“Forks Church”

(click to enlarge)

On this very site, once sat a log cabin meetinghouse that was built in 1734. It was in this very log cabin that The Forks of the Brandywine Presbyterian Church was founded on September 26, 1735. Rev. Samuel Black served as the pastor. Rev. John Carmichael served as pastor from 1791 until his death in 1785. Carmichael earned the name “The Revolutionary Pastor” after recruiting soldiers for The American Cause, preaching before Congress and was a counselor of George Washington.

The log cabin was replaced by what was thought to be the largest stone building in Chester County in 1761. The church caught fire in 1785 but was restored in 1787 with support from David Rittenhouse, Benjamin Rush and Benjamin Franklin.

In March 1874, it was decided by the congregation to have the church replaced. The project began in September when $10,000 was raised. Samuel Sloan designed the building with William Poole selected as the contractor. On June 28, 1875, construction of the foundation began. Three months later the cornerstone was laid on August 7, 1875. By 1876, Poole neglected the project forcing others to complete. Ulysses K. Beam became head of the carpentry, Samuel B. Buchannan the head of plastering, and S. B. Williams in charge of the painting. The new building was dedicated on December 17, 1876 at a final cost of $21,000.

Today, this beautiful church stands proud and continues to practice under the faithful guidance of Rev. Wesley M. Grubb.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Photographer's Guide (EXIF):
Camera: Canon Rebel T-6
Aperture: F10
Shutter Speed: 1/15
ISO: 100
Exposure Bias: 0
Focal Length: 10mm
Mode: Manual