday School.’
pecial Thanksgiving Day Services continued as a tradition of the

Church, and Mr. McKinnon introduced the communion services on each
New Year S eve.

R. M. Williams,

Kinnon, Mr. Mill: irkpatrick Mr. LeRo i
. : i; y Martin, Jr., and Mr. McKa
McKinnon. Mr. Dave Campbell was Superintendent at the Alma Sanday
. at Alma and Hill Memorial Sunday

“.. . Charles Parrish, Denver Blevins, and Bill Young, college students,

Schongtne teers to them for their splendid work in the Mission

In the Presbytery Study Booklet for 1940, Home Missions In Fayette-

ville Presbytery, t!
eee Daan he Chapel work of the Maxton Church was held up

“About two miles southeast of i
follows its straight line down to ime te he tito eee
munity of Alma. A veneer plant, the few little homes which
house its workmen, and a small, white chapel — that’s
all there is to Alma. But no, there is more than that, for

there are the people. When ill is si
and the afternoon has st eee rae

 

the strains of an old familiar hymn can be heard as the
people lift their voices to God in praise.

“If you were to visit the chapel on a Sunday afternoon
you would find twenty-odd Sunday School scholars. The
Superintendent is a faithful deacon in the Maxton Church.
The organist is one of its most consecrated young women,
and she also teaches the children’s class. And the young
man teaching the adult class is a student at Presbyterian
Junior Coliege. Every other Sunday there is a preaching
service conducted by the pastor of the town church. Some-
tumes there is an extra student from the College who has
come along to offer one of the prayers.

“The chapel at Alma once belonged to another denomi-
nation. But somehow the work was allowed to be dis-
continued. For a long number of years Sunday afternoon
found the chapel as silent as the deserted veneer plant.
Then a Presbyterian Elder who lived nearby began creating
a hunger for worship and instruction as he dropped sugges-
tions here and there among the people. Finally came
the request on their part for a work to be started. It’s al-
ways better when it comes from the people themselves.
There was no place to meet except in the home of that
Presbyterian Elder, for the chapel meanwhile had been
bought by the mill and was being used for other purposes.
After a time a vacant house, centrally located, was secur-
ed. The work was divided between the Presbyterians and
the denomination which had originally started the chapel.
But after a while the others discontinued the work, and
soon it was a Presbyterian mission full-time. And when
the officials of the mill saw that the work was in earnest,
they gave the building back to the people. That all hap-
pened four years or so ago, and the Alma Chapel continues
its ministry today.

“If you’ve spent any time at all within the boundaries of
Fayetteville Presbytery, you must have heard of Dr. H. G.
Hill, When he died in 1924, he was completing his thirty-
seventh year as pastor of the Maxton Church and the nine-
third year of his long and useful life. The Sunday before
his death he occupied his pulpit as usual! Hill Memorial
Chapel, just northwest of Maxton, is a living monument to
the life of Maxton’s great preacher. It is the younger of
two mission works conducted by the town church.

“About two years ago, two splendid young ministerial
students at Presbyterian Junior College, working under the
direction of the Session of the local Church, made a thorough
survey of the outskirts of the town, with a view to estab-
lishing a mission point if the need should be indicated. The
results of that careful survey showed that there were several
families without church affiliation living near an abandoned
race track. When questioned, the people expressed a desire
of having a Sunday School started in their community. And
it began in the shed of a tobacco barn! After several months
of Sunday afternoon Sunday School and_twice-a-month
preaching, a week of special services was held. The seed had
been well sown and carefully nurtured, so the harvest was
truly plenteous. The baptismal service in that rude tobacco

Page 73

 

 
Mr.

Elders

In
colleg

barn shed was a thrilling experience for the Session of the
town Church, for on the Sunday following the revival meeting
twenty-five were received into the Church on their profes-
sion of faith in Christ. The significant thing about it all was

that just two miles from a town which is distinctively Christ-
lan was Virgin soil.

“About this time the Church in town was completing a
new educational building. One of the Men’s Bible classes
which had been using a weather-boarded tent in the Church
yard for a classroom, offered it to the people of the Mis-
sicn. In a few days they came in a truck and hauled it
away to the old racetrack. A small strip of land was se-
cured, a new roof put on, and the neatly painted little
chapel stands at the crossroads today. Its pews were made
by hands eager to, serve a newly-found Christ.

“A full program is conducted at Hill Memorial. The Sun-
day School is Superintended by one of the students from
the College. He also, takes time to go out each Thursday
night for a prayer meeting service. Another college boy
teaches the adult class. One of the children’s classes is
taught by a Maxton young person and the other by one of
the Church’s fine women. The Young People’s organization
furnishes volunteers ta play the little organ. And on Sunday
nights these young converts are meeting for prayer and
Bible study and providing their own teaching. Something
of their enthusiasm can be seen from the fact that on the
Sunday before this article was written forty people, plus the
little brown dog who is a regular attendant, crowded the
chapel. During the summer months a more comprehensive
Program is put on in the chapels. The work is under the
direction of a Seminary student. Vacation Church Schools,

recreational programs, and social activities mark the life
of both communities, ‘

“And so two communities are being served, and the
Pastor and people of the- Maxton Church are finding that

their own lives are being enriched through the joy of taking
Christ to others.”

r., Mr. James L. Mc

addition ‘to Charles

e boys wh

Howard C. McNair and Mr. Franklin L. Hyndman were elected
in April, 1940. Members. of the Board of Deacons during these
ded Mr. R. F; Morris, Mr. E. P. Williams, Mr. C. S. Mcin-

 

A-son of the Church, Charles Kirkpatrick, was also attending Leta Ce
at this time. He later entered the Presbyterian Ministry, and is cur-
rently the popular Pastor of the Forest City, N. C., Presbyterian Church.
He is following in the tradition of his father, Rev. G. F. Kirkpatrick,
who was a beloved Pastor of Centre and Smyrna Churches for many
years.

During the summer of 1940, Mr. Robert B. McNeill was the extremely
popular ‘Wacistent Pastor. On September 1, “‘the Clerk was instructed
to write Mr. Rob MeNeill, summer student assistant pastor, expressing
our pleasure and appreciation for his services ape Rob McNeill
graduated from Union Seminary in 1942, becoming Student Worker in
The Maxwell Street Church, Lexington, Ky., in 1942. He was Student
Worker at the University Church, Austin, Texas, in 1945, and became
Pastor of the Fairfield Highlands, Alabama, Church in 1946. ne
lowing a pastorate at Jacksonville, he is now the Pastor of the Hh
Presbyterian Church, Columbus, Georgia. A few years ago an article
by Rev. McNeill on the contemporary South and the racial question
was featured in Look Magazine.

The young Maxton Pastor “took unto himself a wife”’ on November
30, 1940, The Session minutes of November 17 record, “Due to Mr. ne
Kinnon’s expected absence because of his approaching marriage, the
Clerk was instructed to secure a minister for the Thanksgiving Service
and for all services of the Church and both Missions during his ab-
Sence . . .”” On November 28: ‘‘The motion was made and duly carried
that our Pastor be granted leave of absence for as long as he Alesis
and that it not come off his summer vacation . . . There was a es
of sadness in the midst of the happiness: ““The clerk was instructe B
Convey to Mr. McKinnon this action of the Session and also to express .
him the sympathy and love of the Session during the recent illness an
death of his father .. .”

Maxton excitedly welcomed its Pastor and his bride, the former
Miss Ethel Bese Mrs. McKinnon had been serving as Peete of
Christian Education in the Myers Park Presbyterian Church of ‘ ra
lotte, and she became a loyal co-worker with her husband in the duties
of the Church.

; Pera, L.
In 1941 two officers moved to new communities: Deacon James
MeNair, today a valuable leader in the Laurinburg Church, piglaee
Roger Martin McGirt, who, with his wife, had added much to the

life of the Church, to Lenoir, N. C.

F. Ra iddle, Jr., served the Church as Summer Assistant in 1941.
At the ais summer, ‘‘The Session expressed to Mr. Riddle its
appreciation for the very fine work that he has done during the sum-
mer months.” Rev. Riddle completed his Union Seminary training in
1943, and became Pastor of the Lakeview Church of New Orleans, La.,
that same year.

> In July of 1941 the Maxton Church entertained Fayetteville Pres-
bytery.
On August 9 plans were being organized for the Church Homecoming

Day, to be held in October, 1941. ‘The Pastor reported on Homecoming
Peconess . . . It was decided to invite all former Pastors of this Church

 

inistry, and all sons of this Church who are now in the ministry to take part

2 . Homer Spencer, in the Homecoming Service . . . McKay McKinnon was appointed coals

Onary in Mexico, Thomas Stixrud, another man of the historical committee with our Pastor to be in AghaneS os 1e

B. Poole, Cecil Calis, and Fitzhugh Read. Memorial Service . . . It was decided to have a picnic dinner to be in
in the Home Mission Chapels of the Church. charge of the Auxiliary and Diaconate . . .

Page 74 Page 75

 
 

 

 

 

The War in Europe continued to endanger the peace of the United
States, and the government stepped up the training of its armies.
Maneuvers were held in the vicinity of Maxton during the fall months
of 1941. Troops were quartered 2 miles east of Maxton, on the Lumber-
ton highway. The Churches of Maxton attempted to reach out the hand
of fellowship to these men, and on September 9, ‘‘A general discussion
was held looking to the entertainment of the soldiers stationed here
- .. and a tentative plan of the three churches was endorsed.”
In December, after the troops had left, ‘The Pastor was requested to
express the Session’s appreciation to the President of the Auxiliary
for the Sunday night socials for the soldiers . cia

On Sunday morning, December 7, 1941, the Session met at 10:40 a. m.
to receive “. . . John Hunter LaMotte, after due examination, into the
membership of this Church .. .”” As the Session was meeting, Japanese
war planes were atiacking Pearl Harbor and Hickham Field, Hawaii.
President Roosevelt immediately declared war and Christians of Ameri-
ca went to their knees in prayer. Ahead were over four years of suf-
fering for the entire world. There would be many changes in Maxton,
as her sons and daughters went off to war, and a huge United States
Air Force Base, the largest Glider Base in the world, was built one mile
northwest of the community. As many as 25,000 soldiers were stationed
at the Laurinburg-Maxton Air Base at one time, after its construction
in the summer of 1942. Many of these soldiers would participate in the
historic ‘‘D-Day”’ Normandy invasion of Europe on June 6, 1944. To
them the war was an actuality, and the Churches of the Laurinburg and
Maxton area were crowded with uniforms. The Maxton Church, under
guidance of Rev. McKinnon and the Women’s Auxiliary, welcomed the
soldiers, and began a series of Social Hours, which became a popular
tradition with the thousands of boys far away from their homes. A
map of the United States was placed in the Church, which showed that
soldiers from all over the country had worshipped and fellowshipped
for a few hours in the Maxton Presbyterian Church. Many were com-
forted by the Gospel in times of sorrow or fear, others were challenged

in times of temptation. Thus, the Maxton Church came peculiarly face-
to-face with the World War effort.

In crowded living conditions, the citizens of Maxton opened their
homes to the soldier families. Presbyteran Junior College, which re-
mained open during the war with only a handful of civilian students,
opened its dormitory building to the families. New stores and business
activity centered in the Maxton area, as the community experienced
its greatest growth in population since 1910.

Scores of the young people of the Church entered military service,
and the Session purchased “ . . . Testaments, as needed, to send to
all members of our Church as they enter our country’s service.”’

In February, 1942, Rev. McKinnon was elected Moderator of Fay-

etteville Presbytery. The cooperative community spirit of the churches
continued..

“e

--. It was decided that we participate in a Union Service at the
Baptist Church on next Sunday night instead of our regular evening
service . . .,”’ and in 1943, “The motion was made and duly carried that
a letter be written to Rev. Mr. Jenkins of the Methodist Church, ex-
pressing our regret at his leaving and our sincere appreciation for his
work with us here. . . It was decided that we dispense with our Sunday

night service in order to worship with the new pastor .. . Rev. Carlos
Womack .. .”

Page 76

 

 

 

Richard R. Gammon was Summer Assistant Pastor in 1942. Dick
Gammon graduated at Union Seminary in 1943, and began his Pastorate
at Chinquapin, N. C. Rev. McKinnon preached the Sermon at his Ordi-
nation and Installation service. In 1945 he was temporary Supply at
the Highland Church of Fayetteville, N. C., and during that same
year he became Pastor of the First Church, Dunn, N, C. From
Dunn, he went to the First Presbyterian Church of Columbia, Tennessee.
He is now Pastor of the First Church, Greenville, N. C.

Ruling Elder Franklin L. Hyndman died in March, 1942, and a reso-
lution of respect was drawn, ‘‘Whereas, in the providence of Almighty
God, Franklin Lyon Hyndman, beloved friend and _fellow-Elder
I this Church, was called from his earthly activities to his eternal
home on the morning of March 27, 1942; Therefore, Be it resolved . . .
that his removal from us creates a profound sadness in our hearts
- . . that we recognize in his passing from our midst a great loss to the
work of Christ in this Church . . . to all who knew and loved him per-
Sonally as a total and unselfish friend...”

