A Historical Sketch of the Reformed Presbyterian Church General Synod

88 REFORMED PRESBYTKRIAN CHURCH GENERAL SYNOD The Barkley congregation In Black Hawk Co., Ia„ wan small but might have grown to larger proportions under proper care; however, at this particular time, supplies were not available, and It was soon abandoned. The writer of this sketch visited these places several times, in connection with other work during 1892-1894, and found In each of these places a possibility for growth. In the years 1890 and 1891, the missionary spirit seemed to occupy the minds of every memlber of General Synod. The pros­ pects of new mission fields in the vicinity of Minneapolis, Min­ nesota, were promising, and Dr. David Steele, D. D,, of Philadel­ phia, visited Minneapolis prior to his visit to Los Angeles, and under the direction and help of Mr. Thomas Peebles, a man of more than ordinary education and ability, effected an organiza­ tion. Mr. Peebles was a lawyer, and specially gifted as a thor­ ough Bible student. Soon afterward, he was licensed and or­ dained, and placed in charge of the mission work in Minnesota, in 1893, Rev. R. S. Feagles, of the Presbyterian Church, U. S. A., being strictly orthodox, came to our help, and eventually was placed as stated supply at Concord. The congregation in Min­ neapolis grew rapidly and began to reach out to the north and south country districts, and founded the Falrvlew congregation 15 miles north of the city. At the same time, an abandoned church called Glendale, 20 miles south, was taken under our care. Later, Prior Lake, a place where no religious work had been done before, was canvassed and later became a promising congregation. In the city of Minneapolis, a mission called Glen- car was started in the northeast part of the city, and held its meetings in a school house. During these eventful days, Rev. Peebles secured a vacant academy building, started an academy which was run successfully for a few years, and the congregation worshipped in it. Here then, in a few years four statibns were all under the care of Rev. Peebles, and with the help of Rev. Feagles, and later, Mr. John McClelland, a student, carried on the work successfully. Presbytery met in Minnesota, first in Minneapolis, and sec­