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OTHER FAMILIES (o_f)
"WHO'S WHO"
Churches in McDONALD, PA
and Surrounding areas
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The newspaper articles presented here give glimpses into the lives of men,
women, and families during lifetimes spent in the areas in and near McDonald,
PA. We hope you find useful items that add to your family tree.
July 23, 1892
McDonald Outlook
McDonald U. P. Church
Not the least interesting bit of history connected with the fast
declining McDonald oil field, is that of the rise of the McDonald U. P.
Church. This church was organized some 14 years ago as a mission
organization, and had struggled along as best it could until the oil
boom which came into existence about two years ago. The church is now a
strong and wealthy one. The salary of the pastor, Rev. W. D. IRONS, has
been increased to $1500, and a new building must be built this year to
hold the congregation.
During the summer of 1891 operations in the McDonald field were at their
height. Wells were being located on every lot of ground available, not
only in the country districts adjacent to the town, but also within the
borough limits. In July of that year the trustees of the United
Presbyterian Church were approached by a number of operators and offers
were made for the lease of the church property, in about the center of
the place. The matter terminated in the leasing of the ground. One well
was begun and another during January.
The impression that oil existed under the church property in large
quantities proved correct, and both wells from the start proved gushers.
Each well produced 50 barrels an hour for several months, and at present
they are producing sixty barrels a day. From that source the treasury of
the church has received a wonderful increase. The congregation numbers
250 members and is rapidly increasing.
Not only has the church grown in wealth, but many of the individual
members have amassed thousands of dollars from the same source. James
MEVAY is now considered to be worth not less than $1,500,000, while the
ELLIOTT heirs have also reaped fortunes from the oil taken out of their
ground.--Dispatch |
July 28, 1960
McDonald Record-Outlook
RACCOON CHURCH AT CANDOR RICH IN HISTORIC LORE
The above photo, showing the structure façade of the Raccoon
Presbyterian Church at Candor, brings for the need for a closer
appreciation of this venerable and staid bit of architecture that is
such an outstanding part of Robinson Township.
To tell of the church is to tell of the early history of Robinson
Township and the hardy Scotch-Irish pioneers who helped open the western
frontier of Washington County.
To begin the narrative, I would like to quote from Alfred CREIGH’s
History of Washington County, as it concerns the above-mentioned area;
“Robinson Township was the eleventh (11) of the original townships
formed by the trustees, July 15th, 1781. It was then bounded by the Ohio
River on the North, the Monongahela River on the east, Cecil Township on
the South and Smith Township on the west; but its large proportions have
been considerably decreased, and it is now (1860) bounded by Allegheny
County on the north and east, Cecil and Mount Pleasant on the south and
Hanover and Smith on the west, centrally distant from Washington
Borough, north twenty-two miles; breadth three miles.
“Population in 1860, eight hundred and forty, of which twenty three
are colored. It is drained on the north by Raccoon Creek, on the east by
branched of Chartiers Creek and Montour’s Run. The Pike from
Pittsburgh to Steubenville runs through this township. On December 22d,
1836, the lines between Robinson, Cecil, Mount Pleasant and Smith were
adjusted and confirmed by the court. It has five stores, five schools,
with one male and four female teachers—the former receiving $34
dollars and the latter $30 per month, with 156 scholars, (76 males and
80 females), tuition costing $1.20 per month; the tax levied being seven
hundred and forty-two dollars and eighty-four cents; the State
appropriation, eighty-eight dollars and ninety-two cents; amount levied
for building purposes, ten hundred and fourteen dollars and fourteen
cents. The towns are Candor, Havelock Station, and Midway, or Egypt.
“In the year 1793, January 19th, John CLARK and Jane, his wife,
conveyed to William RANKIN, Peter KIDD, William McCANDLESS, Matthew
BAILEY, John DUNLOP, and Alexander WRIGHT, trustees of Raccoon
congregation in consideration of nine pounds apiece, all that lot of
ground whereon the congregation has erected their church under the
pastoral care of the Rev. Joseph PATTERSON, containing seven acres
strict measure.
“Upper Raccoon Presbyterian Church is located in Robinson Township.
Rev. Joseph PATTERSON was installed as the first pastor, November 11,
1789, and remained as such until October 16th, 1816. He was succeeded by
the Rev. Moses ALLEN the 27th of May, 1817, who officiated until October
16th, 1839. Rev. Clement N. McKAIG was ordained his successor June 14th,
1841, and served until Rev. John W. KERR became its pastor in 1862 and
was resigned in 1865. The pulpit is filled with supplies.
