1813
August 3,
1813 - Elk
Presbytery - Mt. Carmel, Franklin County, Tennessee
Representative from Goshen - James McCord
[Source: Minutes of Elk Presbytery of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church, August 3, 1813, page 3]
1814
February
15, 1814 - Elk
Presbytery - Mariah Meeting House
Goshen
not represented
[Source: Minutes
of Elk Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, February
15, 1814]
1814
August 16,
1814 - Elk
Presbytery - Fork Meeting House, Bedford County, Tennessee
Representative from Goshen - John Cowan
[Source: Minutes of Elk Presbytery of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church, August 16, 1814, page 7]
1815
February
21, 1815 - Elk
Presbytery - Goshen Meeting House, Franklin County,
Tennessee
Representative from Goshen - John Bell
[Source: Minutes of Elk Presbytery
of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, February 21, 1815,
page 11]
1815
October 10,
1815 - Elk
Presbytery - Brick or free meeting house, Maury County,
Tennessee
Goshen not represented
[Source: Minutes of Elk Presbytery of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church, October 10, 1815.
1816
April 2,
1816 - Elk
Presbytery - John Haynes' - Giles County, Richland Creek,
Tennessee
Goshen not represented
[Source: Minutes of Elk Presbytery of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church, April 2, 1816,
1816
October 1,
1816 - Elk
Presbytery - Cannan meeting house, Madison, Mississippi
Territory
Representative from Goshen Society -
James Keith
[Source: Minutes
of Elk Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, October
1, 1816, page 25]
1817
April 1,
1817 - Elk
Presbytery -Pisgah meeting house, Bedford County, Tennessee
Representative from Goshen - James McCord
[Source: Minutes of Elk Presbytery of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church, April 1, 1817, page 29
1817
October 7,
1817 - Elk
Presbytery - Fork meeting house - Bedford County, Tennessee
Representative from Goshen Society - David Robinson
[Source: Minutes of Elk Presbytery
of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, October 7, 1817, page
31]
1818
April 7,
1818 - Elk
Presbytery - Pond Spring meeting house - Franklin County,
Tennessee
Goshen not represented
[Source: Minutes of Elk Presbytery of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church, April 7, 1818, page 36]
1818
October 6,
1818 - Elk
Presbytery - John Haynes - Giles County, Tennessee
Goshen not represented
[Source:
Minutes of Elk Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church,
October 6, 1818, page 39]
1819
April 6,
1819 - Elk
Presbytery - Mr. John Gibons on Cane Creek, Lincoln County,
Tennessee
Goshen not represented
[Source: Minutes of Elk Presbytery of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church, April 6, 1819, page 43]
1819
October 5,
1819 - Elk
Presbytery - Meridian meeting house - Madison County,
Alabama
Goshen not represented
[Source: Minutes of Elk Presbytery of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church, October 5, 1819, page 47]
1820
April 4,
1820 - Elk
Presbytery - Mariah meeting house - Giles County, Tennessee
William Morrison from Elk River and Goshen
[Source: Minutes of Elk Presbytery
of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, April 4, 1820, pages
49-50]
1820
October 3,
1820 - Elk
Presbytery - Cane Creek meeting house - Lincoln County,
Tennessee
Representative from Goshen - John Cowan
[Source: Minutes of Elk Presbytery
of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, October 3, 1820, page
52]
1821
April 3,
1821 - Elk
Presbytery - Salem meeting house - Limestone County, Alabama
Goshen not represented
[Source:
Minutes of Elk Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church,
April 3, 1821, page 56]
1821
October 2,
1821 - Elk
Presbytery - Marrs Hill - Giles County, Tennessee
Goshen not represented
[Source:
Minutes of Elk Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church,
October 2, 1821, page 60]
1822
April 2,
1822 - Elk
Presbytery - Jacob Lawrence - Bear Creek, Maury County,
Tennessee
Representative from Mt. Carmel and Goshen
- John Bell
[Source: Minutes
of Elk Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, April
2, 1822, page 65]
1822
October 1,
1822 - Elk
Presbytery - Samuel McCuistian - Bedford County, Tennessee
Goshen not represented
[Source:
Minutes of Elk Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church,
October 1, 1822, page 69]
1822 - 1848
Member
of Tennessee
Presbytery - no minutes for this time period in archives
1848
October 13,
1848 - Tennessee
Presbytery - Union Chapel, Madison County, Alabama
Representative from Goshen - John Miller
[Source: Minutes of Tennessee Presbytery of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church, October 13, 1848, page 1]
1849
April 13,
1849 - Tennessee
Presbytery - Petersburg, Lincoln County, Tennessee
Goshen not represented
[Source:
Minutes of Tennessee Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church, April 13, 1849, page 15]
1849
October 12,
1849 - Tennessee
Presbytery - Ewing Chapel, Loweville, Madison County,
Alabama
Goshen not represented
[Source: Minutes of Tennessee Presbytery of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church, October 12, 1849, page 29]
1850
April 12,
1850 - Tennessee
Presbytery - Fayetteville
- Lincoln County, Tennessee
Goshen not represented
[Source: Minutes of Tennessee Presbytery
of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, April 12, 1850, page
39]
1850
October 4,
1850 - Tennessee
Presbytery - Elkton, Giles County, Tennessee
Goshen
not listed
[Source: Minutes
of Tennessee Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church,
October 4, 1850, page 55]
1851
April 4,
1851 - Tennessee
Presbytery - Winchester,
Tennessee
Representative from Goshen - Abram Shook
[Source: Minutes of Tennessee
Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, April 4,
1851, page 72]
1851
October 3,
1851 - Tennessee
Presbytery - Cane Creek, Lincoln County, Tennessee
Representative from Goshen - Willis Holder
[Source: Minutes of Tennessee Presbytery of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church, October 3, 1851, page 111]
1852
April 2,
1852 - Tennessee
Presbytery - Mulberry church, Lincoln County, Tennessee
Goshen not represented
[Source:
Minutes of Tennessee Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church, April 2, 1852, page 130]
1852
October 1,
1852 - Tennessee
Presbytery - Winchester,
Tennessee
Representative from Goshen - Ira Kinningham
[Source: Minutes of Tennessee
Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, October
1, 1852, page 147]
1853
April 1,
1853 - Tennessee
Presbytery - Bethlehem church, Madison County, Alabama
Goshen not represented
[Source:
Minutes of Tennessee Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church, April 1, 1853, page 167]
1853
September
30, 1853 - Tennessee
Presbytery - Fayetteville,
Lincoln County, Tennessee
Representative from Goshen
- J. Miller
[Source: Minutes
of Tennessee Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church,
September 30, 1853, page 178]
1854
March 31,
1854 - Tennessee
Presbytery - Mulberry, Lincoln county, Tennessee
Congregation
not represented
[Source: Minutes
of Tennessee Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church,
March 31, 1854, page 210]
1854
September
29, 1854 - Tennessee
Presbytery - Athens, Limestone County, Alabama
Goshen
not represented
[Source: Minutes
of Tennessee Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church,
September 29, 1854, page 235]
1855
March 30,
1855 - Tennessee
Presbytery - Huntsville, Madison county, Alabama
Goshen
not represented
[Source: Minutes
of Tennessee Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church,
March 30, 1855, page 255]
1855
October 5,
1855 - Tennessee
Presbytery - Petersburgh, Lincoln County, Tennessee
Goshen not represented
[Source:
Minutes of Tennessee Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church, October 5, 1855, page 279]
1856
April 5,
1856 - Tennessee
Presbytery - Winchester,
Tennessee
Representative from Goshen - Ira Kinningham
[Source: Minutes of Tennessee
Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, April 5,
1856, page 296]
1856
October 3,
1856 - Tennessee
Presbytery - Fayetteville,
Tennessee
Representative from Goshen - Ira
Kinningham
[Source: Minutes
of Tennessee Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church,
October 3, 1856, page 320]
1857
April 3,
1857 - Tennessee
Presbytery - Mooresville, Limestone County, Alabama
Representative from Goshen - Ira Kiningham
[Source: Minutes of Tennessee
Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, April 3,
1857, page 343]
Fall 1857
No Minutes in Archives
Spring 1858
No Minutes in Archives
Fall 1858
No Minutes in Archives
1859
April 1,
1859 - Tennessee
Presbytery - New Market, Alabama
Representative
from Goshen - Ira Kiningham
[Source:
Minutes of Tennessee Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church, April 1, 1859, page 3, microfilm of printed minutes]
