RYEGATE. 375
RYEGATE.
BY REV. JAMES M. BEATTIE.
The
town of
"The
south," he says in his journal, "has the advantage of the north in
many respects.
"1.
It is the best land in general.
"2.
It is nearest to provisions which we have in plenty within three or four miles,
and likewise within six miles of a grist mill, and two miles of a saw mill, all
which are great advantages to a new settlement.
"3.
We have several brooks with good seats for mills, and likewise Wells river runs
through part of our purchase, and has water enough for a grist mill at the
driest season of the year, of which the north port is almost entirely
destitute.
"We
are within six miles of a good Presbyterian Meeting; and there is no
other minister about that place."
The
last reason is particularly worthy of notice. These sons of
When
they came to Ryegate, they found John Hyndman, one of their own countrymen, who
had with his family moved into town a few months before. He was engaged in
building a house. "So," says the journal, "we helped him up with
it both for the conveniences of lodging with him till we built one of our own,
and also that he might assist us in building ours."
These
houses, built of logs and covered with bark, were finished about the 1st of
January, 1774. John Hyndman's house stood a little northeast of the present
house of John Bigelow. James Whitelaw's was situated near where William T.
Whitelaw's house now stands.
Aaron
Hosmer and family were the only persons, and the shanty in which they lived
about one mile north of Samuel More's, was the only
house in town previous to this time.
The
remainder of the winter was spent in making an opening in the wilderness; the
whole of the town being covered with trees of various kinds, among which were
beech, maple, hemlock, spruce, birch and pines. James Henderson was employed
part of the time in manufacturing wooden bowls, dishes, and other articles for
domestic use. James
376
Whitelaw went to
In
the survey of the southern portion of Ryegate, a lot extending from the
parsonage to the foot of the hill below John O. Page's, was laid out for a
town, This was divided into small lots. Each purchaser
of a lot in any other part of the township received a town lot. It was the
expectation that a large town or city would, in the course of time, grow up in
that place. But time has rolled on, and the city is still unbuilt.
Like many cities in the West, it is but a city of faith. Whenever the early
settlers had occasion to refer to that part of the township, they called it the
town, although the only building upon it was a small log house. The hill at
John O. Page's is still called the town hill.
The
company's half of the town having been surveyed and allotted, David Allen,
James Whitelaw's associate, left for
In
1774, the settlement realized another accession from
About
this time, it was found necessary to erect a house to accommodate the
immigrants on their arrival, until they could build houses of their own.
On
the 22d of October, Andrew Smith departed this life. This was the first death
that occurred. About a mile south from the Corner, a lot was selected for a
burying ground, and here he was interred. The remains of a number of others of
the early settlers lie in the same place.
And
is it not highly discreditable to the town that that sacred spot — sacred by
containing all that is mortal of men, whose memory, on account of their toils
and perils in exploring and subduing our forests, ought to be dear to us all —
should be unmarked by any monument. As the trees and bushes have been recently
cleared off, why not proceed a step further, in
honoring the memory of our worthy ancestors, by erecting upon the place of
their interment, a monument with an appropriate inscription?
In
January, 1775, Gen. Whitelaw purchased a lot of
In
April, 1775, the settlement was enlarged by the arrival of Archibald Taylor and
family in February, and John Scot in April.
About
this time the war of the Revolution commenced, and, in consequence, few
additions were made to the settlement for a number of years. After peace was
concluded, the spirit of emigration revived, and the town received many
valuable accessions from
The
town was organized on the third Tuesday of May, 1776. James Whitelaw, first
town clerk; assessors, John Gray and James
RYEGATE. 377
Whitelaw; treasurer, Andrew Brock; overseers of highways,
Robert Tweedale and John Orr; overseers of the poor, Patrick Lang and John
Shaw; collector, John Scot; constables, Archibald Taylor, James Smith, William
Neilson and David Reid.
The
high estimation in which these persons were held, is
evinced by the fact that at the expiration of the year for which they were
chosen, they were by a vote of the town, continued in office for another year.
In this year James Taylor was born, the first male child born in town. He died
at the age of 64 years.
