REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. As early as 1825 a little band of "Society People," or "Covenanters," met in houses in the vicinity of New Castle. In 1834 the Rev. James Blackwood became their pastor or spiritual overseer in connection with the pastorate of neighboring similar organizations.

In 1852, shortly after the death of the Rev., Mr. Blackwood, the Rev. Thomas Hanna became their pastor and continued so for nine years. In 1863 the Rev. J. Calvin Smith became their pastor. In 1871, while under the pastoral care of Mr. Smith, they were organized into a separate congregation - -January 9, 1871. The membership then was forty-one.

The Rev. S. J. Crowe, now D.D., was installed the first pastor of the new and independent organization-the first organization as a church or congregation-in 1872 and resigned in 1881. Rev. J. M. Wylie, now D.D., was installed in 1883, and resigned in 1887. He began with a membership of 101 and left 109. Rev. W. R. Laird was installed in 1888 and left in 1892, leaving a membership of 131. Rev. J. S. Martin was ordained and installed in 1893, and is still pastor, with a membership of 220. The present Sabbath attendance is 200.

Present officers: Elders-Robert Speer, T.J. Blackwood, M.W. Leslie, William McClelland, T.E. Smith, J.R. Speer and O.C. Orr. Deacons-William Allen, I.C. Allen, Samuel Saklem, D.A. Byers, R.T. Galbraith, R.I. Orr, W.C. McCawn, Thomas Pattison, Mrs. D.C. Pattison, Mrs. J.R. Speer.

In 1900 a new $25,000 church building was erected, having a seating capacity of 400. The congregation is in good working order. with a junior and a senior Y.P.S.C.E., a Junior and a Senior Ladies' Missionary Society, and a Men's Christian Organization.