Newberry Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church

A Short Sketch of Cannon’s Creek Church

 By Dr. W. C. Brown printed in 1940  

We are attempting, mentally, to live back 165 years. It is as if we are feeling our way in the dark for want of data, consecutive data, pertaining to Cannon’s Creek Church, which is paramount in the making of  a complete history. To get some faint, yet true ideas, of the origin of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church we must go back to Ireland and Scotland. Here were various religious societies as the Anti-Burgess, the Cameronians, the Covenanters, the Presbyterians, the Associate and the Reformed Presbyterians. All of these with the same central purpose to separate the church and state and thereby leave these several  societies untrammeled, from government interference with their mode of worship.

These societies were so obsessed with the idea of religious liberty that they in many instances suffered deprivation, persecutions, and martyrdom for their efforts to bring about that great accomplishment which you and I enjoy today in this church and on this occasion.

From 1763 to 1775 the splendid people who organized Cannon's Creek and King’s Creek churches, and from which grew Prosperity, Head Spring, Gilder’s Creek, Aveleigh, Newberry and in fact all other Presbyterian churches in the county, came from County Antrim, Ireland, and settled in the fertile hills between Enoree and Saluda rivers, centering near the Creeks from which Cannon's Creek and King's Creek took their names.

Many of the people in these settlements had been under the pastorate of Rev. John Renwick, Sr., while still living in County Antrim, Ireland.

As often as the sailing ships mail permitted they were pleading with Rev. Renwick to come over to the new country and minister to them.

In the year 1767 a part of Rev. Renwick’s congregation came from Ireland and settled in Newberry County. In June 1770 a larger part came over and settled near the others.

With this second part came Rev. John Renwick, who at once became the pastor of Cannon's Creek and King's Creek and conducted religious services in their log homes in the winter and under the shade of the kingly forest in the summer as they as yet had no preaching house or church.

Two years later, 1772 a third colony came over and settled in these vicinities, between the Enoree and Saluda rivers.

Rev. John Renwick, who preached to all accessible Presbyterians during his ministry of five years, and ended by his death August 20, 1775, is believed to have been a descendant of Rev., James Renwick, the last martyr of Scotland, who was executed February 18, 1688. Rev. John Renwick was never installed at King’s Creek or Cannon’s Creek because the congregations understood his ordained ministry to be a continuance from his ministry to them in Ireland.

Among the many members of Cannon's Creek during the ministry of Rev. John Renwick and through whose descendants, together with new accessions, the life of Cannon's Creek has been preserved - all the following elders, John Caldwell, Capt. Brice, Messrs. Carmichael, James J. Sloan, Robert Drunon and Samuel McQuerris. Of course, there were many other good men and private members of the church who assisted in the splendid work. Some of these are the Hunters, Fairs, Reids, Spences, Maffetts, Henries, Cannons, Reids, Grahams, Wilsons, Neals, Moores, Lesters, and Browns.

Robert Brown was born in Ireland, May 20, 1762, came to America, located near King's Creek, and was made an elder in King's Creek Church soon after its organization. He married Misses Nancy Young, April 8, 1794, moved within the bounds of Prosperity and became an elder there. He was the great-grandfather of G. D. Brown, Dr. Y. M. Brown, Misses Clara and Minnie (Vivian) Boyd Caldwell.

Rev. John Renwick, Jr., was born at sea on the passage overt December 31, 1770. It was during the next year, a short time after landing, that Rev. John Renwick Sr. administered the Lord’s Supper for the first time to these Christians in Newberry County in Patrick Carmichael's barn near Boyd’s Crossing, between Newberry and Prosperity. Preaching was only at intervals, if any after the death of Rev. Renwick, owing to Revolutionary troubles until the year 1790.