1860
September
20, 1860 - Tennessee
Presbytery - Winchester - Franklin County, Tennessee
Goshen not represented
[Source: Minutes of Tennessee Presbytery of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church, September 20, 1860, page 3,
microfilm of printed minutes]
1861
March 21,
1861 - Tennessee
Presbytery - New Market - Madison County, Alabama
Representative from Goshen - J. Miller
[Source: Minutes of Tennessee Presbytery of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church, March 21, 1861, page 4, microfilm
of printed minutes]
1861
September
19, 1861 - Tennessee
Presbytery - Mooresville - Limestone County, Alabama
Goshen not represented
[Source: Minutes of Tennessee Presbytery of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church, September 19, 1861, page 3,
microfilm of printed minutes]
1862
March
20, 1862 - Tennessee
Presbytery - Cane Creek, Lincoln County, Tennessee
Goshen not represented
[Source: Minutes of Tennessee Presbytery of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church, March 20, 1862, page 2]
1862
September
25, 1862 - Tennessee
Presbytery - Meridianville, Madison County, Alabama
Goshen not represented
[Source: Minutes of Tennessee Presbytery of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church, September 25, 1862, page 1]
1863
March 19,
1863 - Tennessee
Presbytery - New Market - Madison County, Alabama
Goshen not represented
[Source: Minutes of Tennessee Presbytery of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church, March 19, 1863, page 122,
microfilm of manuscript minutes]
1853-1865
Tennessee
Presbytery did not meet between March 19, 1863 and September 7,
1865
1865
September
7-8, 1865 - Tennessee
Presbytery - [Called Meeting] - Winchester, Tennessee
Representative from Goshen - Ira Kiningham
[Source: Minutes of Tennessee Presbytery of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church, September 7-8, 1865, page
142, microfilm of manuscript minutes]
1865
September
21, 1865 - Tennessee
Presbytery - Cane Creek - Lincoln County, Tennessee
Goshen not represented
[Source: Minutes of Tennessee Presbytery of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church, September 21, 1865, page 153,
microfilm of manuscript minutes]
1866
March 22,
1866 - Tennessee
Presbytery - Meridianville - Madison County, Alabama
Representative from Goshen - W. R. Francis
[Source: Minutes of Tennessee Presbytery of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church, March 22, 1866, page 171,
microfilm of manuscript minutes]
1866
September
13, 1866 - Tennessee
Presbytery - Athens, Alabama
Goshen not
represented
[Source: Minutes
of Tennessee Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church,
September 13, 1866, page 189, microfilm of manuscript minutes]
1867
April 18,
1867 - Tennessee
Presbytery - Fayetteville, Tennessee
Representative
from Goshen - Ira Kinningham
[Source:
Minutes of Tennessee Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church, April 18, 1867, page 3, microfilm of printed minutes]
1867
September
20, 1867 - Tennessee
Presbytery - Huntsville, Alabama
Goshen
not represented
[Source:
Minutes of Tennessee Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church, September 20, 1867, page 209, microfilm of manuscript
minutes]
1868
April 24,
1868 - Tennessee
Presbytery - Goshen Church - Franklin County, Tennessee
Representative from Goshen - Ira Kinningham
[Source: Minutes of Tennessee Presbytery of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church, April 24, 1868, page 229,
microfilm of manuscript minutes]
1868
September
25, 1868 - Tennessee
Presbytery - Mt. Carmel Church - Franklin County, Tennessee
Representative from Goshen - J. Williams
[Source: Minutes of Tennessee Presbytery of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church, September 25, 1868, page 253,
microfilm of manuscript minutes]
1869
April 23,
1869 - Tennessee
Presbytery - Maysville, Alabama
Representative
from Goshen - John Miller
[Source:
Minutes of Tennessee Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church, April 23, 1869, page 281, microfilm of manuscript
minutes]
1869
September 24, 1869 - Tennessee
Presbytery - Fayetteville,
Tennessee
Representative from Goshen - J. Sargent
Rev. J. W. L. Smith - He was at Goshen meeting;
several professions there.
Elder J. Sargent--States
that Goshen has no pastor, but had a good meeting in August; nine
professions.
[Source: Minutes
of Tennessee Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church,
September 24, 1869, pages 1, 5 & 6]
1870
April 22,
1870 - Tennessee
Presbytery - Athens, Alabama
Goshen not
represented
[Source: Minutes
of Tennessee Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church,
April 22, 1870, page 303, microfilm of manuscript minutes]
1870
September
23, 1870 - Tennessee
Presbytery - New Market, Alabama
Representative
from Goshen - Ira Kinningham
[Source:
Minutes of Tennessee Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church, September 23, 1870, page 321, microfilm of manuscript
minutes]
1871
April 21,
1871 - Tennessee
Presbytery - Winchester,
Tennessee
Representative from Goshen - Ira Kinningham
[Source: Minutes of Tennessee Presbytery
of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, April 21, 1871, page
1]
1871
September
22, 1871 - Tennessee
Presbytery - Union Chapel, Madison County, Alabama
Representative from Goshen - I. Kinningham
[Source: Minutes of Tennessee
Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, September
22, 1871, page 17]
1872
April 26,
1872 - Tennessee
Presbytery - Madison, Madison County, Alabama
Elders
A. D. Lansden and Joseph Miller, representatives from Ewing Chapel
and Goshen congregations respectively, appeared and took their
seats.
[Source: Minutes of Tennessee
Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, April 26,
1872, page 42]
1872
September
20, 1872 - Tennessee
Presbytery - Hebron church, Lincoln county, Tennessee
Representative from Goshen - James Sargent
[Source: Minutes of Tennessee Presbytery of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church, September 20, 1872, page 3]
1873
April 25,
1873 - Tennessee
Presbytery - New Market, Madison County, Alabama
Representative
from Goshen - W. R. Francis
[Source:
Minutes of Tennessee Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church, April 25, 1873, page 3 ]
1873
September
26, 1873 - Tennessee
Presbytery - Meridianville, Madison County, Alabama
Representative from Goshen - Willis Holder
[Source: Minutes of Tennessee Presbytery of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church, September 26, 1873, page 93]
1874
April 24,
1874 - Tennessee
Presbytery - Winchester,
Tennessee
Representative from Goshen - Joseph Miller
[Source: Minutes of Tennessee
Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, April 24,
1874, page 61]
1874
September
27, 1874 - Tennessee
Presbytery - Cane Creek Church, Lincoln County, Tennessee
Goshen not represented
[Source: Minutes of Tennessee Presbytery of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church, September 27, 1874, page 108]
1875
April 23,
1875 - Tennessee
Presbytery - Athens, Alabama
Goshen not
represented
[Source: Minutes
of Tennessee Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church,
April 23, 1875, page 125]
1875
September
24, 1875 - Tennessee
Presbytery - Mooresville, Alabama
Goshen
not represented
[Source:
Minutes of Tennessee Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church, September 24, 1875, page 143]
1876
April 26,
1876 - Tennessee
Presbytery - Winchester,
Tennessee
Representative from Goshen - W. R. Francis
[Source: Minutes of Tennessee Presbytery
of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, April 26, 1876, page
170]
1876
September
22, 1876 - Tennessee
Presbytery - Fayetteville,
Tennessee
Representative from Goshen - James Sargent
[Source: Minutes of Tennessee Presbytery
of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, September 22, 1876,
page 200]
1877
April 20,
1877 - Tennessee
Presbytery - New Market, Madison County, Alabama
Representative
from Goshen - J. W. Pattey
[Source:
Minutes of Tennessee Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church, April 20, 1877, page 219]
1877
September
21, 1877 - Tennessee
Presbytery - Maysville, Madison County, Alabama
Goshen
not represented
[Source: Minutes
of Tennessee Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church,
September 21, 1877, page 251]
1878
April 26,
1878 - Tennessee
Presbytery - Winchester,
Tennessee
Representative from Goshen - W. R. Francis,
Sr.
[Source: Minutes of Tennessee
Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, April 26,
1878, page 277]
1878
September
20, 1878 - Tennessee
Presbytery - Mt. Carmel Church, Franklin County, Tennessee
Representative from Goshen - W. M. Cowan
Reports
of church sessions for 12 months. Goshen, Rev. W. B. Watterson;
employed all his time; promised $300 salary; paid per contract;
prayer-meeting and Sunday-school good; status, very good.