In
common with the other early settlements, the people of Ryegate were subjected
to great hardships and privations, a minute account of which would fill
volumes. Take the following as a specimen:
In
the summer of 1776, a year so memorable in the history of the
Beasts
of prey proved a greater annoyance than the Indians. The latter, by kind and
hospitable treatment became the friends of the settlers, but the wolves and
bears which were very numerous, were not so easy to subdue. For some time, John
Henderson was the only person that owned a cow. One evening the cow not
returning home as usual, Mrs. Henderson, her husband being absent, went in
search of the cow. Soon after Mr. Henderson came in, and missing his wife,
asked the children where their mother was? They replied, "Mother has gone
for the cow." It then being dark, it at once occurred to him that she was
lost. With a pine torch in one hand, and a gun in the other, he sallied forth
to find her. He fired off his gun, but no reply being given, he proceeded
further into the woods, and discharged his gun the second time. She answered.
Following the direction of her voice, he found her lodged in a tree, where she
had taken refuge from wild beasts. At another time, George Reynolds, on his way
to pay a visit to one of his neighbors, encountered, as he supposed, a very
fierce dog. After a sharp contest with the animal, he succeeded in putting it
to flight; left however, in anything but a good humor, on arriving at his
neighbor's, he gave the good woman of the house, a severe reprimand for keeping
such a cross dog, and on examination it was found to be a wolf.
One
day in the summer of 1778. Mrs. John Gray saw a bear carrying off a sheep. With
a courage with which probably few ladies in this age are endowed, she followed
the bear by his trail, till she suddenly came up within a few feet of him.
Greatly terrified, she screamed outright, whereupon Bruin not accustomed to
such noises, dropped his prey and betook himself to flight; and Mrs. Gray
putting the sheep on her shoulder, returned home in triumph.
There
was a long time before the bears were completely destroyed, particularly in the
northeastern part of the town. In 1804, four bears that had been making havoc
among the sheep, were killed on Robert Dickson's farm.
Bear's
meat was much used by the early settlers. The lean part of the bear being like
beef, and the fat like pork, it was a good substitute for both. When salted a
little it was called corned beef.
Besides
the perils from the Indians and wild beasts, there were other difficulties that
the early settlers had to surmount to put their
378
descendants into the possession of their present inheritance. There
were no bridges and no roads, but spotted trees. When they went to mill which
was in Newbury, 10 miles distant from the central part of the town, they
carried their grists on their backs. This was also
the mode of conveyance, in carrying articles to and from the store, which was
also located in Newbury. There, too, was their place of worship. Not only men,
but women also, traveled all that distance on foot, that they might have an
opportunity of worshiping the God of their fathers in the public congregation.
"When the ladies," says Mr. Powers, "came to Wells river (there
being no canoe), they would bare their feet, and trip it along as nimbly no a
deer, the men generally went barefooted, the ladies certainly, wore
shoes."
Money
was a scarce article, as is shown by the following incident: Gen. Whitelaw
purchased a corn-broom, the first that was used in the settlement. His daughter
being very much pleased with it, remarked that she
would never again be at the trouble to make a broom of hemlock brush, when one
so much superior could be bought for twenty-five cents. "
January
9, 1777, James Henderson was married to Agnes Lynn, and on the 17th of the same
month, Robert Brock to Elizabeth Stewart. These were the first marriages in
Ryegate. Mr. Brock moved into Barnet, and settled. Mr. Henderson took up his
residence in Ryegate. He was the first carpenter in town. Besides being very
useful as a mechanic during the infancy of the settlement, he afterwards
served the town as representative, and in various town offices to which he was
elected, He was a consistent member of the
While
exploring and subduing the forests, the early settlers did not neglect the
intellectual and religions culture of their children. In the year 1787, the
first regular school was established in James Whitelaw's house. The first
teacher was Jonathan Powers. The school continued to be kept in private houses
until 1792, when the first school house was erected. This was built of logs,
and stood on the town lot, southeast of John O. Page's.
Previous
to this time, James Whitelaw had been appointed surveyor general of the state
of
Accordingly,
he intimated to the company in
Up to
this date, Gen. Whitelaw held all the deeds of all the land that had been sold
in the south half of Ryegate. He then delivered them all up with the disposal
of all the lands belonging to the Scotch-American company not taken up, to the
said managers. This was Gen. Whitelaw's last act as agent for that company,
which he had served so long and so faithfully; and yet all his valuable
services received but very small compensation.
