Matters of the early history of this organization, by reason of the lack of records, are vague and unsatisfactory. It appears that some Presbyterian ministers preached here and at Jenner (then called Quemahoning) as early as 1797. It also appears that the Presbyterian and Reformed people, acting together, built a stone church edifice in 1810, yet Rev. John Ross (the first pastor of whom we have definite knowledge) was not installed until in July, 1817. It is probable, therefore, that an organization of the Presbyterian church in Somerset did not take place until about the time of Mr. Ross’ installation.
Among the early members of this church were: Andrew Stewart and Jacob Glessner, elders; John Armstrong and Abraham Morrison. Messrs Stewart, Morrison, Ross and Mrs. Ogle organized a sabbath school in 1817.
As mentioned in the sketch concerning the Reformed church, the Presbyterian and Reformed organizations built a union house of worship in 1810. This was torn down soon after 1850, and about 1854 the Presbyterians completed a building of their own at a cost of twenty-five hundred dollars. The latter was destroyed by the fire of May 9, 1872. In 1876, the present church edifice was built. It cost about seven thousand dollars, and is one of the neatest structures of the kind in the county.
Mr. Ross continued as pastor until October, 1819. Various ministers then exercised their office here until July 7, 1830, when Rev. S. Howell Terry was ordained and installed pastor. He continued such until some time in 1833. Thereafter, until 1861, the church was supplied by members of the Presbytery (among them Revs. Finley, Hassinger, B.F. Myers, Baine and Agnew), when Rev. L.Y. Graham became pastor. He remained until 1866. His successors have been Revs. William Edgar, S.S. Bergen, C.B. Wakefield, and the present incumbent, C.C.B. Duncan.
The membership of this church has at times reached almost one hundred, and again and again been much reduced by death and removals. The present members number only thirty-nine, yet, with their beautiful church building and auspicious surroundings, its best friends still entertain hopes that this small congregation will yet become a large, vigorous church. Messrs. George W. Benford, William Stahl and C.N. Boyd are the present ruling elders.
The history of the Jenner church is very similar, except individual names, as both have always been under the same pastors. The present ruling elders there are: Abraham Biesecker, William Kline and W.F.W. Picking. They have a house of worship worth one thousand dollars.
(Source: History of Bedford, Somerset & Fulton Counties, PA; 1884)
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