[Source: Minutes of Tennessee
Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, September
20, 1878, page 299]
1879
April 25,
1879 - Tennessee
Presbytery - Huntsville, Alabama
Goshen
not represented
[Source: Minutes
of Tennessee Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church,
April 25, 1879, page 323]
1879
September
26, 1879 - Tennessee
Presbytery - Hebron Church, Lincoln County, Tennessee
Representative from Goshen - Joseph Miller
[Source: Minutes of Tennessee Presbytery of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church, September 26, 1879, page 1]
1880
April 23,
1880 - Tennessee
Presbytery - New Market Church, Madison County, Alabama
Representative from Goshen - J. W. Patty
[Source: Minutes of Tennessee Presbytery of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church, April 23, 1880, page 47]
1880
September
24, 1880 - Tennessee
Presbytery - Goshen Church, Franklin County, Tennessee
Representative from Goshen - James Sargeant
[Source: Minutes of Tennessee Presbytery of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church, September 24, 1880, page 85]
1881
April 22,
1881 - Tennessee
Presbytery - Fayetteville,
Tennessee
Goshen not represented
[Source: Minutes of Tennessee Presbytery of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church, April 22, 1881, page 118]
1881
September
23, 1881 - Tennessee
Presbytery - Tullahoma, Tennessee
Representative
from Goshen - W. M. Cowan
[Source:
Minutes of Tennessee Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church, September 23, 1881, page 143]
1882
April 21,
1882 - Tennessee
Presbytery - New Lebanon Congregation at Kelso, Tennessee
Representative from Goshen - J. W. Patty
[Source: Minutes of Tennessee Presbytery of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church, April 21, 1882, page 171]
1882
September
22, 1882 - Tennessee
Presbytery - Maysville, Alabama
Representative
from Goshen - G. W. Young
[Source:
Minutes of Tennessee Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church, September 22, 1882, page 198]
1883
April 20,
1883 - Tennessee
Presbytery - Winchester,
Tennessee
Representative from Goshen - Joseph Miller
[Source: Minutes of Tennessee Presbytery
of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, April 20, 1883, page
234]
1883
September
21, 1883 - Tennessee
Presbytery - Hickory Flat, Madison County, Alabama
Goshen not represented
[Source: Minutes of Tennessee Presbytery of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church, September 21, 1883, page 261]
1884
April 25,
1884 - Tennessee
Presbytery - Mt. Carmel church, Franklin County, Tennessee
Representative from Goshen - W. M. Cowan
[Source: Minutes of Tennessee Presbytery of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church, April 25, 1884, page 296]
1884
September
26, 1884 - Tennessee
Presbytery - New Garden Congregation at Elkmont Station,
Alabama
Goshen not represented
[Source: Minutes of Tennessee Presbytery of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church, September 26, 1884, page 322]
1885
April 24,
1885 - Tennessee
Presbytery - Cane Creek Church, Lincoln County, Tennessee
Representative from Goshen - Joseph Miller
[Source: Minutes of Tennessee Presbytery of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church, April 24, 1885, page 342]
1885
September
25, 1885 - Tennessee
Presbytery - Tullahoma congregation, Tullahoma, Tennessee
Representative from Goshen - W. R. Francis
[Source: Minutes of Tennessee Presbytery of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church, September 25, 1885, page 365]
1886
April 23,
1886 - Tennessee
Presbytery - New Market congregation, at New Market, Alabama
Representative from Goshen - J. W. Pattie
[Source: Minutes of Tennessee Presbytery of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church, April 23, 1886, page 2]
1886
September
24, 1886 - Tennessee
Presbytery - Goshen congregation, Franklin County,
Tennessee
Representative from Goshen - G. W. Young
[Source: Minutes of Tennessee Presbytery
of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, September 24, 1886,
page 25]
1887
April 22,
1887 - Tennessee
Presbytery - Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Fayetteville,
Tennessee
Representative from Goshen - W. M. Cowan
[Source: Minutes of Tennessee Presbytery
of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, April 22, 1887, page
55]
1887
September
23, 1887 - Tennessee
Presbytery - Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Maysville,
Alabama
Representative from Goshen - G. W. Bowers
[Source: Minutes of Tennessee Presbytery
of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, September 23, 1887,
page 80]
1887
October 13,
1887 [called meeting] - Tennessee
Presbytery - Fayetteville,
Tennessee
Goshen not represented
[Source: Minutes of Tennessee Presbytery of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church, October 13, 1887, page 108]
1888
April 20,
1888 - Tennessee
Presbytery - Athens, Alabama
Representative
from Goshen - W. D. Holder
[Source:
Minutes of Tennessee Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church, April 20, 1888, page 116]
1888
August 8,
1888 [called meeting] - Tennessee
Presbytery - Cumberland Presbyterian Church, New Market,
Alabama
Representative from Goshen - W. D. Holder
[Source: Minutes of Tennessee
Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, August 8,
1888, page 133]
1888
October 12,
1888 - Tennessee
Presbytery - Hebron congregation, Lincoln County, Tennessee
Goshen not represented
[Source:
Minutes of Tennessee Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church, October 12, 1888, page 136]
1889
April 11,
1889 - Tennessee
Presbytery - Madison Cross Roads Arbor Church, Madison
County, Alabama
Goshen not represented
[Source: Minutes of Tennessee Presbytery of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church, April 11, 1889, page 159]
1889
October 12,
1889 - Tennessee
Presbytery - Cowan, Tennessee
Representative
from Goshen - W. R. Francis
[Source:
Minutes of Tennessee Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church, October 12, 1889, page 177]
1890
April 18,
1890 - Tennessee
Presbytery - Winchester,
Tennessee
Representative from Goshen - W. M. Cowan
[Source: Minutes of Tennessee Presbytery
of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, April 18, 1890, page
194]
1890
Goshen
Cumberland Presbyterian Church
Clerk of the
Session and Post-Office: W. R. Francis, Cowan, Tenn.
Tennessee
Presbytery - Tennessee
Synod
[Source: Minutes
of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church,
1890, page 236]
1890
September
12, 1890 - Tennessee
Presbytery - Tullahoma, Tennessee
Representative
from Goshen - Geo. Young
[Source:
Minutes of Tennessee Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church, September 12, 1890, page 213]
1890
Tennessee
Presbytery consolidated with Elk
Presbytery
1891
Goshen
Cumberland Presbyterian Church
Clerk of the
Session and Post-Office: W. R. Francis, Cowan, Tenn.
Pastor
- W. B Watterson
Elk
Presbytery - Tennessee
Synod
Sunday-School Superintendent: Isaac
Young, Winchester, Tenn.
[Source:
Minutes of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church, 1891, pages 236 & 282]
1891
Spring 1891
- Fall 1891
No Minutes
Available
1892
April 22,
1892 - Elk
Presbytery - Fayetteville
Congregation
Representative from Goshen - W. M.
Cowan
[Source: Minutes of Elk
Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, April 22,
1892, page 227]
1892
Goshen
Cumberland Presbyterian Church
Clerk of
the Session and Post-Office: W. R. Francis, Cowan, Tenn.
Pastor:
N. D. Crawford
Sunday-School Superintendent: Isaac
Young, Winchester, Tenn.
Elk
Presbytery - Tennessee
Synod
[Source: Minutes
of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church,
1892, pages 246 & 296]
1892
September
30, 1892 - Elk
Presbytery - Bellbuckle Congregation, Bedford County,
Tennessee
Representative from Goshen - I. H. Kinningham
[Source: Minutes of Elk Presbytery
of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, September 30, 1892,
page 251]
1893
April 21,
1893 - Elk
Presbytery - Winchester
Congregation, in the Town of Winchester, Franklin County, Tennessee
Representative from Goshen - G. W. Jones
[Source: Minutes of Elk Presbytery of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church, April 21, 1893, page 273]
1893
Goshen
Cumberland Presbyterian Church
Clerk of the
Session and Post-Office: W. R. Francis, Cowan, Tenn.
Pastor:
G. R. Harrison
Elk
Presbytery - Tennessee
Synod
[Source: Minutes
of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church,
1893, page 246]
1893
September
28, 1893 - Elk
Presbytery - Chapel Hill Congregation, Marshall County,
Tennessee
Goshen not represented
[Source: Minutes of Elk Presbytery of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church, September 28, 1893, page 294]
1894
April 20,
1894 - Elk
Presbytery - Tullahoma congregation, Coffee County, Tennessee
Representative from Goshen - J. J. Kinningham
[Source: Minutes of Elk Presbytery
of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, April 20, 1894, page
309]
1894
Goshen
Cumberland Presbyterian Church
Clerk of the
Session and Post-Office: W. R. Francis, Cowan, Tenn.
Pastor:
G. R. Harrison
Sunday-School Superintendent: Isaac
Young, Winchester, Tenn.
57 Christian Endeavor
Society - members
Elk
Presbytery - Tennessee
Synod
[Source: Minutes
of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church,
1894, pages 258, 302 & 316]
1894
October 4,
1894 - Elk
Presbytery - Cane Creek Congregation, Lincoln County,
Tennessee
Representative from Goshen - A. J. Kinningham
[Source: Minutes of Elk Presbytery
of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, October 4, 1894, page
333]
1895
April 26,
1895 - Elk
Presbytery - Mt. Vernon Congregation in Rutherford County,
Tennessee
Goshen not represented
[Source: Minutes of Elk Presbytery of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church, April 26, 1895, page 351]
1895
Goshen
Cumberland Presbyterian Church
Clerk of the
Session and Post-Office: W. R. Francis, Cowan, Tenn.