On May 12, 1942, another faithful Church Elder, Mr. Daniel A. Pat-
terson, was called to his eternal home: “... We give thanks unto
the God and Father of all men... for the long and fruitful life of
His Servant . . . for his faithfulness in regularly attending public worship,
for his deep faith in Christ as His Saviour and Lord . . . for his kind-
ness to little children. . .”

. The construction of the Air Base in 1942 necessitated the temporary
Interruption of the work at Hill Memorial. The government built a
Base Chapel near “Skyway Terrace’’ personnel center, and after the
War, the Home Mission work would continue on an expanded basis in
Skyway Chapel.”’

In August, 1942, the Session wrote a letter to Miss Maggie McKinnon
“commending her for her long and faithful service as teacher in our
Sunday School. . . .”

September, 1942, saw renovation work proceeding in the sanctuary of
the Church. New floor finish, carpets, and draperies were added, in
addition to other major improvements While the work was going on,
Church services were held in the nearby Maxton Theatre. Mr. H. C.
Cousar and Mr. J. E. Morrison were elected Elders during August.

The Religious Education Building was officially dedicated on No-
vember 22, 1942, and the Session invited former pastor James Appleby
and his family to attend. The building was a great aid to the Sunday
School Department. The kitchen and recreation rooms were proving
Particularly convenient for the work the Church was accomplishing with

the thousands of Air Base soldiers.

A special offering for the American Red Cross was taken in Decem-
ber, 1942. “It was decided to accept the offer of the Maxton Music Club
to put on a program at a union meeting of all the churches on Sunday
night before Christmas and at that time to take a special offering for
Red Cross .. .”” Less than two years later, a son of the Maxton Church
and member of the Session, Mr. Johnny McCallum, Jr., volunteered
his services with the American Red Cross, and went overseas to work
with United States soldiers.

Rev. McKinnon’s work with the soldiers, as well as the full-time
Church work, had assumed large proportions by January, 1943. The
Church urged that an assistant to the Pastor be secured Be to do
Part-time Church work and part-time Soldier work...” In May,

Page 77

 

 
 

 

necessary to terminate her work, and the Church ‘vic
of Miss Sarah Lacy of Mt. Clinton, Virginia, as Director of Christian
Education in April, 1944. Miss Lacy’s work with the Church was out-

standing, and she contributed significantly to the witness of the Church
during the busy war years.

Mr. Connolly C. Gamble, Jr., served the Church as Summer Assistant
Pastor in 1943. Following his graduation from Union Seminary in
1945, Mr. Gamble served as a Naval Chaplain until 1946, when he be-
came Pastor of the Whitmire, S. C., Presbyterian Church. Dr. Gamble

is now Director of Continuing Education and ‘Assistant Librarian at
Union Theological Seminary.

From November 28 through December 12, 1943, Gypsy Smith, Jr.,
celebrated Evangelist, conducted special services wtih great effective-
ness. At the end of the Church year, April 1944, there was much to
be thankful for as the officers of the Church prepared for the new year.
Letters of appreciation were written to the Ladies Auxiliary, Mrs, Mc-
Bryde Austin, President, who were doing such fine work with the sol-
diers, and to the Board of Deacons, Mr. L. W. McKinnon, Chairman,
for their splendid work. Mr. F. E. Coxe was elected Clerk of the
Session, succeeding Johnny McCallum, who had entered Red Cross war
work. It was also decided to continue evening worship services through
the summer because of the large numbers of soldiers and visitors in
attendance. During the warm summer evening chairs were placed on
the lawn beside the Re’ igious Education Building, and the worship
services were held outdoors. The picture yet remains in the minds of
many worshippers of the beautiful summer sunsets glowing through
the huge trees on the Church grounds, as the strains of “Day Is Dying

in the West” or ‘Now the Day Is Over’’ were sung by voices represent-
Ing many communities and states.

The sorrow of the War days reached into the hearts of Maxton, with
such promising young men as Currie McLeod and James Eugene Morri-
, Jr., giving their lives for their country. Currie was the son of Rev.
and Mrs. R. A. McLeod, having grown up in the Maxton Church since
his father arrived as President of P.J.C. in 1929. James wa
of Ruling Elder and Mis d a By

21, 1946, a Memorial Service was held in the Church for all members
who died in the service of their country.

Plans were made in July, 1944, to send Christmas gifts to the service
men and women of the Church. One phase of the regular Order of
Worship was the Pastor’s prayer for peace. The prayers of the Church
were with her young people, wherever they were in war service.

In 1919, the church had dispensed with regular worship due to the
serious influenza epidemic, and in 1944 a severe poliomyelitis epidemic
was raging. On August 23, “The Session voted unanimously to send a
etter to parents encouraging them to conduct religious training of the

children while Sunday School is not being held . . . due to the polio
epidemic .. .”

. John H. McKinnon had been Pastor of the Maxton Church five years
in September, 1944. He and Mrs. McKinnon and little Miss Margaret
McKinnon were loved and admired in the community and Presbytery.
Many words of praise have been spoken about Dr. McKinnon’s preaching
ability, but none so unique as those of a young member of his Maxton
congregation who would faithfully attend evening services and go sound-
ly to sleep to the notice of the smiling congregation and Pastor. One

Page 78

 

 

 

evening, after being roused from his slumber, the little boy stopped
as he shook the preacher’s hand and said:

“ : my
Mr. McKinnon, you preach such soothing sermons”!

An older member of his con regation used to watch him speak in
prayer Beiice fe te stood in eae of the artist’s idea of Christ. Hoy
much they looked alike,” she thought to herself, “Jesus Christ mus
have been like this man when he was on earth . .. patient .. . con-
Siderate . . loving ... gentle... . strong...

i i i Pres-
On January 7, 1945, the Session sadly instructed its delegate to

bytery, meeting on January 16 at Presbyterian Junior Colene, aye a
concur with Rev. John H. McKinnon in his request . . . tha is fe ls
tion with the Maxton Presbyterian Church be dissolved in order at he
May accept a call to the First Presbyterian Church, Concord, EPO
On January 28, Dr. McKinnon met with the Session for the las 4 pais)
and he presented a communicants’ class of eleven eae be
admitted to Church membership. Two of the members of tha’ ane f
pow studying for the ministry, and one other member is nga at
Presbyterian minister. At the same meeting, Dr. James Henley Set
well, beloved Christian gentleman and grandson of the pernous Pou
ene Presbyterian theologian, was received into the membership e
church,

i d by
Dr. McKinnon’s pastorate at Concord was wonderfully blessed _

God. He is stow the Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, oes
Tennessee, and is one of the outstanding ministers in the ou er
Presbyterian Church. He is past Moderator of the Synod of Appa ac ie,
and has been honored by his alma mater, Davidson Co oe we
the Doctor of Divinity degree. The McKinnons are now the prow Fe 2
ents of two daughters, Christine James having been born after y
left Maxton,

In a letter to the Maxton congregation, Dr. McKinnon
wrote: ‘‘The occasion of the eightieth anniversetynot he
First Presbyterian Church, Maxton, North Carolina, i
surely a time of rejoicing that in God’s Provide ‘ e
Church has been permitted great length of days. ‘ine
tradition has been achieved during these fourscore yeate:
As the Church’s history is reviewed, all of the best of e
past is brought into fresh focus. Such should be a s pone
challenge to its people to plan and to work for an ev
worthier future. The strength and wisdom of maturity ce
ries with it the responsibility of a better stewardship. ts
confidence in God and a stronger commitment, that better
stewardship can be rendered.

“Mrs. McKinnon joins me in affectionate greetings at this
time. We are epaterdl for the years during which Ne were
permitted to serve in the work of Christ through the a
ton Church and to share in so many generous ways in He
life of its people. It is our prayer that each of you may |
found within God’s purpose and be kept by His grace.

 
THOMAS LAYTON FRASER

Ruling Elder C. L. Green was elected acting Moderator of the Session
and McKay McKinnon assistant Moderator, in the absence of a Pastor.
Miss Sarah Lacy remained with the Church as Director of Christian

Education, and her work aided the program during this transitional —

period. Others rallied around, with Mr. Murphy McGirt becoming Su-

perintendent of the Sunday School, and Mrs. Mayme McQueen, Mr.

Hugh Drennan, Mrs. 0. W. Ferrene, Mrs. Margaret Crofton, Miss Mary
Katherine McQueen, Mr. G. P. Henderson, Miss Lillian Austin, Mrs.
E. L. Black, Mr. H. C. Cousar, Dr. L C. LaMotte, Miss Mary Margaret
Sinclair, Mrs. C. §. McIntyre, and Dr. J. H. Thornwell assuming re-
sponsibilities in the Sunday School Department. The Session instructed

the Moderator to write Mr. McGirt a letter of thanks on January 17,

“.. . for the work of installing a stoker in the Church.” In June, 1945,
Miss Lacy took part as a counsellor at the Young People’s Conferences
in Red Springs, and during July a joint Bible School was conducted by
the Maxton Presbyterian and St. Paul’s Methodist Churches. On July
Ist, Dr. James Appleby visited the Church and conducted communion
services. In September, the Session was making plans for Religious Edu-
cation Week under the guidance of Miss Lacy, and the outreach of the
Church continued. “. . Ruling Elder McKay McKinnon called atten-
tion to several persons who have moved into the community, who are
Presbyterians, and who should be united with our Church .. .”

The World War ended in August, 1945, and, momentarily, all heads
were bowed in prayers of thanksgiving. Directly ahead lay difficult
years of change: the Army Air Force Base would suspend operations,
Church membership would continually fluctuate, and all over the nation
adjustment from a war to peace economy would affect business and
living conditions. As thousands of soldiers were leaving the Laurin-
burg-Maxton Base, hundreds of veterans were returning to their homes

in Maxton, or were arriving from many communities to enter Presby- —

terian Junior College. In 1946, the enrollment at P. J. C. skyrocketed
to almost 600.

Since February, 1945, a committee to nominate a new Pastor had
been active. On August 12, “. . . Ruling Elder McKay McKinnon report-
ed as Chairman of the Pulpit Nominating Committee, that the Com-
mittee desired to recommend a Pastor . . .” The congregation unani-
mously called Rey, Thomas Layton Fraser, Pastor of the First Presby-

terian Church, Vineland, New Jersey, and on October 1, Mrs. Ruth —

Fraser and daughters Marie and Ellen were received into the Church.

Layton Fraser was a native of Hinesville, Ga., and was one of two
ter the ministry. Following his graduation from Davidson —
College, where he was a classmate of Maxton’s “Bob” McLeod and —

ons to en

Johnny McCallum, he entered Union Theological Seminary. Mr. Fraser
received his Divinity degree in 1926, having led a busy life as student and

) Union Seminary Review staff. His first Pastorate was at
the First Church, Mt. Vernon; Ga., during which time he was married
to Miss Ruth Gibson Brown of Sweet Hall, Virginia. In 1930 he received
his Master of Sacred Theology degree from the Biblical Seminary of

New York City, having been called to the First Church, North Haledon, i
New Jersey. From 1932 to 1940 Rev. Fraser was Pastor of the First —

- He began his service at Vineland in 1940, receiy- —

Church, Edgew
ing the call to Maxton in 1945.

A sincere, dedicated man, Mr. Fraser won many friends after his

Page 80

arrival in Maxton. He was gifted with a lovely, powerful singing voice,
which he used for the glory of God. Frequent were the Sunday evening
Services in which he was called on to sing the familiar Church
hymns. Remembered clearly is the picture of a beloved Elder in the
Maxton Church enjoying the music, and after each song was finished,

. Saying, “. . . Preacher, sing just one more . . .” In addition, Mr. Fraser

was a man who took off his ministerial frock and played with the young
People of the Church, In Daily Vacation Bible School, he broke up many
a friendly softball game with a home run. Once, the awed young people
chased the ball down and found that he had hit it from the middle of
the Church driveway over the top of Dr. J. O. McClelland’s home.
Mrs. Fraser and her three young girls were popular with Maxtonians.
In 1957 daughter Ellen married Mr. David Ross, who is now studying
for the Presbyterian Ministry.

On October 16, 1945, the Session requested Presbytery to change
the name of the Church to the First Presbyterian Church of Maxton, so
as to avoid technical complications with other Presbyterian Churches
of the immediate Maxton area. :

t. Fraser and the Session emphasized work with the Young
People, and a special Youth Budget Plan was endorsed. A Junior Choir
Was organized, which participated in the morning worship services. A
Junior Sermon was preached every Sunday especially for the children.

lans were adopted for a Visitation Evangelism program in January,
1946. On Friday night, December 28, 1945, a Homecoming Church Sup-
Per and Church Birthday Celebration was held, all former servicemen
eing especially welcomed.

Early in 1946 Miss Sarah Lacy was dismissed to the Cook’s Creek
Presbyterian Church of Mt. Clinton, Virginia. This consecrated Christ-
ian young woman had done a splendid job as Director of Christian Edu-
Cation and Director of the Choir. When she was married in October,
1951, the Session requested that the Deacons “. . . purchase a Bible
as a wedding gift for Mrs. Sarah Lacy Miller, embossed with the name,
Mrs. Sarah Lacy Miller, from the First Presbyterian Church, Maxton,
N. C., October 12, 1951’. . .”

