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North Buffalo Church History
In September of 1775, the Buffalo Associate Presbyterian Church was chartered. Part of this congregation would eventually become the North Buffalo United Presbyterian Church. This page is intended to provide a timeline of the church, and will divide the years by pastorate. Information on Presbyterian Church history in the United States can be found by visiting the Presbyterian Historical Society website.
1700's
1775 - 1780: Before the first pastor
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Initially, the congregation met outdoors among huge oak trees.
From a history of the church included in the 1865 church register: "Buffalo Congregation was organized in the Summer of 1778, on a timber covered ridge two miles S.S.E. of the present site. The place is still marked by what is known as the Knox Graveyard, where they met for public worship in the open air." |
1781 - 1795: Rev. Matthew Henderson
Rev. Matthew Henderson was born in Scotland. When he first traveled from Scotland in 1758, he was considered an early missionary from the Associate Church of Scotland. After first serving in Chester County, Pennsylvania, he and his family moved to the western wilderness of southwestern Pennsylvania. There he served as pastor of both the Buffalo and Chartiers congregations, and was for some time the only Associate Church minister west of the Allegheny Mountains (source).
During the pastorate of Rev. Henderson, the meeting site was changed to a log building across the road from the present site. This was intended to make the congregation's meeting place closer to the minister's home, and to be more accessible to the members. A rough shelter was built for the congregation to use in extremely inclement weather.
During the pastorate of Rev. Henderson, the meeting site was changed to a log building across the road from the present site. This was intended to make the congregation's meeting place closer to the minister's home, and to be more accessible to the members. A rough shelter was built for the congregation to use in extremely inclement weather.
1800's
1796 - 1805: Rev. Robert Laing
Rev. Robert Laing was born in Scotland, and served as a minister there for eight years before being removed by the Presbytery. The reason for this removal is not stated. He next served the Buffalo Associate Congregation. The congregation became dissatisfied with his "occasional intemperance," and eventually he was transferred to Argyle, New York (Register Directory of 1855). Similar occurrences happened in both Argyle, and his final congregation in Bovina, New York (source).
1811 - 1854: Rev. David French
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Rev. David French was born in 1783 in New York state, and was educated at Union College. He was then ordained by the Chartiers Presbytery (source, page 295). Rev. French is shown at left in an image provided by one of his descendants.
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In 1811, the Buffalo congregation divided into the North Buffalo and South Buffalo congregations. South Buffalo would eventually become the Claysville United Presbyterian Church. Rev. French served both congregations. The rest of this history will focus on the North Buffalo Associate Congregation.
Also in 1811, the first meeting house was replaced with a new log building near the present site. Poetry inspired by the building appeared in 1845 in The Evangelical Repository, Volume IV. The first page of this poem was pasted into the front cover of the church's membership records from 1855-1944, and was attributed in the history included to Rev. John Scott, then of Monmouth, Illinois. A brick church was built in the summer 1848 on the site of the current church building. According to statistical reports from the Chartiers Presbytery, in 1853, the North Buffalo congregation had 39 families and 83 communicants (source, page 103). |
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Gravestone of Rev. David French, center. His first wife's grave is on the left, and his second wife's grave is on the right. The graves were cleaned in September 2017 by one of the Rev. French's descendants, Clinton Smith, a California photographer. His retirement project has been traveling the country to clean up the graves of his ancestors, including several in the North Buffalo Cemetery.
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Inscription on the gravestone of Rev. David French:
Rev. DAVID FRENCH
Late pastor of the Associate Congregations of North and South Buffalo Born Aug, 1783 Died March 30, 1855 |
1855 - 1861: Rev. William M. Gibson
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Rev. William M. Gibson served both the North Buffalo and Heads of Wheeling congregations. He was originally from Washington County, Pennsylvania (source).