Pastor:
G. R. Harrison
Sunday-School Superintendent: A.
J. Kinningham, Winchester, Tenn.
Goshen Christian
Endeavor Society - 39 members - Corresponding Secretary - Miss
Hattie Young (Winchester)
Elk
Presbytery - Tennessee
Synod
[Source: Minutes
of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church,
1895, pages 266, 316 & 333]
1895
October 3,
1895 - Elk
Presbytery - Farmington Congregation, Marshall County,
Tennessee
Goshen not represented
[Source: Minutes of Elk Presbytery of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church, October 3, 1895, page 386]
1896
January 21,
1896 [called meeting] - Elk
Presbytery - Fayetteville
Congregation in the Town of Fayetteville, Lincoln County, Tennessee
Goshen not represented
[Source:
Minutes of Elk Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church,
January 21, 1896, page 415]
1896
Goshen
Cumberland Presbyterian Church
Clerk of the
Session and Post-Office: W. R. Francis, Cowan, Tenn.
Pastor:
J. T. Baker
Goshen Christian Endeavor Society -
40 members - Corresponding Secretary - Miss Hattie Young (Winchester)
Elk
Presbytery - Tennessee
Synod
[Source: Minutes
of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church,
1896, pages 240 & 305]
1897
Goshen
Cumberland Presbyterian Church
Clerk of the
Session and Post-Office: Kinningham, A. J., Winchester, Tenn.
Minister: Galloway, M. L.
Elk
Presbytery - Tennessee
Synod
[Source: Minutes
of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church,
1897, page 203]
1898
Goshen
Cumberland Presbyterian Church
Clerk of the
Session and Post-Office: A. J. Kinningham, Winchester, Tenn.
Minister: None Listed
Elk
Presbytery - Tennessee
Synod
[Source: Minutes
of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church,
1898, page 224]
1899
Clerk of
the Session and Post-Office: A. J. Kinningham, Winchester, Tenn.
Minister: S. B. Zarecor
Elk
Presbytery - Tennessee
Synod
[Source: Minutes
of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church,
1899, page 119a]
1900
Clerk of
the Session and Post-Office: W. M. Cowan, Cowan, Tenn.
Minister:
J. G. Boydstun
Elk
Presbytery - Tennessee
Synod
[Source: Minutes
of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church,
1900, page 140a]
1901
Clerk of
the Session and Post-Office: W. M. Cowan, Cowan, Tenn.
Minister
In Charge: J. G. Boydstun
Elk
Presbytery - Tennessee
Synod
[Source: Minutes
of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church,
1901, page 167a]
1902
Clerk of
the Session and Post-Office: W. M. Cowan, Tenn.
Minister
In Charge: J. G. Boydstun
Elk
Presbytery - Tennessee
Synod
[Source: Minutes
of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church,
1902, page 158a]
1903
Clerk of
the Session and Post-Office: W. M. Cowan, Cowan, Tenn.
Minister
Now In Charge: None Listed
Elk
Presbytery - Tennessee
Synod
[Source: Minutes
of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church,
1903, page 142a]
1904
Clerk of
the Session and Post-Office: W. M. Cowan, R.R., Winchester, Tenn.
Minister Now In Charge: C. C. Hines
Elk Presbytery
- Tennessee
Synod
[Source: Minutes
of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church,
1904, page 123a]
1905
Clerk of
the Session and Post-Office: W. M. Cowan, R.D., Winchester, Tenn.
Minister Now In Charge: J. B. Dwyer
Elk Presbytery
- Tennessee
Synod
[Source: Minutes
of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church,
1905, page 104a]
1906
Clerk of
the Session and Post-Office: W. M. Cowan, Winchester, R. 1, Tenn.
Minister Now In Charge: J. B. Dwyer
Elk Presbytery
- Tennessee
Synod
[Source: Minutes
of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church,
1906, page 95a]
1907
Clerk of
the Session and Postoffice: W. M. Cowen, Winchester, Tenn.
Minister Now in Charge: M. A. Hunt
Elk Presbytery
- Tennessee
Synod
[Source: Minutes
of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church,
1907, page 60a]
1908
Clerk of
the Session and Postoffice: W. M. Cowan, Winchester, Tenn.
Minister Now in Charge: J. A. Whitener
Elk Presbytery
- Tennessee
Synod
[Source: Minutes
of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church,
1908, page 70a]
1909
Clerk of
the Session and Postoffice: W. M. Cowan, Winchester, Tenn.
Minister Now in Charge: S. F. Lovett
Elk Presbytery
- Tennessee
Synod
[Source: Minutes
of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church,
1909, page 17a]
The pioneer settlers of Franklin County were a Christian people, who worshiped God while undergoing the hardships of frontier life. A large number of the first settlers were ministers of the gospel. Public worship was held in every neighborhood in the cabins of some pious settlers. And as the people became more numerous they established camp-meetings at various places throughout the county. The early Methodist camp-meetings were located at Farris' Chapel, Walnut Grove, Caney Hollow, Marble Plains and Dabb's Ford. The Presbyterians established a camp ground at Goshen, and the Baptists established one near Salem. At these places the good people met annually in God's first temples," the groves, to worship Him. These camp-meetings were mostly continued until the late civil war, since which time all have been discontinued, except the one at Goshen, where services are annually held for a season on the camp grounds. But no tents are now used, as the people go to the grove in the morning, and worship during the day, and return home in the evening. The pioneer religious denominations were the Methodists; Baptists, Presbyterians and Lutherans, and Revs. James Faris, James Rowe, Elijah Brazier, Henry Larkin, Robert Bell and Wm. Woods were some of the pioneer preachers. Early churches were established by the respective denominations in the neighborhood of the location of the camp grounds before mentioned.
The Goshen Presbyterian Church was organized soon after the
first settlement, and Rev.
Robert Bell was the first pastor. Immediately after the
organization of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, the Goshen
Church joined it in a body, It still exists and has a very large
membership. There is now only one Presbyterian Church in the county
and that one was established at Decherd about 1874, and has now
a membership of about sixty. Decherd also has two colored churches-one
Missionary Baptist and one Southern African Methodist. At Winchester
divine services were first held in private houses, and next in
the court house, until 1827, when the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church edifice was erected on the lot where the Christian Church
now stands. This was the first church building erected in the
town. The first Sunday-school in Winchester was organized about
1828, and was conducted by Benjamin Decherd and others in a room
of the second story of the court house, where white and colored
children were taught together. About 1830 the Methodists built
a log church in the Moseley neighborhood. The Cumberland Presbyterian
Church in Winchester
was organized about 1820, by Benjamin Decherd and Judge Green,
their wives, and others. Rev. Joseph Copp was pastor of this church
early in the thirties. He was succeeded by Rev. W. A. Scott, who
founded the Winchester Female Academy. The present church edifice
was built in 1858. At present it has a membership of about 125.
[Source: Goodspeed's History of Franklin
County, Tennessee, 1887]
Of the churches planted by the revival party before the division,
there are several still in existence as Cumberland Presbyterian
congregations. Among these are Smyrna, Goshen, and Big
Spring in Tennessee, and Piney
in Kentucky. There are several others, in Alabama, and in other
places but I can mention only a few prominent churches of this
class.
Another one of our first churches is Goshen, in Franklin
County, Tennessee, on the Boiling Fork of Elk River, near the
Cumberland Mountains.
[Footnote:
The facts concerning this church were furnished by Dr. J. B. Cowan,
of Tullahoma, Tennessee.]
[Source: McDonnold, B.W. History of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Nashville, Tenn.: Board of Publication of Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1888.
It was recently my pleasure and good fortune to attend the meeting of Elk Presbytery held at old Goshen, on Boiling Fork Creek, of Elk River, near Winchester, Tenn. This is one of the oldest and most historical congregations in the denomination. It is just a century old this year, having been organized in 1808 by Rev. Gideon Blackburn, of the Presbyterian Church, and is a product of the great revival which started in 1800.
I am indebted to ruling elder W. M. Cowan, present Session Clerk of Goshen, for the loan of the first minute book of the session of that church. This minute book is of priceless historic value, there being very few written records of this kind dating back a century and written by the hands of the fathers and founders of the church who personally participated in the grand work of spreading the gospel throughout the wilderness and carrying it among hostile Indians who then roamed in North Alabama and Mississippi. Between the covers of this sacred relic, with an old fashioned quill pen, is written in a plain unostentatious way, a history of the glorious past of the Old Goshen and a primitive record of the church in which thousands of perishing sinners first saw the light of salvation under its sacred shadows.