Mr. L. W. McKinnon and Mr. R. F. Morris were ordained and installed
as Ruling Elders on March 17, 1946. The Session made plans for the
Church ‘© | to join in the three-hour union service on Good Friday, from
12 o’clock noon to 3 o’clock p.m...”

During April, 1946, Miss Audrey Brunkhurst arrived from the First
P Tesbyterian Church, Staunton, Virginia, to begin her duties as Director
of Christian Education. The Session appointed a committee “. . . to
write a letter of appreciation to Mrs. M. P. James for her effective
Work as President of the Women’s Auxiliary of our Church.” The Mem-
orial Service for young people killed in the World War was held on the
evening of April 21.

A building Committee for the Church had been elected in the spring
of 1946, as some desire had been expressed to remodel the sanctuary
of the Church. Architectural sketches were studied, among them a plan
Which would place the chancel on the northern side of the Church,
°rmerly the overflow auditorium, with a seating capacity of almost
400. The Session met on September 8, 1946, and ‘‘. . . at the request
of the Board of Deacons, it was ordered that a congregational meeting
be called for September 15th . . . for the purpose of recommending
to the Congregation that plans be made to conduct a canvass for raising
funds for the purpose of remodeling our Church...” As the plans
Progressed it was realized that, due to the difficult financial times, it

Page 81

 

 

 
would be impossible to proceed immediately with the canvass and

the renovation. Three years later the Church again considered renova-

tion plans, which resulted in the beautiful sanctuary completed in 1949.

Elder and Mrs. Francis E. Coxe moved to Blenheim, S. C., in 1946,
and Mr. McKay McKinnon was appointed to express ‘‘... . the apprecia-
tion of our Church for their efficient and faithful service...”

The tradition of Church Family Night Suppers was continued and —

enlarged during these years. Many guests, including P. J. C. boys,
Were present during these events. Some of the College boys were teach-

ing in the Sunday School Department, and a number of those worship- —

ping in Maxton are now Presbyterian ministers, including Thomas A.
Guiton, S. York Pharr, Phil Dunford, Odis McNeill, and Grady E. Dixon.

Plans were made in October, 1946, to carry on Mission work at the
abandoned Base Chapel under the direction of Rev. Alva M. Gregg of

theaPa Ja CG} faculty. “On motion duly carried, the Session voted to

meet at Skyway Terrace on Sunday, October 20th . . . to confer with a
committee from the Base for the purpose of arranging to have regular

Services at the Chapel near Skyway Terrace.” On October 20th, the

following resolution was unanimously passed: ‘That an outpost Chapel
be established at Skyway Terrace .

to have charge of this work.”

A familiar and friendly face was missing when the Session met on _

January 1, 1947, “The Moderator appointed a committee to draw up
resolutions for Ruling Elder McKay McKinnon . . . concerning the
valuable service he rendered our Church .. .” “T guess no one loved
the Maxton Church like “Mr. Mac’,’”’ a member said recently. He loved
her people, her Pastors, her traditions, her Lord. He recognized human
faults, but he was always present to say a good word; and the people

and Pastors loved him for his spirit. Following his death, prayer serv- _
lees were held in the Church. When the members were called on for
Prayer, the tears made spoken words impossible, and the Lord heard —
the silent prayers of thanks for his life. He died at a critical hour in

the Church’s history, and his leadership and patient spirit were sorely

missed. The Session expressed itself as “... . keenly aware of the dis- _

tinguished and able service rendered by their brother and co-worker
to his beloved Church, to his community, and to his state. From March
30, 1913, to February 18, 1923, he served as a Deacon of this Church.
He then served as an Elder up to the time of his death. He served as
Superintendent of the Sunday School for a total of sixteen years. His

love and loyalty to his family and friends were obvious to all who :
knew him. Because he was tactful, energetic, courteous, and kindly in —

his contacts, he enjoyed the friendship of many men, women, and child-

ren. His life has been an example of courage and devotion to duty in ~

keeping with the highest ideals of his church . . .”

On May 18, 1947, Miss Audrey Brunkhurst resigned as Director of j
Christian Education to enter Foreign Missionary service. “The motion —

was made and carried that Miss Brunkhurst’s resignation be accepted
with deep regret and that the Clerk of the Session, R. F. Morris, write

her, expressing our appreciation for the excellent work done by her —
as Director of Christian Education and Director of the Choir for the —

- » Motion was made and duly carried —

past year.” On June 4, “.
that Miss Audrey Brunkhurst be approved as a Foreign Missionary and

that a letter of our approval be sent to the Executive Committee of

Foreign Missions.”

The summer of 1957 was a busy time for the Church. The congregation —

Page 82

 

. . Ruling Elders J. B. McCallum, ~
Sr., and Fairly Morris were appointed a committee from the Session

 

Ooperated in gathering clothing for Church World Service, and Mr.
Fraser was ernie Bieence of six weeks to continue his graduate
Study and writing. Several of his study books had been published, in-
cluding “God and His People” and “With Savior and Friend’, the
latter having translated versions for use among Spanish-speaking
Peoples. In July, the Skyway Chapel purchase was accomplished, with
Elder L. w. McKinnon reporting ‘‘. . . that the deal was closed with
the War Assets Administration for the land on which Skyway Chapel
is located, consisting of approximately 3.3 acres for $100.00 and that
the Treasurer of the Church be requested to pay this amount, in addi-
tion to the $550.00 donated by Mr. Odis McNeill of Broadway, N. C., a
ministerial student at P. J.C... . The Clerk was instructed to write
MeNeill and thank him for his generous donation .. . Odis
I, having joined the Maxton Church, graduated from P. J. C. i
1948. After his college and Seminary training he became Pastor o
the Helvetia, West Virginia, Presbyterian Church.

Mr. Fraser taught a class of Bible at Presbyterian Junior College in
1946-47, where he was very popular and successful with the students.
Presbyterian College of Clinton, S. C., sought his services as Head of
the Department of Bible in 1947, and in September he resigned from
the Pastorate of the Maxton Church to take up his new work. He has

€en Professor of Bible at Presbyterian College for eleven years. In
the early nineteen-fifties he earned his Doctor of Theology degree Bt

nion Seminary, writing his thesis on the subject, “Christian Life
Service”, which is a thorough treatment of the possibilities of Christ-
‘an service specifically written for the college student. In September,
1958, Dr. Fraser wrote to the Maxton congregation, ‘‘Very best wishes
to all of you. I hope that the celebration of the Church will be success-
ful and very worthwhile . . .”

ERNEST LEE STOFFEL

Mr. C. L. Green was elected acting Moderator, and on September
21 a Congregational meeting was held ‘‘. . . to elect a Pulpit Committee
to call a Pastor .. .”’ Rev. David Alex Bowles, former P. J. C. student
Who had just come to the College as Professor of Bible, was called by
the Session to guide the work at Skyway Terrace.

The Synod’s Westminster Fellowship group meeting was held in the
Maxton Church and College in October, 1947. Presbyterian college stu-
dents from all over the state were in Maxton for three days, and Miss
Sarah Little, Director of Synod’s Office of Religious Education, wrote
a letter thanking the Session for the hospitality extended to the group,
Yating the meeting as ‘‘. . . perhaps the best conference of college stu-
dents ever held in North Carolina. .. .”

Presbyterian Junior College was engaged in an Endowment Fund
rive in 1947, and the Magtcn congregation presented a gift of twelve
Ousand dollars to the College, to be paid over a period of years at
Stx hundred dollars each year. This splendid gift materially aided the
Work of the College and recalled to mind a meeting of the Session in
arch, 1944, when the College was struggling to remain open during
€ war. At that time the Session recorded, ‘. . . if there be any un-
designated benevolent funds in the Treasury at the close of the Church
year a sum be given to Presbyterian Junior College... The Session
Puts itself on record as recognizing a special interest in and responsi-
ility for Presbyterian Junior College and desires to express this in-
terest in the observance of a suitable day each year to be known as
1 ah ©. Day, at which time an offering will be made for the College

Page 83

 

 

 
 

.. .’ The prayers and special interest of many Maxton individuals in
the cause of Christian Education have not been in vain, as today they

become a permanent part of the tradition of the new consolidated
Presbyterian College.

Maxton has been fortunate in securing supply ministers during the
absence of her Pastors. After Dr. McKinnon left in February, 1945,
lotte, supplied the pulpit for several weeks,

1947 Rev. Robert S. Boyd, of Laurinburg, preached

to the Church. Both of these older men enjoyed long and fruitful careers,
and their short period of service in Maxton meant much to the Church.

On January 11, 1948, Dr. James Appleby of Richmond, Virginia, Jed
the morning worship services at the Church, and met with the Session.
A young Union Theological Seminary couple, Lee and Betty Stoffel,
were living in the Appleby home while Mr. Stoffel completed work on
his Master’s Degree. Often Dr. Appleby had spoken to Mr. Stoffel about
the Maxton Church, and early in the year 1948 he presented the name
of the young minister to the Maxton Pulpit Committee. On January
11, the Session moved that “. . . a congregational meeting be called for
next Sunday, January 18, for the purpose of calling Rev. E. L. Stoffel
of Bristol, Tennessee, to be our ‘Pastor, |. i272

As a boy, Ernest Lee Stoffel attended an outpost Presbyterian Sunday
School near his Bristol, Tennessee, home, ‘‘At that time there was born
his life-long determination to study the Kingdom of God and what the
Bible says about it.” The sincerity and dedication of this man’s life
evidenced itself early, as he graduated from all the schools he attended
with honors. He was a student at King College from 1942 to 1944, fin-
ishing his work under the College’s accelerated war program. He enter-
ed Union Seminary in 1944, and in his 1945 summer field work he was
assigned to the First Presbyterian Church of Knoxville, Tennessee.
There he showed his versatility, as he worked in the Church, preached at
outpost Mission Churches, and studied at the University of Tennessee.
Shades of Dr. Hill! He returned to the Seminary, where he continued
his excellent scholastic record, was appointed an instructor in Greek,
married Miss Betty Carlyle Williams, who was President of the Assem-
bly Training School’s Student Body, and received his Bachelor of Divinity
degree in May, 1947. In recognition of his ability, he was awarded a

pemnery, Fellowship, to continue his Master’s Degree studies in 1947-

Mr, and Mrs. Stoffel lived with the James Applebys, and Mr. Stoffel
supplied the Waddell Memorial Church of Rapidan, Virginia. It was a
ngement for Maxton that these two families, both of whom

have been used so effectively by God, lived together for a year. The

Spirit of God led Mr. Stoffel to accept the call of the Maxton Church,
and he began his duties on February 15, 1948.

Until June, when he completed his Master’s Degree study at Union
. Seminary, Mr. Stoffel preached twice a month in Maxton. The Maxton
Church well recalls the young minister’s first sermon. The genuineness
of his faith in Christ, the gentleness and power of his appearance, the
poetry and drama of his sermon, as he spoke of faith in Christ in the
midst of the vicissitudes of life, awakened and ignited the heart of the
Church. His presence and his preaching rang with the authority of

Christ, and the Church knew from the first that there was a great
man of faith in her midst.

_The Stoffels moved into the manse in June, 1948. Betty W. Stoffel, a
gifted Christian woman, was a strong influence for good in the life of

Page 84

 

Maxton. The daughter of a Presbyterian minister, she received her
education at Agnes Scott College and Assembly Training School in Rich-
Mond. She was invited to membership in the North Carolina Poetry
Society, and many of her poems appeared in various magazines and
and newspapers. In 1954, MOMENTS OF ETERNITY, a book of her col-
lected poems, was published by John Knox Press of Richmond.

Rev. Stoffel participated in the Church Young People’s Conference at

lora McDonald College in June. During the summer months of 1948,
the Session secured the services of Mr. Howatt Mallinson of Union
Seminary to preach at Skyway Terrace. Mr. Mallinson graduated from
Union in 1950, and began his first pastorate at Roberdell, N. C.

Mr. Johnn McCallum, who had recently returned to Maxton from his
Red Cross duties, was elected Clerk of the Session in April, 1948. In Au-
Sust the Church entered into the Southern Presbyterian Church’s Pro-
gram of Progress. Also, renewed emphasis was put on tithing, and the
Board of Deacons was requested to ‘‘. . . inaugurate a program of tithing
among our people.”’

Elders Rory McNair and L. W. McKinnon died during the summer, and
resolutions were adopted by the Session honoring their memory: ‘“‘Rory

Nair served as Ruling Elder of this Church for twenty-two years, from
July 11, 1926, until his death. He served as Ruling Elder also in Centre
Church . |’ and altogether had been an officer in the Presbyterian
Church for a period of about fifty years . . . The Session feels keenly the
loss of their brother and friend. oa 2

“Mr. L. W. McKinnon served as Deacon in this Church from January
30, 1938, until he was elected Ruling Elder on March 17, 1946, He served
as Ruling Elder until his death . . . he always manifested the greatest
zeal and interest and love for his Church. He worked faithfully and hard
on any work that needed to be done. . . .”