Under the able ministry of John Renwick, the church was promptly and thoroughly organized. It grew rapidly by accessions in the community and by arrivals year after year. Schools were built, roads were opened, the primeval forests were cleared away, broad fields were made ready for cultivation, and all the surrounding county was favorably effected by the beauty and loveliness of their Christian consistency, their cooperation, fellowship and brotherly love, and also in their temporal acquisitions. In their lives they laid broad, deep foundations for a great nation, a pure church, a strict rule of morality, a system of accurate education, a spirit of liberty, and unexampled patriotism. With these qualities abounding in their very beings no people have towered above them in intellect and moral force, dignity, courage and honesty; nor as statesmen, jurists, educators, or soldiers. ­

While we of the present day not have wrought as our ancestry, we can at least be proud of our surpassing heritage, the depth of which no Geologist can find, the height of which no Astronomer can perceive, the value of which no Mathematician can estimate, the beauty of which no Rhetorician can portray, and the charm of which no Poet can sing.

Rev. David Bathwell and James Rogers arrived and were present at Cedar Spring, in February of 1790, for the organization of the Presbytery of the Carolinas.

Rev. Rogers became pastor of Cannon's Creek and King's Creek churches on February 23, 1791, and ministered to them the gospel of Christ for about 25 years. Though their pastoral relations had been dissolved in 1801, he continued to give them service as he was able until 1814. During this interval of 13 years without a pastor, they secured supplies as they could.

On one occasion, when Rev. John Boyce was to preach at Cannon's Creek Church, there had been a very heavy snow covering the ground on Saturday night. However, Rev. Boyce arrived on time that Sabbath morning to find only one young man present, and he intoxicated having gone there to break up the meeting which often lasted all day. After their greetings Mr. Boyce said “the hour for services has arrived, let’s go in.” With a congregation of one, it gave Rev. Boyce an unusual opportunity to concentrate his effort and power in and on the young man in such a way that he not only sobered him, but converted him, and he made a strong active member of the church ever afterwards.

In 1802 Prosperity church was built and the congregation organized with Abram Carmichael and Abram Young as elders.

Rev. John Renwick, Jr., son of the first pastor, born at sea, as already mentioned, December 31, 1770, was licensed to preach January 1^st, 1807, missionated for two and a half years, then settled at Gilder's Creek as its pastor for five years and continued to preach there and elsewhere as long as he was able, until he was superannuated a few years before his death, about the year 1836.

In all likelihood during the 13 years from 1801 to 1814 that Cannon’s Creek and the other churches were without pastor, Rev. Renwick, Jr. probably supplied them, at least in part. However, the question so often asked, what became of John Renwick Jr., hasn’t been answered.

In 1814 Rev. Joseph Lowry was called jointly by Cannon's Creek, King's Creek, and Prosperity.

He rejected their call, but they continued their efforts and succeeded in obtaining the services (In the words of another) of that great and good man, Rev. Charles Strong.

He was installed pastor of Cannon's Creek, King’s Creek and Prosperity some time in 1816.  He labored in that field for eight years, teaching and leading his parishioners toward his Saviour's Kingdom.

These churches prospered under his administration aided by his faithful elders. The names of some of these were John Caldwell, Capt. Brice, James J. Sloan, Robert Drumon, and Samuel McQueries at Cannon’s Creek; John Dugan and James Spence at King’s Creek, and Messrs. Abram Carmichael and Abram Young at Prosperity.

The relations of Rev. Strong with these churches was ended by his death, July 20, 1824. This was a great blow to the congregation. A church was completed at Head Spring and on the first Sabbath after Mr. Strong’s death, July 27, 1824, the first sermon was preached in the house by Rev. William Blackstocks.

The organization was effected soon after with James J. Sloan and Capt. James Chalmers, elders. Here are now, in Newberry County, four A.R.P. churches which united and secured the services of Rev. Samuel P. Pressly of whom it was said, he had no superior in the Presbytery. He began his work for the churches some time in 1826. He resided in the village of Newberry and was principal of the Academy. He preached regularly in these churches for nearly eight years. Mr. Pressly was very successful as a preacher and pastor. He advocated more liberal measures in certain instances, which created a diversion among his members, in consequence of which, Mr. Pressly accepted an offer of a professorship in Franklin University, at Athens, Georgia.

At a meeting of Presbytery at Long Cane, March 28, 1834, Mr. Pressly asked for and obtained a dismission to accept the professorship and connect himself with the Presbyterian Church.