In
1795, the town was divided into two school districts. These were afterwards
subdivided to meet the wants of the people. There are now in the town 9 school
districts. The school-houses with one or two exceptions,
are neat and commodious. A growing interest is also taken in the schools; and
it is the determination in most of the districts, that none but competent
teachers shall be employed. The number of scholars between the ages of 4 and 18, are 342.
The
attention of our forefathers was turned to the education of the heart and
conscience, as well as the head. At one time they were under the impression
that they would enjoy the ministrations of Dr. Witherspoon, the Rev. proprietor. But disappointed in that, those of them that did
not find it convenient to attend church at Newbury, held meetings for prayer
and Christian conference, read good books, and attended particularly to the
religious education of the children. In March, 1797, they "voted to raise
forty bushels of wheat by a tax, in support the gospel in the town for the ensuing
year." They then engaged a part of the
RYEGATE. 379
services of Rev. David Goodwillie of the
Another
event of some importance that occurred in 1797, was
the erection of the frame of a meeting house on the hill west of the Corner. It
was soon enclosed and meetings held in it. But it was not finished until in the
year 1800. This was the first meeting house in town. Previous to this time,
civil and religious meetings were held in private houses. For sixteen years
after the erection of the meeting house, the people worshipped in it without
any stove. It was used as a house of worship till 1850, when it was abandoned
for a new and tasteful meeting house, built at the Corner south of the brick
house, by the Reformed Presbyterian (old school) and Associate congregations of
Ryegate. Town meetings, however, continued to be held in it till 1855, when it
was pulled down, and a town house erected in the same place.
In
the same year that the meeting house was finished, Rev. William Gibson of the
Reformed Presbyterian Church, was settled. And being
the first settled minister, he drew one right of land, which is now owned and
occupied by James Beattie, Esq.
For
some time after, Mr. Gibson's settlement, there were no carriages in the town.
The only modes of locomotion were on foot and on horseback. It was not an
uncommon thing on a sabbath
morning, to see the worshipers, some on foot and some on horseback, flocking
to the house of God. A man and his wife, each holding a child, frequently rode
one horse. And notwithstanding these difficulties, many that lived from 4 to 6
miles distant from the place of worship, were seldom absent on the sabbath.
From
the time that Mr. Gibson became pastor in Ryegate, the town has been well
supplied with gospel ordinances.
The
professors of religion in Ryegate are, with a few exceptions, Presbyterians;
and are divided into three denominations — the Reformed Presbyterian (old
school), Reformed Presbyterian (new school), and the United Presbyterian. About
the time of Mr. Gibson's installment, a lot of land consisting of two acres,
south of the meeting house, was purchased of Andrew Brock, for a burying ground.
Being ledgy, and therefore not well adapted for a place of interment,
another lot south of it has recently been purchased, by a company formed for
that purpose. Some improvements have been made on it. When ornamented with
walks and trees, it will be a neat yard. It is called the
The
surface of this town is generally uneven. The northern and eastern portions are
hilly and broken. The only mountain, called
Ticklenaked
pond, in the southern part, discharges its waters into Wells river,
and North pond in the northern part, empties itself into
The
soil is mostly of clay and loam. The interval land on the
There
are two small villages in town, Ryegate Corner and
There
is no high school in town. But this is not felt to be a want, as in each of the
adjoining towns of Peacham, Barnet and Newbury, there is an excellent academy.
Hence the youth are well instructed, and care is taken to have the school
attainments sanctified by lessons of Christianity. The inhabitants of Ryegate, are a plain, unassuming,
380
honest, industrious and peaceable people. The Puritan and
Presbyterian principles are finely blended in their manners and character.
The
professional men that claim Ryegate as their birth place, are Rev. Robert
Gibson, for many years pastor of the 2d Reformed Presbyterian Church, New York
city, now deceased; Rev. John Gibson, and Rev. William Gibson, ministers in
connection with the Presbyterian church in the south; Rev. A. M. Milligan
settled in New Alexandria, Pa.; Rev. S. T. Milligan in Michigan; Rev. J. K.
Milligan, pastor of the let Reformed Presbyterian Church, New York; Rev. James
M. Dickson, pastor of the Church of the Covenanters, Brooklyn, Long Island;
Rev. John Lynn, pastor of a Presbyterian church in Maryland; Dr. William
Neilson, a distinguished physician and surgeon in Cambridge, N. Y., deceased.
Dr.
Eli Perry came to Ryegate in 1814. He was the first physician in town, and is
still with us, aged 70 years.