On September 26, 1948, Mr. D. McBryde Austin, Mr. C. S. McIntyre, Mr.
E. A. Hellekson, and Dr. R. D. Croom, Jr., were ordained and installed
as Elders of the Church. All four of these men are greatly admired in the

axton community. Dr. Croom’s loyal medical service to the people of

© area is in the direct tradition of our Lord Himself, who was the Great
Physician. The Session met on October 6, and the work at Skyway Chapel

d plans for remodeling the Church sanctuary were discussed. The
Moderator reported on the work at Skyway Chapel. Rev. Charles Parrish
1S preaching on first and third Sundays . . . and is visiting two afternoons
f Week.” The Session recommended “. . . to the Board of Deacons that
the Church underwrite any unpaid expenses incurred at the Chapel. The

astor will conduct services at 10 o’clock on second and fourth Sundays.

lans were now definitely underway for the remodeling of the Church.
€re was a certain sadness in changing the old interior, for here was the
Scene of many happy and memorable days, and the pews in which many
Wonderful people had worshipped over the years. Yet, a fire had damaged

v. Interior in 1947, and the architect’s plans called for a modern plant,
which would aid in the worship of God. The motion was made during this

©ssion meeting “. . . that Dr, R. D. Croom, Jr., approach Dr. L.
C. LaMotte as to the use of facilities at Presbyterian Junior College for
holding Sunday School and Church services during the time of remodeling
“Our Church. .. ” From February until August, 1949, these services were

eld in the College administration building and auditorium.

. Rev. Charles Parrish met with the Session on December 1, 1948,

; - . and made an encouraging report on the work at Skyway Chapel.”
Charles Parrish had been a ra J. C. student from 1938 through 1940.

Page 85

 

 

 
 

 

While in Maxton, he had worked with the Maxton Church as a teacher
at Alma and Hill Memorial. Eight years later, he returned to teach Bible
at the College, and also began working at Skyway Chapel for the Church.
In his report, he showed that Sunday School attendance had reached as
much as thirty-five, and that the average attendance was 23. ‘‘The staff
of four classes consists of Miss Annie Neal McEachin, Don Covington, T.
A. Fox, Mrs. Zeb Smith, Mrs. Charles Parrish, and Mrs. Annie Reagan. . .
Bible study is conducted each Wednesday evening in the homes at
Skyway Terrace by the Pastor. Future plans include a Sunday School
Christmas program and an endeavor to reach young people of the Base
area. . .” Don Covington went on into the Presbyterian Ministry, as did
other P. J. C. boys during these years, including Jesse Parks, Alfred
Thomas, Joe Stowe, C. C. Caldwell, Dolphus Allen, Dewey Herring, Jim-

my Moss, now a Foreign Missionary, George Grissom, Fred McDaniel,
and Lawrence Avent.

On Sunday, December 19, 1948, the congregation quietly remembered
the founding of the Church. A note appeared in the bulletin, “‘Today is
the seventieth anniversary of the founding of the Maxton Presbyterian
Church. On December 19, 1878, a commission appointed by Presbytery,
consisting of the Rev. Hector McLean, the Rev. Archibald McQueen, the
Rev. H. G. Hill, and Ruling Elders Archibald McMillan and A. S. Baker,
met in the old McKay Building in Maxton and organized the Church and
received into the Church that day twenty-six charter members. We thank
God for the faith of our fathers, for their works do follow them.”

Rev. Stoffel was “. . . granted leave of absence during the month of
February, 1949, for the purpose of study at Union Seminary in Rich-
mond. . .” Mr. Stoffel “. . . expressed his appreciation to the Session
for leave of absence granted him . . . to enable him to finish work leading
to his Th. D. degree. . .” When Dr. Stoffel completed his graduate work,
he was the youngest man in the history of Union Seminary to receive
the degree of Doctor of Theology.

Dr. Stoffel was invited to preach at numerous Churches and meetings.
In 1949 he spoke at McPherson Church, in 1950 he taught in a Leadership
Training School at Kingsport, Tennessee, preached at Lumberton, N. C.,
and led the Bible hour at Flora McDonald College. In 1951 he led services
at Midway Church, and in February, 1953, he was guest preacher at the
Davidson College series. He was also a frequent speaker at special
occasions of the community and served as Moderator of Fayetteville
Presbytery. A syllabus on the Book of Revelation was written by Dr.
Stoffel and used by study groups throughout the Presbytery.

Teachers and officers in the Sunday School Department in 1949-1950
were Mr. Mills Kirkpatrick, Superintendent, Mr. J. L. Currie, Mr. W.
Glenn Peele, Mrs. J. G. Baldwin, Mrs. J. M. Kirkpatrick, Mrs. M. F.
McGirt, Mrs. R. R. Doak, Miss Lillis Cousar, Mrs. Kenneth Chisholm,
Mrs. Glenn Crofton, Miss Lillian Austin, Mr. R. E. Hellekson, Mr. J.
B. McCallum, Jr., Mr. Herman J. Preseren, Dr. J, H. Thornwell, Mr.

O. W. Ferrene, Mrs. L. C. LaMotte, Mrs. R. E. Hellekson, and Mrs. E.
L. Stoffel.

Mr. Johnny McCallum represented the Church and Presbytery as a
delegate to the General Assembly, which met in 1949 at Montreat. Two

delegates were sent to the Presbyterian Men’s Convention in Atlanta,
Georgia, on November 4.

Two loyal members of the Session, Mr. Clyde L. Green and Mr. LeRoy
B. Martin, Sr., died in 1949. Both Mr. Green and Mr. Martin had become
Elders in 1934, and they served the Church with enthusiasm and faithful-

Page 86

 

ness. Mr. Green served as superintendent of Maxton Public Schools for

many years and was retiring as Superintendent of Robeson County Public

Schools when he died. His former students at Maxton High School honored
1S memory by presenting his portrait to the school,

. 44s the day drew near when the remodeled sanctuary would be opened,
It was decided for the Moderator to appoint a committee to consider and
Prepare possible plans for the first service. . .”

The new Sanctuary was opened in September, 1949, and a large congre-
ation was present, eventing many guests from the community and
neighboring towns. The building was beautiful in appearance and modern
crevery detail. The divided chancel was placed on the western side of the
Church, with new, comfortable pews facing in that direction. The Board
of Deacons installed air conditioning, and the Robert L. McLeod family
Presented a new pipe organ in memory of Mr. McLeod, Trustee of the
Church, who had died in 1942. Other memorial gifts were presented.
In September, the Clerk was instructed to write to Mrs. J. I. Sutphen and

vr. A. T. McLean, thanking them for the gift of the beautiful silver cross
to our Church:

“The Session of our Church has asked me to express to you
and to your families its deep and heartfelt appreciation for
the gift of the beautiful silver cross recently received and
placed in our new Church auditorium. The love and generos-
ity which prompted this gift is appreciated as much as the
gift itself. We are very proud of the fact that you feel your-
Selves a part of us and it is our sincere wish that you may,
whenever possible, be present that we may enjoy the privi-

ee of worshiping together in this beautiful place of wor-
ship.”’

Mrs. Sarah McKinnon Hensey presented a chalice to the Church in-
Scribed with the name of the Church. Others presented gifts and money
in helping to build this House of Worship.

The date for the dedication of the organ was set for November 27, 1949,
So that Dr. Robert L. McLeod, Jr., son of the Church and son of Mr.
R. - McLeod, Sr., could be present. Dr. Ben R. Lacy, President of
Union Theoloigeal Seminary, was the speaker at the Dedication Cere-
Mony. Memories went back to 1910, when another President of Union
Seminary, Dr. Walter W. Moore, had preached at the Dedication of the
Original sanctuary. That evening Dr. Charles Vardell, Jr., of Flora
McDonald College, conducted an organ recital. It was a happy and
auspicious day for the Church, and a large congregation was present,
Praying for God’s guidance in the continued work of the Church.

Maxton was particularly pleased when the new sanctuary was displayed
S a model design by Church architectural firms.

On September 12, twelve members of a communicants’ class became
active members of the Church. “. . . Miss Lillian Austin, teacher, met
With the group and the Session commended very highly the teaching and
the Preparation of this class by their teacher and their Pastor. . .” Again
On October 1, 1950, a communicants’ class of ten members was presented
and “Miss Lil” was “. . . commended for her diligent effort in the pre-
Paration of this class and for her work in the past years .. . consecrated
Work and effort in preparation of the young people of our Church
hot only for this class but classes in years past. . .” Dr. Stoffell was also
Commended for his influence and work with the young people.

On Sunday evening, October 23, 1949, Dr. C. Darby Fulton, Executive

a

Page 87

 
 
    

Secretary of the Board of World Missions, spoke in the Church, Foreign

Missionary Rev. E. H. Hamilton spoke to the Church on Sunday evening,
December 11, 1949.

Mr. J. D. Medlin, Treasurer of the Church, met with the Session on
December 7 and reported concerning the progress of the Building Fund.

The Session commended him for his diligent and faithful work as Treas-
urer. :

The Pastor and the Session changed the form of the Sunday evening
service “. . . from a regular preaching service to a more varied pro-
gram of teaching and music. . .” Dr. Stoffel introduced a visual educa-
tion schedule for the year beginning January 1, 1950, the Church having
previously purchased a motion picture projector. He introduced the plan
of “Talents, Incorporated’’ to the congregation on Sunday, December 11,
1949. In a service broadcast over Radio Station WEWO, Laurinburg, the
Congregation actively participated in a program based on the Parable
of the Talents. Silver dollars were placed on a table at the front of
the Church, and members of the Church “. . . received the Lord’s

money’’, going out to invest the Talents to the Lord’s glory. Many re-
turned with their Talents doubled.

Rev. Charles Parrish met with the Session on January 4, 1950, to
report on the Skyway Chapel Work .Plans were discussed for a religious

survey of Skyway and Maxton, and Mr. Parrish stated that attendance
fluctuated at the services between 15 and 60.

On March 25, 1950, a Visitation Evangelism Program was conducted,
lasting until March 30. During the spring of 1950, 32 persons were added
to the Church. On March 15, “‘. . . the Clerk was requested to write a

letter of appreciation to Miss Ann Elizabeth McKinnon for her recent
service as organist of the Church. as

In June, 1950, Mr. Jerry C. McCann, of Union Seminary, arrived to
begin his work as summer assistant. Mr. McCann met with the Session
in July and reported on the work at Skyway Chapel. ‘In general, the
attendance at Sunday School and Church services has not been too en-
couraging . . . the results of the recent Vacation Bible School, with an
average daily attendance of 50, were most encouraging .. . Mr. McCann
reported an average attendance of about 25 at Church and 35 on the
Sunday School roll. . . On motion Mr. McCann was commended for his
diligent work there. . .” Rey. Jerry C. McCann completed his work at

Union Seminary and is today Pastor of the Presbyterian Church at
Wrightsville Beach, N. C.

Mrs. W. H. Stewart, Jr., resigned as Church secretary during the
summer, and ‘The Clerk was requested to write a letter to Mrs. Stewart

thanking her for her service to the Church.” Mrs. Russell E, Hellekson
accepted the Church Secretary’s job in September.

Plans were made 1

Presbytery’s October
was appointed, with

ooking forward to the Church’s participation in the
Evangelistic Program. An Evangelistic Committee

é Dr. R. D. Croom, Jr., as Chairman. On October 4,
“Ruling Elder R. D. Croom, Jr., announced the plan of the Men of the
Church Visitation at Skyway in preparation for the Evangelistic services.
| Cottage prayer meetings are planned prior to the series of services .. .”
| Dr. S. E. Howie of Fayetteville was the visiting preacher for the ser-

vices, which began on October 22.

The Session was pleased to grant Dr. Stoffel an absence on the last
Sunday of November, 1950, so that he might “. .

Bristol, Tennessee, when

. attend services in
his father is to be ordained and installed as

Page 88

 

 

 

Elder in the Church. eS

On January 2, 1951, the Session met at the manse “. . following a
birthday supper given . . . in Dr. Stoffel’s honor . . .” Plans were made
to honor Mrs. Annie McRae Williams “. . . for her faithful and loyal
Service as organist. . .”’ The Church presented a watch to Mrs. Williams
as _a token of the congregation’s appreciation.

Fayetteville Presbytery met in Maxton on April 17; and the Maxton

hurch and Presbyterian Junior College entertained the Synod of Nort!

Carolina in October, 1951, just as they had twenty-three years before,
In October, 1928.

New sons of the Church were entering Christian service during these
years. On April 4, 1951, ‘. . . John Hunter LaMotte appeared before the
Session . . . and requested that he be taken under the care of Presbytery
as ‘a candidate for the Presbyterian Ministry . . . he was sincerely con-
8ratulated and commended for this most important decision that he has
Made. . .” Edward A. McLeod, upon his graduation from the University
of North Craolina, where he had been President of the Y. M. C. A.,
entered Union Theological Seminary. He is now the capable and popular
Pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Morven, N. C. John LaMotte com-
pleted his college training at Davidson, and entered Union Theological

cminary. Following his graduation in 1937, he was awarded a Seminary
Fellowship and studied at the University of Montpellier, France. He is
now the Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, Chatham, Virginia.