“There is a tradition in the northern part of this county in regard to
the Rev. Mr. PATTERSON, verified by the most substantial aged men of our
county, which I shall relate. Mr. PATTERSON was a great and good
man—prompt to his word and conscientious in the discharge of his every
duty. A subscription was being made up to erect a meeting house, and the
day appointed for its payment. The day arrived and he was disappointed
in not receiving the promised money which would liquidate his
subscription, amounting to six dollars. Nevertheless he concluded to
attend the meeting at the schoolhouse (the place appointed), and make
such a statement as would be satisfactory. He accordingly started with
his gun on his shoulder. Wending his way along to the meeting, he
arrived at a beautiful grove, where God and Nature seemed to invite him
to pour out his soul in prayer and by faith to look up for the blessing.
In the midst of the devotional exercise, and when his soul was earnestly
engaged in prayer, he heard a rustling among the leaves. He opened his
eyes, and behold, a panther was approaching him. He raised his rifle and
killed the wild animal. He took the scalp and skin with him to the
meeting as a trophy of his victory. He sold them for six dollars, and
thereby was enabled to redeem his subscription.” Such is the picture
of Robinson Township and the Raccoon Presbyterian Church in the year
1860.
At this point I would like to tell of the many years of service given to
the Candor Church by the Rev. Greer McIlvain KERR, D. D. The Rev. KERR,
(no relation to the Rev. John KERR mentioned in the early account above)
spent a lifetime I the Candor community, a total of fifty-nine and
one-half years. His pastorate started in 1871 and ended with his death
in 1930.
His two sons, James and Greer reside in Oakdale, along with his three
daughters, Mary, Margaret and Amy. Two other daughters Mrs. Nesbit ROSS
of Carnegie, and Jean KERR of Washington, D.C., complete the existing
KERR family.
Candor, in the year 1860, had forty dwelling houses and a population of
two hundred and ten. Havelock Station (now McDonald) was merely a stop
on the railroad adjoining the estate of Col. McDONALD. The postmaster at
Havelock Station at this time was one James EUWER. The other prominent
community in Robinson Township at the time was, as mentioned in the item
from CREIGH’s History, Midway or Egypt.
Egypt was the old name for Midway before the coming of the
railroad—and it is easy to understand the selection of the Pyramid
phone exchange for the Midway area—Pyramid and Egypt being of a close
nature. Midway, today is perhaps one of the most pleasant communities to
reside in, of any in the Robinson Run Valley—its quiet, tree-lined
streets, its well-kept homes, with plenty of ground between each one for
a garden or lawn—the clean and litter-free appearance of the town’s
trim lawns gives evidence of an alert and active council. Truly, Midway
has much to offer, pleasing and courteous merchants, the nearby Fort
Cherry School system, all add up to congenial rural living. Such is
Midway or old Egypt today.
But more about the church at Candor. The present congregation numbers
110 and the current minister is the Rev. John Allen SHEARER. Originally
from Akron, Ohio, the Rev. SHEARER joined a long line of illustrious
guardians of the Candor flock—starting with the Rev. Joseph PATTERSON,
whose plaque on the right side of the church pulpit tells of his being
the “First Presbyterian Minister Ordained West of the Allegheny
Mts.” On the left side of the pulpit is the plaque honoring the Rev.
Greer McIlvain KERR, who gave a lifetime of service to this hamlet.
A great deal of credit must be given the people who have preserved and
maintained the Candor church. Even with a minimum of members, the church
today retains the full color and quaintness which marked its days when
it was the peer of all area houses of worship.
Recently, from far-off California came a gift of an electric organ—the
memory of Candor church was not easily forgotten. The organ was a gift
of James McElroy REA of Carlsbad, Calif., in memory of his wife, the
late Cynthia RUSSELL REA. Although gone from this area for forty years,
the church at Candor was never far from his mind.
What can be said in closing this article? Another quote perhaps—one
that will say: “If we can save enough of the homes, churches, court
houses, and other places where Americans who went before us lived and
worked, we can sense their way of life, their ideals, and character. We
want our children to sense them, too. Unless we act now, few of these
first-hand lessons from the past will remain.”
Editor’s Note -- The above information was gathered and the article
written by James F. MULOOLY of Noblestown. |
July 30, 1892
McDonald PA Outlook
St. Alphonsus Catholic Church
The Corner-stone to be laid tomorrow. Some account of the origin of the
movement. How people have responded to the need for such a church.
At a meeting held at Noblestown in January 1892, first Sunday after the
destruction by fire of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church of Noblestown, by
a vote of the members present it was agreed to build a church at
McDonald and a chapel at Noblestown, but owing to dissatisfaction among
the Noblestown members the matter was dropped. The members of the church
at McDonald desired to build a church for themselves at McDonald, and at
a meeting of the congregation the following committee was selected for
the purpose: C. R. BUCHHEIT, William WRIGHT, William GODFREY, James
LAUGHLIN, John CARROLL and Charles RODGERS, which committee organized
with Chas. RODGERS as Chairman and William WRIGHT Secretary.