Some of the best men of the church followed the example of Mr. Pressly. Among these were Chancellor Johnstone, Dr. George Glen, Esquire Keller, David Clary, George Boozer, Dr. Alexander Chalmers, the Footes and others. With their families, through whose influence sprung Aveleigh church of Newberry, Smyrna and Bush River and Mt. Bethel in the eastern sections of the county on the Buncombe road.

Toward the close of Mr. Pressly’s pastorate, Presbytery met in one of these four churches for four consecutive years.

At Head Spring, November 5^th, 1829; at Prosperity, November 3, 1830; at Cannon’s Creek, November 10, 1831; and at King’s Creek, November 8, 1832.

Rev. Jonathan Galloway succeeded Mr. Pressly as pastor of these four churches and was installed by Presbytery at Head Spring, April 16, 1836.

After some years, the desire for more preaching became so strong that by mutual consent an arrangement was made with Rev. John O. Lindsay to preach for one year, 1848, at Cannon’s Creek and King’s Creek.

In 1850 the Thompson Street A.R.P. Church was organized and united with King’s Creek in a call for Rev. H. L. Murphy, thus leaving the other three churches under the charge of Mr. Galloway until 1855, when through failing health, he was compelled to demit his charge.

For the next three years different members of Presbytery preached the word and administered the sacraments.

On November 1, 1858, Rev. J. C. Boyd was installed pastor of Cannon’s Creek, Head Spring, and Prosperity.

His pastorate lasted 34 years, until 1899, and was the longest of any A.R.P. preacher that ever served in Newberry County. Doubtless, he enjoyed the greatest popularity of any man in the county and possibly had the largest congregation, comprised of members of the various denominations, save that of Rev. John Renwick, Sr., whose congregation, it is stated overflowed the capacity of the church building and thronged in the groves surrounding the building.

Many who attended his services regularly came for miles around, some as far as 10, 20, and even 30 miles.

It was such a free and happy experience compared with their former life, that they enjoyed to their fill, attending upon the preached word and singing praises to the loving God, which reverberated from the encircling forest and made the Welkin ring. Their favorite songs were, The Lord is My Shepherd, and Unto The Hill I Lift Mine Eyes.

Cannon’s Creek has the credit of sending three fine, able, and eloquent gentlemen into the ministerial service. Rev. A. S. Sloan went to Tennessee and spent his life in one charge. Dr. H. T. Sloan went to Long Cane and Cedar Spring, S.C., where he labored all his life, and Rev. John Buzhardt located now at Troy, S.C. enjoying the love of his congregation.

It was during the pastorate of Rev. J. C. Boyd that the centennial of Cannon’s Creek and King’s Creek was celebrated in August, 1872, at Cannon’s Creek. The sermon by Dr. H. T. Sloan and the address by Major J. F. J. Caldwell. Your humble scribe was present.

                In September, 1884, Rev. W. W. McMorris was installed pastor of Cannon’s Creek and King’s Creek. This pastorate, especially in its early experience, added to its membership, and flourished in both churches, but for various reasons not very well defined, King’s Creek withdrew in 1895. Rev. McMorris continued to preach at Cannon’s Creek for a number of years afterwards.

In 1905. Rev. J. S. Caldwell was the hard worked pastor of Cannon’s Creek, Prosperity, King’s Creek, and Unity.  His pastorate was among the very successful. He held together these charges and strengthened them in membership and faithful devotion for five years. Rev. O. G. Davis preached for Cannon’s Creek and Prosperity from April 14, 1912, until sometime in the Fall of 1913.

 These pulpits were declared vacant by Dr. E. B. Kennedy on October 12, 1913. After the resignation of  Rev. O. G. Davis on November 30, 1913, Rev. Charles H. Nabors was ordained pastor of Cannon's Creek and Prosperity.

Dr. G. G. Parkinson preached and propounded the constitutional questions and charge to the people. Dr. J. M. Garrison delivered the charge to the pastor. Just a few day ago some of the members of Cannon’s Creek referred to his fine pastoral work, especially in sickness. His pastorate lasted about one year. In this short time he had won the admiration of all who knew him for his kindness and brilliance.