Among those who preached at Goshen during the first years of its history is found the names of many of the fathers and founders of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. When Goshen was organized in 1808, the following were set aside as ruling elders: James Keith, John Cowan, William Alexander, David Robertson, James McCord and Benj. Wear. Many of the descendants of these good men are still members of the Goshen church and every member of this grand and historic old church has remained true and loyal to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
The retiring Moderator of Elk Presbytery, at its last meeting, was Ruling Elder P. B. Keith, grand son of James Keith, one of Goshen's founders and one of the first Ruling Elders set apart at its organization. It was a pleasing coincidence that on the day Brother P. B. Keith retired as Moderator of Elk Presbytery, it was in session at Goshen Church where a century ago his grandfather was set aside as a ruling elder in that church, and whose sacred ashes repose in the old burying ground in the church-yard. This also occurred on Brother Keith's birth day, and we are all proud of the fact that this grandson of one of the fathers of Old Goshen was one of the faithful 106 that stood true and firm at Decatur in 1906.
The record shows that as soon as the news reached Goshen that Ewing, King and McAdow had constituted Cumberland Presbytery, that, with only one exception, Goshen embraced the new doctrines and cast her lot with the new Presbytery.
Goshen's first pastor as a Cumberland Presbyterian congregation was the renowned Robert Bell, who was converted in 1800 at one of James McGready's revivals. He was licensed to preach in 1804 and was one of the young men over whom the trouble arose with Kentucky Synod. He was ordained at the first meeting of the Cumberland Presbytery after its organization in 1810. As soon as he was ordained, he went at once to Goshen as its pastor and preached throughout all that region.
The first revival held at Goshen was in 1810; and, with some exceptions, these have been kept up to the present time, the last being in the fall of this year. Among the early fathers and founders of Cumberlandism who preached and held revivals at Goshen, were Wm. McGhee, Samuel King, A. J. Steele and Robert Donnell, the last named always refers to Goshen as "my church." A. J. Steele succeeded Robert Bell as pastor and served the church for about thirty years. Rev. J. G. Biddle, father of our Rev. A. C. Biddle of Hopkinsville, Ky., held revivals at Goshen and was at one time its pastor. Other noted men who served it as pastors were W. E. Estill, E. B. Chrisman, W. B. Watterson and M. C. Miller. Abraham Shook was made ruling elder in 1837, serving as session clerk until March, 1861. He died in 1868. Ira Kinningham was made ruling elder in 1832 and served as such for half a century. His daughter-in-law now lives within a stone's throw of Goshen and one of his grandsons, Cowan Kinningham, is at present one of its ruling elders. John Bell was ordained as ruling elder in 1814 and entered the ministry in 1819.
Among other noted preachers sent forth by Goshen were the following, all of whom were converted at this historic old church: Samuel M. Cowan, O. D. Street, John C. Wear, Martin Gross, A. W. Brook, Stephen Donathan, James Campbell and Joseph Pinckney Morrison. Rev. Samuel M. Cowan was converted at Goshen in the great camp meeting of 1825 and immediately entered the ministry. He was a son of Jno. Cowan, one of the original ruling elders. Rev. S. M. Cowan was one of the leaders of the Goshen campmeeting in 1870 at which time the record show that Dr. J. B. Cowan, of Tullahoma, Tenn., his son, professed religion and joined the church.
The names of the leaders of the different campmeetings held during the first half century are thoroughly knit in and identified with the early history of the denomination. Among them are Wm. McGhee, Samuel King, Robt. Bell, Robert Donnell, T. C. Anderson, H. Larkins, Jas. Smyth, Jos. Crawford, Daniel Spnyken, A. Brooks, T. S. Porter, Aaron Alexander, Jas. Kirkland, N. P. Modrell, G. Warren, Milton Bird, M. H. Bone, A. G. Smith, Jas. McCutcheon, N. T. Power, J. C. Bowden, A. G. Gibson, B. C. Chapman, F. S. Donnell, N. J. Fox, A. Newman, Issac Shook, S. M. Cowan, W. W. Estill, E. B. Crisman, A. J. Baird, Jas. C. Elliott, W. D. Chaddick, Drake Shook, W. B. Watterson, B. W. McDonald, J. L. Payne, Robert Frazier, and Donnell Shook.
The original structure was built of logs and stood about a hundred yards east of the present structure. In 1844 a brick church was built on the present site but fell during the civil war as a result of abuse by the Federal soldiers, who burned the old puncheon seats which had been in use since the organization of the church. The present structure was built just after this. The old campmeeting shed still stands and is still used. Some of the seats are old puncheons which were hewn out in 1865 by W. M. Cowan, present session clerk. Some of the rafters and plates in this old shed were used in the first one erected in 1810.
The minutes give the names in most cases of those converted at each campmeeting and at sacramental services, which often lasted several days. It also shows how baptism was administered by pouring, sprinkling or immersion, according to the desires of those to be baptized.
The old time darkey slaves always came to campmeeting, and large numbers were converted and given membership, not however after the manner of the Northern Presbyterian Church of today.
There were a number of the members in the long ago, who, according to the record "partook of ardent spirits," and these wayward ones were held to strict account by the church session who made it their duty to look after and inquire into the moral conduct of all members.
The record during the dark days of the great Civil War shows that in that community, like all others in the South, there were breaking hearts over the news from the front. There are numbers of entries similar to this one:
"April, 1862, Campbell Sargent, killed in battle. Aged 26 years."
This simple entry speaks volumes of the heartaches and griefs of the times when the flower and chivalry of the South's young manhood were drenching the earth with their life's blood in defense of home and honor.
The present board of ruling elders of Goshen are, H. J. Looney, Cowan Kinningham, S. A. Eens, J. W. Matthews, Carl Bowers, and W. M. Cowan with Rev. S. D. Lovett as its pastor.
This history, hurriedly written and imperfect at best, will
only give the reader a faint idea of the glorious past of Goshen
on Boiling Fork of Elk River, at whose campmeetings several thousands
of souls have found salvation and have spread over a vast portion
of America. Its people of today are the same as those of yesterday,
sweetly spiritual and hospitable in every way. Goshen stands today
grand and glorious in tradition and history and is genuinely Cumberland
Presbyterian.
[Source: The Cumberland
Presbyterian Banner, November 27, 1908, page 5]
1 1/2 mi. S.E. on the Boiling Fork of Elk. Oldest
church in Franklin County. Founded 1808 by
the Alexander, Cowan, Keith, McCord, Weir, and
other pioneer Scots-Irish Presbyterian families.
First Presbyterian congregation in Tennessee
to transfer to the Cumberland Presbytery
after its organization in 1810. Site of first
camp meeting sponsored by the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church.
The illustrious past of Goshen Church cannot be confined within the covers of a book, nor expressed in words. This history was written on the minds and hearts of the men and women who passed this way for approximately ten generations back. On this date, May 8, 1960, we have some dates and a few of the names connected with this Church, but these names and dates do not constitute the real history of this place of worship. As each generation passed, it took with it the experiences and knowledge peculiar to that generation. It has been said that the Goshen Church has meant more to Franklin County probably than any other institution.
It was in 1808 that Rev. Gideon Blackburn organized the first church at Goshen. Rev. Blackburn was a product of the great revival that swept this part of the country in the 1800's. He was of the Presbyterian faith as were most of the settlers in this area at that time.
In 1810 or 1811, some historians say one and some say the other, the Rev. Samuel King and the Rev. William McGee persuaded the people to hold a camp-meeting at Goshen. These were men of great faith and power. A shed and camps were built, and King and McGee held the meeting. McDonnold's History of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church has this to say about this first revival:
"There were hundreds of conversions, and a Cumberland Presbyterian Church was organized. An incident of this meeting is characteristic of the times. King preached on the Sabbath. As the sermon progressed the solemnity grew oppressive. The mighty power of God rested like a weight on the people. Men almost held their breath. The preacher felt it as well as the others. By and by the solemnity grew so great that even the preacher's tongue was silent. He stood a moment with looks of unutterable awe, and then went down from the pulpit and started to the woods. When he had gone about a hundred yards, he turned abruptly back, and entered the pulpit. There was no longer any look of awe, but a holy, rapturous light on his face, and he resumed his sermon with a thrilling power which swept every thing before it. From that day on that congregation has been noted for its revivals. Several of its converts have become ministers."
