Hi- I wish to add on to Rev Andrews statement about "In Scotland there were a substantial number of splits and reunions from 1560, and these were in Presbyterianism sometimes reflected in Ireland.   Some of the Scottish splits carried across the Atlantic and were added to by splits in America over local disputes. Hope that this helps Edward Andrews". Now, I have met Rev Andrew before privately by E-mail. He admit to me that he knows very little about American history. Okay, I wish to get on with the splits religion history of Rev. John Giessendanner labored ten years as a Lutheran minister at St Mathews (town) of South Carolina, Now I did find a historic document online of " book of records" by John Giessendanner written on 1737 and beyond. The book believe to be own by Joop Giessendanner of Netherlands. Joop is a member of the Orangeburg county historical society of South Carolina. Joop would be glad to contact any relatives relating to the book of records. She will not do any genealogy research outside of the book of records. Will give my question and answer message from below from Joop and you will be able to figure out on the splits religion of John Gissendanner. ================================== Hi Joop- I have a question on the record as found below. ======================================169} On Sunday Septr 16th. ----- In Saxagotha Township Margaret, Daughter of Peter & Elizabeth Mercier; born July 25th. 1753. Susceptr. William & Esther Seawright, Elizabeth Mercier ====================================== I look up the word " Susceptr." in the many dictionary online and I came up with "susceptor (n.) One who undertakes anything; specifically, a godfather; a sponsor; a guardian. (This definition is from the 1913 Webster's Dictionary and may be outdated.)" Hi Jim, The definition is still valid.         So does that mean William & Esther Seawright were present ( alive) at the baptism of Margaret on the date of Sept. 16th 1753 ? I would think so. As godparents they would have a responsibility to the (Christian) upbringing of the child (in case of orphanage)           The name of Elizabeth Mercier and Elizabeth Haig are the one and the same as in your records. Haig was Elizabeth first husband.       I do have another question and wondered if your Hugg maybe another name for Haig. I don't think so I have more dope on Haig background in Orangburg if you are interested. I have no strong data on Haig, so any help is welcome for all Haig info prior ABT 1780         I also found the name Hugh Loviston (Leviston ?) in your record and he was married to Esther Seawright ( no children found), Esther was the daughter of William and Esther Seawright and the younger sister of Elizabeth ( Seawright) Mercier. Seawright is weak too, would appreciate any updates prior ABT 1780 Had no idea this Ester was in fact Ester Seawright, no further info on that couple except as sponsors to Eberhardt         Also I noticed from your records, the Reverend did religious ceremony at the house ( William Seawright's house ?) rather than at the church. I'm not sure which ceremony you mean, please give details. The Rev traveled quit a bit, when not in Orangeburgh (Church) he would do his duties in private homes. Did the Reverend wear two different hats ? ( Presbyterian and Episcopal church). He was Presbyterian before 1750 and Episcopal after, quote "Rev. John Giessendanner labored ten years as a Lutheran minister, after which, in 1749, he went to London to receive Episcopal ordination at the hands of Rev. Dr. Sherlock, Bishop of London." REF: Quoted in History of the German Settlements and of the Lutheran Church in North and South Carolina, by G. D. Bernheim, Philadelphia, The Lutheran Bookstore, 1872., p. 121. Rev. John went to England to be ordained an Anglican minister in May 1749. But, a few years after Giessendanner took the step threatened by his rival, and went to London for Episcopal ordination. The Anglican was the established church in the colony; the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel, though originally a non-denominational missionary society, now threw its influence on the same side in appointing its clergyman for work in the province, and many of the early Lutheran congregations were thus transferred to the Episcopal fold. REF: This information was extracted from the book entitled: "The Germans In Colonial Times", by Lucy Forney Bittinger, published by Russell & Russell of New York, in 1968. Orangeburgh Citizens Petition in Behalf of Rev. John Giessendanner went to London in 1749, received Episcopal ordination, and returned in 1750 REF: Salley page 38 unquote The Seawrights were to be very strongly Presbyterian. Nevertheless they would rather have a Anglican minister than no Reverend at all.   Best regards from the Netherlands Liebe Grüsse aus Holland Met vriendelijke groeten Joop Giesendanner visit: http://www.xs4all.nl/~sail (update 030407) including: * originals Book of Record (1737-1761) ================================== Hope not to confuse you in my way of writing. I am not very educated man like the others of this post. But if you have any questions for me to aswear and will be glad to respond to you privaty, Very sincerely, Jim