Signals, September 2014
Land of Canaan: The Scots-Irish Presbyterian Experience in Early Western Pennsylvania
WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 24 7:30 p.m., at the Old Sewickley Post Office
A PowerPoint Presentation by Peter E. Gilmore, Ph.D.
Presbyterians of Irish origin—the people usually known as the Scots-Irish—helped shape our region and became transformed in the process. A Scottish missionary passing through Pittsburgh in 1798 wrote home that “A great many of the inhabitants have come from Ireland. They seem to be an industrious people, and many of them religious.” This presentation will consider how and why they came to western Pennsylvania in notably significant numbers, their way of life and the role of faith. What made their Presbyterianism—and these Scots-Irish Presbyterians—unique in western Pennsylvania?
Peter Gilmore received a Ph.D. in social and cultural history from Carnegie Mellon University. His research and writing is centered on Presbyterians of Irish origin in western Pennsylvania and the intersection of religion, ethnicity and class. One of his most recent publications is “The ‘Moral Duty’ of Public Covenanting in the Antebellum United States: New-World Exigencies, Old- World Response,” which appeared last year in The Journal of Transatlantic Studies. Dr. Gilmore is currently an adjunct professor of history at Carlow and Carnegie Mellon Universities.
Preserving the Past/Serving the Future A Community Celebration
Join Sewickley Valley Historical Society for this fundraiser in support of the preservation and restoration of the historic house and property at 202 Beaver Street, Sewickley!
The afternoon will feature a concert on the lawn, food and refreshments, booths highlighting Sewickley history and the past and future of 202 Beaver Street, as well as an exhibition of the Sewickley-themed work of artist Fritz Keck, plus fun for the kids, including a brand new playground and bounce house!
Sewickley Valley Historical Society, a federally tax exempt 501(c)(3) organization, will be accepting tax-deductible donations from individuals, the greater Sewickley community and corporations in support of this preservation project.
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