Establishing a Church in the Wilderness
August 5th, 1751, marked a significant moment in American religious history with the arrival of Rev. John Cuthbertson to the untamed wilderness of the colonies. He was the first European minister to come to America with the express purpose of ministering to the Presbyterian Covenanter community. His life was one of extraordinary commitment, facing numerous challenges and embarking on adventures. We will explore the life and impact of this extraordinary individual, whose diary offers a rare glimpse into the religious environment of early America and whose work was instrumental in establishing the Reformed Presbyterian Church throughout the colonies.
He encountered deeps snows and raging blizzards; scorching sun and heavy rains; he was often cold, sick, and hungry, as shown by his frequent entries; he braved wild beasts, venomous serpents, cruel Indians; the waters were often dangerously high. Most of his studying was done on these long rides.
The Arrival of a Pious Pioneer and the Junkin Tent
Reverend John Cuthbertson, a thirty-three-year-old minister from Europe, arrived in America with a clear purpose: to attend to the spiritual needs of the Presbyterian Covenanter community. The Covenanters, a group of Scottish Presbyterians who had suffered severe religious persecution in their homeland, had established a precarious foothold in the wilderness of colonial America. With only one minister, Alexander Craighead, serving the entire region of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, the arrival of Cuthbertson was a significant event for this beleaguered community.
The inaugural Covenanter communion in America was held at the “Junkin Tent” within Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, on August 23, 1752. John Cuthbertson presided over this significant event. Marking a first in American history, this occasion also introduced the use of communion tokens. These tokens, engraved with the abbreviation “L.S.” for “Lord’s Supper” on a single side, served as a means to grant access to the Lord’s Table.
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Miles traveled on horseback by Cuthbertson in Colonial America.
A Tireless Trailblazing Spirit
For four decades, Cuthbertson traveled across the vast expanses of the American colonies, including Connecticut, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Vermont, and Virginia. His mission, to blaze a trail spreading the Gospel, was not for the faint-hearted. He covered seventy thousand miles on horseback, facing the perils of untamed forests, treacherous rivers, and hostile weather conditions. His diary, a testament to his perseverance, records his encounters with wild beasts, venomous snakes, and even the occasional bear. Despite the harsh environment, Cuthbertson remained committed to his divine calling, often studying scripture during his arduous journeys.
A Genealogical Goldmine
The diary of Rev. John Cuthbertson is an invaluable resource for genealogists and historians alike. Within its pages, one can find over five thousand family names and records of hundreds of marriages, offering a rich tapestry of colonial life. Additionally, Cuthbertson meticulously logged some eighteen hundred baptisms that he performed throughout his ministry. These records provide a window into the early Presbyterian Covenanter communities and their struggles to maintain their religious identity in the face of adversity.
The Human Side of a Saintly Figure
Though Cuthbertson’s life was marked by piety and sacrifice, he was not without his human flaws. At one point, the Covenanters felt compelled to suspend him for drunkenness. This incident, however, serves to remind us that even the most dedicated religious leaders are subject to human weakness.
Despite the setback of his suspension, Cuthbertson’s influence grew, and he remained a steadfast advocate for the spiritual and moral upliftment of his flock. His love for tea, a rare luxury at the time, is also revealed in a charming anecdote where he presented his hostess with a packet of leaves, only to be served boiled greens instead of the desired beverage.
Foundation of the First Reformed Presbytery
One of Cuthbertson’s most significant contributions was his role in founding the first Reformed Presbytery in America. This monumental event signaled the formal organization of the Covenanter movement on American soil and laid the groundwork for its continued growth and influence. His commitment to religious freedom and opposition to British rule was reflected in his support for an independent United States.
Conclusion
The life of Rev. John Cuthbertson exemplifies the spirit of the American frontier: a blend of resilience, courage, and unyielding faith. His diary, a treasure trove of personal and historical information, offers a glimpse into the lives of early Presbyterian Covenanters and the challenges they faced. His legacy extends beyond his ministry, influencing the development of religious freedom and the formation of the nation itself. Cuthbertson’s final resting place, marked by a simple tombstone in Middle Octorara Cemetery, Quarryville, Lancaster County, stands as a silent testament to his unflagging service to God and country. His epitaph reads:
Here lies the body of the Rev. John Cuthbertson, who after a labour of about 40 years in the ministry of the Gospel among the disenting Covenanters of America, departed this life 10th March, 1791 in the 73 year of his age.
His tombstone inscription in Middle Octorara Cemetery, Quarryville, Lancaster County
Historical Resources
Sources:
- S. Helen Field, “The Cuthbertson Family in America,” The Presbyterian Historical Review, Vol. 2, No. 2 (April 1894), p. 170-174.
- Charles H. Stevenson, The History of the Presbyterian Church in America (Philadelphia: Presbyterian Historical Publishing Co., 1895), p. 323-324.
- “Rev. John Cuthbertson,” The Covenanter Witness, No. 20 (1851), p. 50-52.
- “The Covenanters in the Middle Colonies,” The Presbyterian Quarterly Review, Vol. 11, No. 2 (April 1878), p. 207-230.