George
Cowles is at present town clerk; and so completely does he enjoy the confidence
of all parties that he has held that office for 18 years.
For
the last half century the town has advanced rapidly, and we stand to-day amid
fields of waving grain, and under trees bending with luscious fruit; we look
at the beautiful green meadows, and neatly painted farm houses, the well
cultivated gardens and tasteful yards, the white school-houses, warm and
comfortable; we see from a distance the church spire; all this to-day we see,
where 86 years ago was a wild and unbroken forest. Thanks to the strong arms
and brave hearts of our forefathers! Thanks to the Great Protector, who amid
all their toils and perils, blessed them with health
and strength, to accomplish the great work which they had undertaken.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
JAMES WHITELAW,
Who may be called the father of Ryegate, was born at New
Mills, parish of
He
certainly was the chief agent in the settlement of the town, and for about 40
years his influence was felt in almost every movement. He built the first
framed house in the town, which stood where the late Wm. Whitelaw's house now
stands.
He
was surveyor-general of the state of
Surveying
was his employment for 12 or 14 years, yet during all this time there is no
record of his ever having been molested by any savage, beast, or venomous
reptile. He always enjoyed good health and spirits, and submitted to the trials
and hardships of his occupation with patience, and even cheerfulness.
In
the year 1796 he completed a very correct map of the state of
He
was three times married. In 1778 he was married to Abigail Johnstone
of Newbury, by whom he had two sons and two daughters. The sons, who were
useful citizens, are dead. The daughters are still living. His first wife died
July 13, 1790. His second wife, Susanna Rogers, died in 1815. He married for
his third wife, Jannet Harvey, a widow, who died in 1854, aged 88. She came
from
We
will bring this sketch to a close, by quoting from the communication of a
person who had excellent opportunities of becoming acquainted with Gen.
Whitelaw. Says Mrs. A. Henderson: "As husband, father, brother, or friend,
he was not surpassed by any in his day. His townspeople had the utmost
confidence in him. He was their town clerk for upwards of 40 years; and town
treasurer and postmaster, from the time of their establishment in the town, to
the day of his death. He had always great care and government of his own words
and
RYEGATE. 381
actions. There was no pride or passion in his intercourse with
mankind, but a wonderful serenity of mind and evenness of temper were visible
in his very countenance. His benevolence and philanthropy were always equal, if
not beyond his means. He was ready on all occasions to administer to the
necessities of every one he saw in need. Few men have been more beloved in
life, or more lamented in death." He died April 29, 1829, aged 81 years,
JOHN
GRAY
Was born in Ederslie,
near Paisley,
In
1777 he was married to Jean McFarland, by whom he had 7 children, 5 of whom
died in 1796 and '97, leaving the eldest daughter and one next the youngest, a son. During the war he was occasionally molested by the
Tories and Indians passing through this part of the country.
He
was, from the commencement of its settlement, devoted to the interests of the
town. Being a man of energy and decision of character, and withal generous and
public spirited, he gained the confidence and esteem of all, and occupied a
prominent position in the community. Several times he represented the town, was
first captain of the militia, and held various town offices.
He
was an efficient elder in the
He
died in Nov., 1816, leaving a widow, a daughter and son — the daughter since
deceased. The son, William Gray, Esq., occupies the homestead, is the father of
11, and grandfather of 40 children, all alive.
HUGH
LAUGHLIN
Was a native of
ARCHIBALD
PARK,
Born in
Mr.
Park took an active part in all the public movements of the town, was several
years selectman, many years justice of the peace, and at different times
overseer of the poor. He departed this life Dec. 12, 1847, in his 68th year.
WILLIAM
GIBSON,
Born in
All
his children, except one son and a daughter, settled in Ryegate, and with one
exception, have large families. His sons and grandsons are for the most part
thrifty farmers, and honest, upright men.
Mr.
Gibson died Jan. 2, 1844, in his 90th year. At the time of his death he had
between 50 and 60 great-grandchildren.
JAMES
NEILSON,
Son of William Neilson, was born
in June, 1779. He possessed, in a high degree, the confidence of his townsmen.
He represented the town 5 successive years, was justice of the peace many
years, and held other offices.