Some time in 1916, Rev. J. Meek White succeeded Rev. Nabors as pastor of Cannon's Creek and Prosperity. His pastorate lasted about two years, until April 7, 1918.

On the first Sabbath of May, 1918, Rev. James A. McKeon was called by Prosperity and Cannon’s Creek and was installed pastor on the fifth Sabbath of September, 1918. Rev. R. T. Kerr and L. T. Pressly participated in this service. He served these congregations proudly and with satisfaction for eight years. He demitted the charge in 1926.

For two years these congregations were supplied by Dr. R. M. Stephenson, student Roger Echols, Rev. Rufus McCowan, and Rev. W. H. Stephenson, until July, 1929. From July, 1929, to June, 1930, Student F. B. Edward preached twice a month and so ably and acceptably that a call was tendered him, but Presbytery, sent him to another field.

M. W. Griffith, a student in the Seminary, supplied Cannon's Creek and Prosperity, beginning June 8^th, 1930, and until June 10^th, 1931.

Student Charles Edwards was invited to take the work June 1^st, 1933; he accepted, preached every Sabbath during the summer and every other Sabbath during the winter of 1931 and 1932.

He was first a supply and afterwards pastor, both instances covering the period from June 1^st, 1931, to September 17^th, 1933.

Rev. Love served as supply to the charge some time from September 17^th, 1933, to May 1^st, 1934, when Rev. F. W. Sherrill accepted the duties of pastor for Cannon’s Creek and Prosperity. This relation existed at this time, and with the assistance of his faithful elders, George Enlow, P .B. Banks, and Ed Slight, and the congregation of the laity, he is happily and successfully leading his people in the everlasting way.

Cannon’s Creek church deserves the most favorable consideration and highest commendation for her long, faithful service, and her supreme efforts to carry on.

Through all her vicissitudes and embarrassments she has held her head high through eyes of faith and has kept Synod informed of her activities by her annual reports.

 May she live through other centuries with the same splendid record.    

Centennial Address in 1872 at

 Cannon’s Creek

 Part of a Centennial Address by Rev. H. T. Sloan at Cannon’s Creek July 19, 1872. From Records of Cannon's Creek Church, October 1, 1875, by Calhoun F. Boyd, Clerk of Session  - Sept. 1876.  

"During this period (1763 -1775) the original elements of what has been long known as Cannon and King’s Creek Churches, out of which Prosperity and Head Springs subsequently sprang, came from the vicinity of Ahoghill and Randallstown, County Antrim, Ireland, and settled in this fertile section of country lying between Enoree and what I’ve familiarly known as the Dutch Fork, and centering near the creeks from which these churches took their names. From information furnished me by your committee appointed for the purpose of collecting facts and forwarding them to the speakers on this occasion and William Renwick, Esq., it appears that a portion of Rev. John Renwick's congregation came to America and settled in Newberry County in 1767. In 1770 a larger portion of the same congregation, with their pastor, came and settled in the vicinity of those who had proceeded them. And in 1772 a third colony. This date has been satisfactorily and unmistakably determined; for a letter from Rev. T. Thompson of North Ireland, regarded quite an antiquity, and now in the possession of Mr. William Renwick after giving some account of the former life and labors of this pioneer minister of the Gospel (to which we shall again refer) says of his removal “that when there was much going to America, he removed there about or after 1770.”

“Rev. Stewart Fullerton, of Ahoghill, Ireland, also testified at the time the information  was obtained that, ‘There is an old man of my congregation who remembers him. He came over here from Scotland as a missionary, and preached in my house, and sometimes at Randallstown. He lived in the town Lana, and although not remembering where he went, believed his removal was about 1770.’”

 Traditions and the family records confirm these statements. These say that his son, Rev. John Renwick, Jr., better remembered by some of us as Father Renwick, was born at sea, December 31^st, 1770. All accounts therefore agree in fixing the time when the Gospel was first preached and the church founded here. As in the case of the Rev. Thomas Clark and his congregation, the relation between Rev. John Renwick and his people in Ireland as pastor and people was simply transferred to the New World. Two of his Elders, at least, in Ireland and perhaps a third, viz., Messrs. Johnnie Beggs and Barlow, and A. Thompson, served also in that office in this county.    