In 1858, the North Buffalo Associate Church became the North Buffalo United Presbyterian Church. This coincided with the joining of the Associate and Associate Reformed Presbyterian Churches into the United Presbyterian Church (source, page 14). |
A brief biographical sketch of Rev. Gibson, from a history of the church included in the 1865 church register, shown above:
The fourth Pastor of North Buffalo was born in Washington Co Pa July 26, ’32. Graduated at Washington College and studied Theo at the Canonsburg Sem. Was licensed Oct 3, 54. Ordained and Installed Pastor over North Buffalo Nov 29, 55, and demitted Nov 12, 61. Was called and Installed Pastor of Millersburg Cong, Pres. Of Mansfield. This charge he demitted June 17, 1873. He was called and installed Pastor of West Charlton Cong, by the Pres of Albany, Oct 30, 73. |
1867 - 1868: Rev. Robert C. Welch
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From a history of the church included in the 1865 church register:
Rev. Robert C. Welch, the fifth Pastor of North Buffalo was born in Washington Co Pa Aug 26, 1838 Graduated at Jefferson College Studied Theology at Allegheny Sem Served during the war of the rebellion as Lieutenant of Company 22 Pa Cavalry Accepted the Call of North Buffalo July 19, 67 and was ordained & instated 14 May 1867. He died Dec 22, 1868 after serving his Master successfully for only twenty one months in the ministry. He was interred in the country of Washington in an eligible lot the provision of an appreciative and loving Congregation. A beautiful monument marks the Christian solder’s grave. |
1871 - 1876: Rev. Josias Stevenson
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Before serving as the pastor for North Buffalo, Rev. Stevenson served the West Alexander Congregation (source).
During this time, a portion of the North Buffalo congregation split off to form the Taylorstown Church. From the Session minutes of August 11, 1872, "23 members were granted certificates of dismisal to join in the organization of the Taylorstown congregation." From a history of the church included in the 1865 church register:
The sixth Pastor of North Buffalo was born in Ireland 12 Nov 1828. Graduated at Franklin College, New Athens Ohio in 1854 Studied Theology at (???) Seminary and was licensed to preach the Gospel June 19, 1858. He was ordained and installed Pastor of West Alexander Congregation Dec 1, 1859. Demitted that charge in 1870. Was called by the Congregation of North Buffalo April 10, 1876 and was Installed Pastor thereof on the thirteenth of June following. He demitted their charge Feb 8th 76. |
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1877 - 1887: Rev. Samuel J. Kyle
From a history of the church included in the 1865 church register:
The seventh pastor of North Buffalo was born near Xenia, Greene Co, Ohio Sept 27 1850. graduated at Monmouth College in “class of 72”. Studied Theology at Xenia Seminary, and was licensed to preach the Gospel May 23 1876 by the presbytery of Xenia, was ordained and installed pastor of N. Buffalo in April, latter part 1877, was released April 1887. |
In approximately 1882, the church membership was 104 people (source). A young men's prayer group and a women's missionary society were organized during this time. |
1888 - 1897: Rev. John B. Jamison
The Presbyterian General Assembly approved the formation of a Young People's Christian Union in 1889 (source, page 21). North Buffalo formed their own group during this time.
The old method of serving communion at the table was discontinued.
Rev. Jamison was elected Superintendent of Missions for Chartiers Presbytery in 1893 (source, Vol. 8, No. 2, page 244). In 1893, the church had 106 communicants, 46 members of the Young People's Societies, 10 Sunday School officers and teachers, and 135 Sunday School students (source, Vol. 8, No. 2, page 370-1). By the next year, the church's membership had increased in 113 communicants, 42 members of the Young People's Societies, 15 Sunday School officers and teachers, and 142 Sunday School students (source, Vol. 8, No. 3, page 594-5).
In 1896, the first brick building was remodeled, and a vestibule and Sunday School were added.
The old method of serving communion at the table was discontinued.
Rev. Jamison was elected Superintendent of Missions for Chartiers Presbytery in 1893 (source, Vol. 8, No. 2, page 244). In 1893, the church had 106 communicants, 46 members of the Young People's Societies, 10 Sunday School officers and teachers, and 135 Sunday School students (source, Vol. 8, No. 2, page 370-1). By the next year, the church's membership had increased in 113 communicants, 42 members of the Young People's Societies, 15 Sunday School officers and teachers, and 142 Sunday School students (source, Vol. 8, No. 3, page 594-5).
In 1896, the first brick building was remodeled, and a vestibule and Sunday School were added.
