Rev. Lindley Charles Rutter ^{1 3 4}

   FamilySearch ID: KC4F-R5M.

  Noted events in his life were:

1. Rev. Rutter served as pastor of Chestnut Level Presbyterian Church from 1835 to 1875 in Chestnut Level, Lancaster, PA. ³ 1835-1875 Rev. Lindley C. Rutter This pastor, too, was called to both congregations [Chestnut Level and Little Britain Presbyterian churches]. However, in October 1856, the Chestnut Level congregation presented a petition to Presbytery, meeting at Chestnut Level, asking if they might have services every Lord's Day. This matter was referred to a committee and the congregations. Results of these negotiations are not known but in 1859, Mr. Rutter offered his resignation of the charge of Little Britain so as to devote full time to Chestnut Level. His request was granted. He served this church 40 years and was largely instrumental in establishing the academy which stood to the west of this sanctuary. It was erected in 1852, and flourished for half century. This academy was founded and supervised by Presbyterians but was non-sectarian in nature and was attended by students of many denominations from a large area. Rev. Rutter was an eloquent preacher and a tireless worker, preaching at several out-stations on the Sabbath afternoon. For a number of years he preached at Mt. Nebo once a month, going directly there from the service at Chestnut Level and eating his lunch on the way. During his ministry the new cemetery was opened and three young men from the congregation entered the ministry. A beautiful memorial window can be seen in the west wall of this church as a tribute to this fine man. He was released from this church in 1875, and made Pastor Emeritus with a salary. He, too, is buried at Chestnut Level.

2. Census in 1860 in Drumore Twp., Lancaster, PA. ⁶ The 1860 census recorded Linly C. Rutter, 53, living with wife Louisa M., 50; Henrietta T., 20; M. Kate, 18; Meter L., 17; John C., 15; Linly C., 13; Willy L, 7; Clara B., 5. Also in the home: Moriah Ray, 20, and Amestina Price, 9.

3. Book: History of Lancaster County: article about Rev. Rutter's service at Chestnut Level Presbyterian church., 1883. ⁷
The earliest records of Presbyterian History in Drumore having been accidentally destroyed, much valuable information of the pioneer church and township was irreparably lost. The minutes of New Castle Presbytery, in Wilmington, may contain a few of the important facts.

We have authentic information, however, that the first place of Presbyterian worship in this township was about a mile south of Chestnut Level, prior to 1730. The second meeting-house stood at the foot of the hill, near the old graveyard. The present substantial stone church has been standing a century and a quarter, and is a grand monument of the skill, energy, and Christian liberality of its builders, During the pastorate of Rev. John Patton some internal repairs were made, and in the early pastorate of Rev. Lindley C. Rutter the pews and pulpit were placed In their present positions. in Under the pastoral care of Rev. John 31. Galbreath, in 1833, extensive repairs and improvements were completed, the roof was reslated, the walls frescoed,a tower built over the entrance.way, a new pulpit furnished, and stained-glass windows, including a memorial window to the Rev. Lindley C. Rutter, took the place of the old ones. The cost of repairs was three thousand dollars. A. Scott Clarke and James G. McSparran, of the building committee, made a full report on the completion of the work, and the church was rededicated to the service of God free of debt. It is a pleasant, venerable structure. The tooth of time has made but Blight impressions on its strong walls. Present appearances indicate that the present congregation and their descendants may worship for another century in their old church, around which cluster so many tender memories. Among the oldest elders of the church were Robert King, Robert Clarke, Hugh Martin, William Calhoun, David Scott, James Penny, Joseph Penny, John Long, and Edward Crawford. The present elders are Thomas A. Clarke, A. Scott Clark, James A. McPherson, Sanders McCullough, W. W. Watson, William T. Clarke, Samuel Boyd , William S. Hastings, and William R. Boyd. The pastoral roll, commencing back far as 1730 is headed with Rev. John Thompson until 1744; Samson Smith until 1771; James Latta, from 1771 to 1801; Charles Cummings, from 1804 to 1808; Francis Latta, son of James Latta, from 1810 to 1820; John Patton, from 1832 to 1834; Lindley C. Rutter, from 1835 to 1875; John M.. Galbreath, Oct. 12, 1876, the present pastor.