After this first camp-meeting in August of 1810 or 1811, the Church had an election on passing from one denomination to another. All the members of the Church voted unanimously for the change, except one Elder: William Alexander, who voted against the change. This change in denomination is explained in King's Handbook of the United States, as follows:
"About the year 1800 the Cumberland County, then recently settled by Virginians and Carolinians, was over-swept by a revival of religion. The conservative element of the Presbyterian Church deplored this spiritual awakening, but the Cumberland Presbyterians favored it, and even allowed theological candidates to adopt the Confession of Faith with reservation (especially as to decree and election), and to become preachers without having had classical educations.
The Synod of Kentucky dissolved Cumberland Presbytery and cut off its dissenting members; and these later in 1810 formed the independent Cumberland Presbytery, out of which has grown the present powerful denomination. Among its beliefs are these: There are no eternal reprobates, Christ died for all mankind, all dying infants are saved, and the Holy Spirit acts on the world. These are very liberal principles and have attracted many adherents."
Rev. Robert Bell was the first pastor of the Goshen Church and the first five Elders were: James Keith, John Cowan, James McCord, William Alexander, and Benjamin Wear. Some of these great men are buried in the cemetery here at Goshen.
The original structure was built of logs and stood about one hundred yards east from the frame building that was torn away in 1949.
In the period of thirteen years, extending from 1820 to 1833, Goshen gave nine consecrated men to the ministry of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. They were: John Bell in 1820; Samuel Cowan in 1828; U. D. Street and A. W. Brooks in 1830; John Wear, Martin Gross, and Joseph Morrison in 1831; James Campbell in 1832; and Steven W. Donathan in 1833.
In 1844 a brick structure was built approximately on the same site as the frame building, which was torn away when the present structure was built in 1949. This brick building served the congregation from 1844 until the Civil War at which time it was destroyed. The puncheon seats, which had been used in the original log structure, were used in the brick building and these seats were burned by the Union soldiers. These Union soldiers camped at this place one entire winter and everything was destroyed when they left.
[Since preparing this paper, I am informed by the older members of Goshen that the Church was not burned by the Union soldiers; and that Mr. Will Francis went to the camp and requested that they not harm the Church, and only one plank was taken from the Church.]
Rev. A. J. Steele was the second Pastor at Goshen, and served in this office for twenty years. It is said that he helped conduct more than twenty camp-meetings at Goshen and ten camp-meetings at Mt. Carmel, near Huntland. McDonnold's History has this to say of A. J. Steele:
"In 1817 a family that had just arrived from South Carolina visited Donnell's camp-meeting at the Meridian Church, and several of its members were converted. One of these was a boy seventeen years old, who from that day to this [1888] has been helping to preach Jesus to the people….. His name is A. J. Steele."
This authority states further that this area, "blessed like the garden of the Lord," as a result of the work of A. J. Steele and other noble laborers who worked with him.
Goshen, in its best days, had the largest membership of any Church in the county, and perhaps was one of the very largest rural churches in the State. Rev. Steele said at the end of one of the camp-meetings he took in eighty members into the Church, forty by immersion. From its organization in 1808 until the 1860's constituted the most colorful years of the history of Goshen.
The available history is not very clear as to the various Pastors at Goshen and the years they served from the 1830's to 1900. We do know, however, that Rev. W. B. Watterson had a long pastorate at Goshen, and some of the other Pastors during this period were William Estill, George Sheldrake, Donnell Shook, Newt Crawford, J. G. Biddle, E. B. Crisman, and M. C. Miller.
John Bell was ordained as Ruling Elder in 1814 and entered the ministry in 1819.
Ira Kiningham was made Ruling Elder in 1832 and served as much as half a century.
Abraham Shook was made Ruling Elder in 1837, serving as Session Clerk until March 1861. He died in 1868.
Rev. Samuel Cowan was converted at Goshen in the Great camp-meeting of 1825, and immediately entered the ministry. He was a son of John Cowan, one of the original Ruling Elders. Rev. Samuel M. Cowan was one of the leaders of the Goshen camp-meeting in 1890 at which time the records show that Dr. J. B. Cowan of Tullahoma, his son, professed religion and joined the Church.
Some time, soon after the Civil War, [or just prior to that time if the Church was not burned during the war] another house of worship was built at Goshen. This was the frame building, which was torn away in 1949, when the present structure was built. Mr. Charles Paschal Shook described this building at Goshen during his childhood in his "Memoir of Charles Paschal Shook's Boyhood Days," as follows:
"Old Goshen Church! a pioneer church in Middle Tennessee in the early part of the nineteenth century. It became famous, especially for its protracted August meetings, which were held every summer, beginning the Saturday before the second Sunday in August. It had been a campground before the Civil War, but after the war it was not used as a campground. The cabins had been torn down. But some interesting and stirring scenes are a part of its history. It was a typical frame house with two single doors in the side - the men went in one and the women at the other - and I think the pulpit was in the side of the house instead of the end. Later, by vote of the session, which was not unanimous, the two single doors were planked up and a double door was cut in one end of the church, the seating changed, and the pulpit placed at the other end.
The summer meetings were not held in the church proper, but under a big arbor in the churchyard, built some fifty feet from the church and set on red cedar posts and covered with three-foot boards. The meeting lasted a week or sometimes ten days. Of course they had dinner on the ground. I remember that my mother used to send her food in a little trunk, covered with deer hide."
Other records speak of the baskets of delicious food, which were packed for every day - for eight days, from Sunday to Sunday. "No better food or richer could be produced. Boiled ham, fried chicken, and a choice lamb, which was saved to kill for the August meeting. There were cakes, pies, sweet pickle, and salt-rising bread. Mr. Shook further states:
"'Preparation day' for these meetings was on the preceding Thursday. The farmers from the different neighborhoods went up to the churchyard, each taking sons of the family and the farm hands and a load of wheat straw. The swept out the arbor, spread down the straw, and moved the benches from the church out under the arbor. The church had but two Communion services a year; one, the second Sunday in May, and the other on the occasion of the August meeting. They always sang the same song of invitation to the Communion Table, the custom being to move long yellow poplar tables from where they rested on some studding in the arbor down into the aisles, and people sat on little benches beside the tables and were served Communion by the preachers, assisted by the elders, as is customary in Presbyterian churches.
Referring further to this old church, I might say that from my earliest recollections my grandfather, Abraham Shook, was on the Board of Elders and my father was one of the Deacons. This was also true of my father-in-law, Ross B. Cowan, who was a Deacon in this church from my earliest remembrances. My strongest mental picture of him (Mr. Cowan) is coming from his home, two hundred yards away, on Sunday morning, wearing a black alpaca coat, and carrying a pitcher of water for the pulpit and a palm leaf fan."
Mr. R. L. Baskette of Nashville was privileged to attend Elk Presbytery at Goshen in 1908, one hundred years from its organization; and in his "Reminiscence on Old Goshen Church," he had this to say:
"It was recently my pleasure and good fortune to attend the Elk Presbytery held at Old Goshen on Boiling Fork Creek of Elk River near Winchester, Tennessee. This is one of the oldest and most historical congregations in the denomination. It is just a century old this year, having been organized in 1808 by Rev. Gideon Blackburn, of the old Presbyterian church, and is a product of the great revival which started in 1800.
I am indebted to Ruling Elder W. M. Cowan, present session clerk, of Goshen for the loan of the first minute book of the session of the church. This minute book is of priceless value, there being very few written records of this kind dating back a century and written by the hands of the fathers and founders of the church who personally participated in the ground work of spreading the Gospel throughout the wilderness and carrying it among hostile Indians who then roamed in north Alabama and Mississippi. Between the covers of this sacred relic with an old-fashioned quill pen is written in a plan unostentatious way a history of the glorious past of the Old Goshen and a primitive history of the Church. History is formed there of many of the fathers and founders of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
****************
The retiring moderator of Elk Presbytery at its last meeting was Ruling Elder Pleasant Keith, grandson of James Keith, one of Goshen's founders and one of the first Ruling Elders set apart at its organization. It was a pleasing coincidence that on the day Brother Pleasant Keith retired as moderator of Elk Presbytery, it was in session at Goshen Church when a century ago his grandfather was set aside as Ruling Elder in that Church and whose sacred ashes repose in the old burying ground in the church yard.
****************
The old camp-meeting shed still stands and is still used. Some of the seats are old puncheon, which were hewn out in 1865 by W. M. Cowan, present session clerk. Some of the rafters and plates in this old shed were used in the first one erected in 1810.
****************
The old time darky slaves always came to camp-meeting, and large numbers were converted and given membership; not, however, after the manner of the northern Presbyterian Church of today.
There were a number of the members in a long ago, who, according to the record 'partook of ardent spirits,' and these wayward ones were held to strict account by the church session who made it their duty to look after and inquire into the moral conduct of all members.
