The History of Guilford County, North Carolina

Book may have numerous typos, missing text, images, or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1902. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XI. HISTORY OF CHURCHES IN GUILFORD COUNTY. Guilford has been a county of many religious sects, of churches and of ministers. However these people may differ in regard to other beliefs and manners, they all agree in the doctrine of Puritanism. To deviate from the Puritan standard to them is sin. The rigidity of Friends concerning outward show, and the will power of the Presbyterians relating to duty, have each the essence of Puritanism in them. The Presbyterian Church, the Society of Friends, the German Reformed and Lutheran Churches, the Methodist Episcopal Church, the Methodist Protestant Church, the Episcopal Church, the Baptist Church and the Roman Catholic Church have had each a share in the moral and religious tone of this section of the State. In regard to time, influence and number, the Presbyterians and Friends are first. The work of the Society of Friends in this County relating to slavery and to the settling up of the West has touched our national life. The Presbyterians of Guilford have been soldiers and architects of state. THE PRESBYTERTAN CHURCH. The Presbyterian Church is and has been since its organization here a strong and most influential denomination in North Carolina. Her ministers have been men remarkable for allegiance to duty and for leading men. The true worth of many men is largely brought out by the shepherd of the people. Dr. David Caldwell, Dr. Eli W. Caruthers, Dr. Calvin Henderson Wiley, Dr. Jacob Henry Smith and his son, Dr. Egbert W. Smith, have had an influence for good in North Carolina equaled probably by no other body of five men. In statecraft, literature, education and the development of character as well as in the building up of the church, they have shed an influence of light and glory from the beginning of the history of Piedmont Nor...