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On September 28,1810, a handful of people met in a tent to worship God. This Is the story of how that group of people grew Into the Mt. Carmel congregation as we know it today. The New Sheffield area was called Oak Flats and the tent church, located on our present site, was named White Oak Flats.

There Is earlier mention of the church, In the minutes of the Presbytery of Ohio, as far back as October 22, 1793. Supply ministers were requested by the White Oak Flats congregation. This list of supplies continued until 1810 when the first known paster came on the field. The record also included the names of famous missionaries of those days: John. Wood, Abraham Scott, John Brice, Joseph Patterson, John McLean, and even the name of John McMillen, who preached here on the first Sabbath of October, 1796.

Reverend John McMillen was sometimes referred to as the "Presbyterian Cardinal". For many years he was the most influential clergyman in western Pennsylvania. He began a missionary tour in 1775 and settled In the area In 1778. He founded the Canonsburg Academy, later renamed Washington and Jefferson College, which provided theological training for candidates for the ministry. This service was a springboard for the growth of frontier churches.

Among early members of the Mt. Carmel Church were James and Margaret Hutchinson, whose daughter, Mary, married John Douds on October 18, 1799. Their housekeeping equipment consisted of two chairs, a few stools made out of puncheons (pieces of split log, roughly smoothed), a table constructed in the same manner, pewter dishes and other utensils of a like primitive nature. The implements John used for cultivating his farm were also novel. The horse collars were plaited corn husks, sewed together by a wooden needle with a flax cord. The trace chains and bridle were made out of home-turned rope. The plows were wooden with wooden teeth in the harrow. The union of these worthy pioneers was blessed with eleven children.

On October 4, 1809, a call was extended to Reverend Andrew McDonald. His trial sermon was taken from I Peter 2:2 (as newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby). He .accepted the call and was Installed August 21, 1810. Reverend McDonald's father, John, owned great tracts of land in what is now the Aliquippa and Hopewell area. In 1810, son Andrew built his home In an orchard near the present J. & L. Tube Mill entrance. The McDonald descendants were Instrumental In developing Woodlawn and were leaders in the organization of the Woodlawn Presbyterian Church.

The initial roll of members in existence listed thirty- nine names. Reverend McDonald's first act was to cut out the dead wood, for the earlier report to the General Assembly had listed forty-six members at the White Oak Flats Church. The first year of his pastorate, twenty-eight new members were received into the church, with forty-seven infant children baptized. The names of the first four members received were: John White, Joseph Edgar, James and Rebecca Russell. The first children baptized were: Joseph George Bell, James Barnes and John Nickum. The elders named in the first recorded session meeting were John Riddle, James Jordon and James Elder. James Jordon came to Moon Township, now Hopewell, in 1784. He was a soldier in the American Revolution, the first constable of Moon Township, and later held many offices of responsibility and trust.

Reverend McDonald, a Scotchman, had a yearly salary of $300.00, which he did not always receive. His own child was baptized, but the child was a daughter, so he did not think it worthwhile to list her name. This never happened in the case of a boy. He had been pastor for nine years before his wife was received, by letter, into the church. However, his work. was exceedingly fruitful in an area so sparsely settled. By 1815, he reported 100 members, and by 1822, there were 124 members. The custom was to baptize all children whether or not the parents were members of the church. Therefore. he baptized many infants. - ,

The first mention of a church structure appeared in the minutes in 1812 in connection with a case of discipline. A certain member of the congregation became drunk on some whiskey that "never made anyone drunk". He was summoned to appear at the tent on the Flats where our church now stands. Then in 1813 or 1814, a house of worship was erected where the Mt. Carmel cemetery Is now located. It was built of hewed logs, and a few years later a frame structure was added to one end of the log church.

Reverend McDonald labored abundantly. His descendants have been vitally interested in this church until the present day. He was buried in the Mt. Carmel cemetery near the church that he loved so well.

The pastorate was vacant for two years after his retirement. Two pastors served the church between 1825 and 1829, the Reverends William J. Fraser and Robert Rutherford. Religion was at a very low state during those years and many parishioners left the church.

In 1829, one of the most effective ministers in our church history was called. His name was James D. Ray, a man young. both in age and appearance. When he came to preach his trial sermon, one of the "eider" elders was heard to say "as though a boy could preach". The boy proved himself, and the elders found the "boy" could preach. From the first day of his coming, the outlook of the church became brighter. The records showed tremendous growth in the spiritual lives of the people.

In view of the low state of religion, it was decided to hold cottage prayer meetings. The cottage was the manse, appropriately called Pilgrim's Cottage. It was there that the parishioners met in small groups for spiritual guidance and additional knowledge of the gospel. Reverend Ray's work was characterized by great spiritual growth, rigid rule and much visitation.

