Benjamin Lashells Agnew, the son of Smith and Maria Mayes Agnew, was born October 2nd, 1833, in what was then called Warren, now Apollo, Armstrong County, Pennsylvania. He graduated at Washington College in 1854, and entered the Western Theological Seminary in the Fall of the same year. At the close of his second year in the Seminary he was licensed by the Presbytery of Allegheny, April 8th, 1856, and spent his Summer vacation, of four months, in Somerset, where he laid the foundation of a new Presbyterian church. In the Fall he returned to the Seminary, and graduated May 13th, 1857. He then went back to Somerset, completed the church commenced the previous Summer, and raised the money to free it from all indebtedness, but declined the pastorate, which he was urged to accept. February 18th, 1858, he was ordained and installed pastor of the church at Johnstown, Pa. While here he was successful in securing the erection of two buildings within the bounds of his congregation; one, a small building at Conemaugh Station, chiefly for the accommodation of men employed by the Pennsylvania Railroad, and their families; the other, a large building in Johnstown, for the use of the main congregation. On October 18th, 1867, he resigned the pastorate at Johnstown, to accept a call to the Westminster Church, Philadelphia, over which he was installed, January 19th, 1868. Whilst he had charge of this church a heavy indebtedness was lifted, through his persistent personal efforts, and the church became very prosperous. He was installed pastor of the North Church, Philadelphia, May 22d, 1870, and during his connection with it the congregation was prosperous and progressive. All respected him for his ability, honored him for his purity of character, and loved him for his kindness and sympathy. On December 17th, 1882, he was installed pastor of East Liberty Church, Pittsburgh, Pa. Throughout his ministerial career, Dr. Agnew has been an earnest, diligent and useful laborer. Over 900 persons have united with the communion of the churches under his care. He was for three years a member of the Board of Publication, when he declined re-election. For ten years he was a member of the Board of Education, was vice-president for some years, and was afterwards President of the Board. He was the efficient stated clerk of the Presbytery of Philadelphia Central, from the time of its organization until 1880, when he declined further service in that capacity. He was Moderator of the Synod of Philadelphia. He read a paper on "Ministerial Support," before the General Presbyterian Council, in 1880. In all the positions he has occupied he has discharged his duties with fidelity, acceptableness and success.