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From: Louise Little <>
Subject: Re: Rev. James Laing
Date: Thu, 4 Sep 1997 15:43:44 -0400 (EDT)


I have some information about Rev. Laing from clippings in my
grandmother Little's scrapboods---of the 100th
anniversary celebration of Cabin Hill Church in 1934. He was the first
pastor of the church, 1838-1859/
In a newpaper article titled "Andes celebrates church centennial" is
included the following:
"In the history of the congregation as published in the History of
Delaware Presbytery, It states that a small group of people met in the
Palmer Hill school house at Andes to form a church organization. Messrs.
James Miller, Christian Yaple and Thomas Laidlaw, James Fletcher and Alex.
Sim were elected trustees and Messrs. Walter Biggart and Robert Fletcher,
ruling elders. On June 25, 1834, the elders-elect were examined by
Delaware Presbytery at Kortright as to their qualifications. Then on Aug.
17 Rev. James Laing preached in the same school house and installed the
elders, thus completing the organization of the Associate Reformed
congregation of Andes, which since the union of 1858 has been United
Presbyterian. There were 31 charter members and in 1858 the membership
had grown to 110. In 1939, the membership was given as 189.
The Rev. Mr. Laing, who had supplied the church since 1834, was
called to the pastorate in 1838 and labored faithfully till his death in
1858."
In a separate article it states " Andes UP church ...organized
Dec 23, 1833, the pastors have been the following: Rev.James Laing, June
1, 1834, Nov 18, 1858; during which time the Andes and the Cabin Hill
congregations were under one pastor;"
These articles do not show when the Cabin Hill UP church began, but the
anniversary bulletin shows its existance 1834-1934.
I have particular interest in the Cabin Hill church because many
of my ancesters were active in it. This doesn't tell you anything about
the minister's family, but it does record his work with these churches.
Census data may show info about the children.
I wish you well as you search. Louise Little

On Mon, 1 Sep 1997 wrote:

> I believe Rev. James Laing to be the first Presbyterian minister in Andes,
> and Cabin Hill both in Delaware County. He and wife Mary Gardner had 6 boys
> and 2 girls. I have knowledge of John B my GGr. father. I would like to know
> if any information is available on the other 7 children. their names were
> James, Robert, Mary, William, Charles, George and Anna. thanks much for your
> help sjl
>

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