John Thompson came from Ireland a probationer in 1715. In 1730 he came to Chestnut Level from Middle Octorara. July 31, 1744, he was released from his pastoral relationship and went as a missionary to Western Virginia and North Carolina, after which an effort was made to bring him back to Chestnut Level. He was very prominent in the discussions of his day, was the author of several religious works, and ranked with Dickson, Blair and Tennent and died in 1753. The pastorate of Rev. James Latta, from 1771, covers a space of thirty years. He was a noted scholar and a pioneer in thought; avocated the introduction of Watts ' psalmody in the church service, and published a work of one hundred and eight pages in their defense which reached four editions. In 1785 he defended the church incorporation acts. Many of the congregation were displeased at the church innovations he presented to their consideration. Time has shown, however, the wisdom of his views. Many hearts have been made glad since then with the time sentiments of Watts' psalmody made vocal within the old church walls. The University of Pennsylvania conferred the title of D.D. on the Rev. James Latta for rare scholarship. The Rev. Lindley C. Rutter came to Chestnut Level in 1835, and his stewardship extends over a period of forty years. He lived to see those he first baptized grow to man's estate, and also baptized their children. The elders present at his installation slept in the churchyard before he went to his rest beside them. He was always willing and able to maintain his principles, popular or unpopular. When but one vote was cast for the anti-slavery cause that vote was that of Rev. L. C. Rutter. He was a warm advocate of temperance, and never during his long pastorate did he lose the respect and love of his people, however great might be the differences of their opinions.

4. Book: Bio of Lindley C. Rutter is in Necrological Reports and Annual Proceedings of the Alumni Association of Princeton Theological Seminary, Vol. 1., 1891. ¹
Lindley Charles Rutter, son of David and Mary Ann Potts Rutter, was born at Pine Forge, Berks County, Pa. September 3, 1807. He received his classical education under the Rev. John F. Grier DD at Reading, Pa., united on profession of his faith with the Reading Presbyterian Church at 18 years of age, went from Reading direct to Princeton Seminary where he spent nearly three years, 1826-29; was licensed by the Presbytery of Philadelphia April 22, 1830 and was ordained by Chillicothe Presbytery April 6, 1831, and installed the same day pastor of the church at Manchester, Ohio, which he had previously supplied as a licentiate for nearly a year. From this charge he was released October 4, 1831; was installed January 29, 1833, pastor of the united churches of Centre and Upper Perry in Pa., from which he was released December 24, 1834; was installed pastor of the united churches of Chestnut Level and Little Britain, May 22, 1835; was released from the church of Little Britain April 10, 1860 and continued pastor of the church of Chestnut Level alone until released April 13, 1875 on account of the failure of his health. From this time he resided, in very infirm health, among the people he had served so long and so faithfully until his death which occurred at Chestnut Level, Lancaster County, Pa. March 5, 1882 in the 75th year of his age. He was an earnest, clear and fervent preacher of the Gospel loving the souls of his hearers and largely successful in winning them to Christ.

Mr. Rutter was thrice married -- 1. at Brandywine Manor, Chester County, Pa. June 15, 1830 to Rebecca S. Montgomery, who died at Brandywine Manor, February 22, 1832. -- 2. At Andersonburg, Perry County, June 13, 1833 to Matilda Postlethwaite Anderson, who died April 20, 1834. -- 3. At Philadelphia June 27, 1835 to Louisa M. Potts, daughter of Benezet Potts. She died Sept 27, 1872. He left two sons, one being a clergyman of the same name, and five daughters.

Lindley married Rebecca S. Montgomery on 15 Jun 1830 in Brandywine Manor, Chester, PA.¹ (Rebecca S. Montgomery died on 22 Feb 1832 in Brandywine Manor, Chester, PA ¹.)

Lindley next married Matilda Postlethwaite Anderson on 13 Jun 1833 in Andersonburg, Perry, PA.¹ (Matilda Postlethwaite Anderson died on 20 Apr 1834 ¹.)

Lindley next married Louisa Margaret Potts on 27 Jun 1835 in Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA.^{1 2} (Louisa Margaret Potts was born on 3 Apr 1809 in , , PA,⁸ died on 27 Sep 1872 in Chestnut Level, Lancaster, PA ⁸ and was buried in Chestnut Level: Chestnut Level Presbyterian Cemetery, Lancaster, PA ⁸.)