Presbytery of Redstone facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Presbytery of Redstone |
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The official logo for the Presbytery of Redstone
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| Classification | Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) |
| Region | Westmoreland, Fayette, Somerset, and Cambria Counties (today) |
| Headquarters | Greensburg, Pennsylvania |
| Origin | September 19, 1781 Pigeon Creek, Pennsylvania |
The Presbytery of Redstone is a group of Presbyterian churches that work together in Western Pennsylvania. A presbytery is like a local leadership team for a number of churches in a specific area. This one is part of a larger organization called the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
The Presbytery of Redstone is based in Greensburg, Pennsylvania. It helps guide 67 churches, which are also called congregations. In 2022, these churches had a total of 8,249 members. The group serves churches in four Pennsylvania counties: Westmoreland, Fayette, Somerset, and Cambria.
Contents
The Story of the Redstone Presbytery
The Presbytery of Redstone has a long history that started in the 1700s. It was officially created on September 19, 1781. At that time, it was part of the Synod of New York and Philadelphia. Today, it belongs to the Synod of the Trinity.
Where Did the Name "Redstone" Come From?
The group got its name from a place near Redstone Creek. According to local stories, a layer of coal in the creek's bank once caught fire. After the fire went out, it left behind a bank of reddish-colored stones, which gave the area its name.
A Huge Territory
When it first started, the Presbytery of Redstone covered a very large area. Its territory stretched from the Allegheny Mountains all the way to Lake Erie and south to Virginia. The western border was humorously described as "the setting sun," meaning it covered all the land to the west.
Over time, this huge area was divided into smaller presbyteries. Many of today's presbyteries in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia were once part of the original Redstone territory.
Early Meetings and Leaders
The first church meetings in the area happened even before the presbytery was formed. In 1772, a pastor named Rev. David McClure held a service with settlers at a place called Jacob's Swamp. This later became the Middle Presbyterian Church of Mount Pleasant.
In 1776, Rev. Dr. James Power moved his family across the Allegheny Mountains. He was the first official minister with a family to settle in Western Pennsylvania. He led the Middle Presbyterian Church.
The very first meeting of the Presbytery of Redstone took place on September 19, 1781. It was supposed to be at Laurel Hill, but because of conflicts with Native American groups, it was moved to the safer Pigeon Creek Church.
Only six people attended this important first meeting:
- Rev. John McMillan
- Rev. James Power
- Rev. Thaddeus Dodd
- Elder John Neal
- Elder Demas Lindley
- Elder Patrick Scott
John Neal was a founding member of the Mount Pleasant church. His brother, Robert Neal, built a famous log house that is now a historic site in Schenley Park in Pittsburgh.
