Presbyterian Church

The Presbyterian Church, the oldest in the [Sandy Lake] borough, was organized October 3, 1835. Its first members were Theodore Bailey, Loraine Bailey, Homer Bailey, Minerva Bailey, Myron Bailey, Charity Bailey, Freelove Barker, Sallie Bierce, Eli Butler, Desire Bailey, Alexander Brown, Elizabeth Brown and William C. Bogart. The first elders consisted of Alexander Brown, Homer Bailey and Eli Butler. 

The building now [1888] occupied by the church was not erected until 1841. It is a substantial frame, 40x50 feet in size. The first pastor was Rev. Robert Glenn, who labored in the church as stated supply for eleven years. Following him came Rev. J. W. McCune, two years; Rev. John G. Condit, two years; Rev. John Rice, five years; Rev. James Lafforty, two years; Rev. Joseph M. Duff, two years; Rev. Samuel Glenn, two years; Rev. J. Logan Sample, three years, and the present pastor, Rev. E. A. Nelson. The congregation is now in a flourishing condition, free from debt, and with a membership of 140. 

Its present officers are: Elders, T. S. Bailey, Thomas Clingan, E. M. McGinnis, John Gilmore, S. A. McClure and James DeFrance; trustees, A. G. Hoovler, James Yanney, Joseph Bowers and, William DeFrance. There is a Sunday-school enrolling 100 pupils connected with the congregation. There are also two missionary societies maintained by the ladies of the church, the Ladies and the Young Ladies. Of the former Mrs. Phoebe Snider is president; Mrs. Mary Clingan, vice-president, and Mrs. A. G. Hoovler, treasurer; while the president of the latter is Miss Anna McDonald, and its secretary, Miss Maggie Clingan. 

From The History of Mercer County, 1888, pages 461-462. 

A frame building, the first regular school-house in [Sandy Lake Borough], was erected, and for some time the First Presbyterian congregation held meetings in it, their church building being built, in 1835-36.  This is the oldest church in this [township], and was organized October 3d, 1835, by Rev. Samuel Tait.  Its first pastor was Rev. Robert Glenn, who had charge about eighteen years, since which time the pulpit has been supplied by a number of persons, having had no real pastor since Mr. Glenn [through 1877].

History of Mercer County, 1877, page 120