In January, 1953, Edward LaMotte was taken under the care of Pres-
bytery and in August, 1953, Glenn A. Crofton, Jr., was received under
the Care of Presbytery. These two sons of the Maxton Church are now

iddlers at Union and Columbia Theological Seminaries, both studying
for the Presbyterian Ministry. In addition, two daughters of the Church,

iss Ann McLeod and Miss Jean Morris, were married to Presbyterian
Ministers during those years.

The Church honored teachers, department heads, and advisors of the
Sunday School on Wednesday evening, April 18, 1951. Mr. Mills Kirk-
Patrick, Mr. 0. W. Ferrene, Mrs. L. C. LaMotte, Mrs. Florence Hellek-
Son, Mr. Johnny McCallum, Miss Lillian Austin, Mrs. Margaret Crofton,
is, Mills Kirkpatrick, Mrs. Murphy McGirt, Mr. Russell Hellekson,

n

Dr. J. H. Thornwell were awarded service certificates following the
family night dinner.

Mr. David w. Taylor, son of Dr. H. Kerr Taylor, arrived from Union
Seminary in J une, TOSI, to work as Summer Assistant. Miss Sally yarns
Was secured to help as Church secretary during the summer months.
Rev. David Taylor is now a Presbyterian Pastor in Bristol, Virginia.

Mr. John H. Crabtree began his duties as Choir Director in September,
1951. Blessed with a ives tenor voice, Mr. Crabtree guided the choir
through the summer of 1954, when he resigned from the faculty of Pres-
byterian Junior College to complete work on his Doctorate degree. The
Special music programs at Christmas and the Easter Cantatas were
<secially enjoyed during these years. Mr. and Mrs. Raymond H. Daw-
Son, of the College faculty, joined the Maxton Church in September, aor
In 1953 Dr. Dawson was selected as a member of the National Counc
of Churches’ Committee on International Relations. At a meeting of ne

ommittee that year in New York City, Maxton was well represented,
With Miss Sallie Lou McKinnon, Mrs. Murdock McLeod, and Dr. Dawson

all members of the group, and all having important connections with the
town of the God-blessed Macs.”

On December 12, 1951, the Session drew up an overture to present
Page 89

   

 
 

to Fayetteville Presbytery:

Whereas:
1. The article in the Apostles’ Creed — ‘‘He descended into
Hell’ — is confusing to many of our people,

2. The article is not essential to salvation,
3. The Presbyterian Hymnal has omitted the article,

4. The interpretation of the article according to the answer
to Question 50 of the Larger Catechism is covered ade-

quately by the succeeding article, “‘The third day He rose
again from the dead’’,

The ommission of the article and its omission from the
answer to Question 50 of the Larger Catechism would

not change essentially the answer to the question, ‘‘Where-
in consisted Christ’s humiliation?”

The Session of Maxton Presbyterian Church respectfully
overtures Presbytery:

1. To omit the words from the answer to Question 50 of the
Larger Catechism: ‘Which hath otherwise been expressed
in the phrase, ‘He descended into Hell.’ ”

2. To continue to print the article in the Apostles’ Creed in
the back of the Confession of Faith with an explanation
of our Church’s interpretation of it at the bottom of
the page; but that it also be stated that use of the ar-
ticle in affirmations of faith be optional.

Fayetteville Presbytery approved the overture and sent it on to the
General Assembly of the Church.

The Baptist con:
grams during 195:
offer the use of o:
services, . .”

gregations of Maxton were engaged in building pro-
2, and in January, “‘The motion was made that we
ur Church to both Baptist congregations for afternoon

During the spring of 1952, plans were made for Dr. Stoffel to ex-
change pulpits with a Scottish minister in the summer months. The
exchange was made with Rev. James Bremner, Pastor of St. Paul’s
Newington in Edinburgh, Scotland. The Maxton Church, although missing
her popular young Pastor, was happy for him to take advantage of this
opportunity. While in Edinburgh, Dr. Stoffel continued his studies at
New College in the University of Edinburgh. There he studied under Dr.
James Stewart, the famous Scottish theologian. In the summer months
the Stoffels made weekly tape-recorded broadcasts through facilities of

Radio Station WEWO, Laurinburg, covering their activities in the land
of John Knox and the Highlanders.

Rev. James Bremner will never be forgotten by Maxton. Large crowds

came to hear him preach and went away thrilled by the ability of this
humble Christian who spoke with the rolling ‘‘bur-r-r” of his native Scot-
land. Dr. Stoffel had appointed Committees, composed of Mr. C. S. Mc-
Intyre, Mr. J. B. McC

allum, Jr., Mr. E. A, Hellekson, Mr, R . F. Morris,
Mr. H. C. Cousar, Mr. McBryde Austin, and Mrs. R. D. Croom, Jr., to

assist the summer Pastor, enabling Mr, Bremner and his attractive

é isit Montreat and other places. On a trip to Scot-
land in 1958, Dr. L. C.

I LaMotte visited the Bremners in Edinburgh, and
they sent their love to the Maxton Church.

Page 90

 

Dr. and Mrs. Stoffel were welcomed back to Maxton in September, 1952.
In Maxton, the Stoffels were blessed with the birth of their first two
children, Bobby and Betty Lee. One Sunday morning when Bobby was
still a small baby, the Pastor’s sermon was suddenly interrupted by the
strong cries of a tiny voice from the adjacent Church Parlor. The sing
,ongregation recognized the voice of authority. Dr. Stoffel, not at a loss
for a moment, brought the house down when he replied to the situation,
‘I have always thought that young man has the voice to become quite

a preacher, .” Today the Stoffels are proud parents of four attractive
and promising children.

Mr. Murphy F. McGirt and Mr. Otto W. Ferrene were installed as
Elders on November 23, 1952. Both Mr, McGirt and Mr. Ferrene had been
loyal Deacons for several years, and members of the Church since the
rarly nineteen-thirties. In 1955 Mr. Ferrene left Maxton and the College
faculty to become Vice-President of Presbyterian College, Clinton, S. C.,
i2 their financial development campaign. This past year he and his
family have returned to Maxton, Mr, McGirt’s business has brought him
in contact with people all over the state, and he is admired for his
hristian character,

_ Mrs. Andrew Williamson accepted part-time work as Church Secretary
mm December, 1959.

_, Lhe ministry and preaching of Dr. Stoffel were used powerfully by God
In Maxton. In a sermon entitled ‘‘The foolishness of Preaching,” preache
by Dr. Stoffel in 1956 at Charlotte, he concluded:

_: - “For it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to
Save them that believe.’ To Save them that believe! Remem-

er we have to do with something here that has eternal pro-
portions. The preacher does not stand in a place of idle, aca-
demic interest. He stands between Heaven and hell — be-
cause God in His wisdom chose to put him there. Let him
stand, splendidly unchained except by the love of his Christ.
For there he must stand, like a ‘defenced city or an iron
pillar’ and bravely proclaim that Jesus is Lord, until God
takes the trumpet from his lips.”

By the “foolishness of preaching’, the Lord used Lee Stoffel in Maxton
i. Spread the ‘‘Good Tidings’”’ of Salvation and to challenge and inspire
e

hearts of His people.
On December 28, 1952, “‘Our pastor requested a meeting of the congre-
ation to be called for the second Sunday in January to join with him re
jeduesting Presbytery to accept his resignation, effective February 15,
1953. |.’ "The Stoffels left for Florence, Alabama, in February, 1958. One
of Betty Stoffel’s poems, As the Hear! Remembers Spring, written to a

rites of the Maxton Church, applies to the memories that Maxton has
Is d

ledicated young couple:

‘

*.. . you have been as selfless
In the gracious things you do
As the sun that shares it kisses,
As the night that shares its dew.
You have planted roses

In lives that lay so bare,

You have sown encouragement
To those who knew despair.

By spirit’s inner beauty

In every lovely thing,

       

Page 91

   

 
 

 

 

 

 

You will be remembered sith
As the heart remembers spring.

In 1955, Dr. Stoffel became Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church,
Charlotte, N. C. He has been honored with the Doctor of Divinity degree
by Davidson College and King College. During his ministry in Charlotte.

he has written two books, HIS KINGDOM IS FOREVER, The Meant
of Citizenship in the Kingdom of God, and THE STRONG COMFORT 0!

GOD, “. . . a book which gives the layman a well-rounded, Biblical theo-

logy that will stand the stress of day-to-day existence. .. .”” HIS KING-
DoM IS FOREVER was dedicated

To the Session and the Congregation

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
MAXTON, NORTH CAROLINA

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
FLORENCE, ALABAMA

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA

in gratitude
for their help and encouragement
In September, 1958, Dr. Stoffel wrote:

“The present Maxton Presbyterian Congregation has entered
into the proud heritage of 80 years of service in the name
of Christ. Those of us who have had a part in that service
are grateful. A Ministry begun in this Church is always

sustained by the remembrance of a congregation that knows
how to strengthen and encourage.”

CHARLES L. DONNELL

Dr. Robert D. Croom, Jr., was named acting Moderator of the Session.

In Sue) Mr. William B. Kennedy of Union Seminary arrived to serve —

as Summer Pastor. Mr. Kennedy, a brilliant preacher and pastor, made

a great impact on the life of the Church. His influence on the young peor
ple of the community was especially impressive. Following his gradua-

tion from Union, Mr: Kennedy was awarded a Seminary fellowship, and
he studied at Yale University. Today, Dr. William B. Kennedy is the
pasistant Professor of Christian Education at Union Seminary, where

e is highly regarded by his colleagues and the students. It is interesting

Dr. Gamble, and Dr. Appleby, of the Semi-
ats Faculty, have all served the Maxton Church. A daughter of the

to notice that Dr. Kennedy,

axton Church, Mrs. Mary Patterson Johnson, now of Lumberton, has

been one of the leaders in the “Friends of the Seminary’? movement,
which has so furthered the work of the Seminary.

At a congregational meeting on May 21, 1953, Mr. Charles Donnell was
ini astorate of the Church. “Letters of commen-

dation were read by Rev. C. M. Gibbs from Dr. Ben R. Lacy, a i
i nm Theological Seminary; from the Stated Clerk of —

Orange Presbytery. . . ; and from Princeton Seminary. All of these
commended Mr. and Mrs.

Donnell for their outstanding leadership, sin-

cerity, and fine character, . . .”

Page 92

=

FF

 

i byterian
Rev. Charles L. Donnell, the Pastor of the Meadowside Pres
Church of Greensboro, N. C., accepted the call of the eo
and arrived in July, 1953. He was educated in St. E ctershurss ised
and the University of North Carolina. He entered Union Theo | e al
Seminary, where he was an extremely popular student, pen : s his
Tesident of the Student Body during his senior year. Fo om cane
Sraduation, he accepted the call of the newly organized ao 0 The
Church, Here he literally helped to ‘‘build’ the church bui ae ori
ormer Director of the Y. M. C. A. at Greensboro has described ‘led nig
the people of Meadowside were of their young minister, “who Fo hee
Shirtsleeyes up and helped lay the foundations. . :” Rev. Donne te es
ere, tceton Theological Seminary in 1953, working on his Master
Sree, and it was from Princeton that he was called to Maxton.

llands-
Charles and “Candy” Donnell (the daughter of Rev. C. J. Ho
worth of Norfolk, Virginia) were a popular jyoung) coun eae
yicysPirit of humility, sympathy, and friendship was an rie vet ithe
he Church and community. Rev. Donnell loved the eon ae ane
Church, and in times of illness or anxiety he was SL WANE PEE senu tC le
ort and encourage. He was a strong influence with the young eo A
Who appreciated his happy and optimistic disposition. He aaa al a
kind an encouraging word to say, standing for what he believe
8 sympathetic and loving attitude for those around him.
Mrs.

1953 Malcolm Gillis was employed as Church Secretary in September,

Rey. Donnell was ranted absence to hold a series of services at
Myrna Church in Geshen During the fall of 1954, he conducted porvice
at Philadelphus. In September, 1954, he conducted special services

Buffalo Church. In April, 1955, he was the guest preacher at Oakdale
Tesbyterian Church, Virginia.

A committee was formed, with Dr. R. D. Croom, Jr., and Mr. Johnny
McCallum Tepresenting the Session, “. . . to consider the holding of a
eries

i i tt this
of evangelistic services. . .”” The Session recommended tha
committee coordinars the spring Church services with the olen
Religious Emphasis Week. The Evangelistic Committee invited Dr. ar
Pritchett, of Anderson, S. C., to lead the 1954 spring services, an
yank Hall, of Wilmington, N. C., to preach in the spring of 1955, aM

ee Warner Hall, of Charlotte, N. C., to lead services in the spring

The Session, in November, 1953, recommended ‘“‘. . . to the Deacons
that our Church present to each couple, one or both of whom cae aby
bers of our Church, a Bible . . . when married in our Church an

Our Pastor, |.”

The Maxton Church entered into the discussion by the Southern Presby-
terian Church on the question of union with the Northern Church. In
November, a

i ix books on
- , . the Moderator was authorized to order six
the Plan of Union for use in studying the plan, . .” In January, 1954, ie
Session Tequested “. . . that Dr, Price Gywnn be secured to ie o
mee ae of the plan of union to the congregation. . .” On Sunday night,
3

» 1954, Dr. S. H. Fulton, the beloved Pastor of the Laurinburg
Presbyterian Ch

Pa Pulpit of the Maxton Church has always been free, so that the
or mi

i i time of the

Might preach his understanding of the Gospel. At the {
es General Assembly resolution calling tor the abolition of ereteeee ny
here w S general discussion by many churches in the South. :

urch, spoke to the congregation on the Plan of Union.

