1838 James Johnston, Presbyterian Churches

James Johnston was the minister of the Madison Presbyterian church. But like many preachers of the day, he served more than one church. He gives the account I have found of the short-lived Ryker's Ridge congregation. This excerpt was taken from the September 1832 issue of the Home Missionary and American Pastor's Journal.

The Home Missionary and American Pastor's Journal.
Edited by the Rev. Absalom Peters, Corresponding Secretary of the American Home Missionary Society Vol. IV for the Year Ending April, 1832. Published by the Executive Committee, at the Society’s Office, 144 Nassau-Street, New York. Printed by Clayton & Van Norden, No. 49 William-street. 1832

Mr. Johnston is pastor of the church in Madison, but is employed as Missionary one fourth of his time in different parts of the county, in settlements which otherwise would he entirely destitute of preaching. He writes concerning them as follows :

In "Middle-Fork" church [later known as Monroe] the prospects are tolerably encouraging. Two members were added at the sacrament in May; and a number of persons are serious in the bounds of the congregation. The attendance upon preaching is increasing. One Sabbath school is kept up, and a Bible class.

The prospects of the church four miles from town, called "Ryker's Ridge," are still more encouraging. Four were added at the last sacrament; and ten or twelve profess anxiety respecting their salvation me of whom are now indulging a hope of pardon. A Sunday school has existed there for some months; another within the bounds of the church has recently been commenced. A Bible class is also kept up.

The two other churches to which I preach once in four weeks, on a week day, are called "Pleasant township," and "Caledonia." In both of those, much anxiety is felt to obtain a minister. One could nearly be supported by the two, and they would furnish quite an interesting and promising field for usefulness. The people inquire with much solicitude every time I visit them, whether any more missionaries are expected soon.

At the other place where I preach there is no church and not more than two or three professors of any denomination; but the people tend meeting very well, and appear to listen in preaching with interest.

On the whole, the prospects of usefulness were never more encouraging in this region than at present, nor the call for labourers more urgent. In the field in which I perform missionary labour fourth of my time, one or perhaps missionaries ought immediately to be employed the whole of their time. And could the right men be furnished at once I believe much good would result.