[ 48 ]
Presbyterian Colored Church, and give the weight of his influence, the energies of his mind in another direction, and ample provision, &c, should be afforded him; but Mr. Gloucester was a man who could neither be bought nor discouraged in his favorite plan of organizing a Presbyterian Church. He was a Presbyterian in principle, and could not be Arminian through policy; however others might act, and besides he had commenced a great work among the people, sustained and upheld in it by godly and disinterested men, and having, as he believed, the sanction of the Most High. He would not, he could not come down from his work and stoop to such paltry littleness as was proposed. From that time to the day of his death I am informed no man dare approach him with any such miserable offer. In this attempt we conceive that there were some in the community who were regarding this Presbyterian effort with a jealous if not an evil eye. No doubt they saw the impressions made through the labors of Mr. Gloucester, and hence the attempt to crush in the very bud the entire thing. Some, no doubt, were like the Ephesians at the preaching of Paul, conceiving, if he was not checked, their gains would be gone, and would, did they dare do it, stir up the whole city against him, seeing their "craft was in danger to be set at naught, &c."
In a brief period of time about twenty-two persons were obtained from among the number that statedly attended upon the ministry of Mr. Gloucester; these were nine women and, thirteen men, all hopefully converted to God, and with these he commenced his church by organizing them as a Presbyterian body. This was done, as near as we can arrive at the facts, about the latter part of May or early part of June in 1807. Mr.