Page 93
 

 

   

 
  

   
  
   
    
  
  
  
  
   
  
   
  
   
     
 
   
 
 
   
    
   
   
  
   
   
    
 
   
   
    
   
     
   
   
    
  
   
  
  
      
 
  
  

 

 

Donnell

Members of the Church, incl
congratulated the Pastor o:

through the hearts of His people in the pulpit that is ‘‘. . n
chained . . .” May the pulpit of the Maxton Church ever remain free!

The Session decided, in February, 1954, ‘‘.

leaders, Mr. and Mrs. Andy Williamson.
made that the y

the community.
in March, 1954, “‘.
community.”

A son was born to Mr. an
June 20, Mrs. Donnell’s father

Robert Lindsay Donnell at the morning service.

Mr. Holmes Rolston, II, of Union Seminary, was welcomed as Sum-
ssistant Pastor on June 2, 1954. Mr. Rolston was an excellent

, being invited to speak at Cheraw, S. C., and Red

g the Maxton Church. In September, a resolution of
mmer work was recorded by the Session. Mr. Rolston
Union Semniary in 1956 and was awarded a Seminary
957 he studied at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland.

mer A
young preacher.
Springs while servin
thanks for his su
graduated from
Fellowship, In 1

Mr. Crabtree resigned as Ch
letter was read to the congregation:

The Session of the First Presbyterian Church of Maxton
wishes to take this opportunity to express to you and Ann
the deep appreciaion which we feel for your ministry of
music to this Church during the past three years. We are
sure that we speak for the entire congregation when we say
that your ministry of music has been a rich blessing to this
Church and has been not only a source of enjoyment, but
of spiritual enrichment and strengthening for all of us. . .

Among the voice
was Mr. Robert T
were enjoyed by ti

of Flora Mc

S which aided the musical witness during these years

Donald College, accepted the position as Choir Director.

_ Mr. Russell E. Hellekson and Mr. Mills Kirkpatrick were elected Rul-
ing Elders on October 24, 1954. Mr. Hellekson and Mr. Kirkpatrick had
both been active in the Church as Deacons and Sunday School workers.
Mr. Hellekson, the son of Ruling Elder E. A. Hellekson, had also directed

the Young People’s activities of the Church. Mr. Kirkpatrick is the son
of Dr. G. F. Kirkpatrick, former
Churches.

The “Forward With Christ’ movement of the Southern Presbyterian
Church “, . . with its goals

4 : and attainments covering 1955-’56-’57 . . .
with special emphasis on our

the Session in January, 1955. A committee was appointed to head this
work in the Church, composed of Dr. R. D. Croom, Jr., Evangelism; Mrs.
Glennie McCormick, World Mission,

and Mr. Murphy McGirt, Stewardship.

Elder Mur,

phy McGirt was elected a Commissioner to the General As-
sembly, meeting at Richmond, Virginia, on June 2, 1955.

    

Page 94

preached a powerful sermon on the Christian and race relations.
uding those who differed in interpretation,
m his courageous stand. The Lord works
. . splendidly un-

. . that public notice be given
showing our appreciation for the work of the Young People and of their

. -’ In March, ‘‘A report was
ounng people are to make a survey of the unchurched of

. -’ A Deacon’s Fund was established by the Church
. . to take care of the charity cases of the Church and

d Mrs. Donnell in the spring of 1954, and on
, Dr. C. J. Hollandsworth, baptized little

oir Director on August 22, and a public

olar, of Lumberton, N. C., whose rich baritone solos
he congregation. On September 5, Mr. Lawrence Skin- |

minister of the Centre and Smyrna

local Church goals. . .”” was endorsed by

s; Mr. William Johnson, Education; —

:

  

In A

apie pril, 1955, the Women of the Church made plans to start a nursery
n

e€ Church during worship hours.

Dr. B. Frank Hall, Pastor of the Pearsall Memorial Presbyterian
Church

of Wilmington, conducted successful Evangelistic services dur-
Ing April.

The Session mourned the death of Ruling Elder John B. McCallum,
Sr., in 1955, and drew up resolutions of respect: ‘On the 10th gor
Aprilia God in His infinite wisdom, understanding, arid love, eee
John B, McCallum, Sr., to his reward in Heaven. He served the Firs

Presbyterian Church of Maxton as an Elder for forty-two years, and
S the oldest Elder at his death. . .”

Fayetteville Presbytery established Camp Monroe during 1955, and
the Maxton Church played its part in this important project which oday,
ectves youth and adult groups. “. . . The motion was made and duly
Carried that the committee on Camp Monroe be given as much time as
necessary — to be worked out with the Pastor — in a regular morning
Service to present their cause to the congregation.”

The Synod of North Carolina was making great forward steps in
Christian Education in 1955, with plans culminating in the founding pt
& consolidated Presbyterian College, to carry on the traditions an
dreams of Flora McDonald College, Peace Junior College, and Presby-
terian Junior College in improved facilities. The Maxton com
Joined with Laurinburg, and the towns worked together to locate the
College in the immediate area. The Maxton Church took an active part
fee Campaign, with a committee appointed by the Session. The beauti-

ne

W Campus is now being designed by architects, to be located south
of Laurinburg,

Tn addition to the various financial drives for P. J. C., Flora McDonald,
Davidson, Queens, Barium Springs, Camp Monroe, and other Prespy:
terian institutions, the Maxton Church had pledged three thousand ols
lars to Union Seminary in December, 1953, to aid in the development o
the Seminary.

geane Church continued to reach out to serve the community, voting

Sponsor the Explorer Group of the Boy Scouts in November, 1955, fo
the uding One hundred dollars in the budget for the work. In June, 1956,
@ :

i if Com-
“€ssion approved a one-hundred-dollar gift to the Maxton
Se Recreation Fund, requesting the Men’s Bible Class to raise the
Oney,

AS a 1955 Christmas gift, the church presented Rev. and Mea ounel
With a television set. On January 4, 1956, the Session commended tee BS
Pastor for his excellent work and spiritual leadership as evidenced y
*ePorts from our congregation and our own personal knowledge.

Plans were made by the Worship Committee to purchase the new
Presbyt 5

i : a or h

;.,9 rian Hymnal in 1956. Mrs. J. C. McCaskill presented the chure
a gift of 150 SARL Suey carrying on the tradition of liberality and
interest by members of the congregation.

4, line appears in the Session Minutes for February 8, 1956, which,
m its simple ideal of Christian love, carries on the work of our Lord:

Prayer was held that all of the officers of the Church would
Pray for and otherwise help members of our Church wha
Particularly need love and care, and upon request, a specia
prayer for one of our members was held.

     

Page 95

 

 
 

 

 

March, 1956
Chi ;
Superintendent Russel Hellekson reported to the Session

attendance and offering has shown a substantial increase during the
past few months.” The Evangelistic Committee of the Church, with

; was a busy month, with Dr. Warner Hall of Covenant
urch, Charlotte, conducting Evangelistic Services. Sunday School

“.. , that both

Mills Kirkpatrick as Chairman, “. . . was authorized to begin prepara-
tions for Evangelistic Services beginning with the Spring of 1957. . .

This Committee made plans to invite former Pastors James Appleby,
John H. McKinnon, and Lee Stoffel to lead services in succeeding years.

On May 29, Mr. William Massey, of Charlotte and Union Theological
Seminary, began his work as Summer Assistant Pastor. Bill Massey was
another in the long list of capable and popular Seminary boys to work
with the Maxton Church during the summer months. In August, a
resolution of thanks was given to Mr. Massey, and “‘thanks was given by
Mr. Massey for the courtesy and fellowship accorded him.”

During the summer, improvements were made in the Religious Educa-
tion Building. The Session adopted the Rotary Plan for Church Officers,

and this plan became official in a Congregational meeting on September
9.

Ruling Elder James E. Morrison died on August 1, 1956, and the Ses-
sion paused to pay tribute and thank God for his life. “. . . The Church

and community will miss this faithful and loyal member . . . His memory
is a blessing. . .”

On October 13, another faithful Ruling Elder, Mr. H. C. Cousar, was
called to his Heavenly home. ‘. . . his life with us was one of outstanding
faith, love, devotion, and work for the cause of Christ . . . Our Church

community and all who knew him have been greatly benefited by the
example he set for Christian living, devotion, and service. . .”

Mr. Courtney Henderlite, a student at Presbyterian Junior College,
and a member of the Maxton Church, met with the Session on Novem-
ber 14. “He made a statement concerning his boyhood and religious
background, his purpose to become a missionary as his father is. eth
Courtney Henderlite is now continuing his education at Presbyterian
College. A large group of P. J. C. students during these years are now
preparing for the Presbyterian ministry in senior colleges. George B.

Hutchins, Elinos A. Whitlock, Jr., James P. Barksdale, Jr., and Fred
Currie are presently in Seminary training.

In December, 1956, Mr, James M. Patterson, Sr., Mr. James L. Currie,
Mr. William A. Johnson, Mr.

) Ernest P. Williams, and Mr. Floyd James
were elected Ruling Elders. All of these men, in their business and
es a are respected for their interest in the Church and Christian
ideals.

Committee appointments were made on January 3, 1957. Members of
the Religious Education Com

C mittee were: R. D. Croom, Jr., Chairman,
Floyd James, Billy Dunn, Betty Snead, Paul Sullivan, and R. C, Holland.
Members of the Worship and Music Committee were: Russell Hellekson,
Chairman, J. L. i

Currie, Mrs. Murphy McGirt, and Isabel Jackson.
Members of the Evan

gelism Committee were: Murphy McGirt, Chair-
man, J. L. Currie, Ann McKinnon illi i

; , A. G. Williamson, and Freddie Croom.

M. Patterson, Mrs. Mayme McQueen, and Mrs. Maude Correll. The
Committee on Promo

) tion of Assembly Causes: W. A. Johnson, Chairman,
J. M. McNair, Mrs. Margaret McLaurin. The Pulpit Supply Committee:

      

Page 96

 

 

 

  

Mills Kirkpatrick, Chairman, E. P, Williams, and C. S, McIntyre. Mr.
R. F. Morris was elected Church Historian.

On February 8, 1957, “‘The Pastor and Ruling Elder W. A. Johnson
Teported on their attendance at Presbytery, giving in some geet
docket and actions of Presbytery . . . particularly regarding the favor

action taken ermitting the election of women as officers in the
Church. . .”

Beginning on March 31, Dr. James Appleby conducted Evangelistic
Services in the Church and the College. Following the successful ie
clusion of these meetings, the Session met on April 10, and was i ba nt
y the Pastor to call a congregational meeting in order that he mig

accept a call to the Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church of Atlanta,
Georgia,

Charlie and “Candy” Connell left Maxton on April 30, with the gifts
and love of Church restore The Memorial Drive Church was touted
on April 8, 1954, in the expanding suburbs of Atlanta, and is now making
Plans for future construction and development.

Mr. Donnell, in a letter to the Maxton congregations, said:

“Our years in Maxton were happy ones. They were years
that are rich for us in memories of work and friendship i
the First Presbyterian Church. We are grateful that Go

m His Providence permitted us to minister among you for
a while.

‘Although we had to leave many friends behind when we
left Maxton, we aré thankful that we did not have to leave
your friendship, which we continue to treasure and enjoy.

JOSEPH W. WALKER

ten Session Legan plans in the spring of 1957 to build a new manse
r the C

hurch. It was decided to purchase the Johnson property, beside
the Church, as a site for the new building.
Mr.

i William rising senior at Union Seminary, became As-
daeant Pastor peel Ail faenyad the Church efficiently and zealously
during the summer months. When he left in August, he was presente:
2 departing gift as a token of appreciation for his work. The Session

So Presented Miss Maggie McKinnon a gift, recognizing the many sum-
mers she has entertained the Seminary boys in her home.

A committee continued to make progress on the manse. Mr. Murphy
McGirt, the Acting Moderator of the Session, Mr. James Drennan, ang

t. James M. MeNair sought professional advice on remodeling t ie
Patterson property, At a congregational meeting held on July 28, 1957,
cle moderated by Dr. R. D. Croom, Jr., a Building Committee es
flected composed of Mrs. M. P. James, Mr. Murphy McGirt, Mr. J.
Dy Medlin Mr. G. P. Henderson, Mrs. G. P. McKinnon, and Mrs. Mavaie
McQueen. This Committee was authorized to employ an architect pnd
Sout Contractors ‘to make a complete study. The Secretary of the

er;

. n Presbyterian Department of Architecture made recommenda-
tions to the committee.

On August 25, 1957, the congregation met to hear the report of the
Pulpit Committee. Mr. Murphy McGirt, Chairman, represented the Com-
1ttee j

n putting the name of Rev. Joseph W. Walker before the congre-

Page 97

 

 

 

 
gation. Mr. Walker was unanimously called by standing vote.

