Samuel Tait

The Rev. Samuel Tait was another of the early ministers who, as well as those already mentioned, often preached on this ground. Born in Shippensburg, Pa., February 17, 1772, brought in youth to Ligonier valley, Westmoreland county; converted under the influence of a conversation with the Rev. Elisha McCurdy; studied under Dr. McMillan; licensed June 25, 1800; came to Cool Spring, near Mercer, in September of that year. His first sermon, on the text: "And they all with one accord began to make excuse," was the means of many conversions. Ordained over Cool Spring and Upper Salem, November 19, 1800. He lived in Cool Spring, north of where Mercer now stands, in a small log-cabin, which was raised and clapboarded during his absence on a preaching tour; his wife, with her own hands, made mortar and "chunked" and daubed the cabin. I knew them both well in my boyhood, and all revered them. The site of Mercer was an unbroken forest when Mr. Tait settled at Cool Spring. In 1806 he relinquished the charge of Upper Salem, and organized a congregation at Mercer, in the pastorate of which he continued until his death, June 2, 1841.