Transcription of the Roll of Honor, 1889
Roll of Honor North Buffalo Sabbath School Received First Honor in Chartiers Presbytery for memorizing Chapters 1-4 of the Gospel of St. Mark during the First Quarter of 1889. Officers W.G. Maxwell, Superintendent + N.V. Leech, Secretary Welsh Knox, Treasurer Class No. 1, Mrs. Maria H Maxwell, Teacher Dora Leech, Theresa Price, Kyle Price, Annie Knox, Maggie McClay, Myrtle Caldwell, Pearl Brownlee, Irene Stewart, Georgie Patterson, Susie Woodburn, Nancy Murray, Mattie Cox Class No. 2, Mrs. Maggie Caldwell, Teacher Bessie Leech, Mary R. Price, Curly Canan, Eddie Canan, Herbert Logan, Harry Knox, Charlie Mitchell, John Cox, Addie Murray |
Class No. 3,
Mrs. Maggie Leech, Teacher John McClay, Samuel Woodburn, Bertie Mitchell, Maggie Malone, Blance Allison, George Murray, Mack Carson, Reed Canan, Lulu Price, Eva Clark Class No. 4, + Miss Maggie E Leech, Teacher Mary Richardson, + Annie McClay, + Clark Straight, + Charlie Price, S. McKee Stockwell, Mardie Logan, + Gertie Clark, + Vance Stewart, Frank Carson, Bessie Coffee Class No. 5, Mrs. Mame Maxwell, Teacher + Annie Clark, Bertha Logan, Grace Coffee, + Annie Knox, Annie Houston, Winnie Woodburn, Ida Chapman, Charlie Reed, Clark Maxwell, + Tommy Knox Class No. 6, Mr. Wallace Mustard, Teacher Lida Allison, Ollie Logan, + Emma Lou Maxwell, + Nettie Knox, Nannie Logan, Mary Sharp, Bert Linn, Montrose B. Maxwell, James Charlton Class No. 7, + H.W. Leech, Teacher Etta Logan, Mattie Latimer, + Mary Leech, Frank Mustard, + James G. Maxwell, Charles Linn, + Joseph Pence Class No. 8, - Bible Class, + Rev. J.B. Jamison, Teacher Mr. John McClay, + Mrs. Margaret B. McClay, Mr. Joseph Leech, Mrs. Mary Jane Leech, Mr. James Smithey, Mr. J.K. Hanna, Mr. Clarrance Imhoff, + Mrs. Emma Imhoff, Mr. W.W. McClay, Mrs. Mira McClay, Mr. J.H. McClay, + Miss Biettie Leech, Mr. John Leech, Mrs. Fanny Leech, Mr. Irvin Knox, Mrs. Sadie Knox, Mr. Nathan Leech, Miss Laura Linn, Miss Belle Birch, Mr. James Birch, Miss Jemima Denning, Mr. William Denning, Mrs. Nannie Mitchell, Mr. John Knox, + Mrs. Maggie Stewart, + Mr. John W. Stewart, Mr. Thomas, Cladwell, Mr. Robert McClay, Mrs. Rachel McClay, Mr. Martin Straight, Mr. J.B. Maxwell, + Miss Hattie Clark, + Miss Mary Clark, + Mr. George Cunningham, Mr. John Latimer, Mr. Samuel Wright, + Mrs. Annie M. Wright, Miss Winnie Knox, + Mr. Welsh Knox, Mr. John C. Maxwell Miss Rebecca Logan, Mr. Robert Johnston, + Mrs. Maggie Malone, + Maggie Creighton, Mr. Thomas H. Hanna, Mrs. Thomas Ritchey, Mr. Clark Garret, Miss Mattie Barr, + Miss Mary Williamson, + Miss Lulu George, + Miss Mattie Coffey + Committed the Chapters |
A surviving copy of a Prayermeeting schedule and topics are in the pictures below. Each week on Wednesdays, starting in April, the members met at different homes to study scripture based on different topics, and led by different people.
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1900's
1898 - 1902: Rev. William M. Lorimer
Instrumental music was introduced.
1903 - 1908: Rev. W.W. Willis
In 1904, North Buffalo reported 97 communicants, 20 members of Young People's Societies, 9 Sunday School officers and teachers, 90 Sunday School students (source, Vol. 11, No. 1, page 160-1).
1909 - 1918: Rev. H.L. Hood
Rev. Hood organized a teachers' training class.
The Junior Missionary Society was established.
The Junior Missionary Society was established.
1920's
1918 - 1927: Rev. William S. Glass
Rev. Glass graduated from the United Presbyterian Seminary in Allegheny, Pennsylvania in 1901. After serving churches in Tennessee and Mercer County, Pennsylvania, he began his ministry at North Buffalo (source, page 29).
For the 150th anniversary in 1925, Rev. Glass wrote a history of the church. You can read it below. There was also a lengthy newspaper article about the anniversary.
For the 150th anniversary in 1925, Rev. Glass wrote a history of the church. You can read it below. There was also a lengthy newspaper article about the anniversary.