His pastorate lasted from 1829 to 1842, with an increase of 147 members. The name of the church was:changed to Mt. Carmel about 1829. The congregation was detached from the Presbytery of Ohio and became part of the Beaver Presbytery. There were accounts In the minutes of session that this man actually baptized as many as nine or ten infant children in one home, all children of the same parents. The parents of quintuplets have nothing on the people of those days.

The church burned on Sabbath, April 16, 1837. A larger, more comfortable building was built of bricks by the end of 1838. This was once again a testimonial to the character of these early Christians, to place the house of the Lord first in their lives.

The area known as North Branch was only missionary ground then. Reverend Ray tried, with success, to preach in the North Branch territory. It was said that many came to hear him, "dressed In hunting skirts and moccasins. and many came without anything". Such was the success of the gospel in that area that a branch was established about 1835, called the North Branch of Mt. Carmel.

John Douds, one of the earliest members of Mt Carmel, was one of the first elders In the North Branch church. Herewith is a brief description of their construction of that church, In which we are sure, John Douds had a part: in 1934, with one mind, the people of the neighborhood met to erect the new house of worship; some with axes, some with broad axes, planes and chisels; others with saws and augers; and Still others with hammers and adzes (a tool similar to an ax). Material was taken green from the stump and put into a frame building 35 by 45 feet. This labor was not confined to the male members of the congregation White fathers, sons and brothers were engaged In the church construction, the good mothers and daughters were engaged in cooking and delivering rich meals, on horseback, to the artisans.

Then something very shocking happened in the life of Pastor Ray. His service was suddenly terminated. He had "lamentably fallen from grace". A quote from the session minutes may give us a clue to his Indiscretion: "...as Samson dallied In the lap of Delilah, in such manner did a fair maiden bring the downfall of our Reverend Ray". He was Instantly dismissed from the church and it was such a crushing blow to the congregation that It took twenty years to recover. His pastorate had been remarkably successful and the confidence of the people in this man was so great, that the church was almost destroyed. The written words, In the yellowed pages of the church session minutes, state: "The righteous mourned, the feeble hafted, the wicked mocked, and all were shocked". Such a poetic statement but such sadness for the church! Many fell away from the congregation and joined other churches. North Branch of Mt. Carmel received fifty-five of our members.

The very life of the church was at stake! A meeting was held to decide whether to disband or rekindle the fire in this small Presbyterian band. The vote was to rebuild and strength of mind, strong Christian faith and courage won out. The church endured and wentforward after twenty years of diversity.

The rebuilding process began on March 17,1860, with the arrival of a supply minister, Reverend David McKinney. New life Immediately came to the church, and many new names were added to the church rolls. He continued to be the supply until April 14, 1862.

In August of the same year, Reverend W. G. Taylor became pastor of the church and remained until 1866. He continued Reverend McKinney's fine work with 155 members added to the rolls during his tenure. He was an outstanding civic, educational and religious leader in Beaver County. His intelligence and organizational ability enabled him to diffuse new life into churches having trouble. One of his unusual achievements was heading and financing the Phillipsburg (Monaca) Soldier's Orphan School. This was a school designed to provide homes and education for boys and girls orphaned by the casualties of the Civil War.

Reverend P. J. Cummings began a very quiet ministry on October 16,1866, which ended In 1882. He returned in 1886 and preached until 1898. There was a steady growth In the congregation and continued interest In church affairs. Reverend Cummings pointed with pride to two outstanding achievements during his pastorate. One was construction of the church building In which the congregation worshipped until October, 1976. The second was that the money contributed to missions was the largest In the history of the church up to that time. $102.78. Deacons were reported elected on January 21, 1872. This was the first, last, and the only time deacons were mentioned In the early minutes of the session.

From October 16, 1866 to 1872, Reverend Cummings served North Branch and Mt. Carmel, then gave all his time to Mt. Carmel. During his service of twenty-nine years, the decision was made to build the church on the Flats. This was a return to the birthplace .of Mt. Carmel, where the small group of devoted Christians began a church life of service to God and to their fellow men. The church structure, much as it stands today, without the educational wing, was begun in 1871 and dedicated on July 18, 1874. Dr. J.F. Cooper, of Allegheny City, gave the one and one-half acres of land and the bell which is still in use at the present time. Allegheny City was an area incorporated into the city of Pittsburgh.

