The Salem Baptist Church in Rostraver Township, started by Richard Prichard, the father-in-law of Peter Weddell, is historically significant and closely associated with the Weddell family. It is the fourth oldest and maybe the second oldest Baptist congregation in western Pennsylvania (1) . The first church was built in 1792 on the land of Joseph Budd,the first member baptized at the Pritchards, and adjacent to Peter Weddell's patent. The building was replaced by the present structure in 1842. The Baptist churches in Elizabeth, McKeesport, Mars Hill, Olive Branch and West Newton all originated from this congregation.
This account is from Albert's History of Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania (2):" It was constituted nineteen years before the First Baptist Church in Pittsburgh. Unfortunately the records of its constitution, if there were any kept, have been lost. Yet the history that antedates its constitution and for some years after, was kept in the attentive memory of Brother J. P. Weddell. Richard Prichard, his grandfather, was a member of the Presbyterian Church, but from his study of the Scriptures was convinced that his baptism was not apostolic. The only Baptist Church he could attend was in Washington County. Henry Speers was their pastor, and baptized him into the fellowship of that church. His wife soon after obeyed in the same ordinance. Soon after this Elder Speers began to preach in their house occasionally, on the farm now owned by Thomas Ray, where Elders Beatty and Corbley also preached. These meetings were held in memory by Father J.P. Weddell, who a short time since died"
This account is an interesting contrast to life of Joseph Prichard Weddell that is in the Weddells of Old Westmoreland where it states that he was not baptized into the church until he was 75 years of age. Clearly, Joseph Prichard Weddell and his siblings, Jesse Weddell and Lydia Weddell as Peter's orphaned children raised by their grandparents were part of the Prichard household. How Joseph could have been so involved in the church and not become a member is not explained. Joseph Prichard Weddell passed his strong faith to his family. Peter Mark Weddell, his son, became a prominent Baptist minister, preaching his first sermon in the Salem Church while still in seminary, and John Weaver Weddell, his grandson, was also a Baptist minister.
Others from the family who were members include: James Weddell and Anna Craig, his wife transferred from there by letter to the Hayesville Baptist Church in Ashland County, OH on 16 March 1842. Nelson Weddell, Sr. joined when he was 30 years old, later became a Deacon for many years and was a founding member of the West Newton church. Nelson's sisters, Nellie and Becky were staunch members. Joseph Prichard Weddell's sons Scott and Jesse and their families were obviously members.
Buried in the church cemetery are Joseph Prichard Weddell and his wife, Sarah Scott Weddell (spelled Weddle on her tombstone), Scott James Weddell and his wife, Dorcas Stoneman Weddell, and an unnamed infant son of Jesse and Sarah Jane Weaver Weddell.
1. George Dallas Albert, History of Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, page 263
2. Ibid