1930's
1929 - 1937: Rev. Mark S.M. Ray
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The old carriage sheds across the road from the church were enclosed to be used as a dining hall and Sabbath School room. A later picture of the carriage shed, taken by Rev. John Mark Scott, is shown at right.
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1937 - 1940: Rev. Emerson R. Ray
1940's
1941 - 1945: Rev. C. Kenneth Weber
1946 - 1981: Rev. John Mark Scott
The Rev. John Mark Scott served the North Buffalo United Presbyterian Church for 35 years. During his tenure with the church, many changes were undertaken.
The pictures below are from the 1946 Christmas program, which would have been the first for Rev. Scott at North Buffalo.
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1950's
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Western Pennsylvania had a major snowstorm in 1950. This picture was taken by Rev. John Mark Scott, and was restored from the original in 2008. Pictured next to the church is his daughter.
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In 1959, fundraising to put an addition onto the church for a Sunday School wing was undertaken. The flyer is shown below.
1960's
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Bulletin for 185th anniversary in 1960. From the inside of the bulletin:
"The future is bright for North Buffalo Church. The teachers and officers and people faithfully and prayerfully continue to study that they may understand and apply Biblical teaching. God has abundantly enriched us. By His strength we will continue to serve Him. In order to care for the increased enrollments in all departments of the church, a new education unit is being planned. It is hoped that construction will begin this fall. It is out plan to build as our funds allow, not acquiring any appreciable debt. This building, we believe is but the first step in an improvement program that will continue through the years." 
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The following year, in 1961, the education wing was built to accommodate a growing Sabbath School.
For the 190th anniversary of the church, in 1965, the Matthew Henderson Outside Chapel was constructed and dedicated. Below are shown some pictures of the outdoor chapel around the time of the dedication.
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1970's
In 1974, Ruth Walker was the first woman elected to the Session. Louise Mounts and Mary Cutright were the first women elected to the Trustees.
North Buffalo celebrated its 200th anniversary in 1975. As part of recognizing the occasion, a church history was put together. Part of this can be found in the pictures below. You can click on each set of pages to read them.
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At some point during this time, the Golden Rule Sunday School Class put together a cookbook. They put in both recipes and drawings. You can download a pdf of the full cookbook at right.
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1980's
Rev. Scott left North Buffalo to become a chaplain at Mayview State Hospital in early 1981. The session and trustees voted to sell the parsonage. It was sold in 1982. Rev Dietz was installed in August of 1982.
In the late 1980's, the church began work to restore and preserve the historic building. This included installing a new wheelchair ramp.
North Buffalo hosted the Washington Presbytery meeting in 1989.
In the late 1980's, the church began work to restore and preserve the historic building. This included installing a new wheelchair ramp.
North Buffalo hosted the Washington Presbytery meeting in 1989.
Newspaper clippings from the time of Rev. John Mark Scott's departure from North Buffalo United Presbyterian Church. The articles are transcribed at right.
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1982 - 1993: Rev. John F. Dietz
1990's
In the summer of 1990, the steeple was reconstructed, and named the James Smiley Memorial Steeple.
Also in 1990, North Buffalo celebrated its 215th anniversary. The bulletin for both a morning and afternoon service are shown below. Rev. C. Kenneth Weber gave the sermon at the morning service, and Rev. John Mark Scott gave the sermon at the afternoon service.
Also in 1990, North Buffalo celebrated its 215th anniversary. The bulletin for both a morning and afternoon service are shown below. Rev. C. Kenneth Weber gave the sermon at the morning service, and Rev. John Mark Scott gave the sermon at the afternoon service.
1994 - 1995: Rev. James Adair
Rev. James Adair served as a supply minister for North Buffalo Church.
1995 - 2020: Pastor Gary A. Gibson
Elder Gary A. Gibson was commissioned as a lay preacher at North Buffalo United Presbyterian Church, on October 1, 1995.
2000's
2010's
In 2010, North Buffalo celebrated its 235th anniversary. Included in the celebration was a dinner at the George Washington Hotel. The bulletin from the anniversary worship service is shown below.
2020's
Pastor Gary retired at the end of 2020.
COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic beginning in March 2020 dramatically changed the church's worship. The church shifted to online-only worship beginning on Sunday, March 22, 2020. Adult Sunday School lessons were put online at that time as well. Multiple communications were sent to members during the pandemic (from May 2020 through June 2021). You can see all of them below.
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