Joseph Walker and Betty Jo Walker accepted the call of the Church,

and arrived in September, 1957. They are the proud parents of little
Miss Debbie Walker.

Mr. Walker, following his graduation from Davidson College and
Union Theological Seminary, accepted the call of the Selma Presbyterian
Church, Wherever he has gone, his work has been outstanding. In 1957,

Mr. and Mrs. Walker spent a year in Scotland, while he continued his
graduate studies at the University of Edinburgh.

Mr. Walker’s remarkable leadership ability, and his kindness and true
friendship have endeared him to the people of Maxton. As preacher and
pastor he has been richly endowed by God. A thankful Elder recently
voiced the congregation’s feeling when he exclaimed, ‘“‘. . . My! How the
Lord has blessed us!”’ Mrs. Walker, the former Betty Jo McCormick of
Rowland, is a graduate of Assembly’s Training School. Maxton has

come to love this happy and consecrated young couple, who are serving
their Lord so faithfully.

A memorial flower container was given to the Church in September,
honoring the memory of Bernard Mullins, Sr., a son of the Church “. “
who made the Supreme Sacrifice while in the service of his country.

That same month, Miss Ann Elizabeth McKinnon presented a silver
flower urn to the Church.

Plans were begun for the celebration of the Church’s eightieth anniver-
sary. Mr. R. F. Morris was appointed Chairman of the Homecoming
Committee, and the date selected for the occasion was October 19, 1958.
Other members of the Committee were Mr. J. B. McCallum, Mr. G. P.
Henderson, Mrs. McBryde Austin, Mrs. Lacy Williams, and the Pastor.

In October, the Session made the motion that financial support ‘‘. . . be
made available to either two or three delegates from the Church to the

Youth Fellowship Convention to be held in Lexington, Kentucky, during
the Christmas Holidays. . .”

Mr. George P. Henderson, Mr. Andrew G. Williamson, Mr. W. Glenn
Peele, and Mr. Otto W. Ferrene were elected Elders on October 13. Mr.
Ferrene was re-elected to the Session upon his return to Maxton from
Clinton, S.C. Mr. Peele, Mr.Williamson, and Mr. Henderson had all 1
served as faithful Deacons. Mr. Henderson has extensive farming in-

terests near Maxton, Mr. Peele is a Christian businessman of the cor-
munity, and Mr. Williamson is an outstanding young lawyer.

On October 27, Mr. L. L. Biggs, Mr. Bob Misenheimer, Mr. Hubert
McLaurin, Mr. Lawrence Morris, Mr. W. H. Stewart, Mr. B. C. McIntyre

ite Sanford Lee, and Mr. Alton C. Greene were elected to the Board

Dr. Robert D. Croom, Jr., was elected a Commissioner from Fayette:

ville Presbytery to attend the 1958 meeting of the General Assembly,
held in the First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte.

The Church entered the Synod’s 1958 Campus Christian Life Campaign, —
pledging almost one thousand dollars in financial support. This campaign —
is aiding the Presbyterian student work on college and university cam- '

Page 98

 

Puses throughout the state.

In April, Dr. John H. McKinnon, former Maxton Pastor, arrived from

Knoxville, Tennessee, to preach at the annual Spring Evangelistic ser-
vices.

Mr. Kenneth B. Orr, Rising Middler at Union Theological Seminary,
Was welcomed to the Church i June, 1958. Mrs. Malcolm Gillis succeeded
irs. Patsy Purcell Braddy as Church Secretary, and a note of apprecia-
tion was sent to Mrs. Braddy from the Session.

Under the direction of Kenneth Orr and the Pastor, the Church inaugu-
tated a “United Youth Week’’ on July 20. Young people of all denami;
nations, numbering over fifty, attended the evening programs cf wors uD,
fun, and fellowship. The study groups were divided into two sections, the
Junior High group studying ‘‘The Life and Teachings of Jesus Sona
under the leadership of Elder Andy Williamson. The senior young people
Studied a course entitled, ‘‘Understanding Ourselves’, with the aim
of attaining Christian maturity. Dr. John Daughtrey, of the pollens
faculty, was the leader of this section. The young people enjoyed refresh-
Ments and organized recreation after the study sessions. Mr. ares

Toom, of the Maxton Senior High Fellowship group, was elected Moder-

on of the Synod of North Carolina’s Senior High Fellowship Presidents
In 1958.

During the summer, progress continued to be made by the Manse
Building’ Committee. A neuer Deacon of the Church, Mr. Tele
Orris, purchased the old manse property, and another son of the
whurch, Mr. Reginald McVicker, submitted’ proposed sketches of the

new manse. The clearing of the site was begun, preceding the actual
Construction.

Ae the First Presbyterian Church of Maxton completes eighty years

Service in the name Jesus Christ, the name of each Pastor has been
recalled:

aus “the Grand Old Man of the Synod of North Carolina,” .

i 1, . . Halbert Green
Roger Martin and the days of old Shoe Hee bombGress
. . James M: Appleby, . . . John

- Mcllwaine, . . Charles L.

McKi . Eugene L. Siler, .

* “cKinnon, . . . Layton Fraser, .

Donnell +. . and the Srsane beloved pastor, Joseph W. Walker. Each

er them has been different, each has been used by the Lord to serve
e

People of his time. To God be the praise.

. . Lee Stoffel, . .

“Except the Lord build the House, they labor in vain
that build it...”

Tn the midst of the season of Homecoming and rejoicing, Rev. Walker
Wrote to the congregation:

“Homecoming is a significant time in the life of the Church.
It is a time when the ties that bind us together in Christ
are strengthened. It is a time when we draw inspiration as
We see the power of God working in the midst of His people.
It is a time of renewal when in the midst of warm association
and sacred memories we rededicate ourselves to the service
of Christ in the present hour.”

‘“

- . We rededicate ourselves to the service of Christ in the present
hour.” Fathers of 1878, sons and daughters of Knox and the Highlanders:
Your Children of 1958 are marching onward with the Cross of Jesus

Page 99

 

 
 

 

——

going on before

ieee Cees Hic Banners Go! . . .”

- . . Brothers, we are treading
where the saints have trod...
- . . Onward, then, ye people,

join our happy throng,
Blend with our your voices

In the triumph song:
GLORY, LAUD AND HONOR

UNTO CHRIST THE KING
<2 To. All Generations”

St eRe thankful unto Him, and bless His Name.
For the LORD is good; His Mercy is everlasting;
And his truth endureth to all generations.”

: 3 ve always mocked the weak and
small things ¢f¢ their da

years after twenty-six men _
Presbyterian Church in old McKay

Maxton remains small, in

Today, eighty

mighty institutions of the world.

Page 100

 

 

Raa ys ., which has
Travel to the west and you will come to LE aE Sse will find a
been served by a son of the Church. At MOEN en e Stoffel is Pastor of
Son ministering to the Church. In Charlotte, Dr. Ghon is Pastor of the
the First Presbyterian Church, and a son of the near Charlotte, have
Avondale Church. Churches at Wilmore and Shatop. Siaeiins Wibietared:
een served by Maxton sons. At Concord, a former - the Church is now
as has a son of the Church. In Gastonia, a son 0: hing at Forest City.
Peaching. Further west, a son of the Church is if Dr. Hill's life. In the
Barium Springs Orphanage bears the imprint 0: nied by a son of the
Mountain town of Morganton is a pulpit formerly keebere ‘At Montreat,
hurch. A son of the Church served at North Wilke ads fine Soak
wigre Dr. Hill served as a Director for ees een Here work-
William Black Home, built in memory of the great Chy rch Conferences. A
fas,ttom all over the Synod spend summers at t and Black Mountain
former Maxton Pastor ministered to the Montrea' niet the Church, Dr.
Churches. One Maxton Pastor, Dr. Hill, and ere North Carolina. A son
lack,have served as Moderators of the Synod of No:

; ior High Young
of the Church is currently Moderator of the Synod’s Senior Hig
People,

i h in
Dr. Hill served as Moderator of the Southern Presbyterian Churc’
1889. Dr. Sj

Siler wa i 4, and other Pas-
to a s Stated Clerk for the Assembly in 1924,
T'S have

Serve i A son of the
Cl d on General Assembly Committees.
‘lurch bla:

i d the
zed a trail of Evangelism throughout ports Citta ie rahe
South, many churches being founded through his nS aS en
Presbyterian Junior College who have worshipped in th

are now Pastors all over the Southland.

. isiti illiamston,
The story goes on as you enter South ea caving eA thonk
Columbia, Rock Hill, Clinton, Anderson, Cheraw, Nir a NUARE: Colum-
Well Orphanage. In Georgia, Maxton has reached ou oath te Rlotidet
bus, and Columbia Theological Seminary. Go fur va Fort Lauderdale.
into the communities of Melbourne, Winter Eaves and iilorences Ala-
Ami, West and proceed to Suter tae ‘leans, Louisiana. In
bama. Then on to Grenada, Mississippi, and New wean ome) Sherman,
the mid-west, Maxton influences have reached to . Ee PAS aerate
dexas; St. Charles, St. Louis and St. dorepih Musou ae
Church served as Moderator of the Synod of Missour

: rch is
Travel back east and pause in Ohio, where a ue peli gatas Soa
Ministering jin Bluffton. Then south to Danville, Ken’ TT ono nenieae was
of the Church served as President of Centre College, a TicithGolumbiet
oderator of the Synod of Kentucky. In Tennessee, Pastor has served
ashville, Kingsport, and Knoxville, where a former hould be taken to
8s Moderator of the Synod of Appalachia. A side trip Arana visit Union
Union, West Virginia, and then on to Virginia. He Mizpah Church,
Theological Seminary, served loyally Py spre ‘der for many years,
the Second Church, where Roger Martin was an E ed for almost 30
Ginter Park Church, where a son of the Church 1949 At Union Semi-
years and was Moderator of the Synod of Virginia in iv axtonmandeDm
nary, three members of the Faculty have setved in isters Group and
Appleby is a former President of the Richmond "field work activity
Oderator of the Presbytery, in addition to directing, ihe School, which
all over the South. Across the street is Assembly’s Peet Petersburg,
Dr. Hill helped to organize. Leave Richmond and
Grottoes, Bon Air, Chatham, Warrenton, and Bristol.

: Church
Leaving the South, visit New York City, where a son of the

, Presby-
teved as Director of Annuities and Legacies for eee er ae
terian Church, and the wife of a son of the Church is

Page 101

 

 
 

 

 

   

Truly, the little village Church has been used by God.

Yet, in the words of Dr, Veni Ge
must go forward, . .” Thankful for the heritage of the past, the Church

On December 19, 1978, the Maxton Church will celebrate its Centennial
nniversary. Only the Lord knows what will happen in these. twenty years.
Certainly, the Church is to “watch”, “. . . for we know not what hour

our Lord cometh.” During these years, the Cross of Leadership will
be handed on to many new hands,

Who will carry on?

in the centuries ahead are unlimited, “. . . the Fields are white with

harvest. . .” May the Spirit of the Maxton Church always be that of
John Knox, when he prayed over four hundred years ago,

“Give me Scotland, or I die!”

In the early 1890’s a young lawyer from Maxton left a meeting con-
ducted by the great John R. Mott in Wilmington, N. C. He turned to a
lawyer friend walking beside him and suddenly asked, “What are you
and I doing creatively for the Lord?” William Black answered his own

question, left his home in Maxton, and became the greatest Evangelist
in the Synod of North Carolina.

We come unto our fathers’ God,
Their Rock is our salvation;

Th’ eternal arms, their dear abode,
We make our habitation.

Page 102

Lye",

 

Ye saints to come, take up the strain
The same sweet theme endeavor;
Unbroken be the golden chain!
Keep on the song forever!

Safe in the same dear dwelling place,
Rich with the same eternal grace,
Bless the same boundless Giver.

—Thomas H. Gill

Page 103

 
 

 

 

 

INDEX

 

Page 105

ere de a ene etree

 

 

 
 

 

|
|
}
|
1

 

   

 

1958 CHURCH DIRECTORY

Miss Margaret Wood, R. N., Our Ministry in Brazil (Partial Support)

Permanent
D. McBryde Austin
R. D. Croom, Sr.
C. S. McIntyre
E. P. Williams

Permanent
D. B. Campbell

  
 

Mrs. Mills Kirkpatrick.
Mr. Hubert McLaurin.

