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J. WESLEY N. GIBSON
J. Wesley N. Gibson was a native of Cecil County, Maryland. He came to this county in early manhood. His occupation was that of decorator and painter. He also devoted sometime to merchandising. In all his business relations he enjoyed the greatest regard of his fellow-men. His interest in the church extended throughout his connection with it. The church service not only received the benefit of his musical talent, but he attended the Sabbath School for several years, conducting the praise service. His duties as Trustee were characterized by a strong desire to promote the church’s welfare and guard well her interests. He died July 11 th, 1902, aged 61 years.
The Trustees record the following minute: “Whereas, the Trustees of Deer Creek harmony Church have learned with deep regret of the death of Mr. J. Wesley N. Gibson, a member of the Board of Trustees, for the past fifteen years, they hereby express their appreciation of his interest, in the affairs of the church, and the faithful discharge of his duties, as a member of the Board of Trustees.”
THE SABBATH SCHOOL
The Sabbath School has been a very important factor in the life of this church, as it is of every church. It has constantly been maintained since the organization, although frequently amid discouragements.
There is no record of any school in the church before 1855, but it is presumable that there was one. A school was conducted in the Prospect School House before the erection of the church. The first resolution passed relative to the church, states that it was not only to be used as a house of worship, but “also to be occupied by a Sunday School.” It is therefore reasonable to suppose that the school was transferred to the church, after it was finished.
A Sabbath School was organized in the church on September 9 th, 1855. There were 24 scholars and 10 adults, in attendance, William F. Bayless was Superintendent and he was succeeded by Benjamin Silver, Sr. They were both regular in their attendance, while health permitted, and taught in the school. John F. McJilton was elected Superintendent on May 13 th, 1877. He was succeeded in 1879 by Albert P. Silver, who continued until 1902, when William Silver of John was chosen Superintendent. After one year’s service he declined the position, and Albert P. Silver was re-elected in 1903 and resigned in 1905.
There was a library in 1858, as $10.53 was contributed “to increase the library,” and $5.75 to furnish premiums to the children. In 1877, Mr. McJilton purchased 40 volumes, the beginning of a new library, which has been added to from time to time and now contains 537 volumes. S. Martin Bayless has been librarian since 1880.
The first Children’s Day was observed with services in 1896. The largest membership was in 1878, when it was 75, with 30 in the Bible class. The average attendance was 44.
BENEVOLENCE
Contributions have been received annually for the Boards of the Church since 1872; previous to that the collections for several of the objects were irregular.
The following amounts have been contributed to the different Boards of the Church work, during the past fifty years:-
Foreign Missions, $3,756.65; Home Missions, $1,598.46; Education, $691.43; Publication, $685.29; Church Erection, $573.62; Ministerial Relief, $716.56; Aid to Colleges, $155.12; Sustentation, $416.06; Freedmen, $273.89; Presbyterial Assessment, $299.46; Miscellaneous, Bible Society, &c., $814.36. The total amount is $9,980.90.
The Woman’s Foreign Missionary Society has been a very important auxiliary to the benevolent work of the church. It was organized June 19, 1878, with 14 members. It is scarcely possible to say too much in condemnation of the work of this society. Through the efforts of its members the above amounts have been greatly augmented. Their offerings have always been large in comparison with the membership. The total amount contributed by this society has been $1,864.55. The original officers were Mrs. Susan S.
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