The record during the dark days of the Civil War shows that in the community, like all others in the South, there were breaking hearts over the news from the front. There are numbers of entries similar to this one:
'April 1862, Campbell Sargent killed in battle, aged 26 years.'
This simple entry speaks volumes of the heartaches and griefs of the times when the flower and chivalry of the South's young manhood were drenching the earth with their life's blood in defense of home and honor."Mr. Baskette further adds:
"This history hurriedly written and imperfect at best, will only give the reader a faint idea of the glorious past of Goshen on Boiling Fork of Elk River at whose camp meetings several thousands of souls have found salvation and have spread over a vast portion of America. Its people of today are the same of those of yesterday, sweetly spiritual and hospitable in every way. Goshen stands today grand and glorious in tradition and history and is genuinely Cumberland Presbyterian."
The above article was published in Cumberland Presbyterian Banner for November 1908.
This old church record referred to by Mr. Baskette was destroyed by fire when it was taken from the Church by Mr. Finis Kiningham in order that Mr. Kiningham might obtain certain information from the Church record. That very night his house was destroyed by fire and the record was burned. In this old record were written the births and marriages and deaths of members of more of the old families of Franklin County than in any other church. There would, also, appear in this record many names of prominent people who served the Church as Elders and Deacons that we do not have. The loss of this record was a great one.
The Pastor at Goshen in 1908 was Rev. S. D. Lovett. The Board of Ruling Elders of Goshen in this year were: H. J. Looney, Cowan Kiningham, S. A. Edens, J. W. Matthews, Carl Bowers, and W. M. Cowan.
Soon after 1908 Rev. J. W. Simmons started his work as Pastor at Goshen. The old minute book carried the date, but it was the one that burned, The first minutes available after this date are the minutes dated November 19, 1921, and signed by Rev. J. W. Simmons as Pastor and H. J. Looney as Clerk of the Session. According to the record, Rev. Simmons served the Church as Pastor until 1927. The Board of Elders and Deacons who served under Rev. Simmons during this period were: J. D. Easlick, J. M. Holder, Sr., L. A. Young, J. W. Matthews, J. D. Smith, W. R. Money, S. S. Cowan, and C. C. Faris.
In the early months of 1928, Rev. C. G. Stroud became the Pastor at Goshen and served the Church until 1933. During Rev. Stroud's pastorate Mr. S. S. Cowan and Mr. C. C. Faris were made Ruling Elders with the understanding that they officiate also as Deacons until their places as Deacons could be filled.
The next Pastor at Goshen was W. C. Loyd, who served in the year 1934.
Rev. W. B. Spraker came to Goshen as its Pastor on April 11, 1937, and served until 1940. J. M. Holder, Jr. and Chauncey Cowan were ordained as Elders of Goshen during Rev. Spraker's pastorate in 1940.
Rev. J. E. Powers was the next Pastor at Goshen, having served as such from 1944 to October 1945. On June 15, 1945, four new deacons were added to the Church Board. They were: Joe Money, Sr., Lloyd Cowan, Ralph Cole, and Talley Williams, Sr. Later in 1947, Talley Williams, Sr. and Joe Money, Sr. were ordained as Elders.
Rev. J. C. Bradford served this Church as Pastor from 1945 to 1946.
Rev. Robert Esch served Goshen as its Pastor in 1947 for a short while.
It was in 1949, the year of our building program, that Rev. C. M. Prince became our Pastor. I think I can safely say that he drove as many nails and did as much hard work on the new church as any one. He left Goshen in 1952.
Rev. Dudley Condron came to Goshen as its Pastor in 1952. Rev. Condron was a young man just out of Bethel College, and he and his young wife furnished Goshen with a different type of Pastor. The Church grew and prospered under his pastorate. Under his leadership three new Deacons were ordained. They were: Thurman Vaughan, Talley Williams, Jr., and John Samuel Cowan. One new Elder was added to the Board while Rev. Condron was at Goshen. He was: Mr. Charles H. Smith.
After Rev. Condron left Goshen in January 1955, Rev. J. E. Doyle came as Pastor in April of that year. He served the Church until September 1957.
Our present Pastor, Rev. S. C. McAdoo came in February 1958, and is still serving the Church in that capacity.
On January 1, 1958, under the leadership of Rev. McAdoo, the Church Board installed the rotation system for the services of Elders and Deacons. By rotating the service of each individual Elder and Deacons, it keeps new Elders and Deacons on the Church Board and also old Elders and Deacons in service.
The present Church Board is made up of the following Elders: Joe Money, Sr., Charles H. Smith, Talley Williams, Jr., John Samuel Cowan, and Thurman Vaughan. The present Board of Deacons are: Lloyd Cowan, Raymond Holder, Joe Money, Jr., Tom Cowan, and Bill Farris.
It is interesting to note that one hundred fifty two years after the organization of Goshen, there is still a John Cowan as Elder of this Church. There are also three other kinsman of this first John Cowan on the Church Board at Goshen. They are: Thurman Vaughan, Tom Cowan, and Joe Money, Jr. There are four members of the present Church Board related to this same John Cowan by marriage. They are: Charles H. Smith, J. M. Holder, Jr., Joe Money, Sr., and Bill Farris.
As an item of interest to all those who remember the old arbor and the big oak tree that stood a short distance from the front door of the old church, these two landmarks fell under a severe wind on or about the year 1933. In 1933 the debris of the old arbor was completely cleared away, according to the recorded minutes of the Church.
The August meetings, or August revivals, date back to the very origin of the Goshen Church. It was on the Second Sunday in August, according to the records, that the first revival was held at Goshen. From that date, 1810 or 1811, with the exception of the years 1840 and 1863 (a severe drought in 1840 and the Civil War in 1863) the people of Franklin County and several surrounding counties journeyed to Goshen on the second Sunday in August for their annual camp-meetings.
This custom was established by the pioneer men of Franklin County and Tennessee. This year of the war, 1863, the Church was in charge of the Rev. William B. Watterson. There would be no camp-meeting that year, but it is said that special services were held during the anniversary week of the Church. An August could not pass without a consciousness on the part of the congregation for their need of spiritual refreshment. It is not related just where or how these special meetings were held in 1863, but history says they were held.
No revival was held at Goshen in the year 1941 because of a severe epidemic of polio in this area.
As far as records show, these three years, 1840, 1863, and 1941, were the only years when no revival was held at Goshen until 1950. From 1950 to 1954 the Church Board chose to have the revivals at Goshen at different times of the year. This change was not very popular with the congregation, so in 1954 again the revival was held in August. The revivals have been so held since.
It was in August of 1949 that plans were made to build the present structure at Goshen. Rev. L. E. Baird of Paducah, Kentucky, held this revival. There was no Pastor at Goshen in August of that year. At the close of the morning service on Monday, August 15th, a discussion was had and Rev. Baird and the Session planned the construction of the present building and appointed committees to carry out the plans. These committees were:
Publicity: Juanita Cowan, Billie Jean Vaughan, and Mrs. Chauncey Cowan.
Building: Joe Money, Sr., J. M. Holder, Jr., Lloyd Cowan, Ralph Cole, and Saul Steele. Honorary members on this committee were: J. M. Holder, Sr., Sam S. Cowan, W. R. Money, and C. C. Faris.
Finance: W. T. Vaughan, Chauncey Cowan, Talley Williams, Sr., Mrs. Hazel Cowan, and Mrs. Thelma Money.
The name of Mr. Charles Paschal Shook should be listed on this committee, for as soon as he heard of the construction of a new building at Goshen he contacted every Shook, and quite a number of his family sent in contributions for the building fund - some were small and some were quite large. At the very beginning of our construction work Mr. Paschal Shook, a nephew of Mr. Charles Paschal Shook, promised to pay ten per cent of the entire cost of the building. When the total construction cost was calculated, Mr. Shook was informed and his check was promptly received for ten per cent of the total cost of the work done.
This brick building that stands here today contains material from the frame building, which was torn down in 1949. The glass above the front door was taken from a similar position in what we today know as the "Old Church." The back door to the basement is one of the old front doors with the same old lock. There is a good deal of the siding and other usable lumber from the Old Church in the new one used as framing and other things.
It is good to know that some of the past has been brought forward for the future. If we could bring forward, also, the deep spiritual consecration of the founders and supporters of this Church down through the years and instill those things in the minds and hearts of the present membership, that they might be passed on to the coming generations, we would be maintaining the past history, the present status, and the future prospects of Goshen.
New pews were added and were dedicated in August of 1957.
The good womenfolks of Goshen must not be unmentioned when commenting on the history of this Church. It was through the work, the prayers, and the Christian living of the womenfolks that enabled the men of Goshen to be great.