From a historical sketch of King's Creek, published in The Christian Magazine of the South in 1849, and written by James A. Crosson, Esq., I see the names of Messrs. Wilson, Brown, Hall, Morris, Dugan, Glenn, McCracken, etc., among the pioneers. Tradition also says that the Lord's Supper was administered the first time in Patrick Carmichael’s barn, on the place where your present pastor now lives.

This Rev. John Renwick of whom we speak, the first minister and pastor of these congregations, is thought by his descendants to have descended from the family of Rev. James Renwick, who suffered martyrdom in Scotland February 18, 1688, in the 26th year of his age and who in his last prayer exclaimed: 'Lord, I die in the faith that Thou wilt not leave Scotland, but that Thou wilt make the blood of Thy witnesses to be the seed of Thy church, and return again and be glorious in this land. Now, Lord, I am ready; the bride, the Lamb's wife, hath made herself ready.' He was the last that suffered martyrdom in Scotland.

"If this belief be correct, our hero has indeed a noble, honored ancestry. When a young man, he engaged in shoemaking, was pious, and somewhat inclined to mental culture. This progress in study brought him at length to the notice of Presbytery, which, by the assistance of a few friends, and especially a Mr. Tennant, resulted in his passing through a course of study in the Glasgow University, and the Divinity Hall at Abernathy, the theological seminary of the Secession Church under the Moncrieffs. He was licensed to preach the Gospel by the Presbytery of Newtonlimavady, in connection with the Anti-Burger Secession Synod about the year 1766, and was ordained in the congregation of Ahoghill, not far from Portglenone in Ireland. The mutual attachment between him and his congregation must have been strong to induce them to accompany one another to America.

After his arrival, he first lived at the old Dugan place near Gilder's Creek on the Buncombe Road; next on little King’s Creek about opposite a point midway between the Dr. Glenn and Col. Glenn settlements; and lastly on the place where his son, Rev. John Renwick, or Father Renwick, lived and died.

 He preached at Cannon's Creek and King's Creek churches which were doubtlessly founded simultaneously, and was occasionally absent for weeks together on preaching excursions. With true missionary spirit and zeal, he was ready to lay himself out for his Master’s work. But it was not the will of God that he should long live to see the fruits of his labor, and to cultivate the church which he had planted. His few sheep must be left in the wilderness without a shepherd, dispirited and dejected as a trial of their faith and patience during the Revolutionary period. Their pastor’s work was done and God called him away from the evil to come and received him up on high August 20th, 1775, in the fortieth year of his age, as you may see from the stone that marks his last resting place.  

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Rev. John Renwick, son of the first pastor, and who (as we have seen) was born at sea December 31, l770, being now about thirty-five years of age having joined Presbytery at Cedar Springs, 1805, to prosecute his Theological Studies under Rev. Alexander Porter. He was licensed to preach the Gospel at Generostee January 1^st 1807. He missionated two years and a half – settled at Gilder's Creek one half of his time and supplied Warrior's Creek the other half. This relation continued only five years when it was dissolved for the want of support. But he continued to preach mostly at Gilder's Creek Church in Laurens, and in other missionary fields - being often absent from home for weeks together on preaching excursions, and going once or more on a mission to the West. Becoming superannuated for some years before his death, he retired from the active duties of his office awaiting the summons of his Lord and Master to go up higher, which occurred about the close of 1836.

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 About this time (1853) an Associate Reformed Church was formed in the town of Newberry. Dr. Thompson gave the lot, and the friends of the cause generously assisted in erecting a very neat and substantial edifice. This church, known as the Thompson Street Church, united with King's Creek and subscribed a call for the labors of Rev. H. L. Murphy, which was by him accepted and he was duly installed pastor at Newberry in 1853, a field in which he labored until the close of the war in 1865. Early in this pastorate Col. John S. Renwick and Joseph Caldwell were ordained Elders at King's Creek.