In
1808 he was married to Agnes Gibson. They had 11 children. His son, Dr. William
Neilson, now deceased, was an eminent physician. In early life be became a
member of the
JOHN
CAMERON,
A native of
382
the town, and afterwards at the Corner, 1½ acres of John Orr,
on which he built the first store in town. The land is now owned by his son,
John Cameron, whose dwelling house occupies the place of the store. He
represented the town more than 12 years, was several years member of the
council, a judge in 1814, and although a Democrat, he was retained in office
under the Federalists.
Judge
Cameron was a man of large mental endowments, whose influence was not only felt
in the community where he resided, but throughout the state. He died in 1837,
aged 76 years. His first wife was a daughter of Gen. Stark.
JONATHAN
COBURN,
Was a native of
He
was moreover a peacemaker, often instrumental in removing offences and healing
divisions. A man of comprehensive benevolence, his heart was full of love to
all, and his hand ready to perform kindness to any of whom he knew as in need.
He also took a deep and lively interest in the cause of missions, sabbath schools, temperance, and
the oppressed Africans in our land. He died as he lived. "Let me die the
death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his." Mr. Coburn left
.a widow and several children.
JOHN
NEILSON, ESQ.
BY REV. JAMES M'ARTHUR.
In
Ryegate, Sept. 6 (1853?), died John Neilson, Esq., in the 79th year of his age.
Mr. Neilson was born in the memorable year of the Declaration of American
Independence. He was the second male child born in the town of
He
was ever modest and humble, but under afflictive providences, and in times of
danger, when others were alarmed and disturbed, calm and peaceful he would say,
"we are in the hands of a good providence," and therefore neither
unduly feared nor murmured. He further manifested his faith by a truly
Christian deportment in all his relations of life. As a
husband, ever tender and affectionate; as a parent, maintaining that kindness
and intimacy that ever endears; as a friend and neighbor, peaceable and
obliging; possessing in an unusual degree that Christian courtesy and
politeness proceding from a kind and generous heart.
Though
his long life was one of almost uninterrupted good health, yet he had acquired
in a high degree the patience of the saints, which is usually through much
tribulation. This he ever indicated as occasion offered, but, especially in
sickness, a severe attack of which brought him near to the gates of death about
four years since, and which seemed to have been specially designed to
discipline his mind and heart preparatory to his last illness, which in a few
weeks reduced the strong man to the extremity of death.
A few
days before his death he remarked that he thought he could say with another,
that he would place all his good deeds in one scale, and his evil in another,
and flee from both to the merits of his Saviour. Let us then "Mark the
perfect man, and behold the upright? for the end of
that man is peace."
JAMES
WHITEHILL.
BY REV. JAMES MILLIGAN.
The
subject of this memoir was born in
His
habits were those of industry, sereni‑
RYEGATE. 383
ty, and piety. Even in advanced life, he was "diligent
in business," and "fervent in spirit." His modesty and
diffidence even to a fault, was probably one reason why he did not pursue his
education farther, and fill a place in one of the learned professions, for he
had made in his youth considerable progress in the Latin language, besides having
acquired a very ample English education. He was well supplied with religious
books, which he read with great care and spiritual discernment; but the Bible
was his chief delight, especially towards the close of his life. On his
death-bed he remarked to the writer of this, that in secret prayer, morning and
evening, he had great comfort, and also endured terrible conflicts with the
adversary. "Many a time," said he, "the adversary tried to drive
me from that post, but by the grace of God did not prevail." As a ruler in
"I
was baptized in the established church of
"I
have found great advantage and comfort in consecrating and keeping my birthday
as a day of fasting, prayer, and self-dedication. I had frequently attended to
this occasionally, but never statedly, until about 14
years ago. It affords an opportunity of ascertaining and comparing our
spiritual progress from year to year.
"I
approve of the American Revolution. The Colonies had a right to be free from
CHURCH HISTORY.
THE
ASSOCIATE CONGREGATION,
NOW
THE UNITED PRESBY.
BY REV. THOMAS GOODWILLIE OF BARNET.
It is
not known at what period the Presbyterian churches of Barnet and Ryegate were
formed, but they were organized previous to 1779. Before, during and after the
Revolutionary war, several Scotch clergymen came and preached to them
occasionally, and sometimes administered baptism. Gen. Whitelaw who was the
agent of that company, on his way to Ryegate in 1773, called on Rev. Thomas
Clark, a Scotch, clergyman belonging to the
Dr.