Mr. A. . Handley wrote the history of Goshen as he knew it in 1931 and The Truth and Herald published this article. Speaking of his conversation with Rev. A. J. Steele, a former Pastor at Goshen, Mr. Handley relates:
"He [Rev. Steele] spoke of some of the mothers of this old church. One was Sister Martha Shook. He said she could repeat more scripture by memory than any person he had ever met. She was a great aid to him in giving scripture references at camp-meetings when they did not have books of reference. He said she was the best Elder Goshen had in helping the ministry. She was the wife of Abraham Shook."
Not only did Goshen produce great preachers and Christian gentleman, it was also known for its good cooks. It was the womenfolks who prepared the baskets of dinner that have been enjoyed at this historic place. Visualize, if you can, the loving care and skill of the mothers of this Church incident to the preparation of all the fried chicken, the ham, the layer cakes, the pound cakes, the apple pies, the tea cakes, the peach pickle, and the home-made light bread that have been brought here for the delight, the nourishment, and enjoyment of their families, their neighbors, and their friends. It was the markings of a well-ordered and well-managed household for the family dinner basket to be filled with fried chicken, from its own flock, on the Second Sunday in May. Not all the homemakers could manage this well; but there was always ham in the smokehouse, or "fried-down" sausages that made wonderful substitutes for this very rare luxury of fried chicken in May.
The dinner baskets were always filled with special food, for these were special occasions worthy of the best skill of each individual homemaker.
As I remember my childhood, I cannot remember when my Mother, Mrs. Ollie Money, did not bake the sacrament bread for the Lord's Supper on the Second Sunday in May and the Second Sunday in August. This was a labor of love, which was performed by her within the confines of her kitchen on Friday or Saturday before these special days. As children we were all forbidden to enter the portals of Mamma's kitchen while she engaged in the performance of this duty. We learned at an early age that this was a sacred duty and worthy of no frivolous interruption. Anything that we wanted just had to wait until the sacrament bread was made, baked, and spread on a towel on the table to cool. When it was properly cooled it was then packed in a special box ready for Sunday morning.
There were two baskets prepared at our house. One contained the sacrament bread, the tablecloths, the old pewter pitcher, the silver goblets, and the sacrament plates. The other basket was our dinner.
I cannot remember when the juice of the fruit of the vine was not provided by Mr. Murrell Holder and Miss Nannie, as we called her. In the preparation and arrangement of the sacrament table we would always see Mr. Murrell, and in later years his son, J. M. Holder, Jr., make his way to the altar table with the grape juice which they had prepared for these special occasions.
This pewter pitcher and the silver goblets have now been replaced with an individual sacrament service. This new service, in the same old basket, has fallen to my brother, Joe Money, and his capable wife, Thelma Cowan Money, for care, maintenance, and to have on hand at the proper time and place. My Mother still bakes the sacrament bread.
I want to express my thanks and appreciation to Mrs. Lora Shook Francis for her able assistance in furnishing material for the preparation of this paper; and, also, for her most valuable help in providing the articles used in the presentation of our play. I want, also, to thank Mr. Charles Smith, the present Session Clerk, and his good wife. Mrs. Ellen Vaughan Smith, for their assistance in taking from the Church record material used for the history during the recent years of Goshen.
The incidents related here, and all the glorious past of Goshen, make us what we are today. If our generation can only make the coming generations appreciate the rich heritage, which is theirs at Goshen, we will have done our job well. It is my sincere wish that a century hence it can be said of Goshen, as it was in 1908 by Mr. Baskette, that:
"Its people of today are the same of those of yesterday - sweetly spiritual and hospitable in every way." And quoting further from Mr. Baskette: "Goshen stands today grand and glorious in tradition and history and is genuinely Cumberland Presbyterian."
In closing the recorded history of Goshen on this day, May 8, 1960, may Goshen stand to the end of time and convey this message of Peace to all who pass this way:
PEACE BE WITH YOU Friend, you have come to this Church, leave it not without a prayer. No man entering a house ignores him who dwells in it. This is the House of God and He is here.
Pray then to Him who loves you and bids you welcome and awaits your greeting.
Give thanks for those who in past ages built this place to His glory and for those, dying that we might live, have preserved for us our heritage.
Praise God for His gifts of beauty in painting and architecture, handicraft, and music.
Ask that we who now live may build the spiritual fabric of the nation in Truth, Beauty and Goodness and that as we draw near to the One Father through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ we may draw nearer to one another in perfect brotherhood.
The Lord preserve thy going out and thy coming in.[This greeting appears in the porch of the Cathedral Church at Chester, England.]
Goshen Church had its beginning as a pioneer church in Franklin County on Boiling Fork Creek of Elk River near Winchester, Tennessee in the 1800s. It was in 1808 that the Rev. Gideon Blackburn, a product of the great revival that swept the country in the 1800s, organized the first church at Goshen.
McDonnold's history states that in 1810, cabins and a shed were built and Rev. Samuel King and Rev. William McGee held a camp meeting at Goshen. It is assumed that the "shed" referred to is what we remember as the arbor. The shed, or arbor, was used in future revival meetings. It was torn away in the late 1940s. After that first camp meeting, Goshen joined the newly-formed independent Cumberland Presbytery.
The Rev. Bell was the first pastor at Goshen. Rev. A. J. Steele, the second pastor, at the end of one camp meeting, took 80 new members into the church. During this period Goshen had the largest membership of any church in the county, and perhaps, was one of the largest rural churches in the state. The period from 1810 until the close of the Civil War were the grandest and most glorious days for Goshen. From 1820 to 1833, Goshen gave nine consecrated men to the ministry of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
Around 1844, a frame house was built and used as the house of worship. This was the frame building that was torn away in 1949 when the present building was erected. The original structure of this building was a typical frame house of that period. It had two doors in the side--the men went in one and the women in the other. Likewise, the men sat on one side and women on the other. The pulpit was in the side of the house instead of at the end. Later, by a vote of the session, which was by no means unanimous, the door was changed to the end of the building and the pulpit in the opposite end. Of course, with that change, the seating arrangement was changed. This brought about a great controversy and split in the congregation. There were members who thought so strongly about the change that they quit the church and one member built his own church. Of course, that church created for such a reason did not survive very long. The building erected in or around 1844 served the congregation until its demolition in 1949, when the present building was erected.
Goshen has had a big part in building the spiritual fabric of our nation in truth, beauty and goodness. It does not dwell in buildings but exists in the hearts of those who are touched by this place of worship. In the words of R. L. Baskette, one of the historians of Goshen: "This only will give the reader a faint idea of the glorious past of Goshen on Boiling Fork of Elk River at whose camp meetings several thousands of souls have found salvation and have spread over a vast portion of America. Its people of today are the same as those of yesterday, sweetly spiritual and hospitable in every way. Goshen stands today grand and glorious in tradition and history and is genuinely Cumberland Presbyterian."
This information compiled by Mrs. Hazel (Money) Cowan, a member at Goshen since childhood.
The following tribute to Mr. Billy Money and Mr. J. M. Holder was submitted by Mrs. Charlotte Oakley Rochford:
Around 1934, in the Goshen community, following the Depression, there was no extra money for any type of entertainment for young adults. Mr. Money and Mr. J. M. Holder organized the Christian Endeavor at the Goshen Church, which gave all the young people something they could all belong to and be a part of. We would have our program, then we would practice singing for an hour or so, ending by 8:30.
From these gatherings developed the habit of having a party at some parents' home, for lawn parties, wiener roasts, pound suppers and picnics, with everyone contributing to the refreshments. This gave us all a part of belonging.
We had young people from all around the neighborhood. If they had cars they drove. If they had no car, they rode horseback or walked. They came from as far as Winchester Springs, above Decherd, and elsewhere.
At Christmas time, we would go caroling around the neighborhood collecting food for a needy family. Then, we would take the food to them.
This organization was very helpful in the promotion of faith in God, character and a multitude of lasting friendships.
Thanks again for Mr. Billy Money and Mr. J. M. Holder.
This memo was submitted by Ora Mae Keith Schramm:
One night the program parts were distributed to those who wanted
to have a part in Christian Endeavor. Lloyd (or Boyd) Williams,
(they were twin brothers) had a part that contained a name he
could not pronounce. He asked Ora Mae Keith how to pronounce it
and neither could she. She told him to skip it and go on. He laughed
and said: "I'll just call him I. Skip it." When he got
up to read he was very serious looking and when he came to the
name he read: "The thirteen year old son of I. Skip It."
Bernie Gallagher, who had heard the former part of the conversation,
laughed out loud. We had fun along with all the good training
we learned.
[Source: Family
Histories of Franklin County, Tennessee. 1996, page 55]
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