CRADLE ROLL

Mrs. Mattie B. Baldwin

NURSERY

Mrs. George Campbell
Miss Linda Breeden

BEGINNERS

Mrs. Hubert McLaurin
Mrs. W. A. Parnell
Mrs. Murphy McGirt
Mrs. Louis Speros

PRIMARY

Mrs. Glen Crofton
Miss Annie Neal McEachin
Miss Sarah McRae

ij
|
t
Joseph W. Walker, Pastor-Study Phone 247, Manse 52 4
Mrs. Malcolm Gillis, Church Secretary, Phone $19 :
Mrs. Lacy Williams, Pastor's Aide i

Mrs. R. M. Williams, Church Organist
Mrs. R. D. Croom, Jr., Choir Director |
David Leach, Jr., Sexton '
|
;

THE SESSION

 

 

Class 1958 Class 1959 Class 1960
J. L. Currie R. D. Croom, Jr. O. W. Ferrene
R. E. Hellekson E. A. Hellekson G. P. Henderson
J. M. Kirkpatrick J. B. McCallum, Clerk W. G. Peele f
M. F. McGirt R. F. Morris A. G. Williamson
THE BOARD OF DEACONS |
Class 1958 Class 1959 Class 1960 1
Marcus Allen R. C, Holland L. L. Biggs |
A. C. Greene + P. James, Chm, Hubert McLaurin
S. D. Lee L. B. Martin R. W. Misenheimet
Luther McNeill B. C. McIntyre, Sr. L. P. Morris
M. G. Misenheimer J. D. Medlin, Treas. W. H. Stewart, Jr.
TRUSTEES
J. B. McCallum C. S. McIntyre 5

 
  
 
  
  

THE CHURCH SCHOOL

ssistant Superintendent
Secretary and Treasure!
ildren’s Division =|

...- Superintendent |

--Youth Division Superintendent

JUNIORS MEN’S No. 1

Mrs. Coit Whitlock
Miss Lillian Austin
Mrs. Murphy McGirt

PIONEERS

Mrs. Russell Hellekson
Miss Lilis Cousar

Mr. D. H. McQueen

MEN’S No. 2
Mr. L. L. Biggs, Pres.

SENIOR YOUNG PEOPLE

Mr. W. A. Johnson
Mr. A. G. Williamson

Mrs. McBryde Austin
Mrs. J. O. MacClelland

WOMEN’S No. 2

Mrs. Vivian Dosh
Mrs. R. C. Holland
Mrs. R. D. Croom, Jr.

WOMEN OF THE CHURCH

WOMEN’S No. 1
Mrs. Louis LaMotte

 

  
 

 
   

 

COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN
Mrs. U. B. Martin, Jr., Spiritual Growth Mrs. W. A. Johnson, World Missions
Mrs. R. E. Hellekson, Christian Education Mrs. L. L. Biggs, Annuities and Relief
Mrs. J. O. McClelland, Stewardship Mrs. MeBryde Austin, General Fund Agencies
Mrs. J. M. Patterson, Church Extension Mrs. B. C. McIntyre, Social Activities
CIRCLE CHAIRMEN
Miss Lillian Austin. Circle No. 1 Mrs. Hubert McLaurin.
Mrs. M. L. Correll. Circle No. 2 Mrs. Leon Owen...
Miss Ann McKinnon. Circle No. 3 Mrs. W. G. Peele...
MEN OF THE CHURCH
Robert Misenheimer.
averne McInnis.

 
   

PRESBYTERIAN YOUTH FELLOWSHIP
: Betty Kirkpatrick, President; Mrs, Martha Davis, Adult Advisor.

SENIOR HIGH FELLOWSHIP: Anna Kathryn Misenheimer, President; Dr. and Mrs. Lloyd 0
McCaskill, Mrs. Otto Ferrene,

: Ee

Mrs. Paul Sullivan, Adult Advisors.

 

 

The Session, 1878-1958

R. M. McCaskill
W. J. Currie

D. S. Morrison
Dr. D. M. McBryde

E. F. McRae
J. C. McCaskill

William Black
J. D. Austin
M. G. McKenzie
Archibald A. McLean
G. B. Patterson
L. L. MeGirt
John B. McCallum
Sylvester B. McLean
J. Plummer Wiggins
J. Lacy McLean
R. D. Croom
A. H. Currie
J. S. McRae
J. E. Morrison
McKay McKinnon
D. A. Patterson
Rory McNair
C. L. Green
J. B. McCallum, Jr.
R. S. Matheson

L. B. Martin, Sr.
Henry Cottingham

F. E. Coxe
R. M. McGirt

H. C. MeNair
F. L. Hyndman

L. W. McKinnon
R. F. Morris
D. McBryde Austin
Dr. R. D. Croom, Jr.
E. A. Hellekson
C. S. McIntyre
J. E. Morrison, Jr.
H. C. Cousar, Sr.
Frank Murphy McGirt
Otto W. Ferrene
J. Mills Kirkpatrick
R. E. Hellekson
F. E. James
J. M. Patterson
J. L. Currie
E. P. Williams
W. A. Johnson
G. P. Henderson
W. G. Peele
A. G. Williamson

The Trustees, 1878-1598

Dr. J. D. Croom

W. D. Baldwin
E. L. McCormac
R. M. MeNair

D. M. McCormac

McKay McKinnon, Sr.

A. H. Currie
J. S. McRae
S. B. McLean

Page 107

W. S. McNair

G. B. Sellers

J. Lacy McLean

D. A. Patterson
J. B. McCallum, Jr.

C. S. McIntyre

R. L. McLeod
M. P. James
 

The Deacons, 1878-1958

J. C. McCaskill
J.C. McLean
J. D. Croom
W. D. Baldwin
A. McL. Morrison
J. A. Patterson

D. A. Patterson
H. C. McNair
Robert D. Crocm
Angus C, McKinnon
McKay McKinnon
Rufus M. Williams
J.D: Medlin, Sr.
J. E. Morrison
M. A. McQueen
D. C. McIver

Dan Martin
E. E. Chandler
C. L. Green
LeRoy B. Martin
J.B. McCallum, Jr.
E. P. Williams
F. E. Coxe
C.-S; McIntyre
Luther MeNeill, Sr.
Henry Cottingham
M. A, Thompson
D. B. Campbell
McBryde Austin
John Sumter McRae, Jr.

Page 108

John Luther McLean
E. A. Hellekson
Dr. R. D. Croom, Jr.
J. D. Medlin, Jr,
L. W. McKinnon

James L. MeNair, Jr,

J. M. Patterson
O. G. Drennan
LeRoy B. Martin, Jr,
Lloyd W. Anderson
Luther McNeill, Jr.
Murphy McGirt
Marcus Allen
J. L. Currie
O. W. Ferrene
R. E. Hellekson
do Ve Henderson, Jr.
J. Mills Kirkpatrick
Guy Misenheimer, Sr.
Martin McKinnon
J. 0. Mann, Jr.
Glenn Peele
A. G. Williamson
James Drennan
Floyd James
Billy Dunn
J. D. McBryde
J. M. MeNair
McKay Morgan
Tada. Biggs
Hubert McLaurin
Robert W. Misenheimer
L. P. Morris
W.H. Stewart, Jr.
(Bee McIntyre, Sr.
A. C. Greene
S. D. Lee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PASTORS OF THE CHURCH

ws Dr. i
9 5, Petersburg, Va.i
NIRST Row: p William B. Meliwaine, Jr., ALS 2S US TE aie
* 917-1922! Dr. James Appleby, 1933-1939,

S; L: Siler,

’. Layton Fraser,
ile, Tenn.; Dr. T. », N.C.
ee ; See Ete hee CHATIGIUCEING
SEL OND SOs es ei SIRE ee be TED Lee Stoffel, 1948-195: h W. Walker,
1945-1947, Clinton, S. C.; Ni a.: Rev. Joseph . :
THIRD ROW: Ri Charles L. Donnell, 1953-1957, Atlanta, Ga.;
: ev. Charles L.

I 1957- ----; Maxton, N. C.
 

SONS IN

and CHRISTIAN
DAUGHTERS SERVICE

  

FIRST ROW: Dr. Al
MacLe.

 
 

ander Martins Dr. Willi i a A ames “Leod; Rev.
ander Martin; Dr. William Black; Miss Lillian Austin; Dr. John Allan FIRST ROW: Mr. Ted Stixrud; Rev. Leonard W. Melntyres Rev. James B. McLeod

HF John R. McKinnon.

SECOND ROW: Dr. Murdock McLeod; Rev. Sylvester B. Kdward A. McLeod;

MacLean; Dr. ert L. McLeod; SEC : Rev. Charles Kirkpatrick; Rev. Odis M. MeNeill; Rev.
} Dr. Barney Ellis MacLean. acLean; Dr. Robert L. McLeod COND ROW: Rev. Charles Kirkpatrick; Rev. Ss

Rev. John H. LaMotte.

THIRD ROW: Rey, Thomas W. McLean; Mrs. Jane MeKinnon Oldroy. THIRD ROW: Mr. Edward M. LaMotte; Mr. Glenn A. Crofton, Jr.
id FF. Blue; Rev.

n ministers.

    

Not pictured: Rev. Wilburn A. Nicholson; Miss Edmonia LU ky
James Sprunt Mann, and daughters of the church marr ed to es

 

     
in

 

   

THE SESSION — 1939-1945

R. D. Croom, Sr., H. C. Cousar, Sr., J. B: McCallum, Sr., F. E. Coxe, Rev. John McKinnon,
Pastor; McKay McKinnos, C. L. Green, L. B. Martin, Sr., Rory McNair, J. E. Morrison.

 

THE WALKER FAMILY
Rev. Joseph W. Walker, Mrs. Walker, and “Debbie”

 

  

THE BOARD OF DEACONS 1958

ION — 1958
BACK ROW: L. P. Morris, R. C. Holland, W. H. Stewart, Jr., Rev. J. W. Walker, Pastor, THE SESS:

. McGirt,
Luther MacNeill, Jr., B. C. McIntyre, Sr. BACK ROW: F. E. James, G. P. Henderson, J. M. Patterson, Glenn Peele, M. F

, Jr., C. S. McIntyre.
CENTER ROW: J. D. McBryde, James Drennan, Marcus Allen, M. P. James, J. D. Medlin, E. H. Hellekson, R. D. Croom. Se serene RAED
Jr., L. B. Martin, Jr., Guy Misenheimer, Bob Misenheimer. Re uk

FRONT ROW: D. McBryde Austin, R. F. Morris, W. A. Johnson, a Wi: Mellekson, Rev. J-

, Jr:, E, P. Williams,
FRONT ROW: Sandy D. Lee, L. L. Biggs, A. G. Green, Hubert McLaurin, Billy Dunn, McKay coocn Sr J. B. RarGatians
ae W. Walker, Pastor.

 

 
   
 

 

 

}
|
|
1
IH

 

 

Acknowledgment...

Appreciation is expressed to the Homecoming Committee in the
preparation of this manuscript. From the beginning all members
(Fairley Morris, Johnny McCallum, Mrs. Lacy Williams, Mrs. McBryde
Austin, and “Doc” Henderson) have guided and encouraged. Other
individuals of the Congregation and community, particularly Miss Mag-
gie McKinnon, Miss Bessie McLean, Miss Ann Elizabeth McKinnon,
Mr. Robert D. Croom, Sr., Mrs, Alex White, Miss Lillian Austin, Mrs.
R. M. Williams, Mrs. C. §. McIntyre, Mr. Henry McKinnon, Mr. Rus-
sell Hellekson, Mrs. J. O. McClelland, Mrs. Ruth Croom, Mr. and Mrs.
W. M. Currie, Mrs. W. H. Stewart, Jr., Mrs. Janie McKinnon, Mrs.
CEW: Hensey, Mr. Murphy McGirt, Mrs. Meddie Stewart McLeod,

Mrs, R. L. McLeod, Mrs. Marcus Allen, Mrs. G. F. Kirkpatrick, and
others have given time, pictures, and remarks.

Appreciation is also expressed to Rev. Walker and the various
pastors and sons of the church who have cooperated so willingly in
compiling material, to the Historical Foundation, Montreat, N. C.,

to the Union Theological Seminary Library, Richmond, Virginia, and to
my parents.

Sources relied upon heavily for material include:

The Session Minutes of Maxton and Centre Churches; the 1951
80th Anniversary Edition of The Robesonian; the 1954 200th Anniver-
sary Edition of The Fayetteville Observer; Mrs. R. A. McLeod’s His-
tory of Maxton; Rev. G. F. Kirkpatrick’s History of Centre Church;
the files of The Laurinburg Exchange; the Presbyterian Junior Col-
lege Library files of The Scottish Chief; The Union Seminary files of
The Presbyterian Standard, The Christian Observer, Minutes of the
Synod of North Carolina, Minutes of the General Assembly, Minutes

of Fayetteville Presbytery; and Dr. J. G. Garth’s Sixty Years of Home
Missions in the Synod of North Carolina.

Mrs. Malcolm Gillis and Mrs. Grace Cosby, typists, Mr. Claude

Adams, photographer, and Mr. Bill Evans, printer, have handled the
technical production of the history.

Especial appreciation is expressed to previous church historians, -

Mr. McKay McKinnon, Mr. William J. Currie, and Dr. E. L. Siler,
on whose labors we have built.

Page 114

 

 

Acknowledgment .. .

Mr. Edward LaMotte, a Son of this church, in writing
this history of the Maxton Presbyterian Church has

freely given of his time and ability. In this he has ren-
dered to his Church and to the Presbyterian Churches

in this area an outstanding service. We wish to express
to him the deep appreciation of the Church.
THE HOMECOMING COMMITTEE.

Page 115
i
is
Fi

 

 

 

 

LA AA TE. RR

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  

4
iy
*
ri
:

{|

5

. }

|

||

}

BRS ay Pah 5 ee ah Be 5 Bes. ee ARS: RAE Soe |

 

 
WAM

30372 0135 1848 2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
* jaa"
Sansyit ?~~

Sea a ha wn a Dk i te cok bale