Witherspoon, president of
384
the country three times, first probably in 1775. In 1782 he
preached in Ryegate and Barnet, and baptized some children. He returned in 1786
to this part of the country.
Rev.
Hugh White, a Scotch clergyman, preached in Ryegate at the end of 1775.
Rev.
Peter Powers, English Presbyterian clergyman, settled in Newbury from 1765 to
1784, preached occasionally in Ryegate, and probably in Barnet during that
period.
Previous
to 1779, the congregations of Barnet and Ryegate were associated in joint
endeavors to obtain preachers. In that year a petition was sent from Ryegate to
the church in Newbury, to obtain a share of the ministerial labors of Rev.
Peter Powers. Rev. Robert Annan preached in these
towns in 1784, and returned next year. Rev. David Annan preached in Barnet and Ryegate, in 1785. Rev. John
Huston was present with the session of Barnet, August 31, 1786, when, the
record says, "a petition was drawn up by the elders of Barnet and Ryegate,
and preferred to the Associate (Ref.) Presbytery, to sit at Petersboro',
Sept. 27, 1786, earnestly desiring one of their number might be sent to preach,
visit, and catechize the two congregations, and ordain elders at Barnet."
Accordingly the Presbytery appointed Mr. Huston for that purpose. In pursuance
thereof, Mr. Huston came in October following, and visited and catechized the
greater portion of the congregations. He remained till May, 1787, preaching in
Barnet and Ryegate, and returned in November, 1788.
In
1789 and 1790, Rev. Mr. Goodwillie of Barnet, preached occasionally at Ryegate.
And this church, from his settlement in 1790 (see Barnet Ecclesiastical
History, pp. 205 and 206), received one-sixth of his labors till 1822.
For
32 years Mr. Goodwillie was diligent in preaching, pastoral visitation of
families, and public catechisings, and never failed to fulfill his appointments except twice,
when prevented by sickness. During this time, however, they occasionally had
preachers sent to them by the Presbytery. In 1809, they gave Mr. Mushat, and in
1813, Mr. Francis Pringle, Jr., calls, but they settled in other congregations.
In 1822, Rev. Thos. Ferrier was ordained, and settled as their their pastor. He resigned in 1825. In 1827, Rev. Thomas
Beveridge was called to the pastorate of the Associate congregation of Ryegate,
but did not accept the call.
After
being a considerable time supplied by Rev. William Pringle, he was ordained and
settled as their pastor, June 29, 1830, by the Associate Presbytery of
Cambridge, Mr. Goodwillie, their former pastor, giving him the pastoral charge.
He was the son of the eminent Rev. Alexander Pringle, who was for more than 60
years pastor of the Associate Congregation of Perth, Scotland, and married to
the daughter of Rev. Alexander Bullions,
May
21, 1801, Barnet and Ryegate congregations were included in the Associate
Presbytery of Cambridge, N. Y., to which they belonged till July 10, 1840, when
they were included in the Associate Presbytery of Vermont. (See
Barnet, p. 287.)
THE
REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CONGREGATION
(OLD
SCHOOL) OF RYEGATE.
BY REV. JAMES M. BEATTIE.
This
congregation was organized in 1798 or 1799. About the time that Rev. Wm.
Gibson, who was driven from
While
vacant, Rev. Jas. Milligan preached for them by Presbyterial
appointment, and in 1817, became their pastor. The number of members at this
time was 80. Mr. Milligan's labors were very abundant. He not only cultivated
his own field, but for many years he visited and preached to the congregations
in Topsham and Craftsbury. He continued to labor among the people in Ryegate
till 1840, when he received and accepted a call from New Alexandria, Pa. The
congregation again became vacant, and remained destitute of a pastor for 4
years. It was, however, for part of that time supplied with preaching, by
Presbytery. In the winter of 1843 and '44. James M.
Beattie. a licentiate.
RYEGATE. 385
preached to them, and in the spring received a unanimous call,
which was by him accepted. In June, Mr. Beattie was ordained and installed in
the pastoral charge of the united congregations of Ryegate and Barnet, the
Barnet congregation having united with Ryegate in the call.
At
the time of Mr. Beattie's settlement, these congregations were in a somewhat
broken and scattered condition. Owing to the troubles that arose towards the
close of Mr. Milligan's pastorate here, they had decreased in numbers. In
Ryegate there were only 82 communicants, when Mr. Beattie took the spiritual
charge.