Owing to the fact that there was a church to be rebuilt at Noblestown,
the Reverend Father could not assist in the building of the church at
McDonald, and it was left for the McDonald people to proceed at once to
do so by first getting the approval from Rt. Rev. Bishop PHELAN, of the
Diocese of Pittsburg, and now came the final test. Without one cent to
commence with, a $10,000 debt staring them in the face, without the aid
of a priest, this committee commenced to build their church. William
WRIGHT with a subscription paper started to collect the funds and in the
short period of two weeks had on it $2,300. With this and promise of
assistance on ____ sides, them at once called on J. W. CAMPBELL,
architect, Room 814, Penn Building, Pittsburg, to design their church
for them. The same was submitted to the Bishop for his approval and he
approved it on sight as one of the best-planned churches that ever came
before him for the money. The contract was awarded to J. T. MU____ of
Candor, for the building of _____.
To aid the committee along financially Miss Teresa CAMPBELL and Miss
Maggie O’GRADY agreed to contest for a watch; also Miss Bridget
MCMICHAELS and Miss Kate DANIELS for a ring. The net returns were
$1,000.10. Miss CAMPBELL and Miss MCMICHAEL being the lucky contestants.
And now, July 31, 1892, we lay our corner-stone and the people of
McDonald are indebted to the committee for the way they have labored in
procuring them a place of worship which they would not have had for
years to come but for the part they took in it and the prompt way the
leading members responded on the subscription list. And the way those
who did not belong to us responded shall never be forgotten. To the
following persons belongs the honor of paying the first money on the
ground: C. R. BUCHHEIT, William WRIGHT, Miss Kate and Miss Bridget
MALONEY, Mrs. Ann HOEY, G. C. HARDGROVE, Jas. LAUGHLIN, Miss Teresa
CAMPBELL, John CARROLL.
Tomorrow, Sunday, the corner-stone of this new church edifice will be
laid on the ground purchased on the west side of North Station street.
The site is a beautiful one, on the level on top of the hill and
commanding a far-reaching view of tee town and valley. Great numbers are
expected to be present. Excursions will be run from Steubenville,
Washington, Pittsburg, and McKeesport. The ceremonies will be very
interesting. And the day will be the beginning of a new era in the
religious life of McDonald. |
July 30, 1909
McDonald Record
German Church Anniversary
The German Lutheran congregation of McDonald celebrated the twenty-fifth
anniversary of the dedication of their church building yesterday.
Appropriate exercises were held in the sanctuary in the forenoon,
followed by the picnic of the Sunday School in the afternoon. The
history of the congregation dates back to 1871, when the Rev. SCHWEIGER
of Kittanning held the first service in MCCARRELL’s schoolhouse.
Afterward services were held once a month in the Bulger schoolhouse. The
Rev. S. MUNSCH of Pittsburg, deceased, succeeded the Rev. SCHWEIGER, and
during his pastorate the present church building was erected and
dedicated in July of 1884. The membership numbered 45. The Rev. MUNSCH
was followed by the Rev. R. BOETHELT, who had served only a short time
when he accepted a call from the Lutheran Church at Mansfield, Ohio. In
1889 the congregation called the Rev. Carl MILDNER of Brushton, Pa., who
served seven years. His successor was the Rev. George DIETZ of
Jeannette, Pa., now of Connellsville, Pa., who resigned in April of
1901, after serving faithfully for five years.
Rev. J. H. TARNEDDE of McKees Rocks has for the past eight years been
the pastor of the church, which now numbers 142 members. The church is
flourishing in every department, the Sunday School especially being in a
fine growing condition under the able superintendency of Miss Mary
TRAUTMANN, assisted by Mr. John GROSSHEIM and others.
The church council is composed of Messrs. George WINDSHEIMER, Henry RAAB,
Michael LINK, John LUTZ, Henry KRESS and Herman KASTE. |
* See Town-Talk
section for a more information on the history of McDonald Pa.*
| These newspaper
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| These newspaper items were
researched and typed by Victoria Hospodar Valentine for the over the
course of 5 years. Vicki had submitted hundreds of articles to the
PAWASHIN-L@rootsweb.com mailing list and other Lists.
Her work is presented here in the McDonald,
PA section of this website. Please use the links to navigate or
use Pico or Freefind search engines to locate articles. |
Use the search feature to search the
entire collection.
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