This Day in Presbyterian History:  

A Day of Fasting and Humiliation

It is unheard of in our times, but back in the early part of our nation’s history, when a man was ordained to the gospel ministry, a day of fasting and humiliation took place on account of his calling as a minister of the gospel.  Such was the case with William Hollingshead.

Born in Philadelphia in 1748, William Hollingshead joined the communion of the church in his young years.  Attending the University of Pennsylvania, he began preparation for the ministry.  Licensed in 1772, he was ordained to the gospel ministry on July 29, 1773.  It was said that a day of fasting and humiliation accompanied that solemn ordination.

Having been called by the Fairfield Presbyterian Church in New Jersey, Rev. Hollingshead began his ministry in difficult times.  Not only was there a need for a new church building, but there was the national need for a new nation.  This was the time period of the American Revolution.

A log cabin had been the site of the original church.  Then a frame building had been in use since 1717.  Now replacing them both was a stone building, which was finally completed in 1780.  They had met under an oak tree for six years in the New England Towne Cemetery, near the site of the old church building.  What rejoicing there must have been when on September 7, 1780, they were able to move into the new structure of the church.

This whole time had also been the time of conflict during the War for Independence from England.  Even Rev. Hollingshead had been given leave to become a chaplain for the Continental Army.  Many members of the church had given their lives and limbs for the struggle for liberty.  The cemetery gives mute evidence to that fact.

Rev. Hollingshead left the pulpit in Fairfield in 1783 for Charleston, South Carolina.  He labored there until January 16, 1817 when he died in the pulpit

Fairfield Presbyterian Church today is the oldest church in the Presbyterian Church in America, dating from 1680.

Words to Live By: There is something very solemn about a day of fasting and humiliation when a minister is set apart for the gospel ministry.   It encourages the entire congregation and Presbytery to treat the occasion in an attitude of prayer.  It sanctifies the whole process in a holy manner.  Let this be an apt suggestion to the Session of Elders when a new pastor is called to your congregation.

Through the Scriptures: Micah 1 – 4

Through the Standards: Proof texts for the fifth commandment:

Deuteronomy 5:16
“Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God commanded you, that your days may be prolonged and that it may go well with you in the land which the Lord your God gives you.” (Amplified)

Proverbs 10:1
“The PROVERBS of Solomon: A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish and self-confident is the grief of his mother.” (Amplified)

Ephesians 6:1 – 4
“CHILDREN, OBEY your parents in the Lord, [as His representatives], for this is just and right.  Honor (esteem and value as precious) your father and your mother — this is the first commandment with a promise — That all may be well with you and that you may live long on the earth.  Fathers, do not irritate and provoke your children to anger [do not exasperate them to resentment], but rear them [tenderly] in the training and discipline and the counsel and admonition of the Lord.” (Amplified)