By
the blessing of God, the people soon became more united, and a new impulse was
given to the cause.
Some
very valuable members have been called to the congregation of the upper
sanctuary, but others have arisen whom we trust will fill their places. The sabbath school, in connection with
Ryegate congregation, promises to do much good.
Besides
supporting their pastor, the people contribute yearly to aid the funds of the
foreign and domestic missions, and of the Theological Seminary. Since the settlement of the present minister 89 have been added to the
congregation; and notwithstanding the losses that have been sustained in
removals and deaths, there are at present 129 members.
THE
REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CONGREGATION
OF
RYEGATE,
IN
CONNECTION WITH
THE
GENERAL SYNOD OF THE REFORMED
BY REV. JOHN BOLE, PASTOR.
The
origin of the Reformed Presbyterian Church in Ryegate,
is nearly coeval with the first settlement of the town itself. The first pastor, the Rev. James Gibson. was
settled in the year 1798. Mr. Gibson labored faithfully and successfully in
building up a Reformed Presbyterian congregation amongst the early settlers in
Ryegate. He was succeeded by Rev. James Milligan, who was translated from Coldingham to Ryegate in the year 1817. Mr. Milligan spent
a long and useful pastorate amongst the green hills of
In
the year 1848, the Rev. Robert A. Hill, was ordained pastor over the congregation.
Mr. Hill continued to labor in Ryegate with much zeal and acceptance for
upwards of three years, when he was removed to another field of labor. The
present pastor was ordained over the congregation, in the year 1853. He has had
much comfort in his pastoral connection with his people. There are now 135
members on the roll. Preaching is sustained all the time at
386
ELEGIAC
EXTRACT.
On
Rev. David Goodwillie, who died Aug. 2,
1830.
BY MARY JANE LAUGHLIN.
"I
have waited for thy salvation, O Lord." — Gen. XLIX, 18.
And
long thou waitedst, venerable man,
While
more than eighty circling periods ran,
Full
fifty years through many a dreary scene,
Proclaimed
a Saviour's grace with modest mien,
While
Time, his desolating havoc spread,
Stood
at thy work and choose still to remain,
Pleased with God's service to thy latest year.
Not
long ago, did I behold thee stand,
With
consecrated symbols in thy hand,
With
hoary head, with aspect kind and meek,
The
tears fast flowing down thy aged cheek,
Discoursing
of thy Saviour's dying love,
And
pointing to the boundless bliss above,
Like
pilgrim past the dangers of the way,
Almost
at home, thy looks appeared to say,
"My
friends no more will I partake with you,
Till
we in heaven our intercourse renew "
WHERE?
BY CARRIE S. GIBSON.
Where
can I look for peace, to heal
My
weary soul; and sorrow steal
From
out my mind, and heaven reveal?
In the Bible?
What
Book, unto our hearts doth bring
Good
cheer; and never leaves a sting;
And
give us hope, God's praise to sing?
The Bible.
SONG
OF THE INVALID.
BY CARRIE S. GIBSON.
An
invalid, we have been told, for many years; yet the first one to send the Quarterly
a club from
I'd
love to climb the mountains high,
To
wander thro' the valleys green,
To
look athwart the azure sky,
And o'er the lakelet's silver
sheen.
I'd
love to wander with some friend,
Some
dear, congenial, tender soul;
And
view the blessings God doth send,
And
watch the bright waves gleam and roll.
But
ah! it may not — can not be,
And I
must try to bow in love;
To
leave my lot, O God, to thee,
And
hope for happiness above.
MEMORIES.
BY MRS. M. S. BEATTIE.
Like
gleams of the far-off heavenly
One
by one in vision bright,
How
the by-gone memories come,
To brighten the spirit's night.
I am
kissing now a dimpled cheek,
I am
smoothing golden hair,
I am
thinking now, with a mother's pride,
My
babe is wond'rous fair.
Two
little snow-white arms of love,
Hold
me in a soft embrace,
Two
tender eyes of the sweetest blue
Look
up to my happy face.
But
the twilight deepens to night,
And I
hear the wind's low moan;
And
it whispers sad as it passes by,
"Alone,
young mother, alone!"
O! it is true that the sunshine fled,
That
lighted our home so bright;
O! it is true that the music died,
When those lips grew still and white.
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