For the last few years of Reverend Cummings' service, the report of the Woodlawn Branch, as it was then called, was given in the minute book of Mt. Carmel. The people there held their membership in the Mt. Carmel Church. In 1895, a separate organization was affected, most of the membership of the new being drawn from the membership of Mt. Carmel.

Reverend Cummings moderated his last session meeting in the Mt. Carmel Church on May 14,1898. He lived for a number of years, however, and preached when occasion offered. His last work was at North Branch. He is buried in the cemetery there, near the church he loved and served for so long.

The Reverend P.J. Cummings is also remembered as the first principal of the Woodlawn Academy, built in 1879. He was another shining example of the Mt. Carmel ministers who served not only the church, but the community, also.

On November 16, 1885, the first mention of a baptism of a child was recorded within the body of the session minutes. Her name was Ethel Long, baptized by supply minister, Reverend Eastman.

During the late 1800 here were many first, historically speaking. The exact number of governing,.,, board members was Incorporated In the body of the session minutes. There were five elders and six trustees. The official church year ended In April, with the first record of Presbytery approval of church minutes on April 25,1878. There were 166 members of the Sunday School in January, 1891, the first record of attendance at Sunday School. A church organist was appointed, for the first time, by the session on September 12, 1897. a Miss Sarah Coop. It was not recorded in the minutes what type of organ was in use.

During the history of the church, there were many bad years, along with good years, when the state of religion was low and growth was nil. The year, 1898, was one of those years, after the retirement of Reverend Cummings. There were no babies baptized and only $8.00 was paid to the boards of the church. There were only one hundred members, but no reason was given for the sad state of affairs.

On September 24,1900, a very Important session meeting was held in a room at the Woodlawn Station of the P. & L.E. Railroad. It was decided, by vote, to change the system of electing elders, from rotating on a limited basis, to a life system. This was enacted into church law one year and a month later, on October 26, 1901, by a unanimous vote of the congregation. On that day. the following elders were elected for life: J.0. Baker, A.L. Kerr and W. McCoy. The only elder in office, E.H. Douds, was retained for life. In fact, in the minutes of the November 10, 1901 meeting, there was a special tribute to Mr. Douds, commending him for his faithful service in the church since 1861. He had been the sole representative on session In "recent days" It said, and, without him, there would have been no session in authority.

Only supply ministers served the church until 1902 when Dr. B.B. Luther was called as pastor. His days were few and evil. He served only one year, according to the church records.

Reverend J.D. Campbell became stated supply for a year and one half, then was called as pastor In 1906. A Sunday School Superintendent and his assistant were elected for the first time In January, 1905. The church revived during these years. Reverend Campbell's pastorate was brief, but he greatly endeared himself to the people. He resigned December 7, 1908. and was held In high esteem by the people for many years.

From 1910 until 1927, four pastors served the church faithfully. Through their efforts, the membership grew and finances Increased. They were: Reverend G.S. Macaulay, Reverend R.E. Thurston, Reverend Samuel L. Johnston and Reverend W.J. Engle. There were brief periods during these years that the pulpit was empty, and supply ministers had to fill the void.

There were phrases in the minutes that were signs of the times. There were trials before the session, mainly pertaining to the intake of alcoholic beverages, like the demon rum. At a meeting held in 1909, the janitor's salary was raised from $36.00 to $50.00 a year. This was a stong indication of the economy. In 1911, the Ladies of the Sisterhood of the Church donated one hundred copies of the Chafrel Hymnal. All singersin the church were listed and letters were sent to each one, soliciting his or her services.

As late, as .1920, the session ruled that autos and horses were forbidden to be parked or hitched in front of the church. Up to this time, the horses were tied during services since the people rode to church in buckboards and surries. They rode up the dirt road leading to Mt. Carmel. However, by 1920, the dirt road was being converted into a highway, later named Brodhead Road. There were automobiles, then, but many still came with horses. There was a shed in the back where they could be hitched during services.

On April 10, 1927, Reverend John R. Thomson began a pastorate at Mt. Carmel that lasted for the next thirty years. In 1933, the twenty-fifth anniversary of the founding of the Beaver Presbytery was celebrated. On the days of October 12, 13, and 14, 1934, the one hundred and twenty-fifth anniversary of Mt. Carmel was observed, making the date of its founding. 1809. However, according to our research into the minutes, the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of our church was held in 1943, commemorating the founding date of 1793.

The church took more of a stand In the past in governing the moral lives of its people. The church went on record on October 13,1935, opposing matters that tend to break down Sunday observance. The church was a guiding force in the lives of its people and the people respected that force.

In 1943, during World War 11, the Red Cross used the basement of the church for sewing. A citation of honor was awarded to the Mt. Carmel Presbyterian Church of Aliquippa in recognition of distinguished service to God and humanity, through participation in the Wartime Service Program of the General Assembly for 1944-1945. This citation was awarded only to churches reaching or exceeding their quotas to the wartime service fund.

In that same year of 1943, the Westminister Fellowship replaced Christian Endeavor in the Presbyterian Church. The older members stayed with Christian Endeavor and the younger ones enrolled In Westminster Fellowship. There are many in the church today who remember the pleasant associations in the early youth groups.

In 1944, the church was redecorated. On April 11, 1945, the mortgage on the church and the manse was paid in full. All these debts were paid during the war years which showed the closeness of the people to the church during those chaotic times.

The Good Cheer Class, in May, 1946, recommended the purchase of the first Hammond organ for $2,200.00 and, six month later, approved lessons for Ruth Hill Farmerie.

On June 16, 1950, it was proposed that the old church be enlarged and modernized or that a new building be built. In January, 1952, it was agreed to purchase ground surrounding the property on three sides, at a cost of $1,500.00 from the Woodlawn Land Company. The land was purchased. The decision was made to build a new addition to Mt. Carmel. The ground-breaking was on August 21, 1955, with the cornerstone laying on January 22,1956. The first use was for the summer vacation Bible School, and then the building was fully occupied in September of that same year. The dedication of the education building was held March 31, 1957.

After thirty years of dedicated service, Reverend Thomson resigned on December 8,1957. Two months later, in February, 1958, Reverend Karl Watson Bowman, Jr. was invited to preach as a candidate. On May 1, 1958, he was called. He served the church well for eleven years.

During Reverend Thomson's pastorate, the first ministerial candidate on record was given approval by the session, Mr. Robert Temple. On June 28, 1960, Reverend Robert Temple was ordained at Mt. Carmel, and became Reverend Bowman's assistant.

In July, 1961, the new manse was completed on the land adjacent to the church. An open-house was held by the pastor welcoming the congregation to his new home.

In 1963, there were two important church happenings. The church began to sponsor medical missionaries to Ethiopia. Dr. and Mrs. Roy Marion. On March 11, 1963, the mortgage on the education building was satisfied, with the mortgage burning held at the congregational meeting, January 21, 1964.

On November 21,1963, a committee meeting was held to consider and discuss the formation of a Woman's Association. The hope was to have as many women of the congregation, as possible, involved In this organization. The Initial meeting of the Mt. Carmel Woman's Association was held on January 15,1964. Mrs. Judd Turner, newly elected president, presided and for two ensuing years provided dedicated and capable leadership.

Mrs. Dale Sweringen and Mrs. Samuel LaRitz requested that immediate steps be taken to form a committee for a sanctuary building program. The building fund began December 14,1964. No one could foresee that it would be twelve long years before the sanctuary would be a reality.

After eleven years of service, Reverend Bowman resigned, effective January 26,1969. Reverend William J. Lightbody, the present pastor at Mt. Carmel, began his ministry at our church on September 1, 1969. His pastorate is in the tradition of the best ministers In our church history.

On June 22,1975, the session voted to erect a onestory hexagonal-shaped church building, with session members functioning as a building committee. Other members of the congregation were added later. The formal groundbreaking was held on October 26,1975.

In the bi-centennial year, 1976, on the very historical July 4th, history was made at Mt. Carmel. The cornerstone of the new sanctuary was laid on that day. The beautiful refrain of the "Battle-hymn of the Republic", played on the church organ, was a highlight to this memorable day of triumph forthe congregation. Eyes were misty on the day of the formal dedication. Octobter 3,1976, as a beautiful service of worship and music brought to a conclusion the many years of planning for this monument to the Lord.

There were many ministers over the preceeding years who made great contributions to the church. There were some who harmed the church, but history proves that they were in the minority. There were years of turmoil, but the people had the spiritual leadership, a deep-seated faith in God, and grim determination to carry the torch of Christianity that the small group in White Oak Flats tents had ignited many years ago. This has been a story of those people. Let us rededicate ourselves to their high ideals and make this glorious church of God a living center of our lives.

A quote from Reverend John R. Thomson's history of Mt. Carmel will be a fitting conclusion to our Mt. Carmel United Presbyterian Church, a History: 1793-1976.

"The church has had a checkered career, with periods of prosperity and periods of adversity. Men have labored valiantly and seemingly, the fruits of their labors have been destroyed. Nevertheless, the church has endured and gone on from strength to strength. We believe that God has been in it and with it and its work. We believe it will go on to greater strength and more abundant service, and that its greater history, under God's guidance